Mahindra Homestays » Wayanad

Places in Wayanad

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:00:39 +0000

Located on the North-east of edge of Kerala, the thick forest topography and numerous coffee and spice plantations transports visitors to a different ambience of Kerala from it’s famous backwaters.

Wayanad is known for its rich bio-diversity with two prominent national parks and a vast stretch of coffee plantations.

The main towns and regions in Wayanad are Kalpetta in the south, Sulthan Bathery in the east and Mananthavadi in the northwest. All the main sights and attractions are accessible wherever you decide to stay and all three of these towns have good facilities such as ATMs and are connected by buses.

Here are some popular places in Wayanad to explore during your trip:

1. Wildlife Sanctuaries

There are two popular wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad; Muthanga and Tholpetty. Both managed by the forest department, vehicles are allowed to enter the park for animal spotting according to specific timings. Elephants, langurs, wild hogs, deer and bisons are easily spotted. The parks are also known for their tiger population. Muthanga (also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary) is larger of the two and was founded in 1973. Tholpetty is closed during the monsoon season although Muthanga remains open year round.

2. Lakkidi

Another interesting place to explore is the ridge of the highest pass in the region, all of 700 meters above the sea level. This lies above Thamaraserry and has a wonderful view of the ghats section that follows towards the boundary of the district.

3. Banasura

This area derives its name from the namesake, Banasura Dam. Located only 21km away from the Kalpetta town, the dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia. The reservoir is dotted with small islands, home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The fringes of Banasura reservoir are lined with small settlements with wonderful views. The reservoir is equally wonderful to see whether it’s full after the rains or in the thick of summer with low water levels. You can often see herds of elephants on the banks.

4. Uravu and neighbouring villages

The Thrikkaipetta village has been working closely with the Wayanad based NGO, Uravu, towards using the local bamboo resource to enrich the environment and the lives of the locals. Products made out of dead bamboo are made by local communities, which in turn gives them sustainable business as well as uses the natural resource of the tree. This is a great place to visit to see how bamboo is brought to use in the form of woven mats, bangles, lamp shades and paintings.

Wonderful Wayanad

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:53:26 +0000

Guest post: Kate Waite from Eastbourne in the UK visited South India in November 2011. She shares her experiences of Wayanad.

Waking up in Wayanad at the beautiful Glenora Homestay, light streams through the bamboo blinds while a chorus of tropical birds greets the rising sun.

Wandering onto my private balcony which looks out over the verdant jungle, the fresh hill station air carries the scent of tropical spices into the room. A knock at the door brings freshly brewed coffee, grown on the homestay’s own plantation. The perfect start to the day.

Wayanad, a hill station in Kerala, is jaw droppingly beautiful. As Lonely Planet perfectly coins, “If Kerala is ‘God’s Country’, this must be his garden of Eden”. Coffee and spice plantations, immaculate tea gardens, wild teak forests and green valleys are punctuated with crashing waterfalls, spectacular view points and a wildlife sanctuary where you have a great chance of spotting elephants and even the occasional tiger.

Such a spectacular location deserves equally good accommodation. Travelling along winding narrow roads, climbing up the hills of the Western Ghats we finally reached the huge coffee plantation that is the setting for Glenora Homestay. After a warm welcome from our host Mr Rajagopal we were shown to our home for the next few days: A luxury cottage built on stilts rising above the jungle below.

Our immaculate room was well furnished but we were instantly drawn back outside to the balcony, with green views as far as the eye could see, and not a single sign of human habitation blotting the perfect vista.

Mr Rajagopal was keen to show us around the local area and we were soon bumping along dirt tracks in his 4×4 as he introduced us to the wonders of Wayanad.

Close to Glenora is sunrise valley, a viewpoint over some very dramatic scenery. Low lying clouds hug the valleys, distant waterfalls rumble like thunder and the cries of wildlife echo through the teak forests which stretch as far as the eye could see.

In sharp contrast to the wild valleys, perfect tea gardens line the narrow roads. We stopped to take a walk with Mr Rajagopal who talked us through the tea picking process, showing us the green shoots that would soon be plucked.

Our education continued early the following morning with a plantation walk around Glenora. Mr Rajagopal has been running the plantation here for over 40 years and alongside the crops of coffee, pepper and betal nuts are 20 varieties of fruit trees. His enthusiasm was infectious, crushing leaves and digging up roots for us to smell and taste as we worked up an appetite for breakfast.

