Wayanad: A Peaceful Paradise in the Hills
Wayanad, a beautiful district in Kerala, is a dream come true for people who love nature. Think misty mountains, bright green forests, waterfalls that sparkle in the sun, and fields full of spices – Wayanad is a calm place to get away from the busy city. Whether you want adventure, peace and quiet, or to learn about a new culture, Wayanad has something for you.
Natural Beauty
Wayanad has amazing scenery that will take your breath away. Here are some of the must-see natural places in Wayanad:
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Chembra Peak: The tallest mountain in Wayanad, Chembra Peak gives you amazing views of the hills and valleys around it. The hike to the top is tough but worth it, and there’s a heart-shaped lake on the way that’s really special.
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Kuruva Island: A group of islands in the Kabini River, Kuruva Island is super peaceful. You can take a ride on a bamboo raft through the thick mangrove forests, see unusual birds, and just relax in nature.
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Soochipara Falls: Also called Sentinel Rock Falls, Soochipara Falls is a waterfall with three parts that falls from 200 meters high. The falls are surrounded by green forests, and the pool at the bottom is great for a quick swim.
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Edakkal Caves: These old caves have carvings and paintings on the rocks from way back in time. They show us how people lived long ago. The walk to the caves is a bit steep, but the views from the top are amazing.
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Banasura Sagar Dam: The biggest dam made of earth in India, Banasura Sagar Dam is a beautiful place with blue water and hills all around. You can go boating, have a picnic, or just enjoy how pretty it is.
Weather
Wayanad has nice weather all year round. Summers are warm but not too hot, and winters are cool and comfy. When it rains a lot during monsoon season, everything turns bright green. The best time to visit is from September to May when the weather is perfect for sightseeing and doing things outside.
Animals
Wayanad has lots of different plants and animals. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is great for people who love animals. You might see elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and many kinds of birds. You can also go hiking, bird watching, and take walks in nature there.
Culture
Wayanad has a mix of cultures, with many people from local tribes living there. These tribes have their own special customs, traditions, and way of life. You can visit their villages to see their culture up close, learn about their crafts, and try their traditional food.
Food
Wayanad’s food is a mix of Kerala’s traditional tastes and tribal food. Some of the dishes you have to try are:
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Bamboo Rice: Rice cooked inside bamboo stalks, so it tastes a bit like bamboo.
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Kappa and Fish Curry: A popular Kerala dish, Kappa (tapioca) is eaten with a spicy fish curry.
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Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed rice cake eaten with a chickpea curry.
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Malabar Parotta and Beef Fry: Parotta is a layered flatbread eaten with spicy beef.
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Payasam: A sweet dessert made with milk, rice, and jaggery.
Staying in Wayanad
Wayanad has all kinds of places to stay, from fancy resorts to cozy homestays, eco-friendly lodges, and budget hotels. Many of these places are surrounded by beautiful scenery, with great views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Some popular places to stay in Wayanad:
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Vythiri: A hill station with tea plantations, Vythiri is a cool and refreshing place to be. You can stay in a treehouse, go for walks in nature, or just relax.
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Kalpetta: The main town in the district, Kalpetta has lots of shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s a good place to start your exploration of the area.
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Sulthan Bathery: A historic town with old Jain temples and a busy market.
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Mananthavady: A town by the Kabini River, great for boating and seeing wildlife.
