Hill Stations

Wayanad Travel Guide | How to Explore Wayanad in 2 Days

December 7, 2018 by sarita

Welcome to Wayanad, one of the most scenic hill stations of Kerala in South India. Known for its scenic landscapes, greenery, amazing waterfalls and wildlife, Wayanad makes for a perfect getaway destination for nature lovers. A trip to Kerala is incomplete without visiting this charming little hill station.

Wayanad Travel Guide

Hello everyone, It’s Sarita & Kamal. Welcome to Kerala Travel Series. In this Wayanad Travel Guide post/video we are gonna suggest you the best way to plan your trip to Wayanad and explore it within 2 days.

What’s Covered in this Wayanad Travel Guide

1. Wayanad Location

2. How to Explore Wayanad

Proper Planning

3. Best Season to Visit Wayanad

4. How to Reach Wayanad

Via Air
Via Rail
Via Road
Self-driven vehicle

5. Choosing an Accommodation

Kalpetta
Vythiri

6. Bookings

7. Days Required

8. Wayanad 2 Days Travel Itinerary

Wayanad – Day 1

Arrival & Check-in
Plantation estate stay experience
Plantation Walk
Sunset trek to Valiyapara in Vythiri

Wayanad – Day 2

Visit Banasura Sagar Dam
Trek to Meenmutti Waterfall
Plantation walk in Achoor Tea Estate & visit the Tea Museum
Lakkidi View Point

Wayanad – Day 3 (suggestive)

Pookode Lake, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak & Soochipara waterfall

9. How expensive is Wayanad ?

10. Things to Carry

11. Other nearby attractions that can be covered

WATCH THE VIDEO

1. Wayanad Location

Set high on the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a district in Kerala state with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. Wayanad is a combination of 2 words ‘Vayal Nadu’ which means the “Land of Paddy Fields”.

2. How to Explore Wayanad

Wayanad is all about tea, coffee and spice plantations and is also popular for some of the most stunning waterfalls, lakes and wildlife which means there is a lot to see and explore here.

Proper Planning

One may end up spending most of the the time driving on the roads and miss out the beautiful attractions if proper planning is not done. It’s always good to do some prior research before heading out to Wayanad. Planning includes Best Season, Mode of Commute, Picking the right accommodation amongst various option, Bookings, Sorting out the attractions you wish to cover, packing appropriately and then head off.

3. Best Season to Visit Wayanad

Wayanad Kerala Travel guide

The best season to visit Wayand is from Oct-May. The weather is extremely pleasant making it the best time for sightseeing, trekking and wildlife tours.

During the rainy season which is from June-Sept, the landscape turns magical with lush greenery all around. Best time for nature lovers who enjoy greenery and rains.

4. How to Reach Wayanad

Wayanad can be reached via air, rail and road.

Wayanad Via Air

Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport ( 61 kms from Wayanad). From the airport, one needs to hire a cab to reach Wayanad via road.

Other Popular Routes

From Kochi To Wayanad – 260 Kms

From Bangalore to Wayanad – 282 kms

Wayanad Via Rail –

Kozhikode railway station (110 kilometers) is the nearest railway station to Wayanad

Wayanad Via Road – Bus

One can easily get regular buses to Wayanad from other major cities of the country.

Wayanad via Self-driven Vehicle

A self driven vehicle or hiring a cab is the most convenient option to reach Wayanad from Bangalore and Kochi. You can make as many number of stops to enjoy the scenic route.

5. Choosing an Accommodation

Wayanad Hotels resorts

Remember, most of the attractions in Wayanad are scattered and the distances are huge. It’s very important to figure out what all you wish to see and explore in Wayanad and then pick an accommodation keeping in mind the distances between them and the number of days you wish to spend in Wayanad.

There are broadly 2 regions in Wayanad where tourist prefer to book an accommodation – Kalpetta & Vythiri

Accommodations in Kalpetta

Kalpetta is the headquarters of Wayanad district. It is a bustling town surrounded by dense coffee and tea plantations and mountains.