Back at the house we indulged in a variety of mouth wateringly fresh fruit, washed down with delicious coffee (all grown on the plantation of course) and made plans to visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary that afternoon.

Once again finding ourselves ensconced in a 4×4 traversing rutted dirt paths, our park guide skilfully navigated the rough tracks while keeping an eye out for wildlife. Plenty of deer and peacocks watched as we passed by and a large snake crossing in front of us momentarily halted our progress through the sanctuary. Despite being one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants we weren’t lucky on this occasion, but it didn’t detract from the experience.

If you are visiting Kerala then Wayanad definitely deserves a place on your itinerary and you need look no further than Glenora Homestay for a place to call home during your visit. The beautiful surroundings, friendly knowledgeable host and delicious home cooked cuisine flavoured with fruits and spices grown on the property itself were a highlight of our trip and we can’t wait to return again.

Find out more about Glenora homestay, see the video or book a room with Mahindra Homestays.

Destination of the month: Wayanad in July

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:13 +0000

Gone are the days when travel months were etched in stone! People dusted out their suitcases, gathered their woollen caps and socks (or hats and sunscreens), charged cameras batteries and revisited the itineraries only in the designated months! The hot Indian summer was avoided like the plague and the monsoons came with a warning tag! For the real traveller, this is now absolutely irrelevant. Lands are traversed in the dry months and the monsoon showers bring with them a host of destinations which are the new stalwarts on the travel map of India.

This month, here’s a pick from the best of South India – Wayanad. We might as well call it the unofficial monsoon capital of Kerala. The rain washed Western Ghats come alive after fresh showers, transporting you to a different world of verdant hills and lush green expanses of the wild forest cover. If visiting this border region of Northern Kerala in the rains, be sure to prepare yourself to indulge in nothingness! A good book, a hot cup of coffee and the rains for company, this just might be the best time to visit this green paradise.

The Kerala government is known for its innovative ideas to promote the state and here comes another fabulous attempt – The Splash Monsoon Carnival! A dense coffee plantation area, Kalpetta, is the perfect venue for this festival, which brings a host of travel partners together to display the best of Kerala culture in the backdrop of the rolling plantations. Look at Wayanad Splash for more details and see if you can be there from 8th to 10th July, 2011. A great way to showcase the rich traditional heritage of Kerala, this is an alternative way of aiding the tourism efforts in the state. It also gives the travellers a choice of travel agents, booking facilities and discounts!

With a hypnotising landscape and a huge inclination towards cultural interaction, Wayanad brings an array of activities even in the monsoon month. Do not let the weather deter you from visiting the Wayanad Sanctuary, Chethalayam Waterfall, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple at Thiruvangoor, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Pookote Lake and Edakkal Caves.

Kerala, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, but in July the crowds fade out and regions like Wayanad are refreshingly quiet and sans tourists.

Be pampered by authentic Kerala food, unlimited coffee supply and the comfort of an easy chair to make your rain watching experience inimitable.

Kerala also brings with it the charm of authentic homestays. Wayanad, especially, has a wide range of stay options with locals. Plush heritage houses as well as those who offer options for budget travellers are available for your pick. Choose from tree houses, heritage homes, plantation homestays, river facing homestays or live right in the middle of the forest.

Have a splashing monsoon in Wayanad!

If you would like to experience Wayanad during the monsoon contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

Video – Glenora homestay in Wayanad

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:09:06 +0000

Located within a huge coffee, pepper and betel nut plantation of 90 acres, Glenora Homestay is mesmerising homestay in Wayanad, Kerala. Take a look around and meet the hosts Mr. and Mrs. Rajagopal in our video.

Check rates and availability at this homestay

Guests at Glenora can stay in two brand new luxury “cottages” built on platforms high above the ground allowing spectacular views deep into the plantations without a sign of habitation for miles around.

Visitors can learn about about the plantation which Mr. Rajagopal has been running for over 40 years.Learn about the different methods of cultivation, the 20 different types of fruit trees, and the many species of birds which flock to nest in them.

Glenora is an ideal base for exploring the hill station of Wayanad in beautiful Kerala. The dramatic landscape offers ample opportunities for forest and mountain trekking.

Find out more about Glenora, view photos and check availability.

Hill Station Weekend Breaks From Bangalore

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:59:55 +0000

If you are in Bangalore and want to escape the city for the weekend there are plenty of easily accessible options. Here is a list of our favourite hill station breaks for getting away from it all.

