Jungle Park Resort Wayanad

... we would have the chance to see some wildlife, and Nagarhole is supposed to be one of the best parks in South India at this time of year. The park is home to 60 tigers, 90 leopards, and many elephants, spotted deer, and monkeys. We would be staying at the CIcada Kibina lodge, and our room was right on the edge of the water.

We checked in, had lunch, and got ready for our first safari. This afternoon, we would be going out in a jeep with the naturalist ...

... sand ........and set about Chilling ......we made friends too easily .....and within 2 days .......we knew enough people ..........to feel like we were permanent residents of a little beach community .........the beach was stunning ......and there were food bars looking onto the sea...where the young folk would hang.........we see out their hangovers..........with sand on the floor .....and relaxed waiters seeing to every need......it was pretty close to paradise ...

... a tusker in the wild is an entirely different experience. We also saw a bison and lots of deer.

Thirunelli is a small blip on the grand map that is India. It is famous for showcasing a 1000 year old temple. What is incredible is that this temple still remains as it did in another era. for Hindus this temple is of great importance as it is the ultimate place for the final rites of departed souls (at least next to Varanasi). We were travelling for some unfinished business with ...

... Hunsur. Hunsur has two ATM's one Vijaya Bank and the other State bank ( that is the left after the petrol bunk ) which takes you through Nagarhole. Vijaya Bank ATM the first one does not open till 12.30PM and the SBI ATM was not working. We checked and found out that we would be able to manage. None of the homestays accept cards and this is something to keep in mind for any traveller.

Route - Bangalore, Srirangapatana, take right to hunsur and then at Hunsur take the left ...

... and fish is sourced locally.

Hiliya has a real focus on being self sufficient and environmentally friendly. To this end they grow their own food and apply many energy saving techniques to their facilities. They even provide organic soaps!

Although I visited in the height of the rainy season there was still plenty to do, including onsite badminton, when rain didn’t stop play. I also found the cosy and homely atmosphere a great place to curl up and read a book.

The Green mount cottage is conveniently located in the heart of Kalpetta, the head quarters of Wayanad, popularly known as the green paradise! Even though it is situated in the heart of the city, it presents a calm and quiet atmosphere to make you feel refreshed and healthy alive. The famous Chembra Peak, the highest peak in the district is only 18 Kms. From Green Mount Cottages. The cottages present a marvelous view of the peak ...

... them a hearty and warm welcome. "Ente veedu" the Malayalam for "my house" is situated in an exotic locale in Wayanad one of the hill stations in Kerala. World renowned for its coffee and tea plantations and spices, Wayanad has become one of the favourite hubs for tourists.

Surrounded by coffee and pepper plantations and paddy fields, "Ente Veedu" really transcends you to an ethereal world. An ecstatic and holistic experience ...

... home. It was an early start and quite a chill in the air when i woke before dawn ready for the jeep tour. The first prayer of the day was blaring from loudspeakers in a mosque close by. Just before reaching the sanctuary, Ramir the driver stopped the jeep and showed us a herd of four elephants moving through the forest, nice spotting. I got a look in through the Swedes binoculars and was well happy for the rest of the day. Wild elephants. Yippieee!!! A sign at the start ...

... had the trek later in day. After breakfast, signing in, and changing our clothes because light colors would be too dangerous (!), we all embarked upon a nine hour trek in the sanctuary. We were joined by two guides, one who could speak english and one who knew how to fire a gun (I chose not to talk much on the trek). Not really knowing what to expect from the trek, I think we all were gripped by excitement as we stepped off the dirt road an into ...

... chembra peak. I had found in the net that chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad. This highest peak is also situated in meppady. Nicky and myself where very much excited because this place is best for trekking and mountaineering and we love it. We reached chembra peak by 2. Climate was peaceful it was little humid but as we started trekking towards the peak it was getting cooler and cooler. After trekking for a kilometer there was a small tower to rest and thank god it had bathrooms ...