To Reinvent and Rejuvenate yourself try-out a less-frequented destination - Wayanad

To Reinvent and Rejuvenate yourself try-out a less-frequented destination - Wayanad

Kerala is a state that abounds in nature, providing travellers many opportunities to discover the secrets of nature. Kerala truly defines the quote,

‘An adventure is the best way to learn about life.’

Along with the well-known destinations of Kerala, like Cochin, Alleppey and Munnar, some off-beat destinations like Varkala and Wayanad are also gaining popularity. The main advantages of these destinations are their rich natural beauty, untouched and undiscovered by most tourists.

Wayanad, is a district of Kerala, located in the North-East part of the state. The untamed and unspoiled beauty of this hill area will give one a refreshing break and an unforgettable experience. Wayanad Tourism describes the district as a ‘green paradise’ that lies in between the mountains of the Western Ghats. It is called a ‘green paradise’ because it forms the border of the greener portion of Kerala.

What to expect in Wayanad?

Apart from the obvious mountains and their lush greenery, this quaint hill station also boosts of ancient ruins and mystic caves along with adventurous jungle trails.

Let’s explore the beautiful destination of Wayanad:

Chembra Peak

The Chembra Peak is a perfect place for adventure lovers. Although a trek to this peak is risky yet it is well worth the risk just to view the mind-blowing view from here. The peak is located close to the town of Meppady, located in the Southern part of the district. Trekkers can camp on the top of the hill, as the trek to the peak of Chembra generally takes a full day.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary is the biggest sanctuary for wildlife in the Malabar region. Here, you can find animals like the Elephant, bison, bear, spotted deer, tiger, etc. You can take a jungle safari or an Elephant ride to this Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pookot Lake

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and evergreen forests, Pookot Lake is created with natural water. You can enjoy a refreshing boat ride on the lake or buy artefacts from nearby shops. 

Soochippara Waterfalls

The unspoiled beauty of Soochippara waterfalls is yet to be discovered by tourists. Swimming, boating or rafting can be done on the lake below the waterfall. From the top point of these falls, one can get an excellent view of the surrounding hills of the Western Ghats.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.  This sanctuary is considered to be a World Heritage Site because of its immense bio-diversity.

Interesting things to do in Wayanad

•    A visit Edakkal caves located on Ambukutty Mala can be quite exciting. According to history, these caves had been created by the arrows of Shri Ram’s sons, Luv and Kush. Here one can see prehistoric Stone Age paintings which have great archaeological significance. Visiting time here is from 9.30 to 4.30 and an entry fee has to be paid.

•    Wayanad is one of the best places for trekking. There are several trekking routes that one can take to enjoy tea gardens and Cardamom groves. The place has some awesome natural beauty. Along with the popular Chembra Peak, one can also trek to the Valley of Clouds, Banasura Hill or the Brahmagiri peak.

•    One can visit the beautiful Thrissillery Shiva temple located on the bank of Papanasini River. The serene beauty of this temple is perfect to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

Camp in between the amazing beauty spots of Wayanad

From camping on the peak of Chembra to staying in some of the amazing parts of Wayanad can be quite stimulating. Each option has its own unique beauty. Cosy home stays of this district provide one with a wonderful opportunity of staying in the lap of nature without compromising on comfort.

Reaching Wayanad

By Train: Calicut, which is 65 km. from Wayanad, is the nearest railway station.

By Plane: Calicut also has an International Airport.

By Road: One can drive down to Wayanad from Bangalore via NH766 and NH275, a distance of around 275 km. A road trip, in one’s own vehicle, can be an amazing experience.

Other places nearby worth a visit are Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mysore, Ooty and so on.

So get ready to take a vacation to Wayanad, often described as,

‘… a picturesque hill station in Kerala. The dewy land gets its name from two local words, ‘Vayal' meaning ‘paddy field’ and 'Naad' meaning ‘land’ combining to form ‘Wayanad’ or 'The Land of Paddy Fields’.