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» Prime Attractions of Wayanad
» Tour from Wayanad
How to Reach Wayanad
By Air
The nearest airport is Calicut.
By Rail
The district is well connected by a railway network.
By Road
Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Calicut.
Altitude
700-2100 m above sea level
Climate
Temperature
Mean Min: 20°C
Mean Max: 35°C
Rainfall
250 cms (Annual)
The Land of Spicy Hills
Wayanad, One of the fourteen districts in Kerala is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. It lies between north latitude 11° 26' 28'' and 11° 48' 22'' and east longitude 75 degree 46' 38'' and 76° 26' 11''.
Wayanad District, in the north-east of Kerala, was formed on November 1, 1980, carved out of Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'.
Providing a panorama of undulating mist clad hills and dales, Wayanad is blessed with a unique geographical position. Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are strewn all over the hills of Wayanad. Situated at a height of 700-2100 m above sea level, it is bound on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively.
It shares the borders with Coorg district of Karnataka on the north, on the south with Malappuram district and on the west with Calicut and Cannanore districts. The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The tree houses of the Wayanad is a truly amazing place to stay.
Prime Attractions of Wayanad
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary located in Kerala, South India was established in the year 1973. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. More»»
Lakkidi
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad, and registers the second highest degree of Rainfall in the world.
Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar. Kunjan Nabiar Kerala's famous satirist poet, who is regarded as the progenitor of Ottanthullal, the traditional solo dance narration. Kunjan Nambiar used to perform in the Chakkiaars, groups of Drummers, and he fused his style, Thallu with images and themes from Mahabharata and Ramayana in a way unique to Keralese Art forms. The peculiar note of his fusion art form is to take up cudgels against the social injustices and discrimination prevailing in the society. The poet's house is preserved as a monument by the Government of Kerala.
Significance of Lakkidi : Registers the Second Highest Degree of Rainfall in the World
Altitude : 700 m above sea level
Thirunelli Festival
Thirunelli Festival is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.
Papanasini, the holy mountain spring here believed to have the divine power to absolve the soul of all its sins, flows near the shrine.
A sacred rock nearby is the place where ritual offerings are made for the ancestors on the new moon days of Malayalam months of 'Karkkidakam' (July/August), 'Thulam' (October/November) and 'Kumbham' (February/March).
Pookot Lake
Pookot Lake, a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills is located 3 kms from south of Vythiri town. Pookot Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it.
Boating in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.
The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot Lake tourist resort inVythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha.and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs.This lake is three kms. south of Vythiri.
How To Reach
By Air
Nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 63 km
By Rail
Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode about 63 km.
Best Time to Vist : August - May
Valliyoorkavu Festival
Located high in the Wayanad Hills at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy.
The idol of the temple is believed to be self- manifested and the annual festival is held in March. The traditional ritual of the Kalamezhuthu is performed during all nights of the festival.
On the final day, the array of folk art forms are presented. The dances performed by the local tribals, using native percussion instruments are a major attraction.
Celebration Preparations
On the final day, the array of folk art forms are presented. The dances performed by the local tribals, using native percussion instruments, are a major attraction.
Celebration Rituals
The idol of the temple is believed to be self- manifested and the annual festival is held in March. The traditional ritual of the Kalamezhuthu is performed during all nights of the festival.
Banasura Dam
15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. Many islands type of landscape emerges here during the monsoons, when the dam is full of water. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill can surely provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists. It was an amazing view to see the mountains and huge waters in-between stagnant over there. Its an ideal picnic spot.
Pazhassi Tomb
'The Lion of Kerala' Pazhassi Raja who organised a guerilla Pattern of fighting against East India Company is cremated at Mananthavady which is 32 km North - East of Kalpetta.
Kalpetta
This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.
Glass Temple of Kottamunda
Glass Temple of Kottamunda is 20 km away from Kalpetta. The mirrors inside the Jain temple walls reflect in thousands of beautiful image patterns of the icons in the temple sanctum sanctorum.
The Thirunelly Temple
Sometimes called Thirunelly Temple the 'Kasi of the South', is 32km from Mananthavady. One would marvel at the Magnitude of the labour involved in the construction of the shrine shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground paved with huge square shaped granites. Near the temple is the 'Papanasini whose waters, the religions believe, can wash one's sins away.
Sentinal Rock Water Fall
Sentinal Rock Water Fall is at Chooralmala Meppadi Panchayat. A three step water fall of more than 200m in height with a fantastic scenery. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
Tour from Wayanad
Edakkal Caves
Located 12 km from Sultan Bathery, Edakkal caves is situated in the Ambukuthi Hills. in Wayanad district.
While hunting trip to Wayanad in 1890, Fred- Fawcett, the then superintendent of police of the Malabar District, happened to see a Neolithic Celt (stone axe or chisel) recovered from the coffee estate of Colin Mackenzie. An enthusiast in prehistory, Fawcett made local enquiries and went round exploring the Wayanad high ranges. In the course of his rambles he was shown the Edakkal rock-shelter situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. He identified the site as a habitat of Neolithic (i.e. late Stone Age, c4000BC to c1700BC) people on the basis of the nature of representations on the cave walls, which appeared to him as engravings made of Neolithic Celts. It was an exciting discovery, as these were the first specimens of abraded drawings found in India.
