Vythiri

Vythiri is where most visitors first arrive in Wayanad: a hill town about 2,600 feet above sea level, five kilometres beyond Lakkidi on the Kozhikode–Mysuru road. Mist sits on the hills most mornings, and the slopes around the town are covered in forest and in tea, coffee and spice plantations.

Lakkidi, just before Vythiri, has wide views over the valleys and the Chain Tree, a tree bound by a chain that is tied to a local legend. Pookode Lake and the Kanthanpara waterfalls are close by.

In 2008 Vythiri became Wayanad's first Responsible Tourism destination, with a focus on low-impact travel that benefits local communities. Its Village Life Experience takes visitors to spice farms, the Uravu bamboo craft village, tribal art and handicraft makers, traditional kitchens and demonstrations of how local drums are made.