In anticipation of the Onam season, Gundelpet, a village situated on the border of Wayanad, is adorned with a vibrant sea of yellow. Numerous individuals flock to this border village of Wayanad to witness the sprawling flower fields and capture memorable photographs. Acres of gardens in this area showcase an array of sunflowers and marigolds, creating a breathtaking sight.
Gundelpet’s gardens serve as the source for the vibrant flowers that grace the courtyards of Malayalis during Onam, creating a mesmerizing display. These flowers begin to flourish with the onset of the monsoon season. Marigolds, known for their yellow hues, are cultivated to embellish homes during Onam festivities. Additionally, orange flowers are grown specifically for paint companies, while sunflowers are cultivated for oil production. The absence of towering trees in this region allows the sun’s rays to directly nourish the flowers, contributing to the thriving growth of sunflowers in Gundelpet.
Situated in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, Gundelpet is a destination that often goes unnoticed by travelers en route to Mysore and Bengaluru. To reach Gundelpet, one can take the Wayanad Muthanga route, which leads to a forested area. Due to the importance of wildlife preservation, vehicles must traverse the road cautiously, as it is adorned with speed bumps. Along this road, one can catch glimpses of deer, elephants, and peacocks gracing the roadside, but stopping the vehicle within the forested area is prohibited.
Upon crossing the forest and entering Karnataka, a picturesque sight awaits as vast agricultural fields stretch out before your eyes. The verdant expanse is adorned with thriving crops and sunflowers, creating a visual delight on both sides of the road. Another route to reach this destination is via Nilambur-Natakakani-Gudalur-Muthumalai-Bandipur. Numerous individuals from Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts visit specifically to witness the captivating flower fields, which are conveniently located alongside the road.
Visitors now have the opportunity to pause their vehicles, capture photographs, and immerse themselves in the beauty. It is important to note that farmers have recently implemented a nominal fee for this privilege. This precautionary measure was introduced in response to instances of visitors trespassing into the flower fields and causing damage, prompting farmers to safeguard their fields and levy a fee accordingly.
Mysore – Gundlupet Road / Courtesy – Wikimedia
Gundelpet presents numerous captivating attractions in its vicinity, including renowned destinations like Mysore, Bandipur National Park, Gopalaswamibetta, Muthumalai National Park, Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Hill (BR Hills), and Shivanasamudram Waterfall. For those seeking accommodation, Gundelpet offers a variety of excellent options to spend the night and ensure a comfortable stay.