Wayanad Trip in Summer

This Summer to beat the heat visited to Wayanad with my friends. Wayanad is a Hill station in Kerala near Calicut about 70Km distance. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States.

Lakkidi View point Road

First we went to Calicut by Train and from there we took a cab to wayanad. I booked Rooms and cab through online and the service was very good as we expected. 

We Booked a homestay little outside in Kalpettah main town of Wayanad. They Charged Rs.3000 per day for 8 persons. There was 2 bedrooms, a hall and kitchen are there. Newly built and well maintained rooms in the outskirts of Kalpettah welcomed us. 

Homestay at Wayanad

Lakkidi –Ghat road view point

The gateway to wayanad , Lakkidi is situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of Thamarassery Ghat Pass.

Lakkidi View point 

Train reached Calicut around 4.30 am and our cab driver Jayaprakash chetta was already waiting for us to receive. We boarded the Tata Aria cab and proceeded to our homestay in Kalpettah. Everybody was little tired in the early morning so they slept in car and I was in a fresh mood and watching the greenery and the hairpin bends outside the car. The car reached our homestay around 6.30am and we had tea in a small tea stall. I want to take bath in a falls so we first finished our morning duties and went directly to Soochipara falls for fresh water bath. 

Soochipara view

Soochipara Falls, Kalpetta

The Soochippara Waterfalls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls are situated near Meppadi is natures treasured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes. The pool sited below the falls offers great opportunities for swimming, bathing, water rafting,  etc. another attraction is the tree top huts presenting a distinct views of the Western Ghats and of the shining shallow waters of the spring. Carrying plastic near the waterfall is strictly prohibited.

Soochipara Falls

After Soochipara falls we had lunch and then we went to Edakkal Caves, by the time we reached Edakkal, it was around 3.30 pm the entry was closed by 4.00pm there. We have to climb up some steep road to reach the ticket counter, When I reached it was 4.00pm and I bought the ticket and immediately the counter closed. 

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal cave is 25 km from Kalpetta and just 3 km from Ambalavayal. Most interesting trek up Ambukuthy Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the world famous Neolothic pictorial writings on the rock walls tell the pre-historic heritage of Wayanad. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave to any observer. 

There are human and animal figures carvings on the rock walls depicting pre-historic period and civilized people. The caves can be approached by 1km trekking trail starting from Edakkal. The best visiting hours are morning and it is open till 4 pm. Tourists need to indulge in a one and half hour long trek to reach the entrance of the caves. The roads are in good condition. In order to reach the actual cave, tourists will have to trek uphill for another 45 minutes.

After the Edakkal cave point we retunred to Kapettah as most of the places will be closed by 5.00pm. so we done some shopping in Kalpettah and had dinner.

Next Day we started early by 7.00am and proceeded to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences will be night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is abundant with flora and fauna. Animals like Bison, Jungle Cats and Elephants can be spotted here.

Tholpetty Wildlife Santuary

Thirunelli Temple, Thirunelli

Close to the Papanashini stream in Wayanad district of Kerala stands the 3000 years old Thirunelly temple. The temple is devoted to lord Vishnu and is constructed with 30 granite columns to protect it. There is a bridge from the Papanashini stream coming to the temple. This is of great help to the Thirunelly temple as the Papanashini water is used for the temple directly for its precincts. 

Towards the south of the Thirunelly temple is the holy pond called Panchatheertha. The pond is named Panchatheertha as it is believed that five rivers met at this point. Generally, this pond has impenetrable undergrowth, but during summers this pond becomes waterless.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is approximately 25km towards the north west of Kalpetta. It is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura Sagar Dam is an absolute beauty. 

It is an ideal place for picnic as it is surrounded by the bounty of nature and the low sound of the clear water gives a feeling of freshness. In fact, when the dam is full, the landscape portrays a picture of upstream formation of the dam and is a mesmerizing sight to visitors. Boating and other water recreational activities are available at the dam.

Boating at lake

Kuruva Dweep

This 950 acre Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. ... 

Kuruvadeep Island

Pookot Lake, Vythiri

The Pookot Lake is a breathtaking location. The water is clear and the foliage that surrounds it is a beautiful forest. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride against a serene backdrop. An ideal picnic spot, this beautiful lake is the perfect spot to admire mother nature. The area surrounding the lake has a handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium along with a Children's park.

Boating at pookud lake

Other places to visit in Wayanad:

Chembra Peak, Kalpetta

Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in all of Wayanad district. It is at a staggering height of 2100 meters above sea level. This peak is especially popular with both mountain climbers and trekkers alike. There are even temporary camps that are set up atop the peak so that anyone that has successfully climbed the peak can choose to easily stay there for a few days. The climb is rather intense, but the reward on the top is worth the sweat! 

The panoramic views of the Wayanad are rather breathtaking, and the beautiful mountain lake at the top is impressive as well. 

Sleeping bags, canvas, log huts, guides and trekking equipments are provided by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Trekkers are sure to enjoy the entire view of the Wayanad district from the top of the peak, while prior permission is required from the Forest Range Officer at Meppadi for trekking at Chembra Peak.

