Escape to Wayanad: A Journey of Healing and Natural Beauty
For those seeking respite from the bustling city life, Wayanad offers a serene escape nestled amidst nature’s embrace.This captivating destination, accessible from Bengaluru wiht a scenic drive, is a haven for those seeking Ayurvedic treatments and a chance to reconnect with nature. Recently, a seasoned traveler embarked on a journey to Chyavana Ayurvedic, a tranquil retreat known for its healing therapies and picturesque surroundings.
Planning his five-day retreat, the traveler reached out to Dr. Anu Viswanath, who expertly crafted a personalized treatment plan catering to his neck and lower back concerns. His journey began early on a January morning, with a pitstop at his favorite breakfast spot, Kadamba Veg, before cruising along the NH 275 expressway to Mysore. A pitstop at a Shell station ensured his car was fueled with V Power petrol, offering a slight cost advantage compared to Bengaluru.
“It’s slightly cheaper here than in Bengaluru,” he noted, appreciating the fuel savings during his road trip.
Lunch at Mysore Veg Cafe in Sultan Bathery proved to be a delightful experience, with its appetizing pure vegetarian cuisine and ample parking space. ”I strongly recommend this place for their good service, food quality, as well as quite ample parking,” he shared after savoring a satisfying meal.
The final leg of the journey, a scenic 31 kilometer stretch, tested his driving skills with its winding roads and unexpected turns. Yet, the sparse traffic in Wayanad made the drive manageable and enjoyable. Guided by Dr. Anu upon arrival, he was welcomed into the tranquil haven of Chyavana Ayurvedic.
The center exuded a harmonious blend of nature and Ayurveda, with sprawling fruiting trees gracing the landscape. The traveler’s car found a unique perch under a fig tree, symbolizing his connection to the abundance of nature surrounding him. Arecanut and pepper plantations added to the exotic charm, while his balcony offered breathtaking views of the coffee plantation, reminiscent of the soothing aroma that permeated the air.
Peacocks, though elusive, graced the property with their melodic calls, creating an enchanting ambiance. But the most captivating experience was the misty mornings that unveiled breathtaking panoramas, offering a glimpse into the serene beauty of Wayanad.
The sunrise,painting the sky in hues of gold and orange,was breathtakingly beautiful when paired with the ethereal mist that hung low over the landscape. it was a scene truly made for capturing and cherishing.
Birds flitted about in abundance, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.Capturing their beauty with my somewhat outdated camera proved to be a challenge due to the low light and heavy mist.
Throughout my stay, the food was a delight, adhering to a strict vegetarian, non-dairy menu. The simple boiled rice of Kerala, familiar to me from my previous travels there, became a comforting staple.
Just as in my earlier trip to Kerala in February 2024, I took a trip to the Tirunelly Maha Vishnu temple on January 24th. It’s located approximately 45 km from Chyavana Ayurvedic. The road journey was enjoyable, with smooth stretches comprising 95-97% of the route, though there were a couple of short sections of about 200-300 meters that were quite rough.
For a glimpse into my return drive from the temple, here’s a link to one of my dashcam videos showcasing the smoother portions of the road: https://drive.google.com/file/d/144h…w?usp=drivesdk
Wayanad Rejuvenation: Running Amidst Nature’s Splendor
Imagine starting your day with a run through misty trails, the air crisp and invigorating, the scent of damp earth and greenery filling your lungs. That’s the experience Wayanad offers, a place where nature’s beauty seamlessly merges with opportunities for personal rejuvenation.
The author, seeking to incorporate fitness into their trip, found solace in exploring the surrounding trails. “A 2 km walk isn’t good enough for me! I do nearly 9 to 10 km run/ walk cumulatively in Bengaluru, so I explored the surroundings and settled on a 4 km circuit,” they shared. This circuit, aptly described as ”a delight, with greenery and banana plantations all around,” became a haven for their daily exercise.
The journey wasn’t just about physical exertion; it was about immersing oneself in nature’s splendor. The author stumbled upon a stunning flower, aptly named the ‘Lesser bird of paradise,’ which captivated their attention. As they observed the delicate petals, they remarked, “Randomly spotted this beautiful flower on the route. According to Wikipedia, this flower is called the ‘Lesser bird of paradise’ after the bird it resembles.”
The Wayanad rejuvenation journey wasn’t solely confined to running. The author also experienced the tranquility of a scenic drive, noting, “And finally on 27 Jan, after that awesome 5D/ 6N, it was time for the not so inspiring return to civilization of the urban kind! I took the wider route on my return drive via Kalpetta.”
With a sense of completion, the author concluded, ”PoV: Wayanad rejuvenation is like no other!”