After breakfast in Madikeri we started for Wayanad. We took the Virajpet _ Thirunelly route. Kutta is the last town on the Karnataka side and Tholpatty on Kerala side. This route passes through many coffee estates, Nagerhole forest and Tholpetty forest. We first went to Kuruva Island but it seems one has to get the entry token quite early in the morning since the number of visitors are restricted to 50 or 100. So we could not get entry tickets and we proceeded to our place of stay on Sulthan Bathery.
We reached our Hotel Green Palace residency which was in the heart of Bathery town. It was lunch time. The Hotel has an underground parking. There was no restaurant. The rooms were clean and adequate in size.
Since we were hungry we freshened up quickly and went for lunch. There was a small restaurant in the same Hotel complex. It was small but, neat and cheap. Food quality was good for the price. The restaurant's name is Red Chilli.
Since we were hungry we freshened up quickly and went for lunch. There was a small restaurant in the same Hotel complex. It was small but, neat and cheap. Food quality was good for the price. The restaurant's name is Red Chilli.
After an hours rest we started for Edakkal caves. An important place in Wayanad. Important not because it is fancy but historically. It is the second oldest rock carving in the world, the oldest being in France. It is a long walk in the paved walkway and a steep climb. It is usually crowded in the weekends and holidays.
Next day after breakfast in a small restaurant near by our hotel we proceeded towards Meenmutty falls.
We travelled through Kalpetta into the narrow mist filled roads and finally reached Meenmutty falls. We were quite early. After parking our car and getting the entry ticket we trekked along a narrow path to the lower level of the falls which is like a pond of collected water. One can peacefully bathe in this level if there is no crowd. Then we trekked to the upper level which is little bit tricky. Climbing on the rocks with the help of support ropes. But there are forest guards to help you out. The falls is at the upper level and one is not allowed to take bath here. The way down is much more easier through a forest trek.
By the time we climbed down we were hungry. So we had bread omelets in one of the small restaurants near to the parking lot. Then we were off to the Banasura Sagar Dam. The Banasura Sagar dam is beautiful, scenic spot and is one of the largest earthern dams. It is long walk to the dam top but alternatively you can buy tickets for the Jeep ride. Once on the top you can have the beautiful view of the huge dam. There is a play area, two small shops selling snacks and a boat ride. We walked across the garden, spent sometime on the swings in the garden.
It was lunch time and we have spent nearly two hours in the dam. Next to the dam was Dam view Restaurant where we had the Kerala fish curry rice. The food was average. Then we proceeded towards Pookode lake.The road passed through some tea plantations.
Pookode lake is medium sized lake but beautiful surrounded by trees on three sides. Usually this place is crowded. It has rowing and pedal boats, there is long paved walkway around the lake and some souvenir shops.
Pookode lake is medium sized lake but beautiful surrounded by trees on three sides. Usually this place is crowded. It has rowing and pedal boats, there is long paved walkway around the lake and some souvenir shops.
It was getting dark and we left Pookode lake and wre back in our hotel in Sulthan Bathery through Kalpetta. After dinner and good nights rest the next day morning we first planned to go to Soochipara falls.
The Google map showed a shortcut road to Soochipara falls around the Karappuzha Dam. Then through an estate road and then on to the main road which also traversed through the estates. Finally we reached the Falls car parking and then walked to the ticket counter. From there it is a medium distance trek to the falls. The way itself is beautiful and the falls was also beautiful. The pond under the falls is good enough for bathing, if you are filled with enthusiasm then you can take bath directly in the falls. But one has to be very careful since the rock edges are sharp and very slippery. But it is worth the effort.
The Google map showed a shortcut road to Soochipara falls around the Karappuzha Dam. Then through an estate road and then on to the main road which also traversed through the estates. Finally we reached the Falls car parking and then walked to the ticket counter. From there it is a medium distance trek to the falls. The way itself is beautiful and the falls was also beautiful. The pond under the falls is good enough for bathing, if you are filled with enthusiasm then you can take bath directly in the falls. But one has to be very careful since the rock edges are sharp and very slippery. But it is worth the effort.
Good place to have lunch in Meppadi is MRR restaurant. Clean, good food and car parking.
Our next stop was Karapuzha dam. In my earlier visit there was no garden or building. Now there is an amphitheater styled building and a beautiful garden. Though the garden is still under development has lot of flowers. The dam is beautiful but not well kept now.
It was already evening but still we wanted to make it to the flower show happening in the 'FRI' @ Ambalavayil "Poopoli". Again Google map indicated short cuts through small roads and we made it. Definitely it was fantastic and short of time we could spend only three hours there and if we had more time then it is worth at least half a days visit. There were innumerable flowers, vegetables, cactus and some general shops. We could not stay for the entertainment shows on the stage. It was night and we returned to the hotel dead tired.
Next day after break fast we through Gundulpet, Chamraj nagar, Thimbam hills, Bannari, Salem we reached back Chennai ending our week long trip.
Next day after break fast we through Gundulpet, Chamraj nagar, Thimbam hills, Bannari, Salem we reached back Chennai ending our week long trip.