Wayanad Trek & Camping
Hosted by Plan The Unplanned
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All About It
- Difficulty - Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season - Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan) Spring (Feb, March, April) Monsoon (Aug, Sept, Oct)
A mixture of bolting views, an ethereal environment and an abode of Cardamom plantations, Aranamala is a hill station 12 km from Meppadi and 30 km from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district. It is the sophisticated land where the line blurs out from living and nonliving, where both survive in the presence of another, where one engulfs and provides life to the other – in short, where synergy suits the best. Arnamala is a vault that brims with river streams that join the Aranamala River, waterfalls, cardamom plantations, and habitats of Elephants and Tigers. The music of life here makes up a sweet symphony best suited for weary and adventurous travellers.
We will cross Nagarhole Tiger Reserve at midnight and, if lucky, get sightings of wild animals. In the secluded homestay, we will attend to the story of owners who had an Elephant encounter, after which they became so much in love with the homestay that they purchased it and are now taking care of it and hosting people on weekends. Elephant encounters and mishaps are still common in that area, but humans have learnt to live in harmony with nature.
The highlight of the Wayanad Trekking and Camping trip is the Aranamala Stream trek that empties into the Aranamala River. It is a 4 km trek one way and moderate in difficulty. During monsoon, as water fills up, it becomes an adventurous trek. The local guides will take us down the trodden path on this river trek; it goes till 900 Kandi Glass Bridge.
The Glass Bridge in 900 Kandi Eco Park was initially called Thollayiram Kandi. 'Thollayiram' means '900', and Kandi means 'patch of land'. So basically, this is 900 acres of unspoiled greenery.
Another hike to Aranamala Waterfalls is for intrepid trekkers. The day cannot end without a mesmerising night hike for a stargazing session. In the darkness, when yellow lights appear at the campsite, it makes it even prettier. We will sing, dance, talk, play and discuss life – with a tinge of day trek's adventure highlights, including tumbling stories and leech encounters.
Day 2 is reserved for a sunrise hike and Wayanad's longest Zipline experience. Click pictures, record videos, and drain the battery and memory of your gadgets – after these, you will mostly indulge in human conversations. Return to Bangalore via Bandipur National Park. If lucky, you can spot wildlife, including elephants and deer.
Wayanad brings together a wholesome package of activities like trekking through one of the streams forming the Aranamala River; visiting Aranamala waterfalls; jumping and taking a dip in the pool; night trekking for an extraordinary stargazing session; trekking to catch spectacular sunrise; walking on the 900 Kandi Glass Bridge Walk, and ziplining on Wayanad's longest zipline. The river trek is not easy; be prepared to face the challenging water that is gurgling and determined to endure any circumstance to meet Aranamala river. Going on Wayanad Trek and Camping trip is truly a humbling experience. This two-day itinerary will make your time worthwhile in Wayanad by sweeping you off your feet and putting you in the middle of the forest to trek, camp and celebrate in the wild.
We recommend this trek to fit trekkers. If you want something adventurous in God’s Own Country, choose Wayanad Trek and Camping trip right away.
Trip Highlights
- Offbeat camp stays 30 km from Wayanad amidst Cardamom plantations.
- Adventurous Aranamala Water Steam 4 km trek.
- Offroad Jeep Safari from Meppadi to the campsite.
- Secret Waterfalls trek for a refreshing dip in the wild.
- Delicious local protein-rich delicacies to enlighten your power muscles for hikes.
- Night trek for mesmerising stargazing session.
- Beautiful Sunrise trek for realisations.
- Hop on for Wayanad's Longest Zipline experience in Vellarimala.
Highlights
Day 0
- Pick up from Bangalore by 8:30 PM (approx)
Day 1:
- Morning check-in with off-road forest jeep safari.
- Breakfast (Idli & Poori).
- Tent allocation.
- Short hike to familiarize with surroundings.
- Scenic trek to explore nearby viewpoints.
- Lunch (Kerala meals).
- Rocky River trek through dense forest.
- Evening tea & snacks.
- Campfire and stargazing.
- Dinner (Ghee rice with chicken curry/biryani, chapatti & vegetable curry, salads).
