The world as we know it has changed. With work from home and mundane house routines now a lifestyle for many of us, don’t you wish you could just take a quick breather? A healthy dose of outdoors to recharge your systems and get yourself fired up again.
But with the new normal in place, we all have our concerns and apprehensions about travel along with the fear of being amongst other tourists in crowded places. This is why it makes more sense now more than ever to go where very few have gone before. We at Plan The Unplanned are here to help you do just that with this three-day Wayanad offbeat trek & Camping itinerary starting from Bangalore.
Leave your concerns about safety to us while you experience Wayanad in its most raw and authentic self while being surrounded by the grand outdoors and nothing more. Immerse your senses amidst pristine forests, wide-open grasslands, and breathtaking mountains in this one of a kind off-beat adventure, as we take you to places that are yet to make their mark even on Google.
‘Socially-distance’ yourself from the chaos of the outside world and remember what it felt like to “feel alive” once again.
Coming from Bangalore: You can meet our team from Plan The Unplanned at 9 PM on Day 0 from your chosen pick-up points starting from Bangalore. Currently, you need to obtain a permit to enter Kerala for short visits up to 8 days. Our team will take these permits on your behalf once your booking is confirmed and the required details have been furnished by you.
Coming from Cochin or directly to Wayanad: You will have to reach Wayanad by 7 AM on Day 1 where our team will meet you and proceed with the below itinerary. Overnight buses/private taxis are now available which can be booked by yourselves beforehand to reach Wayanad from Cochin. Our team can assist you with the same. You can depart back to Kochi from Wayanad by 1 PM on Day 3. Kindly choose the ‘without travel’ option while booking for availing this option.
Day 0 (13th Nov)
Pick up from Bangalore by 9:00 PM (approx)
Day 1 (14th Nov)
Day 2 (15th Nov)
Day 3 (16th Nov)
Following are the pick-up points:
We start off our Wayanad offbeat trek & Camping trip from Bangalore at 9 PM. Although we begin our adventure as a group of strangers, our trek leads have some exciting ice-breaking sessions planned that are guaranteed to turn any boring journey into an experience not to be missed. However, do make sure to get some sleep in between all the fun as a long and adventurous day awaits us the next day.
Wake up to the smell of lush greenery all around as you cross over to Wayanad. Our first stop for the day is at Sulthan Bathery, where we’ll have a quick freshening up and grab a hearty breakfast before setting off on our expedition for the day.
A short bus journey later, we begin our almost 10 km off-road jeep ride towards Aranamala. Rest assured, this ride will be like nothing you’ve experienced before with jaw-dropping views of the Wayanad mountain ranges on one side interspersed with thick forests and coffee plantations on the other. The journey becomes more interesting as we head higher. The air now becomes cool and crisp as we slowly make our way deeper into the forest towards our campsite for the night.
Once there, witness time slowing down as you immerse your senses to the sights and sounds of the breathtaking Aranamala forest range. We then begin our exhilarating hike towards a hidden and untouched waterfall nestled deep within the jungle. The hike, although short in distance, is packed with adventure including river crossings and forest trails. You could choose to take a dip in its freezing waters or simply soak in the view, as the chaos of the outside world slowly seeps out of your system.
Hike back to the campsite where you’ll have a warm bonfire and a sumptuous dinner waiting for you before you settle down for the evening. If you’ve never pitched a tent before, this would be a great opportunity to learn as you huddle up inside and prepare yourself for one of the best camping experiences of your life deep within the Aranamala Hills.
Today we make an early start in an attempt to catch the sunrise. Hike up sloping hills through thick grasslands towards the sunrise viewpoint where no matter what the weather, the view never disappoints. Lose yourself amidst rolling clouds and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of that gorgeous sunrise as you enjoy the early morning breeze.
Back at the campsite, we freshen ourselves up, have a hearty breakfast, and commence our ride down Aranamala back to civilization. But our adventure for the day is just beginning as we continue the adventurous jeep ride through further forest trails and cardamom plantations towards Elimbillery estate; a hidden little wonder just a few kilometers away from Meppadi town. A scenic river cuts through the estate over huge boulders and ancient trees creating a mesmerizing view and gives you a great opportunity to take a walk upstream and explore this gem of a place. Spend some good time here before we head back into town for a self-sponsored lunch.
By evening, we make our way towards Ambukuthi Hills where we spend the final night of our Wayanad offbeat trek & Camping trip. A short off-road trail leads us to our cozy little homestay hidden away amongst thick forest cover and misty hills. This is also our basecamp from where we begin our night trek towards the peak. A short hike from here leads you to a sunset viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Wayanad combined with vibrant hues of the dusky sky. However, this is simply a teaser for what awaits you the next morning.
Head back to the homestay, freshen up, have a sumptuous dinner, and get your tents packed as we prepare ourselves for an exhilarating night trek up Ambukuthi hills which will definitely be one of the many highlights of this trip. The hike, though short in distance, has no dearth of a thrill as you make your way up narrow forest trails and rocky boulders with just your torch lights for help. If you have some scary ghost stories up your sleeves, this would be the perfect time to share them!
Once at the top, take in the stunning night views of Wayanad, unload your tents, and set up camp. Gather around as we light up our campfire and spend the night under the starry skies.
Wake up early to catch a spectacular sunrise amidst an ocean of clouds. Make yourself comfortable and watch as the magical hills of Wayanad unfold before your eyes with every passing ray of light. We then make the final climb up the front face of Ambukuthi Peak for a stunning 360-degree view of Wayanad before heading back to our basecamp.
Freshen yourselves up after a long night of adventure and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. We pack up our bags and make one final stop at Karapuzha Reservoir before concluding our three-day Wayanad offbeat trek & Camping journey. Formed by the construction of a dam across the Karapuzha River, a tributary of Kabini, this region is fringed by lush greenery and gorgeous hills and makes for a great spot to while away time.
Post lunch, we commence our return journey back from the lofty hills of Wayanad to Bangalore
We expect to return back to Bangalore (approx by 10 PM), having experienced the best of what nature has to offer in this Wayanad offbeat trek & Camping trip. Life would probably go back to normal once you’re back home but something inside you would’ve changed. And that changes everything. So what’re you waiting for? Book this magical experience for yourself NOW!
