Vythiri- The Gateway to Wild Wayanad...!!

The title might not sound apt for people travelling from Bangalore or Mysore to Wayanad as Vythiri would be the last stoppage before going down the hills. But for travellers from Cochin, Kozhikode and other places from Kerala, Vythiri is the gateway to heavenly Wayanad. From the bustling roads of Kozhikode I rode past the small towns of Koduvally and Adivaram on an early morning in October to enter the Thamarassery ghats.

Mist, waterfalls, blue hills, lush green surroundings and bonnet macaques welcomed me as I rode into Vythiri. The black tarmac was splendid all the way with nine hair pin bends and the views from some of them were breathtaking. The lush green valley and distant hills looked surreal. With mist hovering over the roads, visibility was limited to a few meters only. It also made the ride a chilly one.

The misty green and dark thamarassery ghats

I had a break at the first hair pin bend, where there is a small shack which sells fruits like mango, pineapple, gooseberry dipped in salt water. The stall also serves hot tea, coffee, different varieties of eggs and many more. To have had a sip of coffee, a hot spicy duck omelet and some mangoes on that misty morning gaping at the scenic vistas was one of the memorable moments during the ride.

The first hair pin bend

The shack at the first hair pin bend

Soon I was back on the winding 14 km ghat road going past the loitering monkeys, honking vehicles, chirping birds and cicadas to be engulfed by the mist and to fill my lungs with fresh air. The green canopy is present during most of the distance and that gives the feel of a forest ride. The forest cover clears up only in some places giving way to mind blowing vistas. Small shacks also pop up in between with the views of the valley and they definitely are the best places to take a coffee break.

Misty ghat roads

A Bonnet Macaque

One of the nine hair pin bends

Vythiri view point is where the lovely ghats come to an end before entering Wayanad district. This view point blew me off my feet with its magnificent offerings. The first hairpin bend where I had my break was visible from the view point despite the heavy mist. The expansive valleys and the green canopy makes this place a captivating one. I was wonder struck for a long time gazing at the scenic beauty of the Thamarassery ghats.

The ghats

Misty view of the first hair pin bend

Vythiri does not offer a lot to the visitors besides the brilliant vistas and Pookote lake. However immediately after entering Wayanad district, keep an eye to your left. You will see a ficus tree by the road that has a chain wound around it. The chain tree holds a lot of significance in Wayanad's history. Legend says that the spirit of a tribal by the name Karinthandan has been chained to the tree after it started troubling travellers on this route. Supposedly the tribal helped a Britisher to reach Wayanad after crossing the treacherous forest hills. However to claim that he had discovered the place, the Britisher killed the tribal. The spirit of the tribal troubled people travelling on that route ever since till he was chained to the tree by a priest. It was a different experience to stop by and pay homage to Karinthandan.

Chain Tree

From the chained spirit, I rode to the famous Pookote lake, a couple of kilometers from Vythiri. It is a detour from the main road to the left and there are enough sign boards to guide you there. Pookote lake looked serene and placid with the beautiful green background and dark clouds. It was about to pour when I reached the lake. The lake is also known for its boating facilities and there is also a small park and a souvenir shop next to it. As it began to drizzle I rode further ahead and was welcomed by tea estates and forests into the wild Wayanad.

Pookote lake

For people travelling from Bangalore and Mysore, Vythiri would be the last stop on your Wayanad itinerary before hitting the ghats on your way down. There are numerous resorts and other stay options in Vythiri to make your stay comfortable.The vistas, the ghats and the Pookote lake makes Vythiri one of the best locations in Wayanad which you should not miss out on. Though it is misty and cold during the months from October to February, the best views are experienced during the summers when the mist clears and valley spreads out before your eyes.

Signing Note- Absolutely Captivating and Breathtakingly Beautiful...!!

Route- 

Kozhikode- Kunnamangalam- Koduvally- Thamarassery- Adivaram- Vythiri (65 Kms)

Bangalore- Mysore- Sulthan Bathery- Kalpeta- Vythiri (290 Kms)