Meenmutty Falls, Kalpetta

The most impressive water fall that can be found in the Wayanad district is Meenmutty Falls. Gurgling down from a height of 300 meters, it falls in 3 separate tiers. Reaching the falls involves a 2 km trek, but the view of the falls, makes it worth the effort. During the monsoons, this waterfall can be enjoyed only from a distance, due to the voluminous level of water. 

Trekking is a good option to explore its surroundings, but considering the rugged and undulated terrains, taking a guide along is advisable.

Thrid day we packed our things and started towards Calicut. On the way we saw Chain Tree and Lakkidi View point. We also went to Thusaragiri Falls near Calicut. The view and falls was awesome. When we are there it was raining so enjoyed the falls in rain very Much. 

Thusaragiri Falls

Finally we went to Calicut beach and took some photos. We are not spent so much of time as the beach was so dirty and not maintained. We packed dinner and proceeded to Calicut Railway station to board our train to chennai.

Post Trip Write-up Bandhipur - Wayanad - Ooty Cycle Trip

Post Trip / Trek Write-up Mysore / Gundlupet - Bandhipur - Wayanad - Chembara Peak - Gudalur - Ooty - Mettupalayam Cycle Trip

After I did a moderate trek on January, I am waiting for another moderate trek to participate. That was mid of February and I was travelling to Rajasthan by train. CTC announced 40 treks /events for their 5^th Birthday celebrations. I was applied on my mobile for 3 treks. One was Kolli Hills Trek organized by Nachiketha and the other two was organized by Prem (Nagala west and Wayanad Cycle Trip). Unfortunately J I got selected in all 3 treks. So now I have to decide which I have to go.  I have never been to Kolli and I have an interest to go for Kolli Hills, so I decided and paid money for that immediately. On the other two treks was organized by Prem, so I tried to speak with Prem for the difficulties in Cycle trip. He said, “You can choose your own difficult level as Easy/Moderate/Difficult”. Then I decided to go for this trip/trek and cancelled the Nagala Trek as I’ve been there earlier.  I paid money for Wayanad cycle trip and waiting for the day to come. Before a week of trek, preparatory mail received from Prem and on Thursday evening I started for the Wayanad cycle trip.

Somehow I managed in that critical situation and reached the station by 9.00 pm for the 9.30 train. First I met Chandru and later everyone (35 fellow trekkers- most of them are new to me) reached there and introduced ourselves. Prem/Organizers arranged a Veg/Non Veg Biryani for everyone for the dinner. I had my dinner at home so I didn’t eat that biryani. Everybody ate the dinner and settled their seats for rest after some small confusion in the tickets/seats. Some of our team members played cards in our next coach.

Starting Point @ Gundlupet

First Day: Morning by 6.00am I heard Yazar’s voice as “Mysore station will reach in few minutes, so everyone be prepare for that”. Everybody wake up from their seat and get ready, but the train was reached Mysore at 7.30am onlyL. In between one team finished few masala dosai and vadas for pre breakfast menu. We came out from the station and waiting for our vehicle to pick up to Gundlupet where our exact starting point for cycling. In meantime we had breakfast in a roadside shop hot Idli, dosa and poori.

Bandhipur Forest

The business today for this shop was a great start, we almost emptied that shop. After our breakfast Prem found us a truck to transport till Gundlupet, (Mysore to Gundlupet – 59km) everyone hoped on it and reached Gundlupet around 11:00am where we met up with a small group from Coimbatore. Our cycles (rent and own) were reached there before us and everyone busy in selecting their cycles. At last I found a cycle for me to ride. This was my first cycle trip and I am new to this geared cycle, somehow managed and ride that cycle up to 3-4 kms. I was feeling so tired due to hot sun and feeling some sickness due to poori which I ate in the morning. I vomited that poori and taken rest in the sweeping vehicle (Volkswagen Jetta Car). (Gundlupet to Bandhipur Road– 18km)Few hours later, the road leading to Bandhipur was awesome and wants to ride a cycle at that time. So immediately picked one cycle and ride few Kms in that forest road, we saw few deer and an Elephant while crossing the forest road.

Wayanad

By 3 pm we reached near Muthanga (Bandhipur National Park to Muthanga – 24km) and searching for food and found a small hotel, in the hotel only 40 parotas are available, so we shared that parotas. But our stomach was not filled with that, so we had some lemon soda, biscuits, chips etc. to fill our stomach. After some break again we started from there and reached sultan bathery by 6.00pm. There we had tea and snacks and I was bit tired and no light so I boarded on the Mini Van. But half of our team members again started their cycling to reach Vazhiyoram (Muthanga to Vazhiyoram -29km) where our stay for the night was arranged. Everyone reached our Guest house by 8.00pm and had a quick bath. (Some of our team members are crossed that location as they are unknown of the place and Bharani and Venkat are chased their car to reach them). It was a Dormitory and accommodated us very well. We had a nice dinner in that hotel and fall asleep to get energy for the next day.

