Wayanad set to shine with Splash 2025 Monsoon Carnival from July 11-14, aiming to restore its reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.
Wayanad, the Kerala green hill district, will regain its reputation as a prime tourism hot destination after being significantly impacted by recent landslips. Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) has launched a bold action plan to restore the state’s hospitality industry and restore it as a safe, eco-friendly, and successful destination. The 12th edition of the Splash 2025 Monsoon Carnival from July 11-14 is the cornerstone of this plan, to brand Wayanad’s natural beauty, heritage, and adventure spirit.
A Fresh Start for Wayanad Tourism
Wayanad, renowned for its misty hills, tea estates, and wild life sanctuaries, was always the first choice among nature lovers and sportsmen. Yet, the devastative landslips in July 2024 had impacted the state’s tourism sector, derailing the tourist confidence. In a bid to counter this, the WTO with its new secretary Soorajith Radhakrishnan has formulated a multi-pronged approach to restore Wayanad’s splendor. The action plan is centered on sustainable tourism, environmentally friendly practices, and community-based activities to facilitate long-term development.
“Wayanad is a secure and welcoming place,” Radhakrishnan said. “Our vision is to uncover its unspoiled beauty and cultural heritage and promote responsible tourism that promotes local communities and conserves the environment.” This is in line with the region’s emphasis on eco-tourism to draw in tourists looking for genuine and sustainable experiences.
Splash 2025: The Monsoon Carnival
The centerpiece of the return of tourism in Wayanad is the Splash 2025 Monsoon Carnival, spread over four days from July 11 to 14. The WTO’s alternate-year trade fair will attract 500 pre-shortlisted buyers from across India, putting Wayanad in the spotlight of growth markets even more. The carnival will also be promoting the Wayanad-Kannur-Kasaragod circuit as a valid holiday experience combining hill stations, beaches, and cultural icons.
Splash 2025 will include business meets, adventure activities, and cultural festivals. The tourists can anticipate:
•Adventure Activities: Trekking to Chembra Peak, jungle night safaris, and kayaking in Karapuzha Dam to present a more adventurous image of Wayanad.
•Cultural Festivals: Theyyam dance performances, folk music shows, and exhibition of local handicrafts to showcase Kerala’s cultural heritage.
• Eco-Tourism Theme: Guided tours to Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, and Banasura Sagar Dam, with an emphasis on environment-friendly travel practices.
Splash 2025 will facilitate Wayanad’s branding as a destination throughout the year by leveraging the greenness of the monsoon to attract tourists. “The monsoon turns Wayanad into paradise,” Radhakrishnan added. “Splash 2025 will let the world realize that our hills are alive and ready to receive people.”
Sustainable Tourism at the Core
Wayanad’s action plan is to ensure sustainability so that the destination’s natural and cultural heritage does not stray. The WTO is promoting eco-friendly accommodations, promoting homestays, and reducing waste and carbon prints. Locals are being empowered through training to offer genuine experiences such as farm visits and handicrafts. Not only is this promoting tourism, but it’s also creating income-generating activities for locals.
The strategy also entails collaboration with stakeholders like Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS). To illustrate, the township scheme at Elstone Estate, which was initially planned for the victims of landslips, is being integrated with tourism proposals like hostels, tea factories, and handicraft bazaars to attract backpackers and eco-tourists.
Developing Infrastructure and Connectivity
To make Wayanad accessible, the Kerala state government has approved the longest ropeway in South India, from Wayanad’s Lakkidi to Kozhikode’s Adivaram. The 3.675 km long ropeway, with journey time reduced to just 15 minutes, will also pass through unpopulated forest belts of resplendent beauty, providing impetus to adventure tourism. The project is expected to promote the utilization of Wayanad as a hill station destination during summers.
Besides this, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is also offering low-budget tour packages like night trekking at Chingeri Hills and tours to tribal villages like En Ooru. All these are within budget and within reach for family tourists and independent tourists.
Addressing Challenges Post-Landslides
The 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralamala landslips marred the tourism reputation of Wayanad, but WTO is attempting to restore confidence. Disaster tourism is prohibited in landslip areas governed by the district police in accordance with survivors as well as ethics-based tourism. In the meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested that the Kerala state government submit elaborated reports regarding landslide causality to prevent repeat disasters and implement safer tourism culture.
Tourist department of Wayanad is going green with its planning as well, with its concentration on conservation efforts such as the protection of newly found damselfly species Euphaea wayanadensis in the Kalindi River. This is a follow-up from Wayanad’s mission to conserve its ecologically sensitive locations.
Why Visit Wayanad in 2025?
There is something in Wayanad for everyone:
- Nature enthusiasts: Explore Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Adventure Seekers: Trek to Chembra Peak or have night safaris from Sulthan Bathery.
- Culture Seekers: Visit Edakkal Caves or see Theyyam dances at Splash 2025.
- Gastronomes: Savor Kerala food, from karimeen fry to banana chips, at road-side restaurants.
The climate of the region during October to March, and the lush beauty of the monsoon in July, make 2025 a great year to visit. The Splash 2025 carnival will create a festive mood, making Wayanad an unbeatable option.
How to Plan Your Wayanad Trip
- How to Get There: Fly to Calicut International Airport (90 km) or arrive by train to Kozhikode, then bus (₹100-200) or taxi (₹2,000-3,000) to Wayanad.
- Where to Stay: Stay at KTDC resorts, budget homestays, or eco-campsites for ₹500/night.
- Budget Tips: Book KSRTC tours (₹500-1,500) in advance or travel during Splash 2025 to enjoy discounts.
- Permits: Buy permits for treks like Chembra Peak (₹75-1,500) at forest offices.
For the latest details, call Wayanad’s KSRTC coordinator on 7907305828 or check the WTO’s website.
A Bright Future for Wayanad
Wayanad’s action plan, which Splash 2025 is a part of, will place the district in the limelight once again as a prime eco-tourism destination. Adventure, culture and sustainability, and Wayanad are all ready to roll out the red carpet for tourists. From misty mountain treks, from indulging in local cuisine, to getting surrounded by monsoon magic, Wayanad has in store a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
