The ‘Wheels of Wander’ campaign by Maruti Suzuki Alto and Outlook Traveller offered a young couple, Pallav and Anwesha, the opportunity to explore Kerala on a five-day self-driving trip. The journey was planned just at the turn of the weather from a cool winter to sultry spring. It was an ideal time for them to drive through the lush state. If you’re looking to explore Kerala’s Malabar region in the same way, here’s a suggested itinerary.

• Day 1 Bengaluru to Wayanad (approx 309km)

Bengaluru is the easiest connecting air node to Wayanad, with multiple airlines flying here from different parts of the country. Start from the airport, crossing Mysore, stopping on the highway for typical Karnataka snacks like thatte idli (flat idli)and ragi mudde (finger millet snack). Time dependent, one can make a quick stop at Srirangapatna, known for the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple.Take the bypass at Mysore and continue on the highway to Wayanad in Kerala. Remember that the Karnataka border is closed at night from 9pm to 6 am, as the road goes through the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. So make sure that you cross this region well before it’s dark as the drive is anyway more enjoyable during the day itself. Reach Wayanadby evening.

Recommended Stay: Vythiri Mist

• Day 2 Wayanad – Tholpetty (approx 50km)

Enjoy a serene morning in the unspoilt Wayanad region, full of coffee estates. You can take a stroll to take in the fresh cool air and see plantation workers dotting the hills, getting ready for work. The Sugandhagiri Hills in Wayanad are extravagantly green with their aromatic spice plantations and streams running through forested tracts. The hills are ideal for nature-based activities like bamboo rafting and spice plantation walks. You easily spend the first half of the day experiencing these two activities.

From Wayanad, drive to the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The dense foliage and canopies keep you company through the entire drive. Make sure you reach well before the sunset to enjoy the forest-flanked road, hope for a tryst with a herd of elephants; it is not uncommon to spot them on this route.

Recommended Stay:Pugmarks Resort in Tholpetty.

• Day 3 Tholpetty – Nileshwaram (approx 170km)

Wake up to the sound of chirping birds and a thin veil of fog. As the sun comes up, it is time for some epic adventure in the form of zip lining. You can swoosh down from tree to tree over paddy fields. The height is not too much, and even beginners and children can give this a try. After the morning activities, you can enjoy a traditional sadhya lunch in a home-run restaurant. Sadhya is an elaborate multi-course meal served on a plantain leaf. A typical sadhya is a great way to introduce your palate to Kerala’s authentic flavours.

Later, drive to Kuruvadweep Island, which comprises of 1000 acres of a thick green forest that runs along the banks of a tributary of Kabini River. Isolated from bustling towns, the island is an ideal picnic spot for peace seekers and bird watchers. You can stay engaged with a number of activities like angling, hiking, swimming, camping and boating.

Move to the Malabar Coast from here and cross Banasura Sagar Dam. This is built across Kabini River and is the largest earth dam in India and second largest in Asia. Speed boating facilities in the dam and trekking trails leading from here draw many outdoor enthusiasts. Here, the topography changes from coffee estates to tea bushes. Acre of tea plantations carpet the low hills. Enjoy a tea tasting session, while overlooking the sprawling green estate.

Reach Nileshwaram to see a stunning sunset from the private beach of the Malabar Ocean Resort and Spa.

Recommended Stay: Malabar Ocean Resort and Spa

• Day 4 Nileshwaram - Kannur (approx 56km)

This day is the perfect antidote to a rushed pace of ticking off things on a packed itinerary. It gives you ample time to see Kerala at a leisurely pace. You’re likely to begin the day with the sound of the waves and a stroll on the beach. There are hammocks and sun beds to spend leisurely time under swaying coconut trees. After breakfast, drive to the launch pad of the Bekal Ripples Houseboat on Tejaswini River for a closer rendezvous with the backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat experience allows for an easy paced time to see local life at the edge of the canals, as you glide slowly. Couple of hours are ample to get a taste of the houseboat experience. One can also choose to the stay overnight. If you’re running short of time, drive south along the coast to Kannur. Sunsets at Kannur are otherworldly. The soft orange glow of the evening is accompanied by silhouettes of fishermen leaving on their boats to cast nets in the sea. You can also spend the night at a seaside homestay, where the sound of the waves makes for a great background score through the night. Try the local style seafood of the area for dinner.

Recommended Stay -Seashell Haris Beach Home

• Day 5 Kannur – Calicut (approx 90 km)

It’s the last day to pack in a typical Kerala breakfast - idiyappam and stew, topped up with a tumbler of filter coffee. Drive southwards to the last stop, Calicut. Enroute, you will cross Thalassery, a town famous for biryani and the oldest bakeries of the state. If you have time, make a stop at the 18th century Thalassery Fort at the edge of the sea. Your last stop could be at the Sargaalaya Arts & Craft Centre,which showcases different handicrafts of the state. It is a perfect place to pick up souvenirs. Reach Kozhikode, the last stop on this trail.

Courtesy of Outlook Traveller