"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver." - Martin Luther, German priest and scholar (1483-1546) They say you should not climb high during the rains. But what they don't know is that the beauty augments tremendously. And undoubtedly, Kerala holds some surprises up her green sleeves, surprises that can even get under the skin of a beauty-hardened identity. Almost every conceivable inch of the mist wrapped undulating hills of Wayanad - that lie embracing both the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris - have coffee, pepper, cinnamon and cardamom growing on them, all of it camouflaged by lush rainforest that bemuses the eye and overwhelms the soul with its varied characters of green. It is a place which turns blue in every 12 years. It is place that brings home the forests of Wayanad literally to the doorstep of your bedroom, for there are hotels that have built their rooms not on Earth but up, up and up to the green tree tops. It is a land that affords some of the much-talked wildlife species of the world, who roam freely amidst stunning orchids and tall bamboo plantations. And if you're sick of sham creature comforts, head for some of the jewels, which radiate despite being tucked into the wild beauty of Wayanad. Wayanad truly portrays a pristine environment unblemished by the excesses of civilisations.

The Crinkled Chapters of History
The literary society endorses that Wayanad has derived its name from the words 'Vayal Nadu' - meaning, the village of paddy fields. Previously the region was ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe and later by the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway. Later during the reign of Tipu, the entire Malabar region was handed over to the British, which was followed by fierce and calamitous encounters between the British and the Rajas of Kottayam.
Explore The Charms of The District
The best place to start your itinerary in Wayanad is surely Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, located at 5 km from Vythiri. Interestingly, this 2297 ft high pad of survival registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world, only after Cherrapunji! Drive out of Lakkidi towards the 'ghat' pass. Just before the 'ghat' begins, you'll come across a curious sight - the chain tree of Lakkidi, a banyan tree with chains wrapped around its trunk. Ask the locales and you will come across the interesting legend of a restless spirit that used to wander in the woods a few time back. Three km from Lakkidi, the small, placid and lotus-covered Pookote Lake, offers a pleasant picnic spot and memorable boating options. If you are staying in one of the tree houses in Vythiri, take a walk to the lake amidst the tall trees until the serene lake unveils its dark beauty in front of you.
While you are at Pookote Lake, a visit to the Uruvu Eco shop is a must. Check out products made out of two dozen varieties of bamboo. They are mostly made by tribals and women of the area. Get a few pieces of alluring bamboo shirt hangers and wine bottle covers. If this shop interests you, then you should visit their factory (open from 9 am to 7 pm), 26 km away en route to Suchipara Falls. You will find them experimenting with some new products and design. Thirunelly, 34 km from Mananthavady on the northern side of Brahmagiri hills, is a place that have been unianimously referred to as the Heal station. Spend some time at the Thirunelly Temple, known for its tough, unpolished architecture and shielded by 30 granite columns. Male devotees can enter the temple only if they are bare-chested and carry a mirror at a side.