I used to think that Wayanad is a town somewhere in Kerala. Turns out that it is a district in Kerala, with the district headquartered at a town called Kalpetta. I think this district was created only for the purposes of tourism. A big thanks to the Western Ghats and the monsoons. At every trip of the foot(thadukki vizhundha) there is a waterfall or a dam. "Full of hills" also means lot of trekking scope. Most importantly, Kalpetta is situated some 260 kms from Bangalore, making it ideal for a weekend trip. Actually there are so many places to see that Wayanad is ideal for a few weekend trips.
Went there this weekend, leaving on Friday night and back on Monday morning at 3 am. Our base was Kalpetta. Saturday early morning and night were spent at a hotel named Chandragiri Inn, costing 440 bucks per room. The rooms were very good, new, with a TV (no remote though), a double cot and a surprisingly neat bathroom with running hot water. Max value for money. Breakfast on both the days was at Woodlands nearby. Did have Kerala Parotta for dinner on Saturday, pretty good stuff. Did put a well left for the bullet rice, preferred to stick to normal rice for lunch.
On, Saturday morning, we first went to Edakkal caves, a group of caves on a hill containing prehistoric designs on their walls. Not too interesting actually, except for clicking pics. The interesting part was climbing the hill and reaching the peak. Somewhere along the way was an almost vertical rock wall with just a rope tied to three fixed points. (some nails level things) I was able to traverse the first stretch of the rope without any difficulty at all. But after that I suddenly panicked, had some trouble covering this second stretch.
I stopped climbing the hill a little after this rope stretch. On the way back, again this rope stretch became a psychological barrier to me. Finally one drunk person (calling people Chetta in Kerala works really well) helped me in coming down this stretch. The pineapple and soda at the foot of the hill were really strong.
The next trip was to Pookode lake, just a scenic lake where some pedalo boating happened. Then to Soochipara waterfall, a small-ish fall where one could bathe. I had not made arrangements for this, so just took photos, dipped my leg in the water and came back.
Sunday morning, the first stop was the Meenmutty waterfall. This is 3.9 kms off motorable road and involves a nearly one hour walk along a forest path (ala Ahobilam). Its advisable to take a guide along. We had gotten lost, but then one guide found us and guided us to the waterfall. Pretty strong waterfall. No scope for getting under the fall. Photo sessions and we came back. Buttermilk near where the forest path starts deserves mention.
It was after this that the trip started going downhill. The cell had been out of range (but Voda-the-fone was surprisingly working) so far, and so I had no clue about the score. By the time I checked the score after coming within range, India had lost. Total devastation happened inside me. Then slowly got to know of the injustices we were subjected to. Just made the situation even more worse. Felt like kicking myself for missing out on the action. All interest in the trip faded.
Went there this weekend, leaving on Friday night and back on Monday morning at 3 am. Our base was Kalpetta. Saturday early morning and night were spent at a hotel named Chandragiri Inn, costing 440 bucks per room. The rooms were very good, new, with a TV (no remote though), a double cot and a surprisingly neat bathroom with running hot water. Max value for money. Breakfast on both the days was at Woodlands nearby. Did have Kerala Parotta for dinner on Saturday, pretty good stuff. Did put a well left for the bullet rice, preferred to stick to normal rice for lunch.
On, Saturday morning, we first went to Edakkal caves, a group of caves on a hill containing prehistoric designs on their walls. Not too interesting actually, except for clicking pics. The interesting part was climbing the hill and reaching the peak. Somewhere along the way was an almost vertical rock wall with just a rope tied to three fixed points. (some nails level things) I was able to traverse the first stretch of the rope without any difficulty at all. But after that I suddenly panicked, had some trouble covering this second stretch.
I stopped climbing the hill a little after this rope stretch. On the way back, again this rope stretch became a psychological barrier to me. Finally one drunk person (calling people Chetta in Kerala works really well) helped me in coming down this stretch. The pineapple and soda at the foot of the hill were really strong.
The next trip was to Pookode lake, just a scenic lake where some pedalo boating happened. Then to Soochipara waterfall, a small-ish fall where one could bathe. I had not made arrangements for this, so just took photos, dipped my leg in the water and came back.
Sunday morning, the first stop was the Meenmutty waterfall. This is 3.9 kms off motorable road and involves a nearly one hour walk along a forest path (ala Ahobilam). Its advisable to take a guide along. We had gotten lost, but then one guide found us and guided us to the waterfall. Pretty strong waterfall. No scope for getting under the fall. Photo sessions and we came back. Buttermilk near where the forest path starts deserves mention.
It was after this that the trip started going downhill. The cell had been out of range (but Voda-the-fone was surprisingly working) so far, and so I had no clue about the score. By the time I checked the score after coming within range, India had lost. Total devastation happened inside me. Then slowly got to know of the injustices we were subjected to. Just made the situation even more worse. Felt like kicking myself for missing out on the action. All interest in the trip faded.
2 comments:
Seem to have had a good trip :) Waiting for more.
Good post..you seem to have visited some lovely places. Why don't you post photos?
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