Due to its central location within the district and its proximity to most visited tourist sites, Kalpetta is also the center of tourism activities in Wayanad . One can find a good number of hotels & resorts within and surrounding Kalpetta town.

Accommodations in Vythiri

Vythiri town is 700 meters above the sea level and the weather is remarkably cooler than other parts of Wayanad.

The all season attractive weather and abundant greenery makes Vythiri a major tourist destination in Wayanad. You will find a number of beautiful hotels and themed resorts that promise to offer a memorable stay within the tea estates.

6. Bookings

Once you have selected a hotel/resort, you can make bookings via various booking sites or book directly from the hotels website. You must book the rooms at least 15-20 days ahead. Because it is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, the most popular hotels/resorts get fill quite fast.

7. Days Required

You can easily cover most of the tourist attractions in Wayanad within 3 days.

In this video, we are gonna tell you places worth visiting in Wayanad within 2 days. The itinerary is based on our personal travel experience. You can add more days and attractions to this itinerary.

8. Wayanad 2 Days Travel Itinerary

Wayanad Travel Guide Itinerary

Wayanad – Day 1

Day 1 is all about arrival, resort check-in, relaxation, plantation walks and trekking.

Arrival & Resort Check-in

Wayanad Resorts Vythiri

Wayanad from Bangalore is approx 282 kms and takes around 6-7 hours via road. You can start as early as 4:00 am or even 6:00 am as per your convenience. We reached Wayanad at around 12:00 noon and soon checked-in to our villa.

Plantation Estate Stay Experience

Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation stay

Staying inside a tea estate would be the best way to kick start your Wayanad vacation. It’s an experience like no other. Beginning from early morning to late night, the many pleasant sights and experiences such as the sight of the unending green meadows with mountains in the backdrop, fresh aroma of green tea leaves, unexpected mild showers, sounds of cicadas and various bird species and cool breeze make for a unique holiday experience for those looking for an ultimate relaxing getaway.

Go for a Plantation Walk

Wayanad Resorts Vythiri Plantation Walk

Besides enjoying the sights & sounds from the comfort of your room, you can also go for a plantation walk within the estates. Indulge into tea plucking experience and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the never ending plantation.

Sunset trek to Valiyapara in Vythiri

Valiyapara in Vythiri

After the plantation walk, you can go for a mild trek to Valiyapara (Huge Rock) in Vythiri.

This viewpoint is comparatively less familiar which also means no crowd. A wonderful place for those who avoid crowd. The vantage point offers a spectacular 360 degree view of the town and the vast stretches of mountains covered in mist.

Wayanad – Day 2

Wake up to the sounds of chirping birds, and get greeted by early morning drizzles which is very common in Wayanad especially during the monsoons. Enjoy breakfast and head out to visit the Banasura Sagar Dam.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Wayanad Banasura Sagar Dam

Located 21 km from Kalpetta, the Banasura Sagar Dam is a very beautiful reservoir made of Tributary of the Kabini River. It is the largest earth dam in India and second largest in Asia which makes it one of the most visited tourist place in Wayanad.

Ticket Counter & Short Walk

After collecting tickets from the ticket counter, one needs to walk and climb quite a number of steps to reach the dam.

On reaching the top, one could see the water towards the left interspersed with some small islands that add a mystic feel to the place.

Other facilities – Washrooms, small canteen, horse riding, boating, fish spa and swings.

Trek to Meenmutti Waterfall

Meenmutti Waterfall Wayanad

Located just about 29 kilometers from Kalpetta, is Kerala’s second largest waterfall – The Meenmutti Waterfalls. Meenmutty is derived from malayalam words Meen (fish) and Mutty (blocked). It’s where fish gets blocked.

From the ticket counter, one needs to trek for about 2 kilometers on rough terrain inside the jungle. With a height of 300 metres, the water drops from nearly 1000 ft over three stages, presenting a three-tiered effect. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike that can be combined with some rock climbing. There are ropes to support you. The waterfall is worth the hike.

