During my one day official visit to this green hill station in the month of October, i was fallen in love and decided to drive back for a holiday. Though it was little hot and humid, rain during my three days trip helped me to enjoy it fully.
Wayand - formed on 1st November 1980 as 12th District of Kerala, There is no place called Wayand but towns like Kalpetta, Manandavadi and Sultan Bathery forms the district of Wayand. This would be 250 - 300 KM from Cochin Airport, 100 KM from Calicut Airport, 260 KM from B'lore City.
We started from my home at Chalakudy (around 25 KM far from Airport towards Wayand). We drove through Calicut (Land of Biriyani's and Malabar cuisine) and had covered 150 KM already.
Enjoyed the drive through 9 Hair pin bends and reached Lakhidi (The Gate of Wayanad District). This is around 57 KM far from Calicut and surely will take long time time to reach in here.
Drive further 15 KM, you will reach in Pookottu Lake, one place you must visit if you like boating / Ride on Elephant and it has a small Kids play area on the lake side.
We drove further 50 KM to reach Kattikulam, and covered small town called Vythiri, ( first one after reaching Wayand) main Towns were Kalpetta and Manathavadi. Stayed in for overnight to relax after a 300 KM drive. If you drive another 110 on this route can reach Mysore.
Our main point was to cover Thirunelli Temple (Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva on Cave) which is 21 KM from Kattikulam. Sink in Papanasini (Small river running through the temple, water is absolutely chilled and fresh as it is running through the rocks) and stood in that running water to do rituals for ancestral. This ancestral ritual is enough for all deaths which is happened in your family and if you haven't done anything like this.
Next our point was to cover Kuruva Island, 7 KM from Kattikulam (which is 900 Acres of island Kabini River on all four sides). Kabini is the one of Three River runs in Kerala towards east. Very Eco friendly place, must visit if you are with friends or family with few children can enjoy the river.
On the way back to next relaxing place we dropped in Pazhassi Tomb, it is the point of cremation of Pazhassi Raja ( was one among the pioneers in revolt against East India Company and carried out Guerrilla Type warfare attacks against British and carried out a long tenure of revolution against British) and a museum was constructed as memorial for him. it has a sword that is believed to be from his era. 22 KM from Kuruva Island and 01 KM from Manandavady Town.
We decided to stay in Wayanad near Ambalavayal (very close to Sulthan Bathery) one night more to see some places before returning back.
Next day moved to Phantom Rock. This is near Ambalavayal Diversion from NH 212, (4 KM before Sulthan Bathery). Must see as the picture will explain the rest.
Amazing 3 days trip over 750 KM drive and reached back safely, without saying goodbye to Wayanad. There is always a reason to go back, as we couldn't cover Jain Temple and Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Dam, Wildlife sanctuary as these were closed on Mondays and due to climatic conditions.
I thank my A Star Car, family in supporting me to drive and guide me and Mr. Dileep to arrange accommodation in the last minute.
Suggestions:
Plan your visit in advance, try and avoid Monday as most of the sight seeing places are closed.
Shopping: Tea / Coffee / Spices / Honey
Hotel Accommodation - Holiday Hill in Kattikulam
Contact - 04935251100 /200 /300
Hill Tree Inn, Ambalavayal
Contact - 04936260164
Until Next Blog.....
Raghu
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