Wayanad, October 10, 2026: Kerala Tourism has introduced two new experiential tourism trails in Wayanad, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region's rural lifestyle, agricultural traditions, coffee plantations and cultural heritage. The Wayanad–Thirunelli Trail and Wayanad–Chekadi Coffee Trail have been launched under the Life Experience Trails Kerala initiative of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society. 

The initiative aims to take tourism beyond conventional sightseeing by connecting travellers with local communities, traditional occupations, food culture and the natural environment. The trails form part of the state government's 100-day action programme and are designed to support community-based tourism while creating livelihood opportunities for local residents. 

Thirunelli Trail Combines Nature and Cultural Heritage

The Wayanad–Thirunelli Trail brings together forest landscapes, indigenous cultural heritage and village experiences. The itinerary includes a visit to the historic Thirunelli Temple, followed by a journey through Nettara village, where visitors can walk through paddy fields, explore rural surroundings and experience everyday village life.

The programme also features a traditional Wayanad house, a stop for the region's popular unniyappam and a coffee plantation experience. These activities offer travellers an opportunity to understand the relationship between local livelihoods, agricultural practices and the area's cultural identity. 

Chekadi Coffee Trail Highlights Farming Traditions

The Wayanad–Chekadi Coffee Trail focuses on coffee cultivation and traditional agriculture. Visitors can learn about the stages of coffee production, from growing and harvesting coffee beans to drying, grinding and preparing coffee powder.

The experience also introduces travellers to paddy cultivation in the region, including traditional rice varieties such as Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala. Cultural activities and opportunities to learn about agricultural heritage and biodiversity conservation form part of the wider experience. 

The trail also highlights the work of Padma Shri awardee Cheruvayal Raman, who is widely recognised for preserving traditional paddy seeds and indigenous agricultural knowledge. 

Responsible Tourism to Support Local Communities

The new trails reflect Kerala Tourism's efforts to develop experiences that directly involve farmers, artisans, local guides and rural households. By bringing agricultural activities, food traditions, cultural practices and nature-based experiences into organised tourism programmes, the initiative seeks to expand the economic benefits of tourism beyond conventional visitor centres.

The broader Life Experience Trails Kerala programme includes community-hosted activities involving farming, traditional crafts, regional cuisine, waterways and rural accommodation. It also aims to give visitors a more meaningful understanding of the places they visit while encouraging respect for local customs and the natural environment. 

For Wayanad, the new trails create additional opportunities to promote coffee tourism, farm visits, village walks and cultural experiences alongside its established nature and hill tourism attractions. They also provide a platform for connecting visitors with local products and the people whose livelihoods are closely linked to the region's agricultural landscape.

Travellers interested in participating can consult the official Kerala Tourism Life Experience Trails website for package details, availability and booking-request procedures.