Wayanad – A Serene Holiday Destination

By Author: soni sajjan
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Located in the hilly north-eastern Kerala, Wayanad is a little gem nestled in the majestic Western Ghats. Etymologically, Wayanad is the combination of two words, Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), thereby meaning 'Land of Paddy Fields'. About 76 kilometers from the coast in Kozhikode, the mesmerizing beauty and serenity of this green paradise offers an intimate escape from the humdrum of our normal lives.

The lofty terrain of Wayanad, ranging from 700 to 2100 meters, is interspersed with dense forests, deep valleys, serene lakes, lovely waterfalls, lush green paddy fields, coffee plantations and tea estates. The large population of several aboriginal tribes in the area provides a unique cultural experience. The pictorial writings and pictures on the wall in the famous Edakkal Cave give evidence of its powerful history dating back to the New Stone Age.

There are many places of interests which feature in the tourism itinerary like the Chembra peak, the Kuruva Island on the tributaries of river Kabini, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Lakkidi, Pakshipathalam, ...
... Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Sultan Bathery Jain Temple, Pookot Lake, the waterfalls at Sentinel Rock, Kanthanpara and Soochippara, and the Banasura Sagar Dam - the largest earth dam in India.

In terms of accommodation, some of the best-known Wayanad resorts and Waynad hotels are given below:

The Coffee County Resort

Set amidst an eighty acre coffee plantation, The Coffee County Resort offers a luxurious experience in harmony with nature. The resort is about 30 minutes drive from Kalpetta town near the village of Nallnnur – Meppadi, 16 kilometers away. Owing to its beautiful location, adjacent to the scenic Chembra Peak and very close to Pookode Lake, the guests are treated with the bounties of natural surroundings in this eco-friendly resort.

Tree house model cottages, made with Rosewood and Bamboo, are luxuriously designed and include an open private plunge pool. The Executive Rooms are well furnished with modern amenities. All the rooms have exquisite views of the splendour of Wayanad.

Some of the other facilities and activities the guests have access to, are the following:
● Taxi service for the tourists
● Pick up and drop facility
● Ayurvedic treatments, including massage (only on request)
● TV with cable connection
● Doctor on call
● Guided tour for visitors to other destinations
● Facility for jungle walks
● Visits to Tea Factory
● Facilities for campfire
● Various cuisines - mainly South Indian and Kerala cuisines

Banasura Island Retreat

Perched on a hillock 4 kilometers away from the Banasurasagar dam on the banks of the reservoir, the Banasura Island Retreat with its verdant expanse of 15 acres is an enchanting escape, which rejuvenates even the most weary of travellers. The resort is easily accessible through NH 212 from Kozhikode (90 kilometers) and Mysore (150 kilometers).

All the cottages and rooms have a breath taking view of mountains and the serene waters of the reservoir. The Nalukettu House with its clay tiled wooden roof is modelled on the traditional Kerala dwelling and designed as per the tenets of Vastu Shastra. The two-bedroom wooden Double Cottages have wooden walls, sealing and flooring for natural temperature control. The wooden single cottage comes with a sit out and a panoramic surround view.

A host of facilities are at the disposal of the guests:
● Sight-seeing trips to places in and around Wayanad at an extra cost
● Facilities for soft trekking and Nature walk
● Jeep Safari and bird watching
● Games - both indoor and outdoor
● Ayurveda treatments (only on request)
● Multicuisine restaurant