Edakkal caves are two natural rock formationsm believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The two caves located at a height of 1000m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal can be accessed only by a 1 km trek trail from Edakkal. Edakkal literally means 'a stone in between'. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feet long by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet. A passage opposite the entrance leads upward to a small aperture in the roof through which one climbs up to the next storey whose interior is about 96 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 18 feet high. Light enters the cave through a big gap at the right-hand corner of the roof where the boulder does not touch the facing wall.
Inside, one finds ancient stone scripts, cave drawings and pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head dresses, the swastik forms and symbols. Archaeologists consider these as one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Similar straight line cave drawings (considered 7000 years old) have been found only in Stiriya in the European Alps and a few rocky places in Africa. The drawings at Edakkal depict the human figures, stars, wheels, bows, knives, palm trees etc. Edakkal rock engravings stand out distinct among the magnitude of prehistoric visual archives of paintings and graphic signs all over the world.
Significance :
World's Richest Pictographic Gallery of its kind
Archaeologists consider these as one of the earliest centres of human habitation.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, is one of the best heritage museums of Kerala. The museum boasts of one the largest collections of articles that date back to 2nd century AD.
This Museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad region. The museum has a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artefacts, which include jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc.. Ancient terra cottas, stone weapons, and local art are also on display at the museum. There are various exhibits on display here, amongst which are sculptures and the figure of Nandi and other dieties, which were collected from parts of the region that date back to the 14th to the 16th centuries AD. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memoralise a bygone age of valiant warriors.There is a fine figure of the Goddess of fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Remnants of Stone age tools and pottery found within the Muniyaras are displayed here
Near the Ambukuthi hill region is this heritage museum housing artifacts and belongings of the various tribes of the land.
Significance : One of the Best Heritage Museums in Kerala
Main Attraction : Rare Artefacts From 2nd Century
Chembra Peak
Trekking to the Chembra peak is one of the risky tourist endeavours. Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m. above mean sea level. It is14 kms. west of Kalpetta.
Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. The scenic beauty of Wayanad which is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and thrilling. The blue eyed water in the lake at the top of the hill never dries up even in the peak of summer. All along the steep and slippery way to the top of the hill, the whispering of the flowing spring which sprouts from the top of the hill accompanies the tourist. If he is fortunate enough, on his way he may come across a passing wild beast, may be a leopard who may instantly hide behind the bushes.
Camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak in shivering cold is everlasting experience. At the top of the Chembra Peak, there is a lake that has never been dry. It is a delightful spot for the trekkers as well as for the nature lovers. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire.
The entire region is quite picturesque with tea plantations and a variety of flora and fauna and some wild life in the jungles.
Chethalayam Waterfalls
Located 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, are the breathtakingly beautiful Chethalayam Waterfalls.
Chethalayam Waterfalls attracts both the locals and tourists owing to its beauty. This waterfall is located deep in a hilly region called Chethalayam. Being a forest region, the place lacks a proper road. One has to walk a distance of about 4 km to reach this picturesque spot.
For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
The artefacts on display here are those of the tribals of Kerala. This museum is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala. The exhibits here are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
Which is 16km east of Sultan Battery is located very near to Karnataka border. If you are in search of Elephants, Spotted deer, Sambhar or Sloth bear, head for the 'Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary', also known as the Muthanga wildlife Sanctuary which is the second largest in the state.
Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam, located 7 kms north east of Thirunelli Temple in Brahma Giri Hills is a challenging tourist spot. Here virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking.
Pakshipathalam, as the name suggests has a large population of birds. This hill station offers great opportunities for bird wating. One can watch rare species of birds from the watchtower of the Bird sanctuary located nearby. The deep rock vaves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild life.
One has to obtain special permission from forest department to go to Pakshipathalam. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) arranges vehicle, guides, camping apparatus etc. to the tourists on hire.
General Information - Pakshipatalam
Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates . On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.
Here, one can find nature at its thundering best. Soochipara is a 3-tiered, powerful waterfall. And the cliff face here is ideal for rock climbing.
Main Attraction : 3-Tiered Powerful Waterfall
Activities : Rock Climbing
Thirunelli Temple
Located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelli remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less a person than the legendary warrior Parasurama. There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!
The 'Koothambalam' here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls. Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins is situated nearby.
Valliyoorkkavu Temple
Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy temple is located in the tribal areas of Wayanad hills at Valliyoorkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town in Wayanad district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The annual festival - Valliyoorkavu Festival is held in March.
The dances performed by the local tribals, to the accompaniment of native percussion instruments, are a major attraction of this annual feast. The traditional ritual art of Kalamezhuthu and an array of folk art forms are also performed.
Kuruva Island
17 kms east of Mananthavadi, it stretches over 950 acres of evergreen forests on the banks of Themkabani River. The island is a repository of rare species of birds, animals, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery..
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls has a cascading waterfall in three tiers, from a height of 500 metres. It is located 12kms east of Meppadi
Varambetta Moque
15 kms south east of Kalpetta, this 300-year-old mosque is the oldest in Wayanad.
Mananthavadi
The panoramic Mananthavadi is situated 32 kms from north east of Kalpetta. Perched on the Western Ghats at an altitude of around 500m above sea level.
The forests of Mananthavadi are amongst the most picturesque locales of Kerala. The place is also of historical importance as it is here that Pazhassi Raja, a native chieftain famous for his guerilla tactics against the British, breathed his last.
The tomb of Veera Pazhassi Raja, known as the Lion of Kerala has been erected here as a memorial to this valiant leader, who committed suicide to avoid capture, by the British. The Pulpally Cave nearby is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
Significance : Tomb of Pazhassi Raja
Altitude : 500m Above Sea Level
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