Waking Up to Adventure: Hiking Kurumbalakotta with Kids in Wayanad

By Sadique Vellamarthodika – Material Scientist, Long-Distance Runner & Sports Entrepreneur

There’s a special kind of joy in watching your children wake up before dawn—not for school, not for gadgets, but for adventure.

Last weekend, we did just that.

Our day began at 4:30 AM in Kalpetta, Wayanad. The streets were still wrapped in darkness, the world half asleep. But inside our car, the excitement was alive. We were headed to Kurumbalakotta, an absolutely stunning hillock perfect for a beginner-level hike, especially if you’re bringing kids along.

By 5:30 AM, we reached the base station. Local jeep drivers wait here, and for ₹600 (round trip), they’ll take you up a bumpy but beautiful ride straight to the top-side drop-off point. The arrangement is simple—they drop you at the summit trail and wait for your call when you’re ready to descend.

From the drop point, it’s just about 1 km of hiking—an easy climb, safe and absolutely doable for children. This, I realized, is one of the best places in Wayanad to introduce your kids to hiking. No dangerous cliffs. Just a steady, scenic path toward the clouds.

And then, the reward.

At the top, you’re met with a 360° panoramic view of Wayanad. Rolling hills stretch in every direction. The mist dances over tea plantations. The sun slowly rises from behind the peaks, painting the sky in hues of gold, orange, and hope. Standing there with my children, breathing in the fresh mountain air, I felt something shift inside.

As a material scientist, I often deal with microscopic worlds. As a long-distance runner, I’ve learned the power of perseverance. As a sports entrepreneur, I believe in unlocking human potential. But as a father—on top of Kurumbalakotta, watching my kids light up with wonder—I was reminded of something even greater:

Adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be life-changing.

This hike was short. Simple. But deeply powerful. It reminded all of us that sometimes, the best lessons come from the trail:

– Wake up early.

– Take the first step.

– Keep climbing.

– And when you reach the top, don’t forget to look around and feel grateful.

If you’re a parent, I highly recommend adding Kurumbalakotta to your family’s adventure list. It’s not just a destination—it’s an experience, a memory, and maybe even the start of a lifelong love for hiking in your children.