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Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization.
Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.
Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple
(8 Km east of Mananthavady)
The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. The two week long festival in February / March is a major event attended by hundreds of tribals.
Lakkidi
The gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling steams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
Near the Ambukuthi hill region is this heritage museum housing artifacts and belongings of the various tribes of the land. This is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala.
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Edakkal Caves
The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilization that existed in these regions in prehistoric times.
The caves can be accessed only by a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 hrs.
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Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast.
Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The 345 Sq. Km. Sanctuary is rich in fauna and flora.
It is second largest in the state. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds and so on are also found here.
Trees and plants growing here are typical of the South Indian moist deciduous forests and West Coast semi evergreen forests.
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Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals.
Boys town
Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.
Pazhassi tomb
The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady.
The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
Chembra peak
At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal are for trekking.
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Banasura Project, Padinjarathara
A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. A sprawling sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees are major tourist attractions.
Pakshipathalam
This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Pookot Lake
This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, a children's park, a handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the tourist facilities available here.
Kuruvadweep
This 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani River is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.
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Glass Temple of Kottamunda
This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Thirunelly Temple
Surrounded by Kambala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly Temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.
The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini River running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.
Varambetta Mosque
(15 Km southeast of Kalpetta, near Padinjarathara)
Dating back 300 years, this is the oldest mosque in Wayanad.
Jain Temple at Pulliyarmala (4 km north of kalpetta)
This old temple is dedicated to Anantha Natha Swami, one of the most revered Jain saints.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls (22 Km south of Meppady)
A beautiful waterfall about 30m in height
Sentinal Rock Waterfalls
( 22 Km south of Kapetta near Chooral Mala)
With a tree step waterfall more than 200m in height, farmed by enchanting scenery, this region is ideal for rock climbing. |