Coorg

Nestled in south-west Karnataka lies Coorg, a small hillstation that’s often called ‘The Scotland of the East’. In Mercara or Madikeri, one finds the proud Madikeri Fort, which was built in 17th century. Here, the Raja’s Seat overlooks a deep valley and from here you can enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. At the Abbey Falls water cascades to a depth of 70 feet into a rocky valley offering an unforgettable sight to visitors.

Tadiyendamol is the loftiest peak in Coorg challenging people to climb it. Located on the banks of the river Cauvery is the Valnoor Fishing Camp where avid fishing enthusiasts can indulge in the luxury of angling for the huge game fish mahseer. Over 5000 monks reside at the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe and it is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in the country.

Wayanad

This hill station is located in the northern part of Kerala. Its natural beauty has been left intact as it hasn’t been overrun by tourism. Wayanad is largely covered by spice plantations, paddy fields and forests. The region’s landscape is speckled with beautiful trekking trails. One important trail is the 10 hour climb to the top of the 2100m Chembra Peak, the highest point in Wayanad.

One of the main attractions is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary where it is possible to see deer, bears, macaques, elephants and even tigers. Other attractions include the ancient Sree Thirunelli and Valliyurkava Bhagavathi temples and the 5000 year old prehistoric rock-art in the Edakkal Caves.

Ooty

Ooty is known as ‘the queen of the Blue Mountains’ and is a beautiful hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is known for beautiful gardens, wooded rolling hills, pine and eucalyptus forests, coffee and tea plantations, ancient tribes and monuments. Ooty’s Botanical Gardens has developed over the last 150 years, and offers over 2,000 species of flowering plants.

A popular spot amongst families is the Ooty lake. This is an artificial lake, which was constructed in the early 1800’s.

Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and it stands at a height of 8,640 ft above sea level. It is accessible by road and the drive offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and valleys. Ten minutes from the Ooty Market is a Toda Village. The Todas are one of the oldest tribes to inhabit this region and you will find beautiful Toda temples in the area. For those who want to shop, handicrafts can be purchased right from the village at great prices.

Coonoor

Coonoor is the second highest hillstation in Nilgiris and it is perched at a height of 1,856 meters above sea level. Sim’s Park in Coonoor is located at an altitude of 1798 meters and is nestled in a deep ravine. The park is famous for great views to many of Coonoor’s popular tourist spots such as Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose and Lady Canning’s Seat.

Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and maneuvers the rocky terrain with ease. Many songbirds like nightingales, babblers, larks and robins, whoare found in Coonoor. The Pomological Station is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits are grown here for research purposes. The Law Falls are located 7 kilometers from Coonoor and water here drops from a height of almost 200 feet.

Yercaud

Located near Salem in Tamil Nadu’s Servarayan range at an altitude of 1,500 meters is Yercaud. Yercaud’s highest point is the Servarayan temple, which is perched at a height of 5326 feet. The hills here are rich with fauna and flora, which includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, and many other native species. The Yercaud Lake is surrounded by well-groomed gardens and thick trees. One of the best views that Yercaud can offer is at the Lady’s Seat. Panoramic view of the ghats and beyond can be seen from here. Stargazing is a lovely experience at the Lady’s Seat.

The Kiliyur Falls in Yercaus fall from a majestic height of 90 feet andare popular amongst visitors.

Staying in a homestay is the perfect way to enjoy these hill stations. Our reservations team will be happy to help you with planning a perfect getaway, feel free to leave us a comment and we will get in touch with you.

“Five Benefits Of Staying At A Homestay In India” – About.com

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:33:39 +0000

Top India travel writer and blogger Sharell Cook has written an article for New York Times owned About.com. It’s all about the benefits of staying in a Homestay rather than a faceless hotel.

For Sharell there are five things that make Homestays special: characterful, distinct accommodation; personal service; expert local knowledge; delightful home-cooked food; and the unique bespoke activities that can be arranged with Homestay hosts.

We were proud of what Sharell had to say about Mahindra Homestays: “Mahindra, which is well known for its chain of hotels and resorts in India, has embraced the concept of homestays in India in a big way.

“What’s outstanding about Mahindra Homestays is that they’ve personally visited and inspected all the properties that they offer. This means that guests are assured of high standards of comfort, cleanliness, and appeal.”

Read the rest of her piece.

