Wayanad

Wayanad is the Green Paradise on earth tucked in a corner of gods own country. Wayanad is a great weekend getaway for people from south Karnataka. It has good air connectivity with Calicut being the nearest airport at 72kms. One of the biggest attraction in Wayanad is that every place of attraction has a trek with it.Nothing is on the roadside, everything is so secluded from the outside world. Wayanad is a district which has many wonders inside a radius of 50 kms, and the challenge is to choose the best places among them.

   Soochipara Waterfalls Soochipara waterfalls is a spectacular three-tiered waterfalls in Vellarimala, Wayanad. One can reach Soochipara falls in 15-20 minutes from Meppadi through some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. Soochipara water falls is also known as Sentinal Rock waterfall, and since it is shaped as a needle like mountain, it is ,locally refered as Soochipara in malayalam (Soochi means needle, and para means Rock). This 200 meters high fall offers a cliff face i.e ideal for rock climbing.  

Chembra Peak Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in Wayanad with 2100 meters above the sea level. This peak is ideal for rock climbing with temperory canps setup on top of the mountain for both mountain climbers and trekkers. The panoramic view from the top of the Wayand is breathtaking and a beautiful mountain lake exist on the top.  

 Edakkel Caves The name means "between two rocks". The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal tells the story of civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The Edakkel caves consist of 3 caves, and are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The Edakkel cave is 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, and caves accessed by trekking trail from Edakkal.Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.Entry to the caves is permitted only upto 05:00 PM.  

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary The Wayanad wild life sanctuary is established in 1973, and is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Muthumalai of TamilNadu on south-east.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 sanctuary emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general life styles of tribals and others who live in and around the forest. The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass.Several rare herbs and medicinal plants are also found in Muthanga. With numerous watering holes Muthanga has been declared a Project Elephant site. Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos etc.. can be seen here. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are also arranged here by the forest department. Tourist can also prefer jeep drives through the forest path with a local guide sanctioned by the forest department.  

Jain Temple This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. This temple is situated in town which got its name from the historic fact that Tippu used this temple as his Battery (ammunition store) in the region. Hence the temple is also known as 'Tippu's Fort', and town is named as Sulthan Bathery(for "Sulthan's Battery"). Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a Battery.  

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

 Lakkidi Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad, and is 5kms south of Vythiri. It lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700m above mean sea level. Being one of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the birds eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12kms long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.  

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

Chain Tree Chain tree is on the way to Wayanad and is 16km from Kalpetta. The large Ficus tree bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further beleived that a preist chained the troublesome spirit into this tree.

  Banasura Sagar Dam Banasura is the largest earth dam in India, and second largest in Asia. The Banasura Sagar Dam is situated at a distance of 20 Km from kalpett, the district headquarters. Many new islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill and classic backdrop offered by the rain-bearing clouds will provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists. The green hills surround the dam nearly all the way and plantations of various kind- coconut, betel nuts cover the remaining boundaries. A small park with a flower garden also can be seen on the dam top.