Swimming

The water pours into small round pools and is quite clear. One may swim but before you place your foot into the water , it’s advised to carefully examine the floor underneath the stream. The moss built up makes the floor pretty slippery.

Plantation Walk in Achoor Tea Estate

Wayanad Plantation Achoor Tea Estate

Operated by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd, Achoor Tea Estate spreads across acres of thriving tea gardens making it one of the most beautiful places in Wayanad.

The sight of the unending green meadows with air intoxicated with the aroma of fresh green leaves, makes for a pleasant walk in the tea gardens.

After the walk one can also visit the Wayanad Tea Museum within the estate.

Lakkidi View Point

Wayanad Lakkidi View Point

Lakkidi is the gateway to the Wayanad at 700-800 meters above the sea level, when you approach from Kozhikode. The Lakkidi View Point is right on the highway and one needs to park their vehicle on the sides to get the views.

The vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the serpentine Ghat road and the valley below usually covered in mist. Enjoy the enchanting views and make your way back to the resort.

Wayanad – Day 3 (suggestive)

If you have more days, you can add the following attractions to your itinerary

Wayanad Pookode Lake

Pookode Lake
Edakkal Caves
Chembra Peak &
Soochipara waterfall

9. How Expensive is Wayanad ?

The budget will largely depend on the number of days spent in Wayand, Mode of commute, the kind of accommodation you book and the number of attractions you wish to see.

Wayanad Tea Estate Resorts

A luxury villa in a plantation stay: can cost anywhere between Rs.8K -12K per night per room (double occupancy)

Budget Friendly Homestays – can cost anywhere between Rs. 3K – 5K per night per room

(double occupancy)
Food – Some hotels/resorts/homestays may have an all inclusive package while others may charge extra for every meal.

10. Things to Carry

Wayanad Kerala Holiday

Mornings and evenings are usually cold, so carry a sweater and a light jacket.
Carry a raincoat / umbrella if you are travelling during monsoons ( in addition to the warm clothes)
A binocular or a zoom in camera to watch / capture the birds.
A flashlight, mosquito repellants and basic first-aid.
A pair of sneakers or floaters with good sole grip.
A small backpack during tekkings.

11. Other nearby tourist destinations

Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Poovar, Thekkady

Wayanad Kerala

Wayanad Banasura Dam

Wayanad Coffee Plantation

Wayanad Drive

Wayanad Tea Estate

Wayanad Trekking

Wayanad Trekking Sites

Wayanad Best Waterfalls Meenmutti

Images: World Ghoomo, Shutterstock

Glyngarth Villa Resort – Ooty India

December 12, 2012 by sarita

On a spontaneous October 2011 road-trip to the ethereal hill-station Ooty in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, we stumbled upon a quaint place we’ll never forget – the Glyngarth Heritage Resort.

The Resort, Rooms and, More Importantly, the Bathrooms

At about 275 km from our home in Bangalore, Ooty took about six and a half hours to reach in our own car. This was one of the few times we’d decided on a trip out of the blue so we hadn’t made a reservation anywhere and didn’t know where we’d end up that night or if we’d have to sleep in the car. But it was in our destiny to be pampered because fortunately we stumbled upon the Glyngarth Heritage Resort and they had rooms available.

Glyngarth villa Resort Ooty India

The Resort is bang in the midst of incredible lushness, paved walkways and landscaped gardens. Well, it’s all lushness in Ooty anyway but it’s nice when you have a decent place with a grand view and the grounds you’re staying on have been immaculately maintained. We even spotted ducks taking advantage of the fact and shared a quiet bonhomie with our feathered friends. There are outdoor seating arrangements that look out upon unimaginably beautiful vistas clouded in mist and dappled sunshine.

Glyngarth Villa Ooty

As for the Resort itself, the main building is an old British Raj mansion which has been modernised and converted into a hotel. There are conventional rooms housed here. There are also individual cottages which are newly-built. One of the cottages was our home for the two days we were there.

