WAYANAD TOURIST PLACES
Chembra peak
CHEMBRA PEAK
Chembra Peak is one of the thrilling trekking trips in Wayanad. Situated at 6,900 ft, Chembra Peak is popular for adventure enthusiast trekkers and nature lovers. Permission passes for trekking are required form the Forest Department for the safety of trekkers and preservation of wildlife.
En-route to the peak, a heart shaped lake that never dries will spellbind you. Locally named Hridaya Saras, it is also one of the most sought after destinations in Wayanad. You will reach the Chembra Peak after 2 km hike from the lake. From the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the environs.
Edakkal Cave
EDAKKAL CAVE
The Edakkal Caves in Waynad is one of the oldest sources of prehistoric inscriptions belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic age. It is located around 1,200m after a trek up the Ambukuthi Hill. Edakkal is not a cave in true sense, but a boulder miraculously wedged between two massive stones giving an appearance of cave. About 22 feet in width and 96 feet in length, every surface is covered in carvings of Human shaped figures, symbols, animals and ancient inscriptions including a Tamil Brahmi script. It also has a link to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Witness one of the oldest relic of human civilization.
Pookode Lake
POOKODE LAKE
Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake in Wayanad. The water body is shaped like India’s map. It is one of the must visit places in the hill station. Known for its fresh water fish, blue lotuses, extensive variety of birds, the Pookode Lake is a beautiful place.
Boating in Pookode Lake is one of the top things to do in Wayanad. Pedal boats are available for hire. Explore the nearby freshwater aquarium, children’s park and shopping centre known for handiwork and spices. Spend a day out in the lush greenery of the serene lake.
Tea Estates
TEA ESTATES
Wayanad is blessed with expanse of tea plantations. In the salubrious weather of the hill station, the lush tea buds bloom perfectly. The soil, mists and great heights produce fine varieties of tea. As far as the eye can see, velvety carpet of fresh green tea leaves stretches out.
If you wish, try your hand in in the daily chores of the plantation workers. You can visit the factory to learn about the production of the beverage. There is also the option of buying freshly dried tea leaves as a remembrance of the wonderful holiday in Wayanad.
Kuruva Islands
KURUVA ISLAND
Kuruva Islands is group of three scenic islands, a river delta in the middle of a tributary in Kabini River. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is an uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc..
Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. Offering a rustic charm and feel of Kerala’s local life and culture, enjoy exploring the unspoilt paradise. You can access the islands by small boats, bamboo rafts or fibre boats.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
WAYANAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the must visit places on Wayanad tour. An integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary is formed of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 344 sq km, the sanctuary serves as home to a large number of wild animals some indigenous to the region.
Visitors can embark of safaris with permission from the forest departments. Elephant sightings are common with glimpse of tigers, sloth bears, sambhar, monkeys, reptiles, deer, and panthers. August to February is the best time to visit.
Thirunelli Temple
THIRUNELI TEMPLE
Thirunelli is a small village of Kerala situated at the base of the Brahmagiri Hills, which is part of Sahyadri Ranges bordering Karnataka. This town is known for its beautiful Thirunelli temple, said to be more than 3000 years old. It is said that Lord Brahma built this temple and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu, Hanuman, Nagam and Ganeshji. Here, one prays for their dearly departed and ancestors. Lord Parashuram is said to have come here to pray for his father.
The views form the temple is quite mesmerizing. It is a spiritually cleansing experience to be here.
Jain Temple
JAIN TEMPLE
The Jain Temple in Wayanad 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. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it is inspired from the Vijayanagar architectural style and it is made wholly of granite. It had served as a shrine and later as the ammunition storehouse for Tipu Sultan.
The temples at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of the Jain temples. The beautifully carved pillars are ravaged by time yet have a charm. A square granite slab with a carving of Mahavir Jain graces the inner sanctorum. The ambiance is divine and rejuvenating.
Meenmutty Waterfalls
MEENMUTY WATERFALLS
The Meenmutty waterfalls in Wayanad is the second largest in the State. It is one of the unmissable things to do in the hill station. Nestled in the greenery of the Mepadi forest range, the waterfalls is breathtaking. Adventure-seekers and nature lovers are absolutely in love with the locale and the sight.
The waterfalls is three leveled, falling from a height of 984 ft. The view is spectacular and at its magnificent best during monsoon. After a two-km trek through the forest starting from the entry point on the Kozhikode-Ooty interstate highway, reach the natural spectacle of God’s Own Country.
Lakkidi View Point
LAKKIDI VIEW POINT
Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad, located at the summit of the Thamarassery Ghat pass. There are nine hairpin curves from Adivaram through steep mountains. The journey through the meandering ghat pass is definitely an experience you will cherish. It is about 2296 ft (700 m) above the sea level.
Tourists often stop by Lakkidi View Point. It is a charming vantage point which offers dazzling views. Marvel at the panorama of the lush greenery of the hills, gorges and streams. The beautiful sight imprints on your mind and hearts. The romantic road voyage should be on your must-do things in Waynad.
Banasura Sagar Dam
BANASURA SAGAR DAM
The picturesque Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is situated in the heart of Wayanad’s foggy hills with a wildlife sanctuary and a landscape of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment is unrivalled. The azure crystal clear waters of Banasura makes for a wonderful picnic spot. There is also a mini Hydel project located here.
Boating facilities in the dam. Picnic spots in the blessed environs and the thrilling trekking trails draw many visitors. Spend a day indulging in the outdoor. It is one of the enjoyable things to do in Wayanad.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
PAKSHIPATHALAM BIRD SANCTUARY
Pakshipathalam situated at an altitude of 1740m above sea level is one of Wayanad enchantments. Pakshipathalam, the very name of the place refers to the richness of birdlife here. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is blessed with virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills. it i together offer challenging avenues for trekking. It is a paradise for ornithologists as this place is ideal for bird watching. The deep rock caves found amidst thick block of rocks and are the abode for several plants and animals. Rare and exotic species of birds and be watched from the watch towers of the bird sanctuary.
The best time of the year to visit the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is between October and January.
Neelimala View Point
NEELIMALA VIEW POINT
Neelimala Viewpoint offers an incredible view of the Meenmutty falls and emerald beauty of Wayanad. From the checkout in the hills, observe the vast green landscape, misty peaks of hills and milky water streams falling from heights to merge with the rivers and ultimately the sea.
Obscured in the folds of the Western Ghats, the view point offers a splendid sight which is cherished throughout your life. Walk towards the mountain lookout through untrodden paths. Thrilling and absolutely delightful, Neelimala View Point is one of the spectacular places to visit in Wayanad
