Want to ride a vintage Kerala bullock cart? Head to Wayanad

Once upon a time in Kerala, bullock carts symbolised the peaceful agrarian life. From ploughing fields and transporting produce to local markets to gracing festivals, marriages, and processions, they were an inseparable part of rural culture. Even today, the rhythmic sound of bells tied to the bulls evokes nostalgia, especially among older generations. However, the carts gradually faded into history as mechanisation took over agriculture. Today, they are largely confined to period films depicting a bygone era when rural economies and social life revolved around these carts, with bells gently chiming as they moved along. However, for the next few days, you will have an opportunity to experience a bullock cart ride in Wayanad, if interested? Up for it? Here are the details.

The bullock cart ride
The Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) at Ambalavayal, under Kerala Agricultural University, offers this unique opportunity to ride a bullock cart. The initiative comes thanks to the vision of Associate Director Prof. Abdul Hakkim, who recently assumed charge.

Speaking to Onmanorama, Prof. Abdul Hakkim said the ride aims to connect the younger generation with the past through a symbol of social life that has nearly vanished. In a digital age where machines increasingly dominate even personal spaces, such experiences offer a chance to reflect on the slower, calmer rhythm of village life. “There are children today who have not only never seen a bullock cart, but not even bulls,” he says, noting that this may be one reason the ride has become an instant hit.

The idea took shape when the skeletal remains of a bullock cart found in a museum at RARS caught Prof. Hakkim’s attention. He discussed the concept with colleagues, envisioning a pollution-free ride infused with nostalgia within the RARS garden, where an agricultural machinery expo is currently underway.

Initially, the plan was to redesign the cart and source a pair of bulls locally. However, for practical reasons, the team decided to bring in bullock carts along with drivers from Gundlupet in Karnataka, where such carts are still part of everyday agrarian life. “We hired the carts with drivers for ₹1 lakh for a month,” said Prasanth PS, Administrative Officer of RARS. He added that the ride is in high demand, often resulting in long queues.

Rate of the ride
For just ₹20 per person, visitors can enjoy a ride down memory lane, gently swaying along in a zigzag path through the expansive 10-acre expo pavilion and adjacent gardens. Each cart accommodates six people at a time. For children, the experience is entirely new; for older visitors, it offers a nostalgic journey back in time. Families, especially those with children, are relishing the experience, and evenings often see long queues. There is also a rush among children to take photographs with the carts.

Complete with folk songs
Adding to the charm, the cart drivers—villagers from remote parts of Karnataka—enhance the experience by singing folk songs in their native language, creating a nostalgic rhythm. The carts, adorned with garlands of beads and flowers, lend an ethereal touch to the ride. Currently, two bullock carts serve visitors, and a horse cart ride is also being planned.

The farm fair and agricultural machinery expo
The month-long Farm Fair and Agricultural Machinery Expo is an initiative aimed at exploring the tourism potential of the summer season while also educating farmers about modern agricultural technologies.

In addition to offering insights into new farming techniques and digital tools, the expo features ploughing competitions, ornamental bird exhibitions, flower shows, amusement parks, food stalls, and various rides. There are also programmes designed specifically to engage children.

The event, which began on April 20, will conclude on May 19. It showcases more than 50 modern agricultural machines and tools used across the country, covering all stages of farming—from sowing to harvesting.

Artificial rain in summer
Another highlight of the expo is an artificial rain zone, offering relief from the scorching summer heat. Scheduled at regular intervals, the artificial drizzle creates a microclimate beneficial for plants while also lowering the ambient temperature in the area. It has become a popular attraction, especially among young visitors who gather to enjoy the refreshing experience. Additionally, the drizzle helps control dust within the expo grounds.

Visitor Information
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹30 for children
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
How to reach
RARS is located in Wayanad's Ambalavayal town:
9 km from Vaduvanchal (on the Kozhikode–Ooty Road)
4 km from Kolagapara Junction (on the Kozhikode–Mysore Road)
8 km from Meenangadi (on the Kozhikode–Mysore Road)
8 km from Sulthan Bathery
Regular private and KSRTC buses operate from nearby towns to RARS.