About Wayanad:
It is one of the district in Kerala, (most of the people think that it is the name of city/town in Kerala) Kalpetta is the district head quarter. It is bounded on the east by Nilgiris and Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively, on the north by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram and on the west by Kozhikode and Kannur.
Distance from the main cities:
Mysore ->120 kms
Bangalore ->275 kms
Coorg ->110 kms
Ooty ->90 kms
Planning:
I searched for hotels/resort over the internet and called them to find out if the accommodation is available for 2N/3D, and answer was No. Since the accommodation was big challenge, I was about to drop the plan. Last moment, one of my friend referred a Tour operator 'Atlas Hopper, ' helped me to book the room in Hotel Green Gate.The tariff was same as they published in their website. Once I get the confirmation, I started packing the required things.
Route:(Check attached map)
Option#A: Bangalore>Mysore>Hunsur>Nagarhole>Kattikulam>Manamthavadi>Kalpetta
Option#B: Bangalore>Mysore>HD Kote>Kattikulam>Manamthavadi>Kalpetta
Option#C: Bangalore>Mysore>Gudlupet>Sulthan Batheri>Kalpetta.
I selected option #C as I travelled to Ooty many times. Road condition was known until Gundlupet. Had breakfast @Maddur, drove towards Mysore, had Nanjudeshwara darshan at Nanjanagud, continue to drive Gundlupet, It was 1:15PM, we decided to have some food else there are no hotels between Gundlupet and Sulthan Batheri.Gundlupet is the small town and there are few hotels on the road like on anyother highways, if you look for swanky hotel, then Cafe Coffee Day is the only option.
We started at 2PM from Gundlupeth, soon after the town, take right turn, SH 212 highway which leads to Wayanad and Calicut. The traffic was almost nil. Road was pretty good, not like modern highway, managed to drive @90-100kmph. After 20 minutes of drive you will enter the Bhandipur forest range.
Hold on, when you are driving through the forest, please follow the rules, drive slowly, watch the wild animal crossing road, do not disturb/provoke them, No honking in forest range. Enjoying the scenic route, reached Kalpetta by 4:30PM with some breaks in the forest to enjoy the beauty.
About Hotel:
Hotel Green Gate is situated within Kalpetta, but you never feel you are in town. Hotel is surrounded by lots of tree feels like you are in jungle. Handed over my confirmation letter and staff were courteous. Check -in process was smooth, room boy took us to the room, explained the services available for the package we booked, restaurant timings, room services and explained about the sight seeing places in and around Wayanad and gave me small booklet for the reference.
Meanwhile rain was started and it continued for two hours, we ordered cup of tea and enjoyed along with chilled weather. Took rest for 2 hours and waiting for the rain to subside, later we went for the city round, there was nothing important in the city, it is just like any other district headquarter, we came back @ 9:15 and straight went to the restaurant for the buffet dinner.
I must tell you about the hotel tariff, the package cost Rs 3000 per night includes Tax+Breakfast+ Lunch OR Dinner (any one meal.) They will arrange the buffet when there are more occupants, else you can order food (al-a-carte) upto Rs 300 per person. I felt this is the good option. Food was really good, we enjoyed the taste.
Places to Visit:
Edakkal caves:It is located about 25KM from Kalpetta and 12KM from Sulthan Batheri.
The name “Edakkal” means “a stone in between." You can drive upto the hill, parking is available. You need to climb the hill, takes minimum 45mins to reach the point. Best time to visit the cave is in the morning or 4:PM. It is open till 5:00PM. Have full breakfast before you visit this place. No proper steps to climb the hill.
Aged people may find it difficult to reach upto the point. At some places, ladders are fixed to easy the tourist to reach the cave. Use of plastic carry bags, food items, drinks etc strictly prohibited. Water bottles are allowed with prior permission.
Kuruva Island:
Group of three islands spread across 950 acres in the middle of Kabani River. This island is about 40km away from Kalpetta.
Entry timings: 9.30 am to 4.15 pm
The tourist authority, Kerala tourism department uses bamboo boat to take to the island. The journey is thrilling and full of excitement. Use of plastic carry bags, food items, drinks etc strictly prohibited. Please carry water bottles during the visit. No food is available in the island.
Chembra peak:
Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad is ideal for trekking. Distances from: Kalpetta (KPA)-14 km. Those who are interested on trekking can visit this place, check with district tourism department on availability of guides, sleeping bags and other trekking implements.
Neelimala View Point:
Another trekking place 28KM from Kalpetta.
Meenmutty falls:
This is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.Distance from Kalpetta is about 38km.
Sentinal Rock Waterfalls:
22km away from Kalpetta, locally it is called as Soochippara Waterfall is about 200 mts in height.
Kanthanpara waterfalls-22 kms from Kalpetta.
Lakkidi: This is the view point located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass towards Kozhikode, 5KM away from Vythiri and 17KM from Kalpetta. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is situated 700 m above sea level. There are nine hairpin curves from to Lakkidi through steep mountains and a journey through the ghat pass is worth an experience. You can spot beautiful winding roads. On the you can also visit Pookat lake located close to Vythiri.
Chain Tree:
This is baschandru021y large Ficus tree, The scientific name of Ficus tree is Ficus benjamina. Interestingly, It is Bangkok’s official tree. Tree is surrounded by big chain. It is believed that a British officer took a help of an adivasi to cross a mountain terrain and discovered Wayanad. The British officer wanted to solely enjoy the fame of discovering this scenic place, so he killed him. It is believed that the soul of the Adivasi was chained to this tree by a priest and the soul still resides here.
Temples:
Glass temple, Koottamundu: Jain temple, located 20 km from Kalpetta. The specialty of the Glass temple is the thousands of mirrors placed on the inner wall of the temple. These glass mirrors reflect the idols placed in the main hall of the temple.This was built to honor the Jain saint, Parshawanatha Swami.
Jain Temple at Puliyarmala:
About 4KM from Kalpetta.
Overall experience was excellent. Good roads for driving, Nice food, Scenic view and very helpful people.
