Hidden in the hills, off the Malabar Coast (50 odd miles from Calicut) lies Wayanad with its pristine, beauty still intact. The area is said to have the largest tribal population in Kerala. As you leave the palms and green paddies of the plains and wind your way up the hills you reach Wayanad (2100 meter) known for its forests, spice gardens, misty mountains and waterfalls. Just as you enter Wayanad on the left near the lake is the famous chain tree. As per legend a tribal guide helped a Bitisher find Wayanad and was killed for his effort and buried by the Englishman under the tree. His restless spirit created havoc till it was captured and bound by chains to the tree by a priest. So if you believe in myths leave a coin in the alms box here and your trip to Wayanad will be pleasant.
The British were the first to plant cinchona, rubber and coffee here. Cinchona, for quinine to fight malaria is no longer grown instead pepper vines hang from trees and the Vanilla orchid creeper can be seen around. If you are a wildlife lover you have come to the right place. The Muthanga National Park or the Wayanad National Park is a Rainforest Reserve and Sanctuary, a part of the protected area network of the Nagarhole National park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. This is elephant country. You will frequently see herds of elephants on the move. Other animals that call the area home are leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, barking Deer, Slender Loris and of course the king of the Jungle, the tiger.
If you are interested in seeing 2nd century AD remains visit the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, a reminder of the advanced civilization that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. Of course visit the Edakkal Caves in the Ambukuthi Hills for a slice of history. Their age is placed at anywhere from 1500 BC to 4000 BC depending on who is the guide. Some believe that these Neolithic Caves were formed by an arrow shot by Lord Ram of the Epic Ramayan. The boulder strewn path to the caves is tricky, so take it slowly. Inside the caves, a stone Age gallery of carvings, geometric designs and symbols unfolds. You will see ancient stone scripts, wall inscriptions with animal and human figures, drawings with even a swastika.
If you like walking then take a guided walk through the forest. The Pookkot Lake is restful. So pack a picnic lunch and relax and later go boating on the lake. Banasura is home to the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The park here is also a good place to relax, read a book or just take a snooze.
If you've chilled out enough then make a trip to the Thirunelly Temple. It's 30 granite columns and huge granite squares that make up the flooring are awe inspiring. The Papanasini River though, meanders close by unfazed by this architectural marvel.
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda on the slope of Vellarimala is a Jain Temple. For the adventurous a trek to Chembra peak (2100 meters) is a challenge.
Vrindavan lies 15km/10miles from Mathura and 150km/100 miles from Delhi.