Some journeys don't just change the places you see they change the way you see yourself. It was a journey of discovery, not just of a land, but of the self. Wayanad in north Kerala in Western Ghats is a land of green valleys, waterfalls, ancient caves, and misty hills.

Roughly 280 km from Bangalore, it's now one of the most popular getaways for nature lovers, adventurers, and culture seekers all in one package.

Legend says that Wayanad gets its name from 'Vayal Nadu,' meaning the land of paddy fields. The region has a rich history, with ancient tribal settlements, old temples, and mysterious caves that date back thousands of years. Surrounded by dense forests, rivers, and mountains, Wayanad is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and exotic birds.

Best Time to Visit (NFL)

- Winter (October-February): Cool and invigorating, best for trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife safari.
- Monsoon (June-September): Lush and green, though some trekking routes can be slippery.
- Summer (March-May): Pleasant weather, best for a visit to caves, waterfalls, and lakes.
Let's get to exploring the hidden spots in Wayanad now:

1. Lakkidi View Point

Lakkidi View Point Wayanad is commonly referred to as the 'Gateway of Wayanad' or the 'Cherrapunji of Kerala' because of heavy rainfall. Located at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, this view point provides panoramic views of misty valleys and twisty ghat roads.

-Distance from Sultan Bathery: 45 km
-Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise; winter months are most scenic
-Activities: Photography, birdwatching, nature walks

The sight from Lakkidi is heavenly fog sweeps over the hills in soft waves, and the hairpin bends below glimmer like silver ribbons. The biting mountain breeze, the soft silence, and the fragrance of rain-kissed soil make it a soulful experience.

2. Kolagappara Village

Kolagappara Village lies unnoticed around Sultan Bathery and is famous for its enormous rock rising like a sentinel above the village. The hike to Kolagappara Rock is moderately demanding and covers 3-4 km, passing through paddy fields, streams, and tiny rural settlements.

- Distance from Sultan Bathery: 15 km
- Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for cool climate and unobstructed views

Ascending Kolagappara Rock treats you to panoramic views of Sultan Bathery and rolling hills. The hike is immersive: you notice farmers tilling fields, children playing without shoes, and the distant ringing of temple bells. The wind at the summit is playful, pulling at your hair as if rejoicing at the feat.

For visitors looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations in Wayanad, Kolagappara provides more than a trek; it's an insight into Kerala's rural pulse.

3. Thollayiram Kandi

Thollayiram Kandi is an isolated valley ideal for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The trek starts on narrow paths covered with bamboo forests. The trail is bumpy, occasionally muddy, and requires balance and concentration.

- Distance from Sultan Bathery: 25 km
- Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best Time to Visit: Winter mornings for clear skies

The name 'Thollayiram' means '900,' a reference to the dense forests that once covered this land. After trekking 4-5 km, the forest opens into a valley of hills folding like waves of green, topped with drifting clouds. A unique glass bridge offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy, making it feel as if you're walking on air.

Thollayiram Kandi is not only a trekking destination; it is a humbling and inspiring location that reminds tourists of the untamed nature around them.

4. Bandipur Forest Road

Bandipur Forest Road is the road that connects Wayanad to Karnataka's forest sanctuaries and is a dream like experience in the night. The road is covered with dense trees that form a canopy of shadows. One can see wildlife like deer, birds, and elephants from afar.

- 30 km from Wayanad Entry Point
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or night for wildlife spotting
- Activities: Night drives, wildlife watching, forest photography

The road is not merely a passage; it's a meeting with uncharted wilderness, a surreal sense of entering another world.

5. Other Attractions

- Edakkal Caves: Prehistoric petroglyphs-bearing ancient caves, 25 km from Sultan Bathery. Suitable for history buffs.
- Soochipara Waterfalls: Three-tiered waterfalls that are nestled amidst cliffs and forest, ideal for trekking and photography.
- Pookode Lake: Scenic freshwater lake ideal for boating and family picnics.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: Asia's largest earthen dam, with peaceful walks, cycling tracks, and boat cruises.

The charm of my Wayanad visit wasn't all in the large destinations but also the in-betweens. Street-side tea shops where hot chai was like heaven in the cold wind. Locals who talked about elephant crossings in the woods. The slow pace of buses crawling from one realm to another. Wayanad is not what you see but what you feel between the views.

Final Words

My Wayanad trip started out as an escape but turned into a tale of belonging. From the sunrise at Lakkidi View Point Wayanad, with its mist that veiled everything, to the trek at Kolagappara village Wayanad, to the raw trek at Thollayiram Kandi trekking trails, every location shared secrets. Wayanad revealed to me that nature heals, journeys change you, and strangers can become the best part of the story. If you are looking for the most popular destinations in Wayanad, do not seek places seek experiences. Get lost in the valleys, hike the rocks, trek the trails. You may find, as I did, that Wayanad is not a place it is an experience waiting to happen.