27/07/2011
Mysore to Wayand drive was something I’d been longing for long. Friends have been saying how wonderful the drive is and I finally managed to coax my husband for this trip. We took the bypass road and followed NH212 road to Calicut. Sign boards were helpful and we reached Gundalpet. On the way from Gundalpet we took a right along with NH 212. After an half an hours drive, we entered Bandipur National Park area. The road was very good and the slight drizzle made the area even more beautiful. Driving with a canopy of trees on either side was great. Soon we reached Karnataka border and entered Kerala. We planned to stay at Kalpetta and it was another 50 kms drive from here. Through picturesque settings we reached our destination, a wonderful homestay recommended by a friend. And our hosts, were so warm and cordial that we all felt at home. We refreshed, had lunch and rested. The kids played in the garden and park and had a good evening. Next morning, we decided to leave our car behind and instead take a cab arranged by our host for sightseeing. We visited Pookot lake, Lakkidi point & Chain tree. Though we couldnt enjoy the boating at Pookot lake due to the showers , we had a very good time at Lakkidi Point. For about 5 kms our car was driven into the clouds and I was thankful that we were not driving. It was the most beautiful thing and each one of us had a very good time. The views were heavenly with passing mist adding different hues. We had our packed lunch at Lakkidi. Before evening we retuned back and even had an enjoyable evening stroll. The next day we visited Soochipara Waterfalls and I’m grateful our host accompanied us in this trip. The drive was awesome with tea gardens laid as the green carpet. To reach the waterfalls, we have to trek. On reaching the place we came to know about the dangers involved, leaches hilly and slippery paths. But since we came here we decided to take a go and weather was holding good for us. It was indeed a very risky trek especially with the kids. We managed with the help of our host and our driver who carried the kids and we walked carefully. On reaching the falls, the risk seemed worth it. The gushing waters were captivating.We watched it from afar and took some good photographs. After returning back fully tired to the car. We rested for half an hour and headed back. We had lunch at Kalpetta and later visited Banasura Sagar Dam. We had to hire a jeep from the entrance to the dam site. The scenery is abounding here and my husband and our host went for speed boating. I stayed back with the kids. The day’s journey was coming to the end. The next day we were leaving for Mysore. We started early as we had decided to visit the Edakkal caves on the way back. On reaching Sultan Bathery, we had to take a right for Edakkal. The road was good for the most part but got very narrow for some part. It was fun driving here too. After reaching the point till where we could by car,we parked our car and looked for a suitable guide to help us for the remaining way. We were told to hire a jeep for a further about a km before we can walk further. I think it was a sensible decision we took once we began the upward steep journey. The trek up was a bit tough especially for the kids. On crossing the 1st cave kids gave up and refused to climb. So I stayed back while hubby went off with the guide to the next cave. One lesson I learnt, avoid treks with kids, they tire a lot. We took the return jeep and reached our parking lot. Thanked our guide and continued our drive. Kids slept fitfully throughout trip, tired after the trek. On the way back we encountered heavy rain and the slow drive was great. Hope to come back to the green luxury of Wayanad soon.

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