Sunflowers, marigolds bloom at Gundlupet: Best spots, ticket rates, timings

It's that time of the year when the social media feeds of travel lovers turn yellow, with sunflowers of Gundlupet blooming reel after reel. The region, in which the hit Malayalam film 'Chandranudikkunna Dikkil' was famously shot, is just about 44 km from Kerala's Sultan Bathery in Wayanad. Gundlupet, where sunflowers have been grown for generations for oil extraction and marigolds for the paint industry, remains a haven of flowers till the end of August. This year, the climate has affected the blooms quite a bit, regardless, there are enough colourful pockets to impress visitors, tourists say. 

While in the past the flowers were grown solely in remote villages for various industries, these days farmers also grow them on the roadsides of National Highways for tourists. They charge ₹10- ₹100 to enter the fields and take pictures or shoot videos, and there is no standard rate, according to traveller Madhu Natesh from Wayanad. 

Best spots
Wayanad-based photographer Aasish Manoli says marigolds or chendumalli flowers are more this season, and they are found on either side of the highway, soon after the Maddur checkpost. "In the Gundlupet to Bandipur stretch, visitors get to see a mix of vadamalli (globe amaranth) flowers, sunflowers and marigolds. Occasional sunflower farms can also be spotted in Kakkalthondi and Maddur," he says. 

It's not just about flowers
The 'Gopalaswamy Betta' or the 'Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple' in Gundlupet is a spot that many tourists don't want to miss on their trip. Madhu Natesh says, "The temple is totally worth your time, and at times, the area experiences a foggy yet windy ambience, which can be unforgettable." The forest department's shuttle service plies on this route, and private vehicles aren't allowed. 

What's the best time to visit?
The region doesn't experience many sunny or rainy days currently, so any time of day can be ideal, says Madhu, who visited the sunflower stretches along the Kakkalthondi-Gopalsamibetta route in Gundlupet with family. These fields are just about 3 km from Kakkalthondi. The region doesn't have many food spots except for occasional, small wayside eateries, and therefore, it is best to have food from Sultan Battery if heading to Gundlupet, he says. 

How to reach Gundlupet
If travelling from North Kerala districts such as Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, or Kasaragod, the route via the Bandipur forest in Wayanad is the quickest way to reach Gundlupet, according to travellers. Many travellers from the region take the Wayanad - Kalpetta - Sulthan Bathery - Bandipur Forest route to reach Gundlupet. The forest roads in the Bandipur area close around 9 pm. Therefore, leave early from Gundlupet if planning to leave the same day. 

Those taking the Bandipur route shouldn't stop their vehicle at the Bandipur road stretch. The Bathery to Gundlupet stretch is about 55 km, and around 25 km of it is through forest. There is no permission to stop the vehicle here, and doing so can result in fines. Reportedly, there are also cases in which the authorities have confiscated vehicles. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles have enough fuel as well. If travelling from the Southern area, both buses and cars can take around 12 hours to reach Gundlupet, depending on the travellers' starting point. 

Tourists' tips for safe travel
a) Carry original documents of your vehicle, as Karnataka authorities can at times be strict with those with KL boards.
b) Avoid as much plastic in the vehicle.
c) Don't pick flowers in the farms. Those travelling with children should be extra cautious to prevent them from damaging plants.