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Wayanad – a visual treat nestled in northern Kerala

Wayanad is fast becoming a popular choice for the discerning traveller

Sharika Nair

Wayanad Specials

There are several vacation spots in God’s own country that are not as well known as Kovalam, Alappuzha or even Munnar, but are equally beautiful and a great option for rejuvenating one’s body and soul. Wayanad, located in the northern part of Kerala, is one such destination.

When I spent a weekend in Wayanad a while back, I found the lush greenery and the clean air an absolute treat to my senses. Since there are hotels and resorts catering to all budgets, accommodation should not be an issue. Easily accessible from Bangalore and Chennai, Wayanad is fast becoming a popular choice for the discerning traveller. A word of caution, many of the tourist locations might be off-limit during monsoons. On the other hand, during peak summer, the lakes and waterfalls might partially dry up.

The enchanting greenery of Wayanad • PC: Sajin Panchil

"Do not forget to carry rain coats or umbrellas, as rains are likely for a good part of the year "

Among the must-see places in Wayanad would be Banasura Sagar Dam, located in Kalpetta. The largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, it is built on the waters of the Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini River. Since I stayed in a resort overlooking the Banasura Sagar, I got to wake up to the soothing view of the rippling waters of the reservoir.

The drive to the ‘touristy’ side of the dam is scenic and the tickets are nominally priced. To reach the dam, you can choose to walk up a few hundred metres or opt for mini buses and van services. Do not forget to carry rain coats or umbrellas, as rains are likely for a good part of the year. Boating facilities are available at the lake and the speedboat ride is a thrilling one, for sure, especially for children.

Clockwise from L to R: Soojippara Falls, Papanasini, Chembra Peak & Thirinelly Temple • PC : Sam, Vishnu Menon M, Zoey Francis & Binu K S

The Chembra peak, located a few kilometers south of Kalpetta, near the town of Meppady, is another popular spot. At a height of 2100 metres, the Chembra Peak is one of the tallest peaks in the region. Trekking up to the peak would be difficult for children as well as senior citizens. Prior permission will have to be taken from the

Meppady forest office before trekking to the peak. At the summit, there is a small heart-shaped lake in the midst of the greenery, that’s an enchanting sight which makes the long climb worthwhile. It is said that this lake never dries up.

In the northern part of Wayanad, there is the ancient Thirunelli temple, dedicated to Maha Vishnu. The drive to the temple is through winding hill roads and you can usually see animals like deer and bison on the way. The small-sized temple is located on the top of a hillock and is said to exist from the times of the Chera kings. A 15 minute walk from the temple will take you to the mountain stream called Papanashini, the waters of which flow over the roots, leaves and flowers in the heart of Brahmagiri forest, thus imbuing it with medicinal properties.

Cave drawings belonging to Neolithic & Mesolithic age at Edakkal Caves • PC : Sridhar M

Soochippara waterfalls, located around 13 kilometres from Meppadi, is another tourist attraction. Water falling from needle like rocks give it the name Soochippara, which literally means ‘Needle Rock’. The last one kilometre has to be covered on foot and can only be traversed by the physically fit.

Edakkal caves, located near Sulthan Bathery, is the only known place in India with Stone Age carvings. You can see pictorial cave drawings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic age here. During rainy season, the caves tend to be closed. There are over hundred steps to be climbed to reach the caves but the effort will be worth it to see the art work that has survived for centuries. The Wayanad Heritage Museum is another option for history lovers. It is a small-sized museum and houses artefacts from the region.

When you visit Wayanad, do not forget to shop for the high-quality local produce like spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products and honey.

Sharika Nair
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2018-09-25
2341 days ago

About the Author

Sharika Nair is a writer who believes words have the power to bring about positive change. An MBA in Marketing & Advertising, her last stint was with digital media startup, YourStory, where she enjoyed profiling women achievers and writing on women’s issues. Fiction remains Sharika’s first love and she dabbles in short stories and poetry. She does not get to travel as often as she wants, but thoroughly enjoys visiting new places whenever possible. Soaking in the heritage of a locale, trying out the local cuisine and the chance to be ‘footloose and fancy-free’ is what attracts her to travel. Readers' can contact her at the twitter handle : @sharikanair_k

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