A nature enthusiast's utopia, Wayanad is a district in northern Kerala. It is a breathtaking lush green ecstasy boasting a luxuriant and gorgeous hilly place in the Western Ghats situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. It has thick forests, unfathomable valleys, lofty ridges, rocky cliffs, sparkling lakes, scenic waterfalls, and cloud-covered hills and offers numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, and trekking. The Kabini River and its three main tributaries also flow through Wayanad, and along with rich flora, there are various species of fauna to be found in the region, especially in the Begur and Muthanga wildlife sanctuaries.

With so much to see, sooner or later on your holiday here, you'll surely fall in love with the place. Starting from the verdant Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, to the massive Banasura Dam, the towering Chembra Peak, the mysterious Chain Tree, the prehistoric Edakkal Caves, the mystical Jain Temple at Panamaram, the 30 metre-high Kanthapara Waterfalls, the hill-station of Lakkidi, the breathtaking Meenmutty Waterfalls, the vast Muthanga and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries, the mountain-brimmed Pookote Lake, the famous Soochipara Waterfalls and Chethalayam Waterfalls, the historic Sultan Battery Jain Temple that is also known as Tippu's Fort, the revered Thirunelly Temple, and the scenic Sunrise Valley. Don’t miss any of it. The city with its multi-hued sites, is breathtaking indeed!

Fast Facts
Main Languages: Malayalam and English. Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu are also widely spoken and understood.
When to Go: The climate of the Wayanad district is delightful all year round, salubrious and cool, reaching a maximum of 35 °C in the summer, and a minimum of 10 °C in the winter.
Local Transport: The Wayanad District offers efficient connectivity between and within its townships, with well-scheduled private and public bus services. Visitors can also use auto-rickshaws (primarily within townships) as well as taxis, and hired cars. Walking within the townships is also a good idea.
Location: Western Ghats of northern Kerala
Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore, 290 km away
Altitude: 1400 metres above sea level (ranging from 700 to 2100 metres)
Must Experience:
Wayanad is a hiker's heaven, truly diverse and threaded with trails and paths winding through the mist clad hills that glow with fresh and evergreen flora. There are innumerable treks around Wayanad's hills, with spots where you can simply sit by the riverside or streamside, and hear the water gurgling by, sparkling in the clean sunlit air, make sure you experience it. Camping is also a great idea on your visit here.

Eating
Wayanad, apart from the usual multi-cuisine fare, serves some delightful and authentic Keralite food, and the visitor cannot go wrong with a traditional Sadya (Sadhya) lunch or dinner, a meal served on a plantain leaf, eaten by hand, consisting of rice along with various side dishes (usually including sambar, rasam and buttermilk), usually vegetarian, though some regions have non-vegetarian dishes along with the meal. Pickles and poppadums also accompany the meal. The meal is traditionally ended with payasam, a Keralite sweet dish.
The ever delightful "appam and stew" is combination is available nearly everywhere, usually eaten for dinner. There is also a large variety of traditional Keralite non-vegetarian dishes available, as well as fresh seafood and freshwater food. A variety of Continental and Chinese food is also to be easily found at most hotels in Wayanad.

Earlier known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a major city in the South Indian state of Kerala. The coastal city of Kozhikode has served as an important centre in the past for trade of spices like pepper and cardamom with Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese. Kozhikode is the spot where Vasco Da Gama landed along with his associate way back in 1498. The old ship building industry of Kozhikode had also provided the region global recognition. Once called as the City of Spices, Kozhikode is now a commercial centre of God&'s Own Country - Kerala and abounds with natural wonders.

The picturesque region of Kozhikode flanked by the cool blue Arabian Sea on the west and lush green Sahyadri mountain range on the east makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala including South India. Nature has bestowed Kozhikode region with many treasures like a long coastline, clean sandy beaches, tranquil backwaters, gushing rivers, beautiful waterfalls and a soothing climate that amaze all types of visitors. The unmatched beauty of Kozhikode region is complimented by the availability of historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, magnificent temples and religious shrines, and other man-made attractions.

