When verdant foliage marries the hills and is coupled with a gentle zephyr and azure skies, it ensconces a region that is breathtakingly beautiful. Meandering hairpin bends, misty mornings with the dew drops placid on acres of paddy fields stretching to the zenith, breaking into a picturesque locale dotted with tranquil streams while egrets flaunt their plumage across leaving behind a cloud of white. Landscaped tea gardens resting on hills grandly overlook pristine lakes and streams that weave through the town.
The grand canopy of trees is home to a variety of wildlife like elephants, deer and hares. Nature truly unveils its soul at Wayanad, truly God’s own country.
Wayanad offers the halcyon days we crave for in our whirlwind routine of city life.
Wayanad boasts of quite a few attractions that may be covered luxuriously on a weekend trip.
For trekking enthusiasts, there is Chembra peak which stands tall at an altitude of 2100m and not too difficult to scale. It involves close to a 5km walk through winding roads, but the view at every pitstop is worth the sweat. The view of the peak gives you a peak of Wayanad and Kodaikanal. The climb also promises a beautiful heart-shaped lake en-route.
For a lazy afternoon, Pookot lake is your best bet. Serene waters, paddle boats and a fishing net for fishing enthusiasts ensconced in the tiny jungle. There is also a zip lining area above the lake. The lake is home to beautiful water lilies and many an exotic bird who stop for a drink of water. Set against this backdrop, carry your binoculars to spot some beautiful hills, birds at a distance. Capture this ambiance in the precious memory of your photos.
The area around the lake offers a nice picnic spot to spend some quiet time and absorb all the elements of nature.
Around 20km from Kalpetta is the home to Asia’s second largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar dam. Banasura Sagar dam overlooks a waterfront with hills and luscious vegetation bordering it. The walk to the dam is a little over 2km, and there are vans and autos that offer rides to those tourists who do not prefer a trek. The little islands, the cool breeze and the view around make up for the arduous trek in the scorching sun. There is a small garden developed on the peak to lounge around or enjoy a photography session with nature posing at its candid best.
Banasura Sagar dam also has a lake with speed boating and the traditional coracle boats to soak in the pristine waters.
Another attraction of Wayanad Is the Edakkal caves. There are several legends surrounding the formation of these caves. While some adages claim that they are formed as the result of arrows from Luv-Kush from Ramayana, while locals believe that it is their temple and that their deity protects them from above. Edakkal caves are known for their paintings carved meticulously on stone representing human and animal life. The caves are situated atop Ambukutty Mala which involves an uphill trek of close to an hour. The view from above leaves one spellbound with the whole view of Wayanad intermingled with the customary foliage.
Another tourist spot to hit in Wayanad is the Jain temple in Sultan Bathery. The Jain temple during its day has served from being a place of worship, a meeting hub for trade and a battery for Tipu Sultan. This monument stands still in time, reminding us the various facets of life. It is now a protected monument.
A two km hike through the jungle on the Wayanad-Ooty road leads to the mesmerizing Meenamutty waterfalls. The largest waterfalls in Wayanad, the milky foam surges in beautiful cascades making it a treat for the eyes. The lower part of the waterfalls forms a tiny rock pool which is safe for wading and gently feeling the ripple of the water against your feet.
As one ascends further, the climb gets arduous while the avalanche of water roars in the background.
There is also a viewpoint that offers a stupendous view of Banasura Sagar dam, the graded valleys and fertile lands stretching till eyes can see.
Wayanad also boasts of a heritage museum which is the largest and best archaeological museums in Kerala. The museum houses many stone weapons, carvings dating back to the 14th century, pottery, clay sculptures, paintings, tribal jewelry and masks that stand testimony to the civilization that existed in ancient Wayanad.
Tourists can also visit the multi-media theatre near the museum which offers interesting shows for tourists.
Kuruva island is a must visit the place on a trip to Wayanad. A swath of colors, the babbling Kabini river, sprawling forests, and rich flora and fauna make it an excellent choice to unwind. Kuruva also offers bamboo rafting along the Kabini river make it perfect for a quiet picnic with the music of the river blended with the chirping of birds.
For shutterbugs, nature poses splendidly in viridescent hues against the lukewarm sunlight with patches of shadow dancing alongside.
How to access: There are buses plying from Bangalore to Wayanad on a daily basis. Car trips and bike trips are also an option for those who love driving for the journey is as amazing as the destination itself.
Food: Wayanad has excellent options for food that you will never run out of options. Treat yourself to steaming puttu kadala, idiyappam stew curry coupled with cups of cardamom chai. The banana chips tossed slightly in warm oil with a sprinkle of salt is worth dying for. The halwa basking in ghee with a generous blend of dry fruits is another must try.
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