Kerala's most beautiful bus stop, with a 'dangerous' origin story

Nestled in the misty hills of Wayanad, a humble bus stop has captured the hearts of internet users and travellers alike. Dubbed the 'Purple Paradise', the Nambikolly bus stop is far from your typical concrete waiting shed. When the monsoon season hits Kerala, the entire roof of this structure transforms into a breathtaking, vibrant canopy of purple blossoms, making it an overnight sensation on Instagram and YouTube Reels.

A clever solution to a snake problem
The story behind this picturesque landmark started some 12 years ago. Local residents Joy Kottookaran and E S Varghese planted a wild garlic vine (Mansoa alliacea) over the concrete shelter. Their goal was twofold: to provide natural shade for waiting passengers and to deter snakes. The vine is well known for its garlic-like aroma when its leaves are crushed, which acts as a natural repellent to snakes and other pests.

Nurtured by the community
What began as a simple, practical solution soon became a collective passion project. As the vine grew and wrapped itself around the roof, local shopkeepers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and school students stepped in to protect and nurture it. Their shared dedication has kept the plant thriving year after year, shielding it from vandalism and neglect.

A hotspot for monsoon travellers
Located on Nambikolly Road along the Sulthan Bathery-Pattavayal route, the shelter offers a stark, beautiful contrast to the usual ad-plastered or leaky bus stops seen elsewhere. When the rains arrive in Wayanad, the vine bursts into a spectacular display of violet blossoms, drawing tourists, photographers, and content creators looking for the perfect aesthetic shot.