A Trip To Green Wayanad in Tata Zest

[mparjun5]

Mission: Bangalore to Wayanad

Machine: Tata Zest

Journey: 5 h 7 min (281.1 km) via NH275 and NH212
Fuel: Rs 3000(Diesel)(up and down)

Started at 3 AM from home BTM lay out Bangalore and headed straight on the NH275 and NH212 a breezy drive all the way to Mysore, from Mysore continue on the road to Wayanad.
The road leads us to Gundlupete and straight is Wayanad. We reached Wayanad by 8AM. We did a very slow drive with 2 tea breaks in between. There are no tolls in this way.

Regarding the Accommodation:

One of my friend is a Customer Relations manger in OYO Hotels and he insisted me to try OYO once. I was using makemytrip for all my travels till now and thought will give a try at OYO once.

The hotel rooms were fantastic with beautiful surroundings, well maintained and excellent complementary break fast.
Thank you mate for suggesting OYO and getting the best deal!

I tried booking online and it quoted me a price of 2300 for a double room. I was able to get the same room booked at a price of 1500 through my friend who works at OYO.
I would highly recommend OYO rooms and also suggest all of the Automotive India members to contact Mr Vijay (manager at OYO hotels) to book rooms for your travels any where in India. I am sure he will be able to get you the best price.

Mr Vijay can be reached at +919791773961 . Who ever calls him please mention that you are a member of Automotive India .

Car in the parking lot:





Here are the main places which we visited:

Chembara Peak:

This place is good for a short trek. They have curtailed the trail to the heart shaped lake and one cannot trek up to the actual Chembra peak due to restrictions. Access to the base point of the trek involves a stretch of road that can be done on normal vehicles but would be safer on a hired jeep, especially in monsoon. Once you reach the base point and get your tickets, a guide is assigned to you free of charge. The trek itself is probably about 2hrs for an average walker. Once you reach the lake, a few minutes walk beyond the lake brings you to a view point above the lake which is ideal for pictures. A few minutes beyond takes to a point with the view of the entire valley with the true Chembra peak as a background, again great for pictures.





Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta.
Its a tough walk to reach the caves especially the last bit of the climb is quite tricky and must be cautious, a good pair of shoes must do the job well. the view of the surroundings from the caves is spectacular, a little bit reading about the history of the caves would make it much more worth the climb.










Banasura Sagar Dam

Having the Banasura Hills as the background, this being the only dam in India built with huge stone boulders and mud stands out of all attractions. The speed boat ride is a must try at this venue. Jeeps can be opted for families preferring to not walk for long distances. Straight down the charming narrow forest is the dam. The scenery was beautiful and Wont loose from your memory for next few months.







Wayanad churam also known as Thamaraserry Chruram

The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Safari:

The safari duration is of 1hour and goes through various lakes and waterholes on either side track.If you have luck and the time is proper, you will see plenty of animals - herds of elephants near the lakes in the late evening.




















Overall enjoyed the nature to its best.

Zest was very responsive in all the roads and I enjoyed the ride and stability. Best time to visit this place is during rainy season!!


Thank You All!!


Arjun MP Singing off.
Will be back with new trip and new travelogue soon!!

 

[girishmb9992]

Super pictures shared, thank you Arjun. Actually I have planned to go 3 holidays in August 13th, 14th and 15th of 2016. Please suggest me some other places for 3 days to visit Wayanad. I have to go by Maruti ZEN (2004 model) with my wife and my 6 years old son.

Kindly suggest me places to visit along with time pickup and kilometers.

Thank you once again Mr. Arjun.

 

[generalmax]

I didn't see anywhere mentioning ,the pookkode lake and Thirunelli forest area. These two can be added,in case if you look for a second day. Another 80 kilometres and you will reach Kannur .(In case, if you want a beach experience) .Though it will take a 3rd day to come back.

 

[mparjun5]

Pookkode lake and Thirunelli forest were there in my list but had to drop them due to the time factor...

Yes, I am planning for a trip to wayanad later in the year to cover the left out places and will surely drive to Kannur for the beach experience!.

 

[mparjun5]

Girish, 3 days plan sounds perfect for Wayanad.

As you are going with wife and son the best places I would suggest you is:

1. Pookode Lake (Boating experience is nice and you have fish farm just opposite the lake. Children will love it for sure.) (self peddled boats rs 100)
2. Bansura Dam. (Be sure to take your family for a speed boat ride in the dam) will cost you 850 per boat.
3. Edakkal caves (Good trekking experience ) Tickets rs 30 per head
4. Chembara Peak (The best view of nature is available from this spot Dont miss this spot.) You have to go in Jeep after parking the car in the foot of the hills. Cost per jeep is 800.
5. Kuruvadweep( At the time I visited it was closed due to wildlife entry) The place is excellent for its nature view.

Best way to plan will be:
Day 1: Edakkal caves and Pookode Lake.
Day 2: Chembara Peak and Bansure Dam.
Day 3: Kuruvadweep.

The roads are good and I am sure that Zen will cover the distance with ease.

For stay I would suggest you to choose a hotel in Meenangadi. It is in the middle of all the tourist places. You can contact Vijay at 09791773961(Watsapp available) or 09047007335 for booking the rooms. He will help you get the best rooms at best price.

 

[girishmb9992]

Thank you for your suggestions Arjun. Sorry for having disturbing you again. Is it possible to cover Kannur in 3 days?

 

[mparjun5]

Hi Girish,

It is hard to visit Kannur after visiting these places as there wont be any time left. You have to drive a good 80 km again to Kannur..

 

[Chikkurakesh]

Nice travelogue. Nice pics. Hope you met the wild elephants.. Waynad bridge was super. So where's next trip????????????????