Wayanad

Wayanad

Wayanad the famous hill station in the northern part of Kerala attracts lots of tourists. Its proximity to Ooty and Coorg is another plus point. This unspoilt ranges of virgin rainforests in the Western Ghats, is bordered by the Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai. The misty environs of Wayanad offer a wide range of trekking opportunities, plantation visits and wildlife tours. Kalpetta the region's district headquarters, used to be a major Jain centre. Lakkidi, its gateway town, is popular for its plantation homestays. Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of Mysore who valiantly opposed the British, built a fort at Sultan Bathery 10 km away, in the 18th century.

Sightseeing in Wayanad

Chembra Peak
The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilarating.

Edakkal Cave
This location of breathtaking beauty is three km from Ambalavayal which is 25 km from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary (Vol.XXX, page - 410) and quoted in the District Gazette, Kozhikode, it is only’ a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tones, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspire the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Kuruva Island
The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Km east of Mananthavady and 40 km north west of Sulthan Bathery.

Lakkidi
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 km north east of Kozhikode and five km south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level. The lofty mountain peaks, the gorging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 km long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests is a fascinating experience.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Muthanga, Which is 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq. km form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.

Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam 17 km have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin-operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organized guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

Pookot Lake
It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5 ha and the maximum water depth is 6.5 mts. This lake is three km south of Vythiri.

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 mts in height, is ideal for rock climbing. Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic.

Soochippara Waterfalls
The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi are really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Banasura sagar Dam
This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists.

Things to do in Wayanad

Spot Wildlife
The wildlife sanctuaries at Muthanga and Tholpetty are worth visit. With numerous watering holes, Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms,and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Other animals species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur and Slender Loris. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. In addition, there is also a bewildering variety of birds, butterflies and insects. In terms of flora and fauna, Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is from November to May.

Visit to Waterfalls
Wayanad hs plenty of good waterfalls which attracts lots of tourists. The famous are Soochipara, Meenmutty and Kanthapara water falls. Soochipara also known as Sentinal Rock falls is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery. Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock, and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. Meenmutty Falls, located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District, is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. It is the largest in Wayanad and second largest in Kerala. This can be reached by 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.

Visit Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak located at the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region with 2100 mts height. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities.

Boating on Pookote Lake
Set in a beautiful valley near Lakkidi and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. This is a good setting for day outings with family.

Visit Edakkal Caves
Edakkal caves situated at Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history. An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed by the DTPC a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Temple Darshan
Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala Temple Architecture. The temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of South), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. A short walk from Thirunely temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash away all the sins. The two main festivals here are in April and August/September. The temple is 64 Km away from Kalpetta, 71 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 29 Km away from Mananthavady

How to reach Wayanad

Nearest bus stations: Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery & Mananthavady have both private and KSRTC bus stands.
Nearest railway station: Calicut, about 65km from Vythiri
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 73 km from Vythiri