This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

India is vast and full of diversity. That’s why I always try to talk about different parts in different editions.

Well, today I’m talking about Wayanad. A rural district in Kerala state, southwest India.

Wayanad is one of the few places in Kerala that is still peaceful.

It’s high up in the Western Ghats, surrounded by misty hills, forests, and beautiful waterfalls.

Unlike crowded spots like Munnar or Alleppey, Wayanad is quiet.

The people are kind-hearted, the food is delicious, and everything moves at a leisurely pace.

You can wake up to the sound of birds, watch fog roll over the hills, and drink fresh cardamom tea from local farms.

Sometimes, you might even spot wild elephants. The roads go through thick forests, tiny tea shops serve hot pazham pori and chai.

After your office on Friday night, take an overnight bus or train to Kozhikode or Kalpetta, the nearest towns to Wayanad. You can also drive if you live nearby. Most overnight trips take around 6 to 8 hours, so you will reach early in the morning.

Reach Wayanad around sunrise. Check into a homestay or treehouse. Start your day with a Kerala-style breakfast like puttu and kadala curry or appam with stew.

Visit Edakkal Caves to see 6,000-year-old carvings and enjoy the view of the mountains.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and try fish curry, rice thali, or vegetable meals. After lunch, visit Soochipara Waterfalls for a short trek through the forest.

Spend some time near the water, click pictures, and relax. In the evening, walk around a tea or spice plantation and learn how cardamom and pepper are grown.

Have dinner at your stay and try Malabar parotta with chicken curry or pothichoru, which is rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Sit outside with a cup of tea and listen to the sound of crickets and the forest around you.

Wake up early and visit Pookode Lake. Rent a paddle boat or simply enjoy the misty view. On your way back, stop at a roadside shop for hot pazham pori and chai.

After lunch, visit Banasura Sagar Dam. Walk around the area or go for a short speedboat ride. Sit quietly and enjoy the breeze before you start your journey home in the evening.

Start your return trip after sunset. You will reach home by early Monday morning.

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I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you travel to Wayanad’ Das.