After checking with Google for nearby tourist attractions post facing a disappointment of no biplane services at Muddy boots of Wayanad, we explored Pookode Lake, one of Wayanad's most popular freshwater lakes. The name reflects the lake's natural beauty amidst the Western Ghats and its signature feature of hosting fresh flowers and blue lotuses. The area offers various attractions such as animals, games, parks, grasslands, and, most notably, a lake with excellent boating facilities. The entrance fee for adults was 40 rupees per person. Upon arrival, we noticed many shops and stalls showcasing diverse arts and crafts from all over India, particularly Kerala. Despite feeling tired from constant travel, partying, and sightseeing, we were eager to uplift our spirits by boating.
There were four boating options: a boat with 2 seats, 4 seats, 6 seats, and 8 seats. Each option had its own convenience. The two-seater boats were appealing for couples, and since there were four of us, we decided to choose a four-seater boat. The cost was around 200 rupees per person, including the security deposit. Since it was the 1st of January, there was a huge rush, and we had to wait about half an hour before our boat arrived.
"That was how we ended up with a boat carrying four people. One of my friends was responsible for taking care of Miffy. So, there were four of us on a sturdy boat secured with safety measures around our bodies. I was excited because I was at the front peddling the boat. It was one of my most exciting yet crazy boating rides. We were all having fun on the freshwater lake. Travellers looked at us, laughing, cracking jokes, spilling water, and enjoying the scenic views. Sometimes, I rode our boat to the extreme edges and tried to cover almost the whole lake, but we were only allowed to roam for an hour. We enjoyed exploring the lake and capturing videos and photos to cherish those memories. When we got off the boat, I was sweating and pumped up despite my constant peddling and interacting with people around me. My energy for travel was still high, even though I had been travelling since November and December."
After leaving the boating area at Pookode Lake, we relaxed at a small hotel and had some coffee. We enjoyed the beautiful lake scenery, surrounded by tall trees, mountains, winding roads, and a refreshing breeze. The holiday season attracted many travellers and visitors, making Wayanad look more stunning. Despite the busy atmosphere, we were grateful to have our own transportation, which allowed us to visit and leave places at our convenience.
Pookode Lake used to be one of the most popular and vibrant destinations in Wayanad. It was often the top choice for visitors due to its beautiful lake, lush forest surroundings, and picturesque roads. Across from the lake was a park with an ostrich in a cage that provided entertainment, especially for children, although some people were concerned about the bird being caged but it was meant to be a bird show named Jungle book where one can witness both flora and fauna together. We haven't entered inside but with the rush outside, we felt it was a typical tourist attraction.
Even though we had gone boating and had crazy fun, the sister of the birthday girl, indeed the youngest of us, still felt disappointed about not getting herself on a zipline and some adventure. So our next stop was to wrap up the Wayanad trip with some adventurous fleets in the sky amidst the green paradise-looking views of Wayanad. We next headed to Vythiri from Pookode Lake to experience some thrilling adventures, one of the adventure management exclusively designed for such sky sports at the high altitudes of Wayanad. It was famously called the longest zipline, sky cycling and giant swing of Wayanad in Vythiri.
After reaching our destination, I initially felt tired and thought about skipping out on the adventurous experiences. However, my friends insisted so much that I couldn't say no. As planned, the four of us who went boating at Pookode Lake also visited the longest zipline at Vythiri. To reach those altitudes, we had to ride high-end mountaineering vehicles, or jeeps, to trek to the peak. The journey from the bottom to the top was challenging and rocky, but it also felt like a safari. The views of the mountains during the climb, while clinging to the jeep seats, were breathtakingly impressive.
The management arranges transportation to and from the mountain range, where all the adventure activities occur. We saw many other visitors and travellers happily enjoying the adventures when we arrived. I was hesitant to try anything due to my fear of heights. I refused, but the birthday girl convinced me to join her on the giant swing. So, the two of us paid 500 rupees each for the swing, while the other two eagerly opted for the longest zipline at 1000 rupees each. Adventure activities can be expensive nowadays, but enjoying the longest zipline adventure activities in Wayanad was worth it.
We started by getting on the giant swings with the help of the staff. I was nervous before the experience, but my feelings completely changed once we started because I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end. The ride lasted only about five minutes, but the thrill stayed with me for quite a while. They securely fastened us to the swing seats, strapping us in from each leg and hand and securing us with clips around our hips. The drop was over 1000 meters deep, which was scary and exciting. After they secured us, they slowly pulled us to the very top and then suddenly released us, and we couldn't help but scream out of excitement. The first three swings were crazily giant, and slowly, the experience started diminishing its effect in terms of height. Sadly, by the time we were completely comfortable with the height, we were already down where they had unlatched us. It was a fun experience, and I had it for the first time. Hence, there were way too many clicks and videos throughout the process.
While the two of us were on a giant swing, the other two recorded us. Then, we switched roles when it was their turn to try out the zipline adventure. We headed to the central station, where people were being dispatched on a metal wire supported by a mechanism and electricity-like parcels in the air. Under the blue sky, amidst green mountains and red rocky paths of terrace plantations, the people appeared as tiny creatures with adventurous souls hanging in mid-air, transported from one end to another. The zipline experience was unique as it connected one mountain to another, and from there, people would be transported on another zipline to reach a different spot on the hill. Those who signed up for the zipline could enjoy the scenic views of a mountain range from three different locations by travelling from one point to another. I felt excited just by looking at them, and even though I hadn't tried it myself, I was very focused on capturing the experience.
The two girls and my friend on the giant swing went on the zipline and explored the mountain range from the air. We moved from one spot to another to drop them off and pick them up during their zipline experience. Meanwhile, we also observed the sky cycling, which felt even more exhilarating. Walking toward the zipline endpoint, we saw two staff members cycling on a metal wire while securely attached to their bikes. It looked crazy, but they seemed to be having much fun. The staff were courteous and friendly, and they addressed all of our concerns. They also asked about our experiences and welcomed our feedback positively.
After we finished exploring and experiencing adventurous activities, we took many pictures. We eagerly waited for the pickup vehicles to take us back on the steep roads. It was already late evening when we completed our activities, and soon, the place would also close as no adventure activity or place would be open after 6 p.m. When we reached the bottom, it was around 6 p.m., and then we drove from Vythiri to Sulthan Bathery of Wayanad to have an early dinner before returning to Bangalore.
At the beginning of 2024, we kicked off the year with delightful and adventurous memories in a serene and scenic location. And all my expenses were handled and taken care by the birthday girl and her team. I enjoyed it heart fully and it was fun as that was the first time I was on a group trip with these pals. The long drive from Bangalore to Wayanad, passing through forests, ghats, and tea plantations, staying at a pet-friendly accommodation, exploring local markets to set up a cosy party, driving around and partaking in various tourist activities in Wayanad—all these memories remain vivid in my mind. Sharing them on my travel feed on Tripoto makes me feel like reliving those moments through my words.
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