Our crew of 12 Bangalore buddies escaped city chaos with Tripbae’s 3-day, 2-night Wayanad getaway, a budget-friendly adventure packed with thrills, cozy stays, and tasty meals, all led by our guide, Manoj. We hopped into a comfy AC tempo traveller, sized perfectly for our 12, on Friday night, arriving at Soochipara Homestay near Meppadi by 8 AM Saturday. Vibin (+91 96053 18310), his father Mohan, and his mother welcomed us with warm smiles and steaming chai. Nestled in coffee plantations, their hillside homestay was a gem: clean rooms (plenty for our 12), spotless restrooms with hot showers, and a family-like vibe. We freshened up, settled in, and savored a hearty breakfast of idly, boiled eggs, and toasted bread—fresh, endless, and homestay-made. Post-breakfast, Manoj led us on a quick 1-km trek to Soochipara Waterfalls, where October rains powered a roaring 200-foot cascade. The short, scenic trail was a laugh-filled jaunt, with Manoj handing out ponchos for drizzles. The icy pool was a blast—12 of us splashing, slipping, and filming slow-mo videos. Grippy shoes saved us on slick rocks; the vibe was pure, carefree fun. We were back at the homestay by noon, chilling with herbal teas on the lawn. After a tasty lunch, we piled into two rugged jeeps for a wild ride to the 900 Kandi Bridge. Bouncing through muddy trails, we laughed as spice-scented air whipped past. The historic suspension bridge over a raging river offered epic valley views—group selfies galore. Manoj’s quick history tidbits (its freedom-era roots) added flavor without slowing the thrill. Dinner was a Kerala feast: spicy chicken curry and veggie thoran, fresh and plentiful. The night erupted with a bonfire and musical chairs—12 of us tripping over Bollywood beats. Tripbae’s choreographer, Ishita, stole the show with wild moves (Kathak meets Zumba), sparking a group dance frenzy. Then, we dove into a bluff game, where Ishita, Sathish, and Manoj played tricky, outsmarting us with sly grins and clever bluffs, keeping us laughing till we crashed in our spotless rooms. Sunday morning, we checked out after a quick breakfast. Manoj’s clockwork kept our 12 in sync. By 9 AM, two speedboats zipped us across Banasura Dam’s glassy reservoir, misty hills framing the scene. Split into teams, we raced and whooped, eagles soaring above. Manoj snapped our grins from the shore—Insta gold. Next, a 30-minute climb led to Edakkal’s prehistoric rock shelters. The steep, challenging ascent tested our legs, but the 6,000-year-old petroglyphs—human and animal carvings—sparked group debates. Manoj’s flashlight guided us through dim caves, rain adding a mystical drizzle. After a quick lunch at a nearby café, we started back to Bangalore at 4 PM Sunday, rolling into the city by midnight. Manoj’s final touch? A group photo stop and Tripbae feedback cards for future adventures.

Wayanad is one of the most beautiful regions of Kerala