Day 2:
- Early wake-up for sunrise view.
- Breakfast (Idli or Puttu & Poori).
- Campsite departure.
- Try out Longest Zipline Adventure (Self-sponsored: INR 250-400 approx)
- Self-sponsored lunch en-route
- Depart and reach Bangalore late at night by around 10:30 PM (approx)
Day 0 - Depart for Wayanad
Private Vehicle (Non-AC Vehicle ( Tempo Traveller/Mini-bus with Push Back seats ))
Stay Not Applicable
Meals Not Included
An overnight bus journey of 290 km commences from Bangalore to Meppadi, the base station for Wayanad Trekking and camping trip. We shall have a brief orientation followed by a fun-filled ice-breaking session where you will get to know your fellow trippers better.
As we journey towards Wayanad, we will cross Nagarhole Tiger Reserve as other routes are closed at night. Make sure you open your windows to get sightings of wild animals.
Day 1 - River Stream Trek
Trek (Jeep Ride)
Tents
All Meals
Day 1 of the Wayanad trek and Camping trip is designed to provide comprehensive exposure to the region’s natural beauty. The tour commences with a reach to Meppadi around 7:30 am, from where participants will embark on a jeep ride for an offroading trip to the campsite, located amidst a lush forest.
We take Chooralmala road from Meppadi and turn from Kalladi to Aranamala. The campsite is some 30 km away, so hold your seats for a bumpy experience.
Freshen up, and prepare for the river stream hike. Awaken your morning senses with traditionally cooked delicacies and black tea.
We will start the trek at around 8 am. It is a stream trek, so wearing floaters or shoes with good grip is advised. A massive fallen tree marks the beginning of the trek. The difficulty level of this trek depends on the season. It is most challenging in the monsoon season due to heavy water flow.
It is a 4 km trek. The local guide will manoeuvre us through the easiest and safest possible path. We might have to cross the stream left and right multiple times for this. Leave the path on the guides and trek leaders; keep your eyes on the intriguing views.
After crossing the river and a patch of forest, we will start hearing the sounds of the vehicle pointing us towards the road.
After spending quality time here, we will take the same path, enter the forest and relax by the river. Later, we will cross the river and through a different direction from Elephant Forest, we will reach the campsite.
Lunch will be served at the campsite, offering participants a much-needed break and an opportunity to recharge. The day continues with a Waterfall Trek ( Only between August to December ) which provides an exciting exploration of the hidden waterfalls and streams of the region. We hike for 2 km to reach gravitating falls that form a deep natural pool – a treat for swimmers. Non-swimmers can take a dip in shallow water around the depths.
The evening will culminate with a relaxing bonfire and a delicious dinner.
After a day full of adventure, participants will retire for the night, well-rested and ready for the next day's activities.
Day 2 - Sunrise hike & Try out Longest Zipline Adventure in Wayanad
Try out Longest Zipline
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
Breakfast
Day 2 starts with a pretty sunrise hike. We will come back, freshen up and have breakfast. Then after packing our bags, we will leave the campsite to reach Wayanad's longest Ziplining experience. This activity is self-sponsored. The zipline site is amidst beautiful tea plantations.
There are multiple shops for refreshments (self-sponsored). You can have snacks, drink buttermilk or eat fruits dipped in vinegar (must try). Later, we will stop for lunch (self-sponsored).
After this, we will be on our way back to Bengaluru from Bandipur National Park. Keep your eyes and senses open for wildlife sightings.
We will reach Bengaluru by 10:30 pm. We are glad you chose us to host you. Let us know if there is any feedback; we work on suggestions lovingly. From Kerala, you are taking back refreshing memories and a new family. Be in touch, share pictures, and keep calling as and when a memory from the trip brings a smile to your face, we will know we are doing something good. We would love to see you again—check out our other itineraries and ring us soon. It would be a pleasure to see you again. Till then, take care and love life.