Glyngarth villa Resort cottage Ooty

The ‘cottage’ is more accurately a duplex. Saying cottage just makes it sound cuter and homier. It was all wood-panelled, very clean and designed to reflect old world charm. I thought I’d reserve judgement till I’d seen the bathrooms because I usually decide how great (or not) a place is by what the loo looks like. I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I was impressed. It was beautiful, very clean and thankfully had warm water running through all the taps. The accommodation had passed on all counts with flying colors and I was comfortable giving it my whole-hearted stamp of approval.

Glyngarth Villa Resort Ooty Cottage Interiors

A Too-short Stay and Saying Goodbye

The food was exquisite, the old-world feel of the dining rooms adding something extra to the culinary delights. At dusk, they sometimes light a bonfire and have local folk musicians play while snacks are served. The food, music and indoor wood burning fireplace afforded us a cosy, romantic evening.

Glyngarth villa Resort Ooty India

We barely had any time in Ooty as it was just a weekend trip. But the resort managed to fit a couple of activities into that small window that led to many happy moments and memories. Early the next morning, we took a gentle horse ride across the grounds. The misty, sunny, tree-lined path we took made us feel like we were in a scene from Lord of the Rings, but not quite so heavy-hearted. Later that day, a guide took us on a long trek to tea estates that Ooty is famous for and we also passed through some of the small, sleepy villages nearby. We didn’t stay long as we had to travel back that very evening. Ooty is itself a dreamy place which makes you think you’ve gone back in time and stepped into another world. And the resort embodies those very same qualities. The experience is so complete that you are fully immersed. We really didn’t feel like leaving and by the time we hit the road again it was like waking up from a dream.

Pictures of Glyngarth Villa Resort – Ooty, India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa Resort – Ooty, India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa Interiors – Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa – Ooty

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa Resort in Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort in Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort Interiors in Ooty, India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa Pictures – Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Glyngarth Villa Resort Pictures Ooty

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Ooty Glyngarth Villa Resort Pictures

Pictures Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty India

Pictures of Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-Ooty India Pictures Glyngarth Homestay in Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty Review

Ducks at Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty India

Dining Area at Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty India

Pictures Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort Cottages- Ooty India

Pictures Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty

Interiors Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty, India

Image Gallery – Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort – Ooty, India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort cottage Ooty India

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-dining-Ooty India-7

Glyngarth Villa Heritage Resort-interiors-Ooty India

A Trip to Sikkim – India

December 8, 2012 by sarita

Since 2011, I was planning a trip to Sikkim, but owing to the earthquake and consequent disruptions in the roadways of the state, I was obliged to postpone it to a later date. However, things did work out absolutely well this year, and on the 31st of Oct, 2012, I was on my way to visit this splendid land of myths and spectacular sceneries, greenery and waterfalls, happiness and peacefulness, all combined into one!

Gateway to Rumtek Moanstery(Picture clicked from inside):

Rumtek Monastery – The first place I visited in Sikkim, was a place reigned by tranquility and holiness. After going through the security measures, one of the ancient monasteries of the world stood before our eyes like a colourful monument embraced by myths , culture and tradition. The most wonderful part of the whole experience was the giant wind chimes hung high-up on either side of the monastery walls. They continuously chimed on to add a feeling of remote romanticism amidst all that greenery. It was beautiful. The walls and roofs of the monastery are colorful and bear pictorial representations of mythical figures from the age-old Buddhist legends, speaking highly of Tibetan culture and tradition. The next remarkable destination worth mentioning would be that of the Gurudongmar lake, situated at an altitude of 17,100 ft above sea level.

Gurudongmar Lake Sikkim

In order to pay a visit to this holy lake, it’s best to spend the previous night at Lachen, the nearest spot where one may find good hotels, and leave for Gurudongmar the early morning next day. Believe me, when we’d set out for the journey , we were literally shivering, and the sun had not yet risen.

Sikkim Gurudongmar lake

According to the Buddhist legends, Guru Padmasambhava had blessed this lake on His journey from Tibet to Sikkim, and owing ot his blessings, a portion of this lake never freezes even in the extremes of Winter! Very soon after this visit to the sacred lake, my travel plans took me to Pelling, a small village of Sikkim, known for its scenic beauty.

The Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim

And Pelling had some fantastic visual treats indeed! The Rabdantse Ruins – the ancient capital of Sikkim , and the Pemiyangshi Monatery are the notable spots to visit in Pelling.

Rabdantse Ruins ancient capital of Sikkim

The giant Praying Wheel at the Pemiyangshi Monastery :Sikkim

Later on, scrapping our travel plans to the Khechuperi lake, we decided to pay a visit to the only Tea garden of Sikkim – The Temi Tea Gardens.

Foggy Temi Tea Gardens sikkim

Despite the bad, cloudy and foggy weather, it may be said, that this place was really worth visiting, especially with the clouds floating just above the ground, touching the tea-leaves, throughout the whole garden. And now some snapshots of Sikkim: Terrace Cultivation. Zero Point. A wild waterfall. The Lachenchu River, The Mighty Kanchendzonkha, at Sunrise and more …. Pictures By: Suchetana Sen

Banasura – Wayanad Kerala

March 30, 2012 by sarita

The Virgin Beauty of Banasura Island Resort in Wayanad

The Banasura Sagar in Wayanad, Kerela which is the second largest earth dam is Asia is truly one of the most breath taking places in God’s Own Country. In midst of this huge reservoir lies the Banasura Island Resort, a 15 acre spread of heaven on earth. Both the landscapes as well as the surroundings are mesmerizing in their effect on the human soul. The lush green environs at the island resort at Banasura offer the ideal getaway to rejuvenate the body and the mind. One almost feels that enlightenment is round the corner on this island.

Reaching the Banasura Island Resort One can get to the island from any of the major cities of the south as it lies located at ideal proximity from Bangalore (300Km), Mysore (150 Km), Mangalore (300Km), Ooty (120 Km), Kochi (290 Km) and Kozhikode (90 Km). The drive to this green patch of earth is equally pleasant as it soothes the eyes with calmness that is so rare in urban life. Entering the very premises of the island resort one can feel the warmth of hospitality of the place and the people.

The Stay at Banasura Island Resort Surrounded by the serene waters of the reservoir the island presents an extremely tranquil setting to spend a few days with your loved ones. The accommodation at the resort is at the Nalukettu Mansion which is built in the traditional Kerela design complying with elements of Vastu. The harmony of clay tiles with wooden roof lends a feel of timelessness to the building which is laced with all the comforts and modern amenities that one may desire. The sit out of the building provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding reservoir and smaller islands scattered across. There are single and double wooden cottages also to cater to varied requirements of visitors.

Sights around the Banasura Island Resort There are a host of wonderful sightseeing and adventurous spots all around the island. The Pookote natural lake nestled amidst lush green hill sides and meadows has facilities for boating, picnics, Children’s Amusement park and restaurants to some great time in an enchanting atmosphere. The natural splendor of the Meenmutty and Soojipura waterfalls lying next to the resort is awe inspiring. There are the Thirunelli and Jain Temples that speak eloquently of the rich architectural heritage of these interiors of Kerela. The Banasura reservoir itself has many engaging activities ranging from speed boating to ride in traditional round bamboo traditional boats. The reservoir and the adjacent wild life sanctuaries are a photographer’s delight.

Taking the Road Less Traveled at Banasura For those who are sick of the hustle bustle of city life the island is the ideal chance to unwind. The resort arranges a host of mild as well as difficult nature trails with trekking on the nearby hillocks. Apart from guided jeep tours of the sanctuaries there are provisions for bike hikes to interiors of the sanctuary. Natural therapeutic treatments available at the resort can also be tried out for the tired body and soul. Some of the treks include visits to nearby tea and coffee plantations leaving life long memories to cherish.

The trek to the Edakkal caves through the lush green jungle replete with hanging wooden bridges is truly one its kind of experience that is beyond description through words.

Planning a trip for couple days of enchantment at the Banasura resort is certain well worth the time and money that will leave with a longing to return soon to soak your soul in this sublime environs.