Second Day: Next day early morning everyone refreshed in our rooms and checking their cycles are in condition. We started the second day from Vazhiyoram (10km before Kalpettah) with our cycles and reached Kalpettah for breakfast. Everyone had a breakfast there and loaded back our cycles to the Loading Van and few of us boarded on the van and proceeded to Chembara peak base. We areached there by 11.00am and waiting for the other members to come. Raghu and Hari joined at Meppadi enroute to Chembra, who couldn't join us on day 1. (Kalpetta to Chembara Peak – 16km)

Everyone gathered there around 12.30 and started our half day trek to Chembara peak.  We paid Rs.50 each for forest entry fee(?) for trekking. Some of us (including me) fell little uneasy to climb up due to steep hill and hot climate. When we reached the top we saw a wonderful love pool (heart shaped pool) on the top. We took some photos there. When we began to descent, suddenly rain started to drizzle and then it poured and we are all drenched as there is no shelter on the top. Now the climate was very cool and we feel some freshness in the air, so we are easily descended from the peak. From Chembra we headed out in open mini trucks, zig -zaging through the narrow roads and cool air.

Chembara Peak

At 5.00pm, for lunch(?) we stopped at Meppadi, and had stomach full of food. I think almost we emptied the hotel! The next destination was Cherambadi across the state border, we pedal again untill we cross Kerala checkpost Cherambadi (Meppadi to Cherambadi 22km)(I pedalled few kms and boarded on van when I am unable to pedal due to darkness), from Cherambadi we got into bus till Gudalur (36km) it was past 9 when we reached Gudalur where we were stationed for the night in a home stay dormitory (arranged by Bharani)after a light dinner. We had a good time around the campfire followed by introduction session lasted up to 1.00am. In the mean while it became clear we’d left two bags behind in Meppadi hotel! Bharani and Jagadeesh came forward to retrieve the bags in the morning that was left in the hotel. 

Ooty Road

Third Day: We all refreshed by 7:00am and got into a local bus heading towards Gudalur bustand. Today our plan was to take a bus to Pykara(28km) and cycle from Pykara Lake till Mettupalayam, but from Gudalur bustand we couldn't find any bus to take in all of us. Vasanth found us a small truck in which all 25 of us squeezed in with our bags, the journey was enjoyable as few sang songs all the way till Pykara. (Pykara to Ooty -22km). Once we reached Pykara, everyone started cycling, but I don’t have cycle to ride. So I get in to the Volkswagen car. The cycle riders have to pass some ups and downs to reach Dodabetta, but rain forced a few to take shelter in the cycle truck along the way. At Dodabetta junction we had hot tea and snacks. 

By 5.30pm Cyclists are again started pedaling to reach Mettupalayam. I was waiting eagerly to ride a cycle and asking everyone for cycle but nobody willing to give. When we reached Kothagiri by Car, chandru asked me, “you want to ride cycle”. Immediately I get down from the car and taken the cycle for riding. (Kothagiri to Metupalayam- 30Km) It was awesome to ride the cycle in the downhill with the cool breeze and I really enjoyed it. After some time I passed around 10 km I found I am alone riding the cycle as my team mates are passed me and somebody are behind me. Again rain was started and getting dark. Slowly I am riding(?) my cycle using brakesJ and doesn't want to stop. There are so much of bend and the road was fully slope. In between I saw some of our team member fell down from the cycle, (later I came to know that it was Venkat sir) so I stopped there. Arun asked me, “I have light in my cycle, so can we move”, I said ok. After some time he was zapped fast in a hairpin bend and left me as he was an experienced cyclist. Again I was stranded and slowly going down on the road. In between a naughty guy passed me said, “Hey take care man, Elephants are crossing the road on the way”(May be it was to frighten me)  But I was in a mood, not to give up in any situation, but my cycle’s brake was fully failed. There is no light, rain pouring with thunder storms, No brake and left alone, but I was really enjoying that situation. I get down from the cycle and slowly walking with my cycle on the dark and deep road about 5 kms.  My hands are frozen in the chillness and my dress was fully wet. People crossed me on the road watched strangely.  After some time Sundar and vinod joined with me and we all three slowly walked with our cycles. Few minutes later Prem and Alagar reached us and they are having the tool kit. They adjusted my cycle's brakes and ensured working fine. Now Venkat sir is on his car with Bharani, they throwing light on the road for visibility to move us on track. Finally around 8 pm we reached Metupalayam and waited for our other team members to come. 

When everyone reached, immediately everyone jumped in to a Kaiyenthi bavan on the road side and finished some biryani and omelets for Dinner. I ate some Bun and cool drinks for my Dinner. From Mettupalayam we travelled to Chennai by AC Bus arranged by Prem. Cycles are loaded in the Loading Vehicle to Chennai.  Returned to Chennai with pleasant memories.

Thanks Venkat sir! and thanks to Bharani for thier help. Special Thanks to Prem for selecting me for this wonderful and memorable cycle trip and everyone who encouraged me and supported me in this trip/trek.

Note: Finally we came to know, Overall we pedalled 181 km at a maximum speed of 51km/h.

Visit my Tamil Blog: http://iniyaindiyavilravi.blogspot.in/
Visit my Hindi Blog: http://merabharatmahan-mountabu.blogspot.in/