A Short Escape to Wayanad from Karnataka

Wayanad, the picturesque district on the edge of the Western Ghats in Kerala state of India, is the ultimate destination of every nature lover and adventure freak. Its rolling hills, hilltops, closed forests, and high biodiversity values turn Wayanad into a peace haven from urban mayhem. The environment is between 700 to 2100 meters above sea level and hence offers it a cold and temperate climate. This is one of the primary reasons tourists are found in vast numbers for natural scenery, peace, and cultural concentration. One of Wayanad's biggest assets is its virgin beauty. The district is teeming with wildlife sanctuaries such as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and elephant, tiger, leopard, and other family bird habitats. The district has magnificent waterfalls such as Meenmutty and Soochippara, placid lakes such as Pookode Lake, and ancient caves such as Edakkal containing carvings thousands of years old. Apart from nature, Wayanad offers cultural delights in visits to tribal colonies, ancient temples, and colonial churches. Pepper, cardamom, and coffee spice plantations are internationally renowned, and plantation strolls are an unavoidable necessity. Trekking, camping, cycling, and wildlife treks are games of adventure that some of them steal the hearts of tourists, and Chembra Peak and Banasura Hill strolls are fad destinations with viewpoints. Wayanad's excellent combination of nature's beauty, adventure, and cultural wealth is a complete holiday package for all categories of tourists who want to spend their holiday with nothing but relaxation, a honeymoon, or an adrenaline holiday. Whatever it is, Wayanad can offer much of a great experience in the visual splendour of Kerala highlands.

History of Wayanad

Wayanad does have a wealth of centuries' history, and to have it be founded on legend, myth, and archaeology is well worth it. "Wayanad" is also a Malayalam name for Vayal Nadu origin, or "paddy field land," to represent its origins as an agricultural land. The area has been inhabited since eternity, as testified by Edakkal Caves, which hold petroglyphs and carvings over 6,000 years old. The caves are part of the earliest human settlements in South India and reveal a lot about the existence and life of the early human inhabitants. Wayanad has always been under the greater Tamilakam and subsequent suzerainty of South Indian kingdoms such as the Cheras, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire. It was controlled by Wodeyars of Mysore in the 17th century and afterwards was a significant fort of the great freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja, who waged a guerrilla war against British colonial troops in the thick Wayanad forests. His struggle is a fine Kerala tradition and is respected at the Pazhassi Raja Tomb at Mananthavady.

Wayanad completely changed in British times, especially with the introduction of tea and coffee plantations and roads. Along with the arrival of the multi-dimensional groups in the area as a result of the British people arriving, Wayanad became culturally diverse too. Wayanad reminds us of its multi-dimensions of the past in the present, a blend of ancient heritage, colonial past, and tribal society. There are some of the native tribes who reside in the district, some of whom continue their ancient ways of life and traditions. The richness of history gives an interesting cultural dimension to Wayanad, and it is a natural paradise and a country of great historical and anthropological importance.

Places around Wayanad

1. Bandipur National Park: Karnataka's Bandipur National Park, situated around 90 km from Wayanad, is one of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve's most sought-after wildlife sanctuaries. Famous for tigers, elephants, deer, and birds, it is a perfect destination for wildlife photography and a safari. Well-organised with guides to accompany one along driving jeeps to safari, it gives tourists a chance to experience for themselves the wealth of the forest.

2. Coorg (Kodagu): 115 km away is Coorg, a scenic hill resort within the state, renowned for gigantic coffee plantations, misty hills, and lush green valleys. Coorg, or the "Scotland of India", is suitable for nature enthusiasts who would love to relax in the open. Attractions of the place are Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, and Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) at Bylakuppe.

3. Mysore: Approximately 130 km from here is the city of kings, Mysore, which is so filled to the brim with architectural splendour. Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, and the pigmented Devaraja Market are heaven for tourists. Mysore is culturally rich too, when the city comes alive in full colour-bursting beauty during Dussehra festivities.

4. Ooty (Udhagamandalam): Approximately 110 km from Wayanad is Tamil Nadu's Ooty, a highly renowned hill station of the Nilgiris. It boasts scenic weather, a pleasant ambience, and well-developed gardens with plants. Popular attractions include the Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Doddabetta Peak, thus making it another highly rated destination for families and honeymooners as well.

5. Nilambur: About 90 km from Wayanad is Nilambur in Kerala, known for dense forests and teak plantations. Mentioned here are the Teak Museum and Conolly's Plot, the world's oldest teak plantation. Scenic waterfalls and drives make the place scenic, and it is a fine place for a day outing, leisurely from Wayanad.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad

• Winter (October to February): The winter season is the best time to visit Wayanad, according to quotes. The weather here varies from 15°C to 25°C, and very comfortable and pleasant for trekking, wildlife safari, and sighting waterfalls. Weather for sight is best, with clear blue skies and visible views from the top and hill tops throughout the season. It becomes very chilly in December-January months, and, of all things, heights can add a zip of cold to the experience.

• Summer (March to June): Though Wayanad does become hot in summer, with temperatures varying from about 25°C to 35°C, it is much cooler than the beaches because of the altitude. It is a good choice for those who do not have to suffer through the heat of the rest of Kerala and Karnataka. It is the best season to visit the spice plantations and the surrounding lakes, too. The humidity level may increase, and it is not the best time for hill trekking since the weather conditions are not good enough to provide an easy trek.

• Monsoon (June to September): Wayanad rains are as lovely as deluge showers, giving the earth a green blanket. While this month (June to September) is giving beauty justice to waterfalls, forests, and plantations, it is not that favourable for adventure sports like trekking and safaris in the wild. The ground would be slippery, and the weather can play havoc with road conditions in the rain. For the nature enthusiasts and the tourism seekers who are seeking a peaceful vacation with nature, and for the photography enthusiasts, the rainy season may well turn into an adventure of surprise, but the weather condition has to be checked before planning for the same.

How to Reach Wayanad

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Calicut Airport/Kozhikode Airport, and it will be around 100 km to Wayanad. The airport, Calicut International Airport, has direct flights from most of the major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Taxi/private vehicle will be the mode through which one will reach after the flight. Wayanad would take about 2-3 hours by road and depending on the traffic conditions.

• By Train: The closest railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode Railway Station (100 km), which is well connected to all the major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi. Take a train to Kozhikode and a taxi or a bus from there to Wayanad. It is also possible to reach Mysore Railway Station, 120 km from Wayanad. One cannot have trains to Wayanad directly, but these nearby stations make it easy to reach the destination.

• By Bus: If public transport is your mode of choice, there are daily buses operated by Kozhikode, Mysore, and other townships through Wayanad. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from cities such as Kozhikode, Bengaluru, and Kochi to Wayanad destinations. The buses are affordable and ideal for those who are budget-friendly.

Why Book with escape2explore

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