3-Day College Tour of Wayanad and Ooty in January 2024

  1. Day 1: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    2 hours (50 miles) from Calicut International Airport

    In the morning, head to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that hosts an abundance of flora and fauna. Take a guided safari tour and spot elephants, tigers, deer, and langurs, among other species. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Edakkal Caves, a fascinating archaeological site with ancient rock art and inscriptions. In the evening, visit the Pookode Lake, a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by forests, and enjoy a boat ride or a walk along the nature trails.

  2. Day 2: Ooty Tea Factory and Botanical Gardens
    3.5 hours (80 miles) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Start the day by visiting the famous Ooty Tea Factory, which offers a guided tour of tea processing and tasting. The factory has a museum that showcases the history of tea in India. Afternoon can be spent walking through the Ooty Botanical Gardens, a vast expanse of lush greenery with a variety of exotic plants and flowers. End the day with a visit to the Government Museum, which has a collection of tribal artifacts, prehistoric items, and sculptures.

  3. Day 3: Doddabetta Peak and Pykara Falls
    1 hour 50 minutes (35 miles) from Ooty Botanical Gardens

    Begin the day by trekking to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Hills. The peak offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Pykara Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense forests. Visitors can take a boat ride in the nearby Pykara Lake. In the evening, visit the St. Stephen's Church, a colonial-era church with beautiful stained glass windows and architecture.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Mudumalai National Park, which is known for its population of tigers, elephants, and Indian bison. Another option is the Avalanche Lake, a serene lake surrounded by misty mountains and forests. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine such as Appam, Puttu, and Kadala Curry. You can also experience the traditional tribal culture of the region by attending a folk dance performance or a handicraft fair. Don't forget to carry warm clothes and comfortable shoes for trekking.

To find hotels and flights, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.

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