Ashish KumarWayanad is a beautiful district in “God’s own Country”, the enchanting state of Kerala in southern India.It is a perfect holiday destination in Kerala. Surrounded by hills, mountains, valleys, dense forests, and plantations, there is no better place in a short driving distance from Bangalore for a relaxing holiday. With a 5-6 hours drive from Bangalore, one gets to enjoy the best of both states.
Wayanad is also called as “Vayal Nadu “ which mean the village of paddy field. It is a very green destination and the entire Wayanad is very scenic with a lot of trees and hills all over. In fact, even after exiting the reserve forests, we didn’t feel much difference on the Kerala side since the places were very green and lush after the summer rains Kerala received this year.
Arvind Bhaskar my school buddy agreed to join me in this trip. We took late night bus from Bangalore to Wayanad .Around we 4:30 reached Vythirir Panchayat in Wayanad . The weather was chilled and refreshing in the early morning .We had decided to explore Wayanad ourself so we hired scooty which are easily available over there.
The first point we headed to was Pookode Lake. It is one of the haunts of locals as well as one of the popular tourist spots in Wayanad. It is a scenic fresh-water lake and looks picturesque with its tranquil waters framed by verdant forests and mountains.Boating is also available on the lake and one can spend time on the emerald waters of the tranquil lake.
The Karapuzha Dam was next place we explored .It had a long walk with very beautiful scenery. Very well decorated and clean .The gardens are very well laid out and have been well tended.
Plenty of shade to rest overlooking the gardens.It is very well maintained garden with lots of roses and other flowers. Several spots for selfies.One can enjoy a long walk on the dam with a naturalistic beauty of the lake on one side and the garden with kids play-area on the other side.
Phanthom rock We visited this place on our way back to our Hotel .This is Rock formation the remains of which looks like phantom. It’s an open place near a crusher. One can reach closer to it with a bit of trek.
Eddakal Hermitage Resort was place we stayed to 1 night . Once you reach the resort the view is amazing as the cottages are situated right at the cliff and offer a good view of the valley. It is on the way/very close to Edakkal caves. Also,the cottages with great view of the hills.
We had the opportunity to have a candle light dinner at the untouched natural cave ,1000 lighted candles and fresh air amidst the forest (best experience ever).
Best place to relax, you really don’t feel like leaving the place. A walk through the premises is a must.A lot of amazing flora and fauna around the premises.
Wayanad is literally in the lap of nature, surrounded by dense forest land on one side and hills and lakes on the other.
Edakkal caves are one of the most fascinating places to see in Wayanad. It is definitely one of the top places to Visit in Wayanad in 2 Days. The stories, facts, and myths that surround these enigmatic caves are as thrilling as the trek to the Edakkal caves. The Edakkal caves are actually rock shelters formed naturally high up in the Ambukuthi Hills of Wayanad.
Next we took small trek to the Edakkal caves . It is accessed by a mini trek that took us first up a steep road followed by a short rocky path and finally a climb up a series of steep stairs to finally descend into the main rock shelter. Inside the rock shelter, one can see the signs of Man from a pre-historic settlement dating to the Neolithic period around 6000 BCE. The petroglyphs which are fairly well preserved depict different geometrical shapes, people, and animals.
After returning from the trek , Mr . Vinod the owner of the resort took us for a walk around the premises of resort and also we explore beautiful bird chanting around .
After getting refreshed we had our breakfast . The breakfast consist of local cuisine of Kerala. We consist of poori sabzi , bread butter, juice rice prepared in bamboo stick and Idli Vada Sambhar.
Few kilometer from our resort there is Heritage Museums. Museums are windows to the past and always provide tantalizing glimpses of the history and people of any region.
A visit to the Heritage Museum in Wayanad was definitely one of the top things to do in Wayanad. The Museum which is also known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is a small but well-maintained museum that meticulously showcases the ancient history of the region through archaeological finds from the region. These include Hero Stones or Memorials to warriors, images of various Gods and Goddesses, utensils and other implements used by the local inhabitants in their day to day lives, musical instruments, hunting, and war weapons, and much more
Then do head to Kuruva Island . It is one of the most beautiful spot in Wayanad. It is a reserved forest area preserving variety of water plants. The only way to reach the island is with bamboo raft, which is amazing.
The rafts are made up of bamboos providing you a thrilling and exciting journey through the streams. This fabulous island is to have a calm and lazy nature walk.
Wayanad is famous for tea, coffee and black pepper plantation. while return back from Kuruva island we enjoyed the tea plantation along the road of Soochipara. Lush green coffee estates, Pepper plantation, Supari and Coconut groves are amazing.
Wayand is a small town lifestyle, beautiful and clean settlements of people, narrow winding roads, pleasant weather. Later in the evening we also enjoyed viewing the football match of the local .
Finally late night we had our returning bus and we left wayanad with sweet memories.
Amazing place.
Meeting a school buddy and having trip feels so cozy in Kerala’s Wayand district. Experiencing lush green environment,Phantom Rock, Museum and Kuruva Island. The best was mini trek for Edakkal Caves a must visit to experience Neolithic period. Having tea and chit chatting about our school days makes this trip a memorable one .