[mrpotato]

Prologue

Wayanad has been our go to place for some yummy food but this time it also helped me calm my senses. I hadn't taken Beemu out for 2 weeks straight. Was feeling super down with all the changes in the office and had neither the energy nor the will to take him out for a spin. Being on Instagram detox meant, I had no peer pressure to hang out and post pics online. Hence I took my own sweet time to plan the next trip. But the situation at office was getting out of hand with so many changes happening at break-neck speed that I decided I could not wait no further. Booked the first hotel with decent rating and headed straight to Wayanad for a weekend get-away.

I briefly had a thought to try out the Hassan route to visit the Shettihally church and take the long route to Wayanad, but my wife reminded of the amazing Mutton stew we get for breakfast in Wayanad and the Hassan idea was instantly dropped. So we stuck to the Mysore-Nanjangud-Gundalpet-Sultan Bethery-Kalpetta route for our journey.

The Drive

We started pretty early for a lazy Saturday at 6 am. This was one of those rare occasions where we left home right at the time we had agreed upon. Apart form the toll gate traffic at the Mysore toll, the roads had only average traffic. I am still confused if the Nice road speed cams are working. While I myself was trying to maintain the speed limit it was frustrating to see smaller hatchback whizz past me with much arrogance. The suspension has started to remind it needs changing. It has been getting stiffer and harder. Needs a change in the next service for sure. We stopped at the newly opened McDonalds for a coffee and continued our journey. Post the express highway, the roads were covered with green trees with occasional red trees in between.

The Red Tree

We saw a lush red coloured tree from a distance and thought it would make a great picture with Beemu. Million snaps and wallpapers of Beemu in front of the tree went past my mind. While I was planning the frames in my mind we reached closer to the tree. Alas, there was already a Red Magnite parked there which I have to say - looked amazing with the red backdrop. With a heavy heart and a little disappointment, we decided not to disturb them and move on. We both dropped an imaginary pin location in our minds thinking that we might get a chance on the return journey.

All our sights were drawn to other great Red Trees along the route and I could not help myself stop and click a bunch of photos.



We crossed Nanjangud and entered the forests. Grey tarmac covered on both sides with green trees and a White bimmer slowly moving in the middle would have made for a great drone shot. Maybe some day. The forests were a joy to drive as always but we could not spot any other animal other that a Solo deer. We reached one of our favourite hotels in Wayanad - "Wilton", right at 11 am, ordered the mutton stew with appam and porotta. No regrets, it was worth the wait.

We then drove around Wayanad roads right upto Vythiri just to kill some time. The raods were great and the traffic was not much. I loved the drive. Clicked few pics on the way as well.





It was lunch time soon and we headed straight to a hotel which we had wanted to try for a long time - "1980s". From the road, it does not offer a great sight but once you get in it immediately takes you to the 80s rural Kerala. We were guided to the first floor of the hotel and the way to the first floor was through a very narrow and steep staircase made of wood -typical of the 80s. The seats were wooden, straight, not cushioned, again typical of the 80s. We ordered meals and couple of sides. The meal was great but the sides, I felt were average. I would recommend the hotel for the meals alone. It was that good.





Great Trails Wayanad by GRT

Then we decided to check in to our hotel - Great Trails Wayand by GRT. I had my doubts. Wife has big OCD on cleanliness and neatness. If the hotel does not live up to her expectations, chances are high it might ruin our outing. But it was rather the contrary. The resort was lush green with trees and the rooms were neat, big and clean. We relaxed there for a while. The resort had organised a magic show for the evening. It was hosted by an elderly couple - 76 year old retired bank office and his 70 year old Shadow artist wife. The show was great - I loved the hosts. Had dinner and resumed to our rooms for a good night sleep.

Woke up early next day to capture the beauty of Wayanad amongst the mist and it did not dissappoint. Kept strolling around the property to soak in as much nature as I could before I return to the urban jungle. Had our breakfast and started our return journey.





The Return

We had not forgotten the tree we missed in our onward journey. We spotted it again and this time we could manage to take a few pictures of the Bimmer with it.







If I had to summarise the trip in one word, I would call it - Relaxing. It helped clear my mind and gave me the much needed "me-time" on the road.

[Maverickkk69]

Absolutely loved reading this. The writing, the minimal number of pictures, everything is perfect. Loved the pictures of the car under the tree as well

[S2kyon]

The pictures are extremely beautiful and the mutton stew sounds enticing! Happy travelling!

[F10D_Estilo]

Great pictures. Your bimmer does look absolutely stunning under the red tree. I am also planning for a roadtrip from Hyderabad to Kerala (Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey). I would really appreciate any input on the best places to visit in Wayanad. I am more of a nature guy than a history guy. So I would love to know of some offbeat locations and roads where I can enjoy driving. Thanks in advance!