I had a great day with our storyteller Sohal and Abu. I was searching for something unique to do on my next day in Wayanad and that’s when I came across the Wayanad village tour with a storyteller offered by Tyndis. I checked the description and was fascinated by what was offered. The price was cheap as well. I booked the tour for next morning – they arranged things quite well within the short notice!
I was packed for the day. Sohal joined me at the entrance of the Edakkal caves. We experienced the famous caves and headed to the tribal village nearby. It was an overwhelming experience for me! Tyndis has curated this tour to a next level with amazing stories and lots of local essence. I interacted with the tribal people, took snaps with them and they sang tribal songs for me! What a feeling!
Sohal next took me for a walk through the rural roads of Ambalavayal – a beautiful village. I shared stories about Wayanad’s agriculture, the varieties of rice grown, the livelihood of farmers, etc. In some random farm midway, I even exchanged ideas with a labourer who didn’t understand English and I didn’t understand a word of the language in which he responded! All thanks to Sohal for translating things for us!! Sohal was extremely informative and spoke great English.
Our next stop was at the heritage museum in Ambalavayal – it is better known as Wayanad heritage museum. It is not so well organized. A basic gallery of Wayanad’s archaeological artefacts. But again, Sohal came to help with his knowledge and connected it with the mythology and tribal folklores of Wayanad – that amazing skill of a storyteller! Another highlight of this tour was the visit to this superhero called ‘Govindan’! He is the master archer of Wayanad! Such a kind soul! Govindan was so passionate about his job that he spent years together in preserving the craft of tribal archery. Govindan invited me to try my archery skills – I’m happy that I could impress him!!
What a day…What a great tour of Wayanad!! This tour was just the kind I was looking for – right amount of stories, right amount of descriptions, well organized, amazing local experiences and hands-on activities! Couldn’t ask for more! Brilliant effort team Tyndis!! Impossible to recommend these guys too highly. My day in Wayanad was one I will never forget.