Things To Do
in Chundale
Chundale is a tranquil hill village in Kerala's Wayanad district, surrounded by lush coffee and spice plantations. Its cool, misty mornings and green valleys offer a refreshing escape from the plains. The area serves as a gateway to iconic Wayanad sights while preserving a quiet, village rhythm.
Visitors can enjoy rustic homestays, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife-rich landscapes just outside the main tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Chundale and soak in the serene atmosphere that this village offers. After checking into your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll around to admire the beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a satisfying breakfast at a local eatery while watching the villagers go about their daily routines.
Visit the nearby tea plantations where you can learn about the tea-making process. Engage with local farmers and understand their traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. Afterwards, savor a delicious lunch packed with local flavors.
As the sun sets, head back to your accommodation to relax and freshen up. Experience a traditional cultural performance showcasing the richness of local heritage. Conclude your evening with a delightful dinner under the stars, enjoying the tranquility of Chundale.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a trek to the stunning waterfalls nearby. The refreshing sound of cascading water will invigorate your senses as you hike through lush greenery. Capture the breathtaking views with your camera to preserve these memories.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near the waterfall, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend time swimming in the cool waters or simply relax while listening to the soothing sounds of nature. Afterward, visit a local craft market to shop for unique handmade souvenirs.
Head back to Chundale as dusk approaches, allowing you to witness the village transform under the evening glow. Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Relish your creations for dinner as you share stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-7 |
| 🛏️Night in a mid-range hotel | $40-80 |
| 🚲Local transport (short ride) | $1-5 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🛍️Souvenir/market purchase | $3-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and hill scenery
- Rich spice and coffee heritage with authentic village life
- Pleasant year-round climate and less crowded than major hotspots
- Great value for money and friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and dining options in remote areas
- Monsoon season can disrupt travel and road access
- Some rural roads may be narrow or rough
- "Namaskaaram" - Hello
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Ente peru [name] aanu." - My name is [name].
- "Dayavayi" - Please
- "Ith entha vila?" - What is the price?
Places to Visit in Chundale
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic vantage point over winding roads and lush valleys, especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.
A tranquil freshwater lake with reflective waters framed by forested hills—great for sunrise shots.
Ancient rock-cut caves with petroglyphs; a rewarding climb yields dramatic forest backdrops.
Highland vistas and cloud-kissed ridges ideal for panoramic landscape photography.
Three-tier waterfall with lush greenery; capture misty cascades and rainbows in the spray.
Food in Chundale
Chundale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A steamed rice flour cake served with black chickpea curry, a staple breakfast or lunch in the region.
Must-Try!
A soft fermented pancake paired with a coconut milk–based vegetable or chicken stew.
Layered flatbread enjoyed with a variety of curries, often featuring coconut and spices.
A mixed-vegetable curry cooked in coconut and curry leaves, a quintessential Kerala dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market for fresh produce, spices, and local snacks like banana chips and pazham pori.
Local market offering vegetables, fruits, and crafts; good place to observe daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples, and seek permission before taking photographs of people or sacred objects.
Greet with a respectful Namaste. Use your right hand for giving or receiving items; avoid loud public displays of affection in rural areas.
Carry a small bag for trash and dispose of it in proper bins to preserve the landscape.
Safety
Tipping in Chundale
Ensure a smooth experience
In small eateries and homestays, a small tip (around 5–10% if service charge isn’t included) is appreciated. For drivers and guides, 100–300 INR per day depending on service.
Cash is widely accepted; many shops and homestays also take cards, UPI, and digital wallets in towns. Smaller stalls may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days with cool mornings. Carry a light jacket for early hours and a hat, plus stay hydrated. Expect less rain, but occasional showers can occur in the afternoons.
Heavy rainfall and lush greenery. Roads may be slippery; plan extra travel time and check for landslide advisories. Excellent for waterfalls and dense jungle photography, but some trails can be closed.
Cool and comfortable with chilly mornings; temperatures can dip, especially at night. Ideal for trekking and outdoor photos, with clear air and vivid skies.
Chundale at Night
Hiking in Chundale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular sunrise trek with sweeping valley views; moderate difficulty.
Forest trek to a multi-tier waterfall; best during post-monsoon or winter.
Airports
How to reach Chundale by plane.
Closest major airport, with domestic and some international flights; 90–120 km from Chundale depending on route.
Another option with good connectivity, located roughly 140–170 km away; car or taxi transfer available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant community in the region with strong Kerala cultural traditions.
Groups such as Paniya, Kuruma, and Kurichiya contribute to local culture and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across towns; informal games often organized in evenings.
Common in schools and local grounds; weekend matches are common.
Played in community centers and homestays; easy to join as a casual activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chundale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Kerala has abundant vegetarian options—coconut-based curries, curries with vegetables and legumes, and rice. Inform the staff about any spice or onion/garlic allergies and request vegetarian-only dishes.