I have a penchant for details. My travelogues are usually like pages out of a novel. But well that is my style. This time I have planned to do something different. I will put details in a very scientific manner. Easier for people to find every little details they need. And about the description of the place I will leave everything on the photographs. As wise men say, "A picture says a thousand stories"......
Destination: Wayanad (north-eastern district of Kerala formed in 1980).
How to reach: From Bangalore there are several K.S.R.T.C. as well as private buses plying to Kalpetta ( a town and municipality in Wayanad) where you need to get down. Some of the ticket booking websites are given below for convenience:
1. http://www.ksrtc.in/site/
2. http://www.redbus.in/
3. http://www.goibibo.com/bus/
4. http://www.makemytrip.com/bus-tickets/?intid=OldHP_to_Bus_Menu
(You have to book tickets from Bangalore to Kalpetta)
Road condition: Gear yourself up for a bumpy ride. The roads are not good. I would always suggest you to avail for K.S.R.T.C. buses over private buses. the drivers seem to more careful and responsible.
Places you can visit: The places that I jot dot down are numbered according to their appeal (Opinions may vary)
1. Chembra peak: A must visit. It is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2011 meters (6900 ft.) above sea-level.
The trekking is moderately difficult. Not suggested for first timers. But it is worth every drop of sweat. It is located near Meppady which is 8 kms. south of Kalpetta. Local buses are available every now and then. It is a good idea to lodge in Mepaddy since many of the attractions are near Mepaddy. We had lodged in The Hotel Malabar Cools and it was quite reasonable (600/night for double bed rooms) and clean lapped amidst the tea gardens. You can take an auto to the base (from where trekking starts or rather you can reach the base by walk (if you are roughing it/your budget is low). You have to take permission from the forest department (The office is on the way and the rate is Rs. 500 for a group of 10 or less. For groups larger than 10, the rates are different. A guide is mandatory and it comes within that Rs. 500). The trek to the peak takes about 3 and a half hours. The climb down takes another two. There is a guest house at the base. the rates are reasonable. You can lodge out there if you want to soak in the beauty for a little longer.
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| Meppadi |
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| Heart-shaped lake en route the top |
2. Soochipara falls: An indelible beauty will strike you after almost a 2 km walk down the ticket counter (The tickets cost Rs. 30/head). You can take an auto from Meppady. It will charge you Rs 200 (as per December 2012). The ride to the falls is as scenic as it can get.
3. Meenmutthy falls: It sure is the largest and most astonishing falls in Wayanad district. But unfortunately it is closed for the time being. Please gather sufficient iinformation from localites before you plan a visit.
4. Tholpetty/Muthanga forest range: These are in opposite directions but quite the same. You can visit any of them.
a. Muthanga directions: Kalpetta to Sulthan Bathery to Muthanga (buses are available). Beware you have to reach the gates before 3 pm. Plan accordingly. The entry fees are 250 rupees/person and the jeep ride costs 500 rupees (and it is compulsory).
b. Tholpetty directions: Kalpetta to Manyatavadi to Tholpetty. The rates are same as Muthanga forest range.
Expenses: Approximately Rs. 3500 per person for 3 days and two nights. If luxury is your style then you can very well guess that the budget isn't for you.
Food: Don't forget to goge on beef if you are a non-veg and have no inhibitions. Beef cooked in coconut oil is pure bliss.It is available everywhere (can call it a staple food there) and is cheap. chilly beef and Kerala Paratha is something you should not miss out on.
Must-haves:
1. A nice pair of trekking shoes.
2. Warm clothes are not necessary. The weather is quite moderate.
3. Caps and shades.
4. And an eye for beauty.
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