Draped over a hill, surrounded by tea plantations and backed by a splendid stretch of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a choice retreat in summer. Honeymooners frequent this hill station during all seasons for a taste of its cool and salubrious weather. The three rivers Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru give Munnar its name, which means 'three rivers'. The Duke of Wellington's visit to Munnar in the 19th century put it on the map. Soon it acquired the status as a popular hill resort in south India and was nicknamed as Kerala's Scottish Highlands.

After enjoying the views from Echo Point or Top Station, take a short walk through tea plantations or go for a ride in a disco rickshaw. Lined with stalls selling tea, fruits and vegetables, the streets are crowded with people, cows and goats. Though most of the people are Tamilians, both Tamil and Malayalam are spoken.

The tribal colonies, where ancient customs are still practiced, are worth a visit. Attukal Pongala in February is their biggest event. Fort Munnar, a resort, hosts performances by tribals donning feathery headgear. Payippad Jalotsavam is when the excitement runs sky-high. It is the annual boat race held on Onam.

Picnicking at Anayirangal, looking out for the blue beauty, Neelakurinji (a flower that blooms every 12 years), watching pink dragonflies dancing around flowers, and practicing yoga at Chinnakanal Ayur Resort or Kaivalyam Retreat, fishing at Devikulam or High Range Club, or camping out at Hornbill or Anayirangal, there's lots to do in Munnar. And more, like trekking, cycling, kayaking, rafting, paragliding or a helicopter ride.

Wildlife enthusiasts can immerse themselves in lush greenery, sandalwood trees, sounds of animals, hidden streams, calls of birds and the myriad colours of flora. Oblivious to the world outside, the Eravikulam National Park, Thattekad (Salim Ali) Bird Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and shola forests (Butterfly forests) are dense with animals like Mountain Goats, Bisons and Tigers.

With stunning greenery, rolling mists all around, and a nip in the air, it is easy to lose track of time.

It is said that Kerala's best kept secrets lie in the heart of Thekkady. A lush green oasis that sprawls across the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, this is where man and beast live as one. Snarling Tigers, screeching Crickets and naughty Langurs, the mysterious calm of the jungle is enough to tempt anyone who yearns to explore the wild. Thekkady is a naturalist's dream. With tea and spice plantations, it has lent much to Kerala's commerce as much as it has to its beauty. The incredible wildlife preserved in Periyar Tiger Wildlife Sanctuary today attracts naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Declared a tiger reserve in 1978, the Periyar Wildlife Reserve is one of the few reserves where one can catch sight of the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger that is fast dwindling in population. Shed your inhibitions and take a day off to enjoy a bamboo raft ride across the Periyar river, explore the forest at night, never knowing what is to come, and succumb to the temptation of traditional Kerala Fish Curry and Rice in every restaurant you visit.

Ride through the jungle on elephant back or make your way through the village on a bullock cart. Wild and raw, the countryside embraces you with warmth that is almost forgotten. On a longer day, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, a short distance from Thekkady town, or to its bustling cousin Kumily, known for its spice plantations. Peermade is another plantation town that lures people on that extended weekend in Thekkady. Cascading waterfalls, misty hilltops and plunging valleys of emerald green, let loose your wild side.

Visit the Tribal Heritage museum inside the Mannan settlement and explore artefacts from a lost generation. Finally, give in to the mellow breeze and soothe your mind as you enjoy an Ayurvedic massage, and let time stop at its tracks. Virgin and raw, Thekkady is for those who yearn to leave the world behind and retrace a journey back in time.

Kumarakom is not for the restless. It is for those who have time to spare for love, pleasure and languor. It is less about seeing and more about experiencing a way of life. The delicate yet perfect order in nature leaves you relaxed and in a state of bliss. Adding a zing to this idyllic locale are local delicacies, culture and architecture, houseboats and holistic Ayurvedic treatments.

Kumarakom that rose out of one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, Vembanad Lake, has come a long way from its humble beginning with a little help from the British missionary, Alfred George Baker, who cleared the area for rice cultivation, paddy fields and palms which soften the beauty of the landscape. A leisure holiday gem is what it is today. Let's find more about Kumarakom.