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| Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean sea level has a predominant place in the tourist map of Kerala. A major centre of hill products the district is noted contributor of foreign exchange to the State. Apart from archaeological and anthropological uniqueness Wayanand has genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism promotion |
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| Established in 1973, the Wayanad 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 sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region |
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| Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 1/5 of the total population of the district. It is the seat of Kurichiyas the valiant warriors of late King Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who engaged the mighty British Army in several battles. Their descendants are still expert archers. |
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| WAYANAD- Centre for Eco Tourism |
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| Lakkidi |
| Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station |
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| Edakkal Caves |
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| 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 civilisation 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 Wild Life Sanctuary |
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| Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here |
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| Thirunelli Temple |
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| Surrounded by Kambamala, 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 |
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| Boy's Town |
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| 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 |
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| The Glass Temple of Kottamunda |
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| 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 |
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| Pookkode Lake |
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| A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children's park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices |
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| Chembra Peak |
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| At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking |
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| Pazhassi tomb |
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| 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 |
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| Kuruvadweep |
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| 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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| Pakshipathalam |
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| This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary |
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| Tholpetty |
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| Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad. (bordering Coorg District of Karnataka). Tholpetty is much similiar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit between Nov. and May. This sanctuary includes Elephants, Sambars, Deers, Leopards and Medicinal plants etc. There is a Watch Tower facility to see wild animals |
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| Jain temple |
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| There are significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Bathery, Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined |
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| Banasura sagar Dam |
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| This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists |
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| Sentinel Rock Waterfalls |
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| This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing |
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| Kanthanpara Waterfalls |
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| Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic |
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| Soochippara Waterfalls |
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| The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs |
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| Meenmutty Waterfalls |
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| Meenmutty waterfalls in Wayanad district, Kerala is the second largest waterfall in Kerala, and is as close to a natural setting as one can get. No human interference whatsoever. Located in lush moist deciduous forests, 290 kms south of Bangalore and 29 km south of Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad, the waterfall is a trekker's paradise. There are no buses so one has to get off at the Kalpetta-Ooty Road and hike for two km to get to the falls |
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| The USP of this waterfall is that the water plunges about 300 metres in three stages and all the three stages require separate treks. The Meenmutty, Soochipara, and Kanthanpara waterfalls combined, feed the Chaliyar river |
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| How to Reach |
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The nearest airport Karipur International Airport , (Calicut ) : Travel time - 2 hrs 30 minutes.
Nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut) Travel time - 2 hrs by road |
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