Wayanad Night Trek & Camping

We at Plan The Unplanned constantly strive to bring you destinations and experiences that hold true to the phrase ‘explore the unexplored’. As part of this endeavour, we ensure that you experience places as a traveller rather than a tourist and our itinerary for Wayanad stays true to that statement.

Let’s say goodbye to the mainstream ‘tourist attractions’ because let’s be honest, you don’t really need our help to visit them. We’re taking you on an adventure like never before to stunning places that are yet to make their mark even on Google. These hidden gems are guaranteed to give you an experience of a lifetime with an exciting combination of breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping adventure that’ll leave you begging for more!

Waterfalls, river hikes, forest walks, off-road jeep rides, night treks, camping and more! Join Plan The Unplanned and explore Wayanad in its most authentic and raw self.

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Day 0: Depart for Wayanad:

We start off our overnight bus journey from Bangalore at 9 PM. Although we begin our adventure as a group of strangers, our trek leads have some exciting ice-breaking sessions planned that are guaranteed to turn any boring bus journey to an experience not to be missed! However, do make sure to get some sleep in between all the fun as a long and adventurous day awaits us the next day.

Day 1: Explore Thollayiram Kandi & Night Trek to Ambukuthi Hilltop:

Wake up to the smell of lush greenery all around as you cross over to Gods own Country, Kerala. Our first stop for the day is at a town called Sulthan Bathery, the first major town this side of the border where we’ll have a quick freshen up and grab a hearty Kerala style breakfast before we set off on our expedition for the day.

We now set off on a short bus journey to a town called Meppadi from where an exhilarating jeep ride towards Thollayiram Kandi awaits us. This utterly isolated paradise nestled away deep in the hidden reaches of Wayanad has largely managed to evade the tourist radars for long and as such we expect you to have the same respect and sense of responsibility while visiting this untouched haven.

Thollayiram meaning ‘Nine Hundred’ in Malayalam is actually the name of a huge 900-acre estate located inside the forest land that was once owned by one Parel Pappan which later got split into innumerable land masses with the passage of time. The name however stuck and the place is still called ‘Thollayiram’.

Hold on tight as you’re driven up an off-road jeep trail flanked by forest land on one side and coffee or cardamom plantations on the other to reach this pristine stretch. Grand views are offered at each bend as you enter this incredible landscape. This scenic drive through the trail is every bit as intriguing and adventurous as it sounds.

Once at the top, you are greeted with gurgling streams set against the backdrop of green carpeted hills peeking over the clouds in the distance. One whiff of the crisp mountain air laden with earthly aromas is all it takes to know why this place is a true nature lovers paradise. Hike through the strikingly beautiful stream set against a highly dramatic backdrop of lush rolling hills or take a pleasant walk through the forest trail and discover the many gems that this place holds within its shroud of greenery.

After spending time here to our heart’s desire, its now time to descend back to civilisation for a while and have a fulfilling lunch on the way. Post lunch we continue our off-road adventure up Elimbilery Hills, an even lesser known hideaway that can only be accessed by jeep or on foot. With an ample number of streams, waterfalls and lush greenery all around, this is every bit a paradise that will be lodged in your memory forever.

We now descend and head back to the quaint town of Meppadi from where we head to our final destination for the day. A short off-road trail up Ambukuthi Hill leads us to a cosy little hideaway homestay nestled amongst thick forest cover and misty hills. This is also our basecamp from where we begin our night trek. Before you get too comfortable, a short hike leads you to the sunset viewpoint nearby, that you simply do not want to miss! You are greeted with panoramic views of Wayanad combined with the vibrant hues of the dusky evening. However, this is simply a teaser for what awaits you the next day.

Head back to the homestay, freshen up, have a sumptuous dinner and get your tents packed as we get ready for the main event! The exhilarating night hike up Ambukuthi hills is definitely the highlight of the entire trip. The trek though short in distance, it is no less thrilling as you make your way up narrow forest trails and rocky boulders with just your torch lights for help. If you have some scary ghost stories up your sleeve, this is the perfect time to share them! 

Day 2: Hike to Ambukuthi Peak & Return to Bangalore:

Wake up early on day 2 to catch one of the best sunrises of your life! Spot the majestic hills of Kodaikanal & Ooty in the distance and watch as the magical land of Wayanad down below unfold before your eyes with every passing ray of sunlight.

Now it’s finally time to head back to our base camp. Freshen yourselves up after a long nights adventure and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. Once we’re all ready and packed, we bid adieu to these hills and head forth for some local sightseeing at the Karapuzha Dam reservoir before heading back towards Bangalore.

The Karapuzha Backwaters

Return home, immersed in the magic conjured up by nature and satisfied that you have witnessed the best of what Wayanad has to offer in its most authentic and raw self. It is without a doubt that these sights, smells, and experiences will be lodged in your memory for a long time to come.