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Wayanad
Wayanad, One of the fourteen districts in Kerala (India) is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. It lies between north latitude 11degree 26’28’’ and 11degree 48’22’’ and east longitude 75 degree 46’38’’ and 76 degree 26’11’’.
There is a land not far from Calicut, the city of Zamorins, yet a world apart from Kerala's agricultural and industrial epicentres. It is a quiet place where scenic beauty wild life and traditional matter, simplicity is a virtue and beauty still blossoms from the mountainous horizon and from the green glaze of alluring vegetation. This is Wayanad - the green paradise - the border world of greener part of Kerala.
Chembra Peak : Chembra Peak soars upto 2100 metres and is perhaps the tallest summit of the Wayanad region. It is popular amongst tourists for the simple reason that it provides some spectacular views of the surrounding area from its zenith. However, trekking up the hill itself is not so simple. Usually it takes around four hours to climb up but for the starters it might just take another extra hour. DTPC organizes trek to the peak in a group of ten at a time. You can also make arrangement for the trek yourself but you will have to necessarily take along a guide provided by the DTPC.
Lakkidi : This is amongst the tallest point in the Wayanad region and has a height of 700 m above the sea level. It is a perfect place where you can capture the beauty of Kerala in your camera. The towering mountain peaks, the rushing stream, verdant vegetation and a deep valley - all await to welcome you. Lakkidi is just 5 km from Vythiri.
Pookote Lake :Either on your way to Lakidi from Vythiri or back, Pookote Lake can be visited anytime. It is a freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forests and hills. The lake is crowded during holidays and it is difficult to find isolation. Still if that is what you want then tread the walkaway around the lake and you will experience much tranquility. Boating on Pookote Lake is also an interesting option. A nearby eco shop can be visited in you are keen to see products made of around 2 dozen variety of bamboo
Suchipara and Kanthampara Fall : The literal meaning of Suchi in the local language is needle. The fall is 22 km from Kalpetta and is perhaps the most attractive one around. The three layered fall, also known as the Sentinel Rock Falls, is situated amidst thick equatorial forests and you will need to undertake a 1-2 km walk to reach it. On reaching as you look up, the beauty of fall hits you almost instantly. The Kanthanpara Waterfalls are comparatively smaller in both size and attraction still it makes for a popular picnic spot. The water here falls from a height of 30 m.
Meenmutty Falls :This fall is quiet a hot favourite with the localites and they keep on singing paeans of its beauty. A two km trek is required to be undertaken to reach this fall though it is less demanding and exhausting. The water here falls from a great height of 1000 m and exhibits a triple decker effect. The fall lies 29 km from Kalpetta and 12 km from Meppady.
Karlad Lake :The lake spreads in an area of 7 acres and is a place where you can be with yourself, more so because it is not a huge tourist hotspot. The lake with all its beauty and facilities of boating and angling is still to gain its share of popularity. It is around 8 km from Vythiri.
Banasura Sagar :The dam is located in the close vicinity of the Karlad Lake and is an excellent base to start off a trekking expedition to the Banasura peak. Also, what will catch your imagination here are the set of islands that are seen in the surroundings.
Edakkal caves :Edakkal literally translates into 'a stone in between' in Malayalam. The two Edakkal caves are not caves in strictest of sense since there is merely a 96 feet long and 22 feet wide split in the rock. The caves, that stand on Ambukutty mala (a mountain) at a height of 1000 m, were discovered quiet accidently by the F. Fawcett, the then superintendent of police. The caves preserves prehistoric rock engravings including a human figure with headgear, a human figure on wheeled cart, images of a tribal king & queen, a deer and an elephant.
Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal :This Museum lies at a distance of 12 km from Sultan Bathery and displays items related to tribal communities. Prominent among these items are clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons, musical instruments, bangles, ear ornaments and hunting traps. The items have been collected from all over Wayanad region. The Museum is open between 9 am to 6 pm. ,br>
Chethalayam Fall :The Chethalayam Falls is another not very known fall in Wayanad yet there is no denying that it is extremely beautiful. The fall is 37 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery and 54 km from Meppady and offers wonderful opportunity to trek its rocks in the summer season (when due to heat the water dries up).
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthunga :The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 18 km east of Sultan Bathery in the rainforest of Muthunga. The sanctuary forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Bio Sphere Reserve. Animals that can be seen in this sanctuary include Tigers (though there number is slightly less), Elephant, Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos.
Thirunelly Temple :The temple is situated 32 km northeast of Mananthavady and is protected by 30 granite columns. The floor has square tiles of granite too. The architecture of the temple, which faces the eastern direction, is worth examining and appreciating. An aquaduct, which was commissioned by a brahmin woman, successfully brings water to the temple from the holy Papnashini stream.
Pakshipathalam :Pakshipathalam is located in deep forest and atop the Brahmagiri hills at a height of 1700 m. The place is a delight for the lovers of birds since the deep caves found here are abode of a large range of birds. It is believed that Garuda, king of birds kept a watch over his subjects from a what is today known as the Garudapara. It is a small projection in form of an eagle. To reach Pakshipathalam, which requires a trek of 7 km, you need to obtain a permission from the Forest Department. There is no accommodation facilities available, so it is better that you plan your trip accordingly.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary :This forms a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and boasts of a large number of elephants. You can take your own vehicle inside the park upto 20 km and enjoy the surroundings as much as you want. The sanctuary is 13 km from Thirunelly.
Kuruvadweep :This is an island that sprawls over an area of 950 acres of evergreen forest on the banks of river Themkabani. The island gives you a wonderful feeling of entering into a bygone era. There are shallow stream and marshes in abundance which you need to traverse in order to get to the land. Keep plenty of time to have a good look around at the nature's wondorous work. A large variety of birds can be spotted here.
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