Kerala's own mini 'Gundlupet' in Wayanad's Pulpalli: What to see, how to reach
Farmer Roy Kavalakkat has successfully cultivated marigold (chendumalli) as an intercrop in his three-acre plantain farm at Alathur.
Farmer Roy Kavalakkat has successfully cultivated marigold (chendumalli) as an intercrop in his three-acre plantain farm at Alathur.
Farmer Roy Kavalakkat has successfully cultivated marigold (chendumalli) as an intercrop in his three-acre plantain farm at Alathur.
Flower enthusiasts who usually rush to Gudlupet in Karnataka to enjoy vast swathes of flower farms get a 'home-grown' destination now - Wayanad's Pulpalli. Here, farmer Roy Kavalakkat has successfully cultivated marigold (chendumalli) as an intercrop in his three-acre plantain farm at Alathur, 5 km from Pulpalli. While people from Kerala generally purchase flowers from Karnataka for cultural, religious, and personal needs, Roy has taken the reverse route- selling flowers in the Mysore flower market. During the Dasara festival, he also managed to sell flowers in Karnataka. With the marigold season in Karnataka coming to an end, traders across the border have apparently started travelling to Pulppalli, hearing about the floriculture venture.
Though a progressive agriculturist, Roy had his doubts about this crop pattern. But, his plants grew well and also bloomed quality flowers, fetching him a reasonable price ranging from Rs 80 to Rs 150 per kg. A passionate farmer, Roy told Onmanorama that the hybrid seeds and ideal climate contributed to the success of his floriculture. “With high demand from markets of Mysore and Kozhikode, I have plans to expand it by forming a farmers’ cooperative for its cultivation and marketing”, he said. With the Pazhassi Park, a tourism spot where the freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja was martyred, near his farm, Roy receives a steady stream of enthusiasts who come to take selfies in the garden. However, Roy is yet to charge any fee for the farm visit or for photoshoots.
How to reach?
From Pulppalli, travel 5 km by road towards Mullankolli to reach Alathur. 'Roy's Farm' is right by the main road.
If travelling from the Mananthavadi route, take the Mananthavadi-Pulpally route to reach Alathur after 13 km.
Other tourism attractions nearby
Roy's farm is 1 km away from Pazhassi Park, where the freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja had his heroic martyrdom.
The spot is also 5 km away from the Seetha Devi temple, Pulppalli.
Where to stay?
There are numerous homestays and resorts, in addition to budget hotels and lodging facilities, available at Pulppalli. For details, contact Roy Kavalakatt: 9447907464