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With picturesque landscapes, thrilling adventures, vibrant local culture, and delicious cuisine, Wayanad makes for an unforgettable getaway.
When the chaos of city life grew overwhelming for me, I decided to escape to Wayanad for a weekend getaway. Tucked away in Kerala—popularly known as "God's Own Country"—Wayanad beckons with its lush green landscapes, misty mountains, captivating waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The charming hill town is a perfect haven for a rejuvenating weekend holiday.
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I started my journey to Wayanad on the open road. Driving through the sheer expanse of lush greenery was a delightful experience in itself. I drove past the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Muthaga. Declared a sanctuary in 1973, it is spread over an extensive area of 345 sq km. It is home to the largest population of Asian elephants and tigers in the region. Driving through the sanctuary's periphery proved to be a cathartic experience. The roads meandered through dense bamboo and teak plantations as well as vast paddy fields. I was spellbound by the abundant natural beauty that unfolded before my eyes. On the way to the hotel, I was lucky to be able to witness herds of elephants and a diversity of birds. Elephants are frequently seen around these parts as the sanctuary is part of Project Elephant, a conservation initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment, Government of India. It is worth noting that visitors are required to obtain prior permission to explore the sanctuary, as access is restricted to its outer zones.
My itinerary was carefully crafted to cover all the star attractions of Wayanad. My journey began with a visit to the mesmerising Banasura Hill. Standing at an elevation of 6,800 ft above sea level, this mist-shrouded peak holds the distinction of being the tallest mountain in the Western Ghats. This verdant mountain is named after the son of a mythological demon king, Mahabali. Legend has it that Banasura performed penance to please Lord Shiva on this mountain, and is believed to have received a boon from him. The mountain later became Banasura's stronghold, from where he ruled the region. The breathtaking panorama, intertwined with ancient tales, makes Banasura Hill a superb tourist destination. While still in awe of the vast landscape, I proceeded to my next destination, Pookode Lake, which is situated around 15 km from Kalpetta. With an abundance of blue lotus and freshwater fish, this tranquil lake is a delight for boating enthusiasts. I opted for a pedal boat and soaked in the enchanting views. The lush, green rolling hills, overlooking the lake, enticed me to wander along the well-laid paths. Later, I sat on one of the benches to admire the idyllic scenery at leisure. The elevated altitude of Wayanad provides the perfect conditions for the cultivation of coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, and rubber. As I travelled along the winding roads, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful vistas of these plantations. I stopped over at a few tea plantations to breathe in the infinite green spaces bathed in sunshine.
Our tourist package included several outdoor activities to cater to diverse interests. However, I decided to visit all the places that I had set my heart upon. I travelled 35 km from Wayanad and reached my next destination. Set at an elevation of 2,100 metre above sea level, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in the district. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy the exciting trails that offer panoramic views of vast swathes of green, tea plantations, and roaring waterfalls. Along the way, you might also encounter majestic herds of elephants, Sambar deer, and gaurs (or bison). A six-hour, moderately challenging trek ends at a heart-shaped lake named Hridayathadakam Lake. Note that the summit of the peak is not accessible to tourists. Additionally, you will need to seek permission from the Forest Range Office in the town of Meppadi to trek as Chembra Hill falls within the Meppadi Forest Range.
Next on my itinerary was a visit to Meenmutty Falls, the largest and one of the most beautiful falls in the region. It plummets from a height of 300 metres in three stages. To witness this grand beauty, I travelled 29 km from Kalpetta and followed a 2 km-long trekking trail through Meppadi Forest. The sound of the gushing water and the view of the cascading waterfall proved to be therapeutic. I chose to visit 900 Kandi, which is a 900-acre expanse of green paradise that has been transformed into an eco-park. Here, one can immerse themselves in serene moments amidst nature or indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities. The highlight here is a skywalk over a 100 ft-long glass bridge that offers a 360-degree view of this magical place. Wayanad is also home to several indigenous tribes. I visited En Ooru, a tribal village located in Pookode, to gain insights into their culture. The tribal artisans sell various handicrafts and spices, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs to take back home. Another gem worth mentioning is the Edakkal Caves, on Ambukuthi Mala, at 1,200 ft above sea level. The caves are renowned as one of the earliest human settlements ever discovered. These caves, formed by the split in a huge rock, showcase carvings and pictorial writings that shed light on the prehistoric civilisation that once thrived here.
No visit to Wayanad is complete without savouring its delectable cuisine. Kerala’s traditional dishes, such as Malabar biryani, appam with stew, and fish curry, are a treat for the taste buds. An indigenous speciality here is bamboo rice, cooked in bamboo tubes, which impart a unique flavour. I indulged in a traditional meal that included rice, sambar, vegetables, fish fry, pickles, and papadam (papad) served on a banana leaf. While in Kerala, you can try toddy, a local version of liquor made from palm sap, which guarantees to add an extra zing to your holiday experience!
Here is a lowdown on the practical information you need to plan your trip to Wayanad:
Accommodation: Wayanad offers a range of accommodation options, from eco-resorts and luxury resorts to homestays. There is something to suit every traveller's preference.
Best time to visit: Wayanad has two monsoon seasons. It rains heavily from June to September and moderately from October to November. Plan your visit from December to February, when the weather is cool and dry. March to May is also a good time to visit.
Airport: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is 28 km from Kozhikode.
Wayanad's breathtaking attractions, coupled with its warm hospitality and serene accommodations, make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking solace in nature. Whether you are craving an adrenaline rush through thrilling adventures or yearning to immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings, Wayanad will leave you rejuvenated and longing to return. So, pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let Wayanad cast its magical spell on you, just like it did on me!
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