Gundlupet flowers trend all over Instagram: Best stretches, hotel, washroom facilities and more

Remember the song 'Manju Peyyana' from the hit Malayalam film 'Chandranudikkunna Dikkil'? The scenic song, which had its frames filled with agrarian village shots, sunflower and marigold fields, was set in the Karnataka border region of Gundlupet. Every year, the village dominates Instagram reels in the July-September months with its beautiful farmlands of turmeric, bright, golden blooms. And the season is upon netizens again this year. Are the reels tempting you to check out the spot yourself? Travellers who have already visited the spot this year share with us some valuable insights on what you get to see, hotel and toilet options, routes to take and more. 

What to see there?
Tourists who take the Bandipur forest route of Wayanad to reach Gundlupet would get to see Karnataka villages with flower farms on either side, as soon as they exit the forest stretch, say travellers. Kadalundi native Midhun, who runs the Instagram page Foodie Mallu Kozhikode, says, "I saw more of marigold flowers as compared to sunflowers this time. The flowers are abundant in the Muthanga - Gundlupet Road and the Bandipur - Gundlupet stretch. The Gundlupet - Mysore road also has some dense blooms." 

While Gundlupet is mostly about flowers and fields, the views on the way to the region in Bandipur are also gripping, Midhun says. "You get to see many animals too in the forest stretch and can enjoy the vibe driving through the jungle road," he says.  

For those interested in exploring other nearby spots, the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple in the region would be a good option, says Wayanad-based photographer Aasish Manoli, who often travels in the area. "The temple gives a spectacular and occasionally foggy view of its surroundings. Private vehicles aren't allowed on its route, but the Forest Department's shuttle service can be relied upon. Devotees have the option to spend as much time as they want in the temple." 

Another highlight at Gundlupet is the captivating sight of people engaged in extremely traditional methods of farming, Aasish says. "The local people there still use oxen to plough their fields, and those in action are mostly the farmers themselves, not labourers. There are hardly any middlemen in their processes. Observing their cultivation techniques can also be fascinating," he says. 

According to Aasish, the flowers aren't grown in Gundlupet just for the Onam season. "The chendumalli, aka marigold, is often grown for paint-making companies who provide them with the seeds. Only a small portion of these flowers are sent to Kerala for Onam, according to farmers," he says. Around Onam weeks, tourists get to see vaadaamalli flower blooms (globe amaranth), also, says Aasish. 

What to be careful of 
Those taking the Bandipur route shouldn't stop their vehicle at the Bandipur road stretch. Aasish Manoli from says, "The Bathery to Gundlupet stretch is about 55 km, and around 25 km is only through forest. There is no permission to stop the vehicle here, and if you do, it can invite a spot fine. There are also cases where the authorities confiscated vehicles. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles have enough fuel as well." 

Midhun points out it's better to have all original documents of your vehicle with you. He explains, "At times, Karnataka authorities tend to carry out stringent checks on vehicles with KL boards. Therefore, avoid as much plastic as you can in your vehicle." 

As for the precautions while at the flower fields, Midhu says, "It's important to ensure that flowers aren't picked. Those visiting with children should take extra care and be cautious about this. If not, the behaviour can mar the experience of those visiting after them as well," he says. 

Ticket fees
Midhun says that the cultivators, who are often present on the farms, charge between Rs 20 and Rs 50 from visitors who want to venture into the fields. "It is apparently their main income this season," he says. 

Hotel, toilet facilities
According to Aasish, there are decent Karnataka vegetarian hotels in the Gundlupet town area. Those looking for toilet facilities can rely on the recently opened washroom located after the Mooleholle Check Post, near the forest quarters, he says. "It is a pay and use facility and is relatively clean," Aasish adds. 

The exact season
The month of July to the first week of September would be the best to check out the region, if you want to enjoy flower farms at their best. Early mornings and evenings are when the flowers are at their best. 

Route to Gundlupet
If you are travelling from North Kerala districts like Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur or Kasaragod, the route via the Bandipur forest in Wayanad would be the quickest way to reach Gundlupet, according to travellers. Midhun, who travelled in this route, explains, "From Kozhikode, I took the Wayanad - Kalpetta - Sulthan Bathery - Bandipur Forest route to reach Gundlupet. I left at 10 am and reached Gundlupet by around 2.30 pm." According to him, a tourist can also return the same day after spending an hour or two at Gundlupet, provided they can head back before the roads, especially in the Bandipur area, close at 9 pm. The route from Southern Kerala can take more extended hours. According to Google Maps, both buses and cars can take between 8 and 12 hours to reach Gundlupet from this part of the state.