Wayanad (Wayanadu) is the green paradise full of plantations, wildlife, and forest and lies in the north-east of kerala.Wayanad Hills are contiguous to the protected area network of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the south-east and Bandhipur in Karnataka on north-east, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture.
The vast stretches of mist - capped mountains, green meadows of valleys, white water springs, blue water lakes and wild forests express the splendid natural beauty of Wayanad. Loaded with charming waterfalls, caves, resorts, and homestays, Wayanad tourism is known for its zest ranches and natural life. The attractions in Wayand include Chenbra peak, kuruva Dweep,Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary,Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Soochipara falls, Muthanga wildlife Sanctuary. etc.
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake Surrounded by greenery on all sides, the Pookode Lake is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the town of Vythiri. The interesting aspect of this lake is that the lake’s shape resembles that of the map of India. Being surrounded with mountains, forests and greenery, the place totally relaxes and refreshes you.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves Situated at Ambukutthi Hills,4000 feet high, near Bathery,one of the oldest historical monuments famous for its ancient cave paintings. The cave was formed on its own when a huge boulder crashed into the hill. It is for this same reason that this place got its name Edakkal meaning ‘a stone in between’.
Kuruva Islands
Kuruva Islands The river Kabini flowing through the middle of 950 acres of ever green forests forms estuaries leading to the island of Kuruva Dweep. This is the only island in Kerala which is surrounded by naturally purified water. This island can be only accessed by a boat or rafts or fiber boats and this facility is arranged by the Kerala Tourism Department. When on this island one can get the sight of a large species of birds, orchids and herbs.
Bird Sanctuary
Bird Sanctuary A rare treasure house of hundreds of different varieties of birds, herbs and plants. Here you can come across different bird species like Cuckoo, Owl, Peacock, Jungle Fowl, Edible Nest Swift and so on. Other than the avian guests you can also see Elephants, Leopard, Bisons, Tigers and so on.
Entry sanctioned only through D.F.O.,North Wayanad.Permitted hours of sight seeing: 11 am to 5 pm. The best time to visit is October to January. The place remains closed from February till May.
Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple This ancient and major Hindu temple, is mainly famous for conducting funeral rites. The temple is dedicated Lord Maha Vishnu. It is on the side of the famous Brahmagiri hill, at an altitude of about 900 meters in north Wayanad.
Surrounding the temple is the water bodies of Papanasini and Panchatheertham. A dip in the holy mountain stream of Papanasini is believed to clear a person from all the sins. Also it is here that the last rites of a person takes place. On the other hand, Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond.
Chembra Hill
Chembra Hill forms the biggest mountain range in Wayanad, towering at a height of 2,100 meters above sea level. From here you can get a birds eye view of the entire area. This peak is located near the town of Meppadi, which is 17 kilometers away from Kalpetta. It is the largest as well as the highest peak of the Western Ghats.
Camping facilities will be provided,on advance booking at the Jilla Tourism Promotion Council (Tel:04936-202134)
Soochippara (Pinrock ) Waterfalls
Soochippara (Pinrock ) Waterfalls Travelling from Meppady,for about a distance of 13 km,through sprawling tea estates,one reaches the Falls.
The Soochipara or the Pinrock waterfalls is a mesmerizing place to visit. The water of this three tired waterfall falls from a height of around 200 meters. This falls are surrounded by Deciduous, Evergreen and Montane forests.
Soochipara Waterfalls is an apt location for many of the adventure activities like white water rafting, trekking, rock climbing, swimming etc. In case you feel like taking a dip, the pool below the waterfall is perfect.
Meenmutty (Fish) Falls
Meenmutty falls This three tired waterfall of Meenmutty, falls from a height of 300 meters and is a mesmerizing sight to watch. You can reach the closest point to these famous Falls when you travel through the Vaduvanchal route. The 2 kilometers long hike through the jungle is an interesting aspect of the visit to this waterfall.
Visit to this falls is not advised during the rainy season as the water flow increases at an alarming rate.
Kaduvakkuzhi (TigerValley)
A paradise for adventure seekers and trekkers situated at Cheengeri Hills,at a distance of 2 km from Ambalavayal. It lies near Wayanad’s famous Edakkal Caves. On the way to this place you can spot a Eucalyptus plantation farm. On entering the cave you can get a surreal experience. All you come across is coldness, darkness and flying bats. You can enter the cave only with oxygen masks and a professional guide.
It is believed that during the days when it is hot outside, the leopards (kaduva) enters this cave and hence the name Kaduva Kuzhi. The cave extends to a total length of 800 feet in many directions.
Bathery Jain Temple
Bathery Jain Temple This ancient temple considered to be more than 1000 years old,is famous for its architecture,especially the huge and sturdy granite pillars and other carvings.
Generally this place is known as Tippu’s Fort. This place was used by Tippu Sulthan as the Battery of his army.
This temple was built around 800 years ago. At first this was a temple which was later on made into a commercial trade centre and in the end it was a place for storing the ammunition and battery of Tippu’s Army.
Karapuzha Dam
Karapuzha Dam The unique feature of this dam is that the entire structure is built of mud. It is one of the biggest earth dams in India. The construction of this dam began in the year 1977 and was completed by 2004. The waters of this dam is mainly used for irrigation.
The dam is built on the Karapuzha River which is a tributary of the Kabini River. Some of the activities offered here include boating, nature walks, picnic spots and so on.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary This sanctuary is connected to Bandipur National Park of Karnataka (Tel:0821 2480901) and Mudumali Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu (Tel:0428 25226235; 0428 2444098) and belongs to the Nilgiri Biosphere. This place is famous for its elephant population. Tigers, leopards, wild cats, stags, spotted deer, wild squirrels, bears, wild pigs, porcupines and wild mongooses besides a variety of land and water birds can also be seen by the wild life enthusiasts and trekkers.
Tholpetty
The Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary or the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another place popular for wild animals and is an entry point to the tourist destinations in Karnataka.
It is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road. Here you can enjoy jeep ride. You can get to see a large variety of flora and fauna. The animals like elephants, guars, deer, monkeys, tigers, leopards etc and other species of reptiles, fishes, butterflies and birds can be seen here. The visitors can access only the outer tourist zone.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Located at a distance of 21 kilometers from the town of Kalpetta in Wayanad, is the Banasura Sagar Dam. Named after the son of the respected king of Kerala, Mahabali, this dam is built on the Karamanathodu tributary of Kabini River. It is also a part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project which supports the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Project. The dam is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia.
The reservoir of the dam contains a set of small islands, that was formed when the surrounding areas was submerged by the reservoir. With the Banasura Hills in the backdrop, this location is a sight to adore. These islands have been given the title of ‘Asia’s Largest Earthen Resort’ by BBC. The only way to explore this area is through speed and pedal boats.
