Wayanad-"the green paradise of gods own country"

       Wayanad is a district in the north-east of Kerala state, India The green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture.This verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife.Wayanad enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. High velocity winds are common during the south west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold.

       Wayanad is also famous for Tea and Coffee plantations. Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns in Wayanad after Kalpetta and these three towns are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district. Wayanad has the least population density in Kerala. The famous tribal events and folk dance performances by tribes are hosted between February and May.Famous Wayanad tourist places include Waterfalls (Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Kanthampara Falls), Dams / Lakes (Pookote Lake, Banasura sagar dam, Karappuzha Dam), Wildlife Sanctuaries (famous Wayanad WLS), Peaks / Trekking Destinations (Brahmagiri / Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak), Hill Stations (like Lakkidi) and several Pilgrimage centers (like Thirunelly Temple).

          There are a lot of trekking points in this district. Chembra Peak (2,100m) is the highest peak in the Wayanad district. Banasura Hill (2,079m) is also similar to height of Chembra hill Wayanad is unique in that it is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats. 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. Its pretty image not withstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing about this quaint little hill station is its large tribal population of about fifty-strong tribes and their fascinating lifestyle. Travellers can stay at the tree top houses and mud huts and enjoy the thrills of jungle life. Best time to visit Wayanad is from September to May while the peak season is from October to March

Getting There:
 
By Air
Kozhikode airport is located at a distance of about 25 km from the centre of the city. Kozhikode is well connected by air to Mumbai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Goa, Madurai and Chennai.
By Rail
The Kozhikode railway station is located south of the Manachira Square. The city is well connected by train to important places like Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa and Mumbai.
By Road
Kozhikode is well linked with various destinations in Kerala and beyond. National Highway 17 links Kozhikode with the rest of the cities in Kerala and neighboring states.

Interesting things you should do in Wayanad: 

1.Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary  
      On the fringes of Karnataka and Kerala, thChethalayam Waterfall – Though these falls are small, they are very beautiful as they come flowing down in a series of cascades.is sanctuary has many animals and birds. You will find elephants, deer, and bison, and if lucky you may spot a tiger.

 

 2. Chethalayam Waterfall –Though these falls are small, they are very beautiful as they come flowing down in a series of cascades.

 

3.Jain Temple near Sulthan Bathery-When Hyder Ali ruled Wayanad, there was already a dissent with the Britishers. Once Tipu Sultan became the ruler, he used this abandoned temple as a stronghold for his armoury and weapons. He mustered the support of his army and locals to fight the British and resist them but later they had to surrender Wayanad.

4.Edakkal Caves – This is quite a steep climb to enter the caves. Attempt this only if you are relatively fit. But it’s definitely worth the effort. Once you enter the caves, you will notice beautiful stone carvings. Apparently these were carved out by cavemen during the Neolithic era.

5.Elephant Ride – Before you head to Edakkal Caves, you will find that elepant rides are available there for Rs. 200/- per person for 10 minutes. It’s a fun thing to do whether you’re an adult or a child.

6.Meenmutty Waterfalls – This beautiful waterfall is supposed to be the largest, and the water falls in cascades making it a delightful spectacle. The spray of water creates a mist which then floats gently down into the valley. However, it has been off-limits to tourists. There is hope because the local authorities are trying to convince the government to re-open it. However, it can be viewed from a distance.

 

7.Chembra Peak – this peak is the tallest in Wayanad. One can trek up to the peak but you will need prior permission from the Meppadi Forest authorities. The entire trek will take you anywhere between 5-10 hours depending on your speed. This trek is well worth the trip to Wayanad. 

8.Shop for handicrafts and spices – Handicrafts and spices are available wherever you go. You will find forest honey, various essential oils, Eucalyptus Oil, coffee, tea; a variety of spices, herbal remedies for the body and for general health. There are dried fruits, pickles, local chocolates, fashion jewellery, wooden handicrafts and kitchen tools, wooden spoons, candles and even walking sticks!

 

9.Banasura Sagar Dam – This beautiful dam has lovely views of the Banasura Hills. One has to walk up to the view point or if there are elderly people, then one can avail a jeep facility for an additional cost. For example, a jeep ride to the top of the hill would cost Rs.100.

10.Pazhassi Raja Tomb – The Raja is renowned in Kerala and rightly so because he was the king of the Kottayam royal family and fought against the British and sought to hide in Wayanad. In those days, Wayanad was more densely forested and this helped the king and his loyal soldiers as well as local supporters to perform rebellious warfare against the British who were floundering in these forests.

11.Kuruva Dweep – These are beautiful islands located on the delta of the River Kabini. Tourists come here in droves. You need to buy passes and then have to walk down a series of stairs that takes you to the river. Once there, there is a massive bamboo raft that is expertly handled by the people who ferry tourists from the banks to the island. Here people sit in rows on the raft and wear life jackets. It is a short ride to the island lasting barely 5-10 mins. Once there, you need to walk on a winding path which will take you to the edges of the islands and one gets to see the beautiful river flowing around you.

12.POOKODE LAKE-Pookode Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in the Wayanad district in Kerala, South India. Pookode is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level.The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.

ATTRACTIONS:

• Boating – Rates to be filled
• Nature Walks
• Picnic Spot
• Freshwater Aquarium
• Water Walking

  

13.Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)

14.Lakkidi View Point

15.WayanadHeritageMuseum(Ambalavayal Heritage Museum)

 

16.Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

17.KARLAD LAKE(Wayanad Adventure Camp)
​The lake is spread over more than 7 acres of area, in a place named Tariod, which is 16 km from Kalpetta. It is a place which is ideal for peace lovers, and especially for those who wanted to take a breath of relief from the din and bustle of the city or even from a busy tourist spot. 

​ATTRACTIONS:

•    Zipline
•     Zorbing - Opening Shortly
•     Kayaking
•     Rock climbing
•     Boating
•     Archery - Opening Shortly
•     Paintball - Opening Shortly
•     Camping - Opening Shortly
•     Corporate Events 

courtesy:https://www.keralatourism.org 

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