introduction:
Banglore to Wayanad is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Kerala, India. It is well-known for its lush green woods, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural legacy. Wayanad offers a perfect blend of nature and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Here’s a detailed guide about the exotic Wayanad:
Geography and Climate
Wayanad is located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the west coast of India. The region is covered with dense forests, rolling hills, and sprawling plantations. The climate in Wayanad is pleasant throughout the year, with the monsoon season lasting from June to September. Wayanad is best visited between October and May, when the weather is cool and dry.
History and Culture
Wayanad has a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples and historical monuments scattered across the region. The Wayanad district was part of the ancient kingdom of the Cheras, who ruled over this region for several centuries. Later, Wayanad became part of the kingdom of the Zamorins, a powerful dynasty that ruled over Malabar. The region was also influenced by the British, who established several tea and coffee plantations in the area.
Wayanad is known for its unique cultural traditions, including the Theyyam and Thira festivals. Theyyam is a ritualistic dance form performed in several temples across Wayanad, while Thira is a type of puppet show performed during festivals.
Places to Visit
Wayanad has several tourist attractions that offer a glimpse into its rich natural and cultural heritage. Some of the best sites to visit are:
Edakkal caverns: These caverns, located atop Ambukutty Mala, have old rock engravings from the Neolithic era..
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Chembra Peak: This is the highest peak in Wayanad and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Pookode Lake: This is a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by greenery and hills.
Banasura Sagar Dam: This is the largest earth dam in India and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Thirunelli Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by hills and forests.
Things to Do
While in Wayanad, there are several activities and attractions that you can explore.Â
Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. You may see these animals in their natural habitat by going on a wildlife expedition.
Trek to Chembra Peak:Â
This is the highest peak in Wayanad and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The trek is a bit challenging, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
Visit the Pookode Lake:Â
This is a scenic freshwater lake surrounded by greenery and hills. You may enjoy the tranquil surroundings by taking a boat trip on the lake.
Explore the Tea Plantations:Â
Wayanad is known for its tea plantations, and you can take a tour of these plantations to learn about tea production and sample some fresh tea.
Visit the Thirunelli Temple:Â
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by hills and forests.
Accommodation Options
There are several accommodation options in Wayanad, ranging from budget hotels and homestays to luxury resorts. Some popular options include theÂ
Vythiri Resort: This is a luxury resort located amidst a tropical rainforest. The resort offers several amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and swimming pool.
Wayanad Silverwoods:Â
This is a luxury resort located on the banks of the Banasura Sagar Dam. The resort offers several activities, including boating, fishing, and indoor games.
Pepper Trail Plantation:Â
This is a heritage plantation bungalow that offers a glimpse into Wayanad’s colonial past. The bungalow is set amidst a coffee and spice plantation and offers several amenities, including a swimming pool and restaurant.
Hiliya Resort:Â
This is an eco-friendly resort located on a coffee plantation. The resort offers several activities, including trekking and birdwatching.
Kedara Village Resort:Â
This is a luxury resort located in the heart of Wayanad’s tea country. The resort offers several amenities, including a swimming pool, restaurant, and spa.
Cuisine
Wayanad offers a unique culinary experience, with several dishes that are a blend of local and international flavors. Some popular dishes include:
Meen Curry: This is a traditional Kerala fish curry made with coconut milk and spices.
Appam and Stew: This is a breakfast dish made with appams (rice pancakes) and a vegetable stew.
Puttu and Kadala Curry: This is another popular breakfast dish made with steamed rice cakes and a spicy chickpea curry.
Beef Fry: This is a spicy beef dish that is a favorite among meat lovers in Kerala.
Bamboo Rice: This is a unique rice variety that is cooked inside bamboo shoots and is a specialty of Wayanad.
How to Reach
Wayanad has good access to major cities in Kerala and neighbouring states.. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 100 km away from Wayanad. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 80 km away from Wayanad. From here, you can take a taxi or bus to Wayanad. Wayanad is also well-connected by road, and several private and government buses ply between Wayanad and major cities in Kerala.
In conclusion, Wayanad is a must-visit destination for travelers who are looking to explore the natural and cultural heritage of Kerala. With its lush green forests, rolling hills, and rich cultural traditions, Wayanad offers a unique travel experience that is sure to leave you mesmerized.
