Wonderful Wayanad Kerala: Weekend Destination from Bangalore

Would you believe it if I told you Onam, good food and trekking all go together? They can, as we discovered this Onam weekend, as we drove down to Wayanad Kerala, just 281 km by road.

Green it is; this monsoon God’s Own Country seemed greener than ever. Six hours drive from Bangalore and we were at Vythiri Wild Forest Resort bag, baggage and kids. With two full days in hand we decided against rushing from one spot to another.

Wayanad Kerala Day 1

Our first destination was Pookote Lake, three km from Vythiri. Pookote Lake is a large natural, fresh water lake surrounded by hills and meadows. This water body definitely requires a mention and a visit as it is in the land of back waters!

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. We headed towards our next stop, even as locals were pouring in, keeping up with the festive spirits.

Pookote Park

Pookote Lake Wayanad Kerala

Lakkidi receives the highest annual rainfall in Kerala. This spot is two km from Pookote Lake. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the world, but that day we were lucky to have clear view of the valley down as the weather was good.

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. Very very rejuvenating for the suffocated lungs from Bangalore! Fifteen minutes’ halt is not satiating, agreed; we nevertheless proceeded ahead with contented senses and captured images.

Soochipara Falls at Wayanad Kerala

Was nature competing with herself? This fall is 22 km from Kalapetta. We covered it in a local jeep. After that we were on our own. 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).

The trekking path was litter free; we passed not a single soul, not even a chaayakada (teashop)! The 200 m fall that we witnessed there was a big reward for small effort. Drink in the awesome backdrop and roaring sounds – gentle and soothing to ears ‘tuned’ to city-sounds.

We brought out reserves of self control, so that we didn’t end our weekend break soaking in the pool where the falls bottom out. Trekking back uphill with just memories of sights and sounds was tiresome, but there was cool refreshing juice waiting for us at the parking lot.

Soochipara Falls

Wonderful Wayanad Weekend Day 2

Next day we headed to Edakkal caves. Edakkal in Malayalam means the stone in between. This was again a 27 km drive in a local jeep from Kalapetta.

We got off at the foothills of Ambukuthimala near Ambalavayal. From there we were taken by a forest department jeep a further 1km uphill. The remaining 200m was a steep climb up the mountain.

Huffing and puffing we reached a cave only to be told that the actual one is 100m further up. The next 100m vertical climb through rocky path was adventurous and challenging.

My seven year old enjoyed crawling and creeping over the rocks to reach the caves, even as the elder sibling put up valiant, more dignified efforts.

Thankfully, steps are cut into the rocks and metal ladders are fitted wherever the stretch is narrow. Carry some water as throats will be a bit parched by the time you reach the cave.

Natural Fissure

‘Edakkal’

The actual entrance 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. That is how the name Edakkal.

This cave is separated from the adjoining mountain by a narrow gap, of may be one meter or so, a natural fissure. The cave is thus well lit and airy.

Interior of Edakkal Cave

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?

I will eagerly await historians’ verdict…we were told that those inscriptions and engravings date back to 4000BC and as yet undeciphered. History waiting to be rewritten!

‘Human Figure’

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.

The morning after was Onam.

Now I know what King Mahabali gets to see every year during this period of plenty. I too had a choice of Onasadya offers to nicely round off the extended weekend of unique Kerala treats: Nature and weather at their best, and satiating feasts for all the senses. I returned home with wonderful Wayanad weekend memories.

Fact File: How to get to Wayanad

By Air: Closest airport is Kozhikode, 100 km 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. The distance is 281 km, it takes 5 and 1/2 hours approximately.

More places to see near Wayanad

Most noteworthy sites are:

Chembra Peak
Kuruva Island
Muthunga wild life Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Banasura Sagar Dam

Entry tickets to Edakkal caves – Rs. 10 per person
Entry timings – 10 AM to 5 PM

Travel Tips for Wayanad Kerala

Food – carry if you like, your garbage – carry you must.
Carry water for climb to Edakkal caves.