The Timeless Serenity of Wayanad
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein
Wayanad is a beautiful, mountainous district in Kerala, India. It’s known for its lush greenery, misty landscapes, and serene atmosphere. Imagine rolling hills covered in tea plantations, sparkling waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, and ancient forests teeming with wildlife.
Located 76 km from Kozhikode, it sits on a plateau between 700 and 2,100 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats. This destination often appears on everyone’s bucket list. Wayanad is a perfect escape for nature lovers, offering opportunities for trekking, wildlife safaris, and simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of the surroundings.
Why is Wayanad facing frequent landslides, threatening tourism and the community?
In recent years, landslides have become a significant problem for the area, particularly during the monsoon season. On July 30th, a series of landslides occurred in Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages, causing extensive damage.
- Mundakkai was surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests.
- Chooralmala was ideal for trekking enthusiasts.
- Vellarimala is home to hidden waterfalls that attract nature lovers.
However, these locations, being in hilly terrain, are more vulnerable to natural disasters. The local communities, who rely on the cultivation of coffee, tea, and spices, faced significant challenges.
Key Reasons for Landslides
- Heavy Rainfall: Wayanad experiences intense monsoons, and heavy rainfall significantly impacts soil stability, leading to slope failures.
- Deforestation: Over time, deforestation for agriculture, settlements, and construction has destabilized the soil. The removal of deep-rooted vegetation increases the risk of landslides.
- Unregulated Construction and Quarrying: Activities such as unregulated construction and quarrying disturb the natural stability of hillsides, making them more susceptible to landslides.
To protect and preserve Wayanad’s scenic beauty and wildlife.It is essential to regulate deforestation, construction, and quarrying activities.
Wayanad Bounces Back: A Look at the Revived Tourist Spots.
Despite facing one of the most devastating landslides in recent history, Wayanad remains a prominent destination on many travelers’ lists, and its charm persists. Tourism is gradually recovering, with efforts underway to restore normalcy. The region is blessed with natural beauty, and the state government is working tirelessly to revive its status as a prime tourist destination.
Popular attractions such as Mananthavady Pazhassi Park, Edakkal Caves, and Pancharakolli Priyadarshini have recently reopened, along with other sites like Pookode Lake, Karalad Lake, Pazhassi Memorial, Bathery Town Square, and Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.
Seasonal Highlights and Best Times for Travel:
The ideal time to visit Wayanad is from October to May. During this period, temperatures range from 20-30°C, with pleasant cool breezes due to the lush evergreen forests.
Summer, from March to May, is somewhat warmer but still enjoyable for exploring the region.
The monsoon season, from June to October, may not be the best time to visit, as outdoor activities like the Wildlife Sanctuary Safari tour can be limited.
Winter, from October to February, is the peak tourist season with temperatures between 10-25°C, providing comfortably cool weather perfect for a range of tourist activities and adventures.
Where Comfort Meets Nature: Hotel Stays in Wayanad
Now when you know the best time to visit wayanad.Lets discover the best hotels in Wayanad, each offering exceptional amenities and experiences to make your stay memorable:
- Wayanad Wild – Rainforest Lodge
- Pabis Luxurious Stay
- Nexstay Lakkidi Village Resort
- Vythiri Village
- Morickap Resort
- Vythiri Mist Resort
- Talen Resort
- The Hosteller Wayanad
Mode of Transport to This Scenic Destination:
Reaching Wayanad is now more convenient than ever, thanks to well-maintained roads, the Kozhikode rail connectivity, and the Calicut airport, which is just 65 km away.
Airport: You can find both direct and connecting flights to Calicut from various locations across the country and within Kerala. From Calicut Airport, you can hire a local taxi or book a car to reach Wayanad.
Road Transport: private vehicles or KSRTC buses travel to Wayanad from various parts of Kerala. The most common routes include connections from Bangalore, Kochi, Mysore, Chennai, and Trivandrum to Kozhikode. If you’re coming from these cities, you will need to take a connecting bus from Kozhikode to Wayanad.
Railway Station: There is no direct railway service to Wayanad. The closest railway station is in Kozhikode, which is 110 km away from Wayanad. Either, you can book an uber, taxi or take buses from railway station to Wayanad.
Your Adventure Awaits! Pack Your Bags and Discover Wayanad Now!
