GOING WAY BEYOND IN WAYANAD

Wayanad a scenic district in God’s own country-South Indian state of Kerala

Apart from its sloping hills, beautiful mountains, lush greenery, it also offers you an escape from city life and a chance to reconnect with nature.

I recently got the amazing chance to embark on this journey and sight-see this heavenly abode.

Driving down the national highway from Bangalore, something bright red caught my father’s eye-.An old fashioned post office!

Taking a quick detour we went to visit this lost treasure. It was a cute little office with just one room and an enthusiastic postmaster in the town of Maddur. Buy an authentic India Post envelope and mail yourself a letter, a chance you may not actually get because of India’s depleting postal system. Have fun licking the edges and then slip the letter into the bright red hanging postbox.

The aging postmaster Mr.Basaviah passionately explained the working of the post office.

Irrespective of the blistering heat and the lack of amenities he came down every day with a smile on his face to provide this essential service.

Cruising down the no honking zone of the Bandipur tiger reserve I really hoped to get a glimpse at some wild animals and I wasn’t let down.

I was anxiously waiting when my mom screamed in delight “Look, look!”

I was thrilled when a beautiful spotted deer with the most enthralling symmetrical antlers looked at me.Just look at the mesmerizing eyes of the entire herd with their beautiful light brown coat and white spots. Not a sight you get everyday!

We passed through this tiger reserve on the way back home too .I was really lucky to see a huge grey elephant with saggy grey skin and large ears taking her little one on a walk through the forest. This moment made my heart melt.

PICTURES I TOOK AT THE NATIONAL TIGER RESERVE

We finally arrive at this beautiful homestay (Kudajadri Drizzle Homestay Wayanad in Kambalakkad) (https://www.kudajadridrizzle.com/)

It has brown sloping roofs, a large verandah and a huge garden of its own.

Breakfast is Kerala specialty idiyappam,dosa or vada.

This place really gives you a chance to reconnect with nature. Head out to the plantation walk and view the banana and coffee plantation ,or grab a bat and have a round of games with your loved ones.

If you feel like just lazing around doing nothing, sink into the hammock and close your eyes.

Crickets singing, sparrows chirping and the leaves swaying are music to your ears.

Wayanad is perfect if you are as passionate about photography as I am. Wake up as soon as the sun rises and go for a round of photography. You will be amazed at what you find!

After a round of breakfast we went out to Karlad Lake for a rush of adrenaline ,zip line over the lake !

Wheeee! Feel the air cut through your hair! I was absolutely terrified for the first few seconds as I hung onto the harness for dear life.

Next my personal favorite ,

The Banasura sagar dam.

The reservoir of this dam has huge green scenic islands. The speed boat takes you on a tour of these islands. This is something you should not miss.The view of these islands will leave you spellbound.

My brother and I tried the water ski on an impulse and we had a blast of fun! The scooter zips, zaps, zooms before it skids over the water.

Do visit any arts and spices shop on the way to Lakkidi view point.It is lined with knick knacks,toys,wood decor ,sweets,spices and many more.

The Lakkidi view point is a stretch of road that lets you look down at the mountain peaks and the winding roads below you.

Wayanad has its share of nature, mountains and mysteries too.

The Chain tree is located in Lakkidi and has an interesting story behind it.

Kadrinath a local guide was killed by a British engineer after showing him lesser known routes to Wayanad as the Britisher wanted to take credit for this discovery.

Rumors say that Kadrinath’s soul haunted the place until a local priest bound it to a tee with a chain.

What’s more surprising is the people claim that the chain grows taller with the tree. Eerie huh?

The Kanthapura waterfall is a beautiful white misty waterfall that cascades before plunging down 30 feet. You can soak your feet in the small water cascades and feel the gushing water on your feet .Just feel the cold water against your ankles. Climb over the rock bridges and feel the smooth stones beneath you.

Next is an unplanned stop that we made on our way to the heritage museum. The tea estates slope down the hills and are an amazing sight. This really refreshed my eyes and is perfect for photos.

A PICTURE OF THE TEA ESTATES I TOOK WITH MY ZOOM LENS

The Heritage museum houses many ancient artifacts.

The Phantom rock is a skull shaped rock that sits on top of a hill.

Another stop we made was to the Wayanad /Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary. Safaris are available but you can also visit the museums for free. The museums house real stuffed bears and leopards. My favorite was the lineup of all the bones of a tiger and the skulls of deer with their antlers.