Also take a look at About.com’s review of one of our “unforgettably tranquil homestays” in Wayanad, Kerala. The article creates a wonderfully evocative image of the experience on offer in our coffee plantation properties:

Normally, I don’t like to get up too early in the morning, but the host’s photos of the sunrise convinced me that it was a sight to behold. I left the blinds in my cottage open, and woke up to a sky stained with hues of deep red and orange. This gradually gave way to yellow, as the sun began peaking above the horizon. Soon, the whole valley was illuminated in its warm glow.

Wayanad Wonders: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Kerala’s North West

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:45:55 +0000

If you’re visiting Wayanad, Kerala, then planning an itinerary is tough. There are so many things to do and see.

Here Sanjay Sivadas, one of Mahindra Homestays’ Facebook Fans, gives his views on the top attractions:

The Thamarassery Ghat
A hair-raising drive down the Kozhikode-Bangalore highway takes one towards Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad. As your car winds its way up the Thamarassery Ghat, crane your neck to have a peek at a tree bound by a large chain around its trunk.

Legend has it that a tribal person from Wayanad showed a British engineer, who was searching for a path to build a road running through Wayanad), the Thamarassery Ghat as an easy way to reach Mysore from Kozhikode. Eager to take credit for it, the engineer killed the helper and buried his body under a nearby tree. Soon after these roads were built, several people met with horrendous accidents at the Thamarassery Ghat – all attributed to a wanton spirit haunting that stretch of road. Before long, an exorcist was summoned and fettered the victim’s spirit onto that nearby tree. Today, one knows it as the famous Chain Tree.

The Tea Plantations of Vythiri
The British opened up Vythiri for the cultivation of tea in 1889. You can meander through the sprawling tea plantations that are ensconced atop the rolling hills of Vythiri. You’ll usually comes across a bunch of women nipping of ‘two leaves and a bud’ with their nimble hands and tossing them over their shoulders into baskets slung along their backs.

Edakkal Caves
The primordial Edakkal Caves are cradled in the Ambukuthi hills near Ambalavayal. The Edakkal Caves are basically two rock formations purportedly formed by a large split in a mammoth rock. Legend has it that they were caused by arrows fired by Luv and Kush, the sons of Rama, legendary hero of Ramayana. Like the world-renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Edakkal Caves were stumbled upon by an Englishman (in 1890) while on shikar. Over the years, the Edakkal Caves have drawn the attention of archaeologists from around the world. The latter say that the engravings found inside the Edakkal Caves (Neolithic etchings such as these are to be found only at few places in Africa) shed light on the existence of a Stone Age civilization in Wayanad. The Edakkal Caves are sure to leave one spell-bound.

Meenmutty Falls
A picturesque drive down the Chundale-Udagamandalam road takes one towards Neelimala. An easy 30 minute upward climb takes you atop Neelimala. No sooner are you atop, you begin to hear the roar of a cascading fall. The Meenmutty Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, has to be really seen from atop Neelimala to fathom its utter beauty.

Chembra Peak
At 2100 meters above sea level, it happens to be the loftiest peak in Wayanad. The Chembra Peak that seems to imperiously gaze upon the countryside can be seen from almost all parts of Wayanad. For those who have a head for heights the Chembra Peak makes for exhilarating trekking.

Muthanga Game Sanctuary
Muthanga forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the bio-diversity hotspots of the world. Safari is the thing to do here. You may come across herds of elephants, barking deer, sloth bear, nilgiri langur and the odd tiger lurking in the woods…

Kuruvadweep
About 15 kilometers from the town of Mananthavady lies this picturesque 950-acre group of uninhabited islets bound the River Kabini.

Banasura Sagar
About 25 kilometers from Kalpetta lies this breathtaking lake. One could go on a bout of speed boating at this lake that’s set against the backdrop of the Banasura Mountain.

Pakshipathalam
Located in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, this place is a birdwatchers delight.

And finally
There is a resort at the foot of the Edakkal Caves called Edakkal Hermitage. They have a cosy restaurant in a cavern (a natural cave which is part of the Edakkal Caves chain) where at night, dinner is served inside the cave, which is lit by hundreds of candles. It is the only natural cave restaurant in India.
Mahindra Homestays offers various welcoming family homes to stay in Wayanad.

Homestays combine the comfort and distinction of a boutique hotel with the personal hospitality, informality and local knowledge enjoyed when staying with family friends. They offer an insight into the culture, traditions, history and everyday life of an Indian family. What’s more, guests get the chance to enjoy authentic Indian food at its very best – home cooked.

Find out more and book now.

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