Other Treks in Kerala
- Brahmagiri Peak Trek and Camping
- Banasura Wayanad Hill trek
- Munnar Trek and Camping
- Ranipuram Trek Kerala
- Paithalmala Trek Kerala
Read About Kerala
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
See Plan The Unplanned's other listings
Inclusions
- Accommodation in tents on multiple sharing basis
- 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
- To and fro transport from Bangalore ( Non A/c )
- Inter-state Taxes, road permits and Tolls
- Forest Permits & Entry Fees
- Off Road Jeep Ride
- Local Guide & Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned
- Experience that you gain
Exclusions
- Any other meals not included above
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of insurance (health, medical, life accidental,etc )
- Anything not included above
Things to carry
- Face Masks & Hand Sanitisers
- Soft copy of ID Proof
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Power Bank
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles – 2 (1 liter each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Polybags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Udupi Grand HSR
Yamaha Showroom Domlur
St. Marks CathedraL
Nayandahalli Metro
Policy and more
Refund/Cancellation Policy – Weekend Trips from Bangalore
In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow
Intimation Period*
Cancellation Fee** | |
7 days or more | 10% of the total invoice value |
Between 3-6 days | 50% of the total invoice value |
Between 0-2 days | 100% of the total invoice value |
- *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
- **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
- Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.
NOTE:
Cancellations on the day of departure or a day prior due to work/family emergencies, health issues, etc. would not be entertained, and no refund or transfer to further dates shall be allowed for the same.
If you are wanting to cancel out on the day of departure and move the trek to a future date an additional charge of RS 1500 would have to be incurred to make the movement to a future date. This can be availed only within 3 months from the date of the actual trip departure.
Additional charges would be deducted (based on from where you booked) if you cancel the trek at any given date (along with the scenario described above), as payment gateway/event listing charges.
Transfer of Dates Policy
If you wish to shift your date of booking due to any unforeseen circumstances, the same should be intimated to us not less than 72 hours before the date of the event. (Not valid for group or corporate bookings)
Only one transfer per booking shall be permitted. Your booking shall stand canceled if you fail to join the event on the transferred dates.
Once the option of data transfer is made, the booking amount shall be held as credits with us, and in no case will a refund be made further on.
Transfer of Dates is not valid for Bhutan, Meghalaya, Himalayan Treks, Spiti or any other event worth is above 5000/- INR.
Transfer of dates on the day of departure shall be possible at an additional charge of 1500/- per person (applicable for few events).
In the pandemic everything is unpredictable, and we are doing our best to give you the finest services. We are also abiding by guidelines laid by government for everyone’s safety. In this, if the government issues a lockdown notice 24 hours before the departure date, we will issue full refund. The money will be directly credited to your account.
In another scenario, if lockdown notice is imposed on the departure date, we will secure your amount in the form of credits that you can use for further bookings. Consider it your bank for future bookings. Your money is safe with us.
For all the above choices, you can transfer your tickets to your friends. We would be more than happy to have them on board and you could save your hard-earned money.
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all the further updates.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travelers and outdoor leaders.
Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/
Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.
Q: Do I have to carry luggage all the way during trekking?
A: Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)
Q: Do you have Washrooms during the trek?
A: Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails have a washroom facility during the trek.
Q: Do I have any other boarding points apart from the ones mentioned?
A: Yes, we do have options for picking a traveller on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the same:
-Croma Store, Sony World Signal
-Trinity Circle Metro Station
-Yeshwanthpur Metro Station
-Goraguntepalya Metro Station
-Nayanadahalli Metro Station
Q: How do I avail discounts?
A: Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/
Q: What is "Without Travel" option during my booking process?
A: Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
Q: Would I be able to postpone to a future in case I do not attend the trek on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever ( family/health/work emergencies ). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same
Q: I've never gone on a hike before, so can I do this one?
A: Yes, you can do this trek as this is an easy trek.
Q: What about the Wayanad trek's cellphone network and connectivity?
A: There will be no cellphone connectivity for Airtel subscribers. Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone customers would get signals.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay/tents?
A: Yes, it is possible to leave your luggage at the homestay/tents and carry the necessary things on your trek.
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: Yes, you might encounter leeches along the trail.
Q: What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
A: Wayanad is best visited between October and May. The months of December to February are much colder than the rest of the year, with temperature drops of up to 10°C. As a result, many visitors consider this to be the finest time to visit Wayanad.
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