A Photo Travelogue and Nature Wanderer

This is one of my Long time wish to drive into the Forest route.

After a long wait, had planned to ride my beast (Desert Storm 500) from Coimbatore to Wayanad.

Trip Journey Route:

Day 1: Coimbatore - Mettupalayam - Ooty - Gudalur - Sulthan Bathery - Wayanad

Day 2: Wayanad (Chembra Peak and other places near Kalpetta)

Day 3: Wayanad - Muthanga/Berambadi State forest - Gundulpet - Bandipur - Mudumalai - -Masinagudi - Ooty -Kotagiri - Mettupalayam - Coimbatore

States Covered : Tamilnadu - Kerela - Karnataka - back to Tamilnadu

Total distance covered - Approx 600Km

Road timings: Both Muthanga forest and Bandipur roads are opened in the day time only (6AM to 5 PM)

Wildlife: Deers, Peacocks, Wild Boars are easily spotted, If you are lucky you can see Elephants .

Here is the Google map view of the Trip Journey

Had taken some photos wherever possible .

Gudualur to Sultan Bathery Route

Bandipur Forest Range

Mudumalai - Masinagudi Forest Route

Masinagudi route is Serene

Ooty Woods

Kotagiri Route

Its mist and Rain Enroute to Mettupalayam

Chembra Peak is the Highest Peak in Wayanad, located at 2100 m above sea level. Famous for its scenic trekking and Naturally formed Heart shaped Lake. A must visit place for the adventure seekers and trekker.

Chembra is located 8km from Meppadi. Nearest places to stay is Kalpetta or Meppadi.

Trekking difficulty is moderate to Difficult (Difficult for first timers).It will take 3 to 4 hrs for trekking one way. You will be allowed to trek upto the lake only and one has to get permission for entry.

Transport:Not much public transport is available. You have to rely on your own or private cabs/jeeps.

Chembra timing : Open from Morning 7 am to 2 PM for entry and closing time is 5PM.(Check for the timings on kerela toursim website)

Entry Fee: There will be an entry fee/trekking fee of Rs.700 for a group of 10. Please note this fee is applicable even if you are 2 or group of 5 upto 10. So plan accordingly for a group or form a group and get the ticket

Preparations:Get a good trekking/hiking shoe ,Jerkin/umbrella, your medicines ,food and most importantly water. It might rain based on the climate and there is no place in trekking route to stay.

Avoid carrying more luggage.

One must reach Meppadi and from there to the Trekking point. You have a car/bike parking available and few shops that sell fruits, Biscuits, Snacks and Water at the bottom.

Tea estate at the Trekking Starting point

In 200 to 300m you will find a Forest log house kind of building and your proper trekking starts from here into the mountain

At some point, you can view the parking place near the Trek Starting point

First you climb a large mountain , hoping thats the end. From there, you will have to climb another small hill

And here comes the Heart Shaped Lake.

This is a naturally formed Lake and you will not be allowed to take bath here:)

Reflection of Chembra peak from the lake

Scenic and Ravishing View

Here is the scenic view point from the other side of lake

Just gaze at the nature. You were above the mountains.

Chikmagalur is town located in Karnataka (at the foot of Mullayangiri Hills) with beautiful valleys and view points. I would describe it as s Trekkers paradise than a tourist place.

Also Chikmagalur stretch (from Coorg to Chikmagalur to Kemmangudi) is famous for Coffee Plantations

First of all Chikmagalur is not a hillstation but a junction point connecting to Mullayangiri, Bababuddangiri, Kemmangudi and much more.

Places to visit :

Mullayangiri (Highest peak in South india between Himalayas and Nilgirs)
Baba Buddangiri/Dadda Peeta and Manika Para
Buttermilk waterfalls
Hebbe Waterfalls
Kemmangudi
Kudramukh
Muthodi Forest

Almost all places are famous for trekking and must go place for adventure seekers.

Stay:

Homestay is famous in Chikmagalur and i would recommend it for family and well behaved friends gang:)

We stayed in Thottilu homestay, one of the best hospitality and Food i ever had in all my trips.

Numerous lodges and resorts are available near Chikmagalur

We visited all the places by Car (cant trek this time). Places visited are Mullayangiri, Bababuddangiri view and Buttermilk waterfalls. here are some of the snaps enroute to Mullayangiri Peak