BAYI
WALKING THE LIVING LANDSCAPES OF THE MOUNTAINS
Curated mountain walks and guided elevational transects across Wayanad’s vital ecological summits—Chembra Peak, Manikkunnu Mala, Banasura slopes, Kurichyarmala, Kurumbalakkotta monadnock, and Arattupura sacred grove.
CURATED MOUNTAIN TRAILS (6)
GUIDED FIELD TRANSECTS · EXPERT ECOLOGIST GUIDES
Chembra Peak Elevational Transect Walk
A guided high-altitude transect traversing evergreen shola pockets, heart-shaped cloud lake basins, and subalpine grassland ridges (1,100m to 2,100m ASL). Focus on elevational flora changes and watershed integrity.
Meeting Point: Meppadi Forest Gate (05:45 AM Shuttles from KVASU)
Guide: Dr. C.P. Shaji & Hume Field Rangers
Manikkunnu Mala Ridge & Cloud Forest Trail
Traverse the ancient cloud forest divide separating the Kabini and Chaliyar river catchments. Excellent birdwatching opportunity for endemic species like the Banasura Laughingthrush and Wayanad Laughingthrush.
Meeting Point: Lakkidi Viewpoint Gate
Guide: Hume Ornithology Team
Banasura Slopes Hydrological Transect
Inspect headwater streams, micro-catchment dams, and slope hydrology along the rugged Banasura massif.
Meeting Point: Padinjarathara Dam Gate
Guide: Dr. S. Sankar
Kurichyarmala Grassland & Shola Edge Walk
An approachable walk exploring shola forest margins, orchid diversity, and high-altitude tea-forest interfaces.
Meeting Point: Posuthana Junction
Guide: Wayanad Flora Collective
Kurumbalakkotta Mist Sunrise & Geological Walk
Early morning climb up Wayanad’s famous isolated hill monadnock to observe valley thermal inversions and cloud sea dynamics.
Meeting Point: Kambalakkad Junction
Guide: Geomophology Team
Arattupura Sacred Grove & Biodiversity Walk
A gentle walk through one of Wayanad’s largest surviving lowland sacred groves, examining ancient trees, endemic amphibians, and community conservation ethics.
Meeting Point: Mananthavady Highway Board
Guide: Sacred Grove Custodians & Botanists