Kuppamudi is a small hill range close to the majestic Ambukuthi Hills in Wayanad, which is in no way a minnow when it comes to the sights and thrills in offer. Underrated and overlooked by tourists, Kuppamudi remains at its serene best in all seasons.
How to get there
Sultan Bathery is the nearest town from Kuppamudi. From Bathery head to Manichira and continue towards Puthukaad. From there, Kuppamudi is only half an hour's climb up the hills.
Travel advisory: The way up, though beautiful, is reported to be quite wild and fraught with danger. The locals say the forest range is frequented by tigers and wild boars. Hence, a climb up to Kuppamudi needs to be taken with a lot of care and adequate precaution, apart from official permission to go up.
One side of the hill is Ambukuthi range and Edakkal, famous for its prehistoric caves, and the other side is the Bathery town.
Behind it stand tall Kolagappara, Aarattupara and the Phantom Rock. Spread out between these mountain ranges hides this natures bounty which includes vast stretches of fields, vales, and coffee estates.
The mornings at Kuppamudi are misty - sun rays filtering out through a pane of mist is a sight to behold.
There are rocks and boulders with trees wedged between them. With its perpetual cool breeze and tiny brooks gurgling all over, this tiny hill range is a beauty not many have had access to.
Places to see
Edakkal caves - If stepping into the bygone era is something you are passionate about, then the historically significant Edakkal Caves will prove to be a great experience.
Meenmutty - Choose the wilderness and the river to wash away the tedium of city life.
Aranamala - fills eyes and hearts
Sugandhagiri - Where fragrance wafts in every breeze
Banasura Sagar Dam - The largest earthen dam in India is located at Padinjarathara, about 25 km northeast of Kalpetta.
Must eat
Ask your tour operator to make arrangements to try out tribal cuisine of Wayanad, like kaatu curry, then nellikka, etc.
Puttu and beef/fish curry – Have you tried fish for breakfast? If not try, give it a try in Wayanad.
Try it at home Recipe: Puttu kozhi – a whole roasted chicken stuffed with puttu, Malabar beef roast
Chatti Pathiri - is layered savory pastry made in Malabar and the northern regions of Kerala.
Bread Mukki Porichathu - Amusingly enough, this is a sweet snack.
Neypathiri – It is a must try snacks for vegetarians.
Things to buy
Honey, coffee, tea, cardamom, handicrafts, spices
Things to do
Trekking, camping in forest, rock climbing, boating, visiting tribal settlements, bird watching
