This friendly budget place in the middle of Kalpetta has a variety of reasonably clean rooms in a motel-like compound, which includes the reasonably popular multicuisine Pankaj restaurant and a beer parlour. Helpful management can arrange trips around Wayanad.

Set back from Kalpetta’s busy main streets, this is a comfortable midrange option, with balconied rooms and more private garden cottages. There are two good restaurants, a pool, gym and an ayurvedic 'village' on-site.

The budget annexe of Mint Flower Hotel is in great condition. It's no frills but rooms are spotless and come with hot water and TV.

This remarkably well-equipped complex near the private bus stand in the town centre has everything from a cinema to a swimming pool at a reasonable price. The air-con 'dorm' has only mattresses on the floor.

Wilton's is a stand-out restaurant in Sultanbatheri with an eclectic menu of Indian, Arabian, Asian and burgers served in the air-con upstairs dining room. Downstairs is a snack and sweet shop with pastries, dried fruits and coffee. Snappy service.

This oasis of peace and calm is a lovely place to stay a few kilometres from Katikulam in northern Wayanad. Varghese and Beena will look after you with Wayanad stories, local information and delicious home cooking with organic farm-fresh ingredients. Rooms are in a traditional family home or a newer elevated 'tree-house' villa, and the property is surrounded by jungle and spice plantations.

Secluded and set in a lovely location overlooking sprawling banana plantations and rice paddies, this homestay halfway between Kalpetta and Mananthavadi is definitely worth seeking out. There are several large rooms, two bamboo-lined ones with private balconies, hammocks and wicker lounges to enjoy the sensational views. Lunch and dinner are available. Call to arrange a pick-up.

Greenex Farms is a wonderfully remote-feeling place surrounded by spice, coffee and tea plantations about 8km southwest of Kalpetta. Each of the private cottages is individually designed with separate lounge, bathroom, balcony and superb views. Restaurants, campfire, walks and activities.

The location on the boundary of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is exceptional and the rooms and cottages comfortable at this jungle guesthouse. The best rooms are the rustic cottages with terraces facing the reserve. Meals are ₹500 extra and a host of activities can be arranged.

This wonderfully serene and exclusive homestay is in the middle of an incredibly lush 160 hectares of pepper, coffee, vanilla and cardamom plantations. The elegant house has sweeping verandahs filled with plants and handsome furniture, and there are two tree houses that may be the finest in the state. A network of marked walking trails meanders around the plantation.

In the market area opposite the main train station, this place is hardly palatial but it's friendly enough and offers a cornucopia of clean budget rooms and a Punjabi restaurant.

This popular local restaurant in Kannur's market area is usually packed at lunchtime. The speciality is Malabar cuisine, including tasty seafood curries and banana-leaf thalis.

With a prime location among the palms facing Thottada Beach, Blue Mermaid is a charming and immaculate guesthouse with rooms in a traditional home, bright air-con rooms in a newer building and a whimsical stilted 'honeymoon cottage'. Friendly young owners cook up fine Keralan meals.

Crashing waves will lull you to sleep at these very cute hexagonal laterite huts overlooking a semi-private little crescent beach. The welcoming owners, Seema and Arun, also have rooms in two other nearby properties, including cheaper rooms in an old Keralan house.

Costa Malabari pioneered tourism in this area and there are three lovely homestay properties just back from Thottada Beach. Costa Malabari 1 has spacious rooms in an old hand-loom factory, while rooms are offered in two other nearby bungalows. The home-cooked Keralan food is included. Manager Kurien is an expert on the theyyam ritual and can help arrange a visit.

This original beachfront homestay is a traditional Keralan building with handsome wooden shutters. Rooms are looking a little worn but you can enjoy sensational ocean sunset views from your porch or balcony. A small lagoon separates the house from the beach. Breakfast and dinner included.

Fronting the unspoilt Kizhunna Ezhara beach, midway between Kannur and Thalassery railway stations (11km from each), Ezhara Beach House is run by welcoming and no-nonsense Hyacinth. Rooms are simple but the house has character and guests rave about the meals.

The four rooms in this 150-year-old heritage homestay are enormous and filled with antique furniture, but most guests come for the Mappila (Muslim) cuisine and the famous cooking classes (₹2500) overseen by Mrs Faiza Moosa. A visit to the local market is part of the culinary experience. Book well ahead.