Wayanad--the very name rings a bell in the ears, and the peals are musical, to say the least. Sitting at the tip of the Western Ghats, this north Kerala district does justice to every beauteous image its name conjures up. Evergreen forests, verdant valleys, paddy fields and spice plantations, Wayanad has all it takes to make for an idyllic holiday. And a homestay is the best way to begin your affair with the place.
Though Kalpetta is the district headquarters, as one enters Wayanad from Kozhikode, the first place you chance upon is Vythiri, which truly personifies the character of Wayanad. A place that stays misty through most of the year, greenery, rolling hills and lakes are the leitmotif here. Sample some of the best Kerala food, go for long walks and indulge shamelessly in lotus eating--that's the routine for your stay in Vythiri, also known for some unique treehouses.
After two glorious days of idyllic bliss, it's time to get a look around. So next, visit the picturesque Pookot Lake and gaze at the Chembra peak, the tallest in the region. Trek a bit if you have the time and the inclination, else head to the gorgeous waterfalls at Kanthampara and Sentinel Rock. On the following day, head to Sultan Bathery. History has it that Tipu Sultan, always on the lookout for strategic locations in his combat with the British, chanced upon this little village and hid his arms and ammunition in an old Jain temple. That's the reason why the British named this place Sultan's Battery, now pronounced Sultan Bathery.
The area around is equally scenic with its prehistoric caves and forests. In keeping with the Tipu Sultan connection, it's only fair that you begin your sightseeing here with a visit to the famous Jain temple. Next, move on to the prehistoric Edakkal Caves. Locals believe the twin caves were formed by the arrows of Luv and Kush, Lord Rama's sons. This may nor not be true, but there are many wondrous things that will draw you to the caves. The rock etchings on the walls, for example, which were discovered in 1890. The Wayanad Heritage Museum should be next on the itinerary, followed by the enchanting Phantom Rock.
A mix of teak, silver and eucalyptus plantations and wild deciduous forest with shrubs and creepers--the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature enthusiast's haven. Your chances of coming upon a crouching tiger here may be quite slim, but elephants and deer, the most common sightings, will not allow you to leave without a smile and many frames to take back home.
For some more variety, head to Mananthavadi in the north of the district. In continuing with the Wayanad theme, Mananthavadi is as beautiful as a place by a river can get. Pakshipathalam, a sylvan area with caves and jungles, is the obvious choice for your next stop.
Two meandering tributaries of River Kabini have given Wayanad a picturesque island, Kuruvadweep. Fill your lungs with some refreshing air here before you set out for Paingatteri agraharam--a settlement of Tamil Brahmins showcasing classic architecture. And as you drive out of Wayanad, make a wish for another holiday here. As they say, some things only get better with time.