Wayanad is of the most beautiful districts of Kerala. Green it is; this monsoon God’s Own Country seemed greener than ever. Six hours drive from Bangalore and we were there bag, baggage and kids.
Our first destination was Pookote Lake, three km from Vythiri. Pookote Lake is a large natural, fresh water lake surrounded by hills and meadows. It is a typical picnic spot with boating facilities, horse rides for children, an aquarium, handicrafts and spices counter and even a small nursery. A boat ride in the lake was relaxing.
Pic : Indrani
Lakkidi, view point, wo km from Pookote Lake. Situated on a hair pin bend of Thamarassery ghat road, the view we witnessed from the sight seeing point was simply mesmerizing! Stretches of greenery as far as the eye could see, black serpentine roads winding up the hills and miniature trucks plying on them. The air is so fresh and pure that you will be tempted to practice pranayama right there.
Soochipara falls. Was nature competing with herself? This fall is 22 km from Kalapetta, which we covered in a local jeep. After that the two km down hill trek to the falls was easy. (Be a little cautious while maneuvering your limbs on moss laden rocks in the last stretch).
Pic : Indrani
The trekking path was litter free; we passed not a single soul, not even a chaayakada (teashop)! The 200m fall that we witnessed there was a big reward for small effort.
Pic : Indrani
Next day we headed to Edakkal caves.
The actual entrance to the cave is just five feet by four. What looks like a cave is basically a rock shelter formed by two huge rocks on either side, with a third enormous boulder forming a sort of roof resting on them. Once inside you will find you’re face to face with history. Both sides are engraved with human and animal figures from floor level to roof. Most conspicuous was the figure of what seemed to me that of a man with an extra long left hand and a bent right hand holding an unclear object, and raised hair. Wonder who the model was! Perhaps an ancestor of 7-Up’s animated cartoon mascot?
Pic : Indrani
The trip downhill was equally tiring and adventurous, because by then fear had set in along with darkness – what if someone misses a step? Well you won’t actually roll down the mountain, but you are sure to show signs of a fall here and a bump there. My considered opinion – the trip can be a good practical lesson for students getting introduced to the subject – History.
Fact File
How to get there
By Air: Closest airport is Kozhikode, 100kms from Wayanad.
By train; well connected by rail, nearest station Kozhikode 110 km from Wayanad
By Road: well connected and can be easily accessed from any part of Kerala.
By road from Bangalore: Bangalore – Mysore – Gundlupet on NH-212 – take the turn west towards Sultan Bathery – Kalapetta – Vythiri town
More places to see
Chembra Peak
Kuruva Island
Muthunga wild life Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Banasura sagar Dam
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
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I went to wayanad almost 4 years ago…and it was indeed magical, although it rained like crazy and we couldnt step out ..
I was planning for Wayanad Trip (or Hampi) this Republic Day log weekend. But, came to Austin instead (of course for work). When I do make the trip, this post will be my starting point. Have bookmarked it.
There were slight drizzles when we went, luckily it stopped at that.
Thanks Kalyan!
Both places are beautiful given a choice I would find it hard too to choose one.
Kerala is as everyone says God’s own Land. He has blessed it with the wonders of nature without misery. Accommodation details will be helpful for planning a trip.
Lovely post.
I was in Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary two months back, and loved the experience. It’s beautiful nature in Wayanad, in fact, most of Kerala. Interesting to read about the rock shelter and petroglyphs, and it reminded me of my visit to Bhimbetka.
The name Wayanad comes from ‘Vayal’ and ‘Nadu’ which means the land of paddy fields. It’s really rich in nature with all those rolling hills and tropical rainforests. Edakkal caves are great too.