Planning that perfect getaway to the wilds of Wayanad? If so, the apt place for you would be the Wayanadu Wildlife Resort in Sulthan Bathery. The place will not disappoint. It’s a unique experience, that of living in the middle of thick forests watching Malabar squirrels munching on berries and fruits or spotted deer down below feasting on fresh vegetation.
If you are lucky, you may even get to see a herd of elephants passing through. Add to this the balmy air of the mountains and the luxury of a resort.
The resort comprises sets of cottages on iron frames built to look like treehouses. The view that opens up from the cottage sit-out is one of abundant, dense greenery with trees and forest woods stretching beyond one’s sight. It’s from here that you get to see the squirrels and the deer.
A drive along the indescribably beautiful Thamarassery churam (mountain pass) which in itself is a trip for keeps, will take you to the resort.
The resort, though quite close to Sulthan Bathery town, is wrapped in a thick forest cover. And the thought that elephants could herd around may not sound quite comforting to the faint-hearted. However, it’s bliss indeed to stretch one’s legs out and enjoy the quiet of the jungle.
The cottages, fenced around with thick iron frames are meant to keep elephants away. The luxuriant grass growth here happens to be the favourite haunt of spotted deer. A brook gurgling down below is another typical forest murmur.
The trees that shoot up high above the resort roofs house insects, birds and squirrels, truly a shutterbug’s paradise, especially for one yearning to be a wildlife photographer.
The cottages built on a slope near the forest stands on strong iron pillars, modelled after the usual “machan” type of wooden tree houses. However, there’s very little wood in use here. Iron, steel and other modern building material used ensures that the bath-attached huts enjoy all possible luxury including that of air conditioning.
The cottages are aligned in a line and tourists can book one or two huts that are linked together. For example, a large family which may need two cottages can avail of the facility. The cottages are inter-connected by iron “bridges”.
However, here’s a word of caution for tourists. It’s better to keep small kids away from the balcony. See that they are not left on their own. Lock the rooms before you step out; otherwise, you could have monkeys inside your rooms looking up and scattering your belongings.
As the cottages are set at a high altitude and have a broad base, it makes them a bit shaky as you climb up, but there’s no cause for alarm. The only snag is the lack of intercom facility between the cottages and the reception.
On the whole, the Wayanadu Wildlife Resort is the perfect homestay for a family vacation or even a business meet away from the city’s madding crowd. Techies and smart crowds can be happy that the place is within cell phone range.
For more details contact: 9656435635.