After a scenic drive from Kozhikode, I arrived in Wayanad — a land draped in green, veiled in mist, and echoing with birdsong. I checked into a charming eco-resort nestled in the hills of Vythiri. The evening was spent unwinding with a hot cup of Wayanadan black tea, overlooking endless valleys. The symphony of crickets and the scent of cardamom marked the perfect welcome.
Day 2: Edakkal Caves and Ambukuthi Hills
Adventure called, and I answered by trekking up to the ancient Edakkal Caves. The rock carvings here — dating back to 6000 BC — whispered stories of a forgotten civilization. The hike to the caves offered panoramic views of the Ambukuthi Hills, making every drop of sweat worth it. Later, I visited Heritage Museum in Ambalavayal to dive deeper into Wayanad’s tribal and historical roots. Dinner was a local treat: Kerala rice with spicy beef curry and banana chips.
Day 3: Chembra Peak — Heart Lake and High Spirits
A pre-dawn start took me to the Chembra Peak trail — one of Wayanad’s highest points. After a moderately challenging trek, I reached the famous heart-shaped lake, naturally formed and untouched by time. The view was surreal — clouds drifting below, tea gardens in the distance. On my way back, I visited a small tribal village and tasted wild honey sold by the locals. An evening massage at the resort’s Ayurvedic spa was the perfect recovery.
Day 4: Banasura Sagar Dam & Meenmutty Falls
Time to chase waterfalls! First stop: Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India, surrounded by hills and dotted with islets. I went for a short speedboat ride across the reservoir. Nearby, I trekked to the thunderous Meenmutty Falls — Kerala’s second-highest waterfall, roaring down from 300 meters. I ended the day at a spice plantation where I learned about pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg straight from the soil to the shelf.
Day 5: Soochipara Falls and Tea Estate Trails
Today began with a trip to Soochipara Waterfalls (also known as Sentinel Rock Falls). The plunge pool was irresistible, so I took a refreshing dip with locals and fellow travelers. Post-lunch, I wandered through the rolling tea estates of Kalpetta, chatting with workers and learning about the plucking process. Sipping freshly brewed orthodox tea under the drizzle, I felt like time had slowed down just for me.
Day 6: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — Into the Green
Safari day! I visited the Muthanga range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, deer, langurs, and even the elusive tiger. The open jeep ride through dense forest was thrilling and meditative all at once. Later, I visited the Tholpetty region, near the Kerala-Karnataka border, where wild peacocks danced along the roadside. That night, I enjoyed a campfire at the homestay, exchanging stories with fellow travelers from around the world.
Day 7: Pookode Lake & Farewell Reflections
For my final day, I kept it light and soothing. I visited Pookode Lake, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by forest. I took a gentle paddle boat ride and watched families of monkeys play along the banks. I also picked up local souvenirs — homemade chocolates, aromatic spices, bamboo crafts, and tribal art. As I sipped one last cup of lemongrass tea, I realized Wayanad hadn’t just given me memories — it had given me peace.
Final Thoughts:
Wayanad is poetry in mist and mountain form. It's where nature whispers in your ear, “Slow down.” From its prehistoric caves to soulful treks, tribal heritage to wild sanctuaries, this land has a heartbeat of its own. I came in search of an escape — I left with a deeper connection to the earth.
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