Experience Overflows In This Nature’s Own Land
Trumpeting the purity of nature and chastity of biodiversity spread across a vast area of 2,132 square kilometers on the foot of the lofty Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the few places in the world that has been able to retain its natural gifts. Habitat of some of the oldest tribes, yet untouched by the pretensions of civilization, wilderness overflows here. Registering one of the largest rain falls in the continent, this adventures cape hides many secrets to be explored….
Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO)
Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO), a stakeholder’s body, was formed in 2000, to draw the attention of discerning tourists to Wayanad, thus making it a sought after tourism destination. Wayanad, with its rich bio-diversity, has been attracting thousands of nature-lovers from across the globe. It has become the dream destination of many in the domestic tourism circuit and also of international tourists.
According to Mr Vancheeswaran K.R, the Secretary of WTO, the number of visitors to Wayanad has increased remarkably. ‘This has resulted in tourism becoming an alternative industry and the second biggest revenue earner for the cash strapped agrarian district. All these changes were made possible because of the full support and encouragement of the common people and the society, he said.
‘We believe that things would change if we tirelessly pursue our dreams for a better, saner, greener and cleaner tourism model with the active participation of local communities – a model that would preserve the ecosystem and suit our unique culture and environment’, he added
Adventure Tourism In Wayanad
The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The hills, rocks and valleys which makes the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for catering to the ever increasing demands of adventure tourists. From the peak of Chembra to the depth of Pakshipa offers adventure experience aplenty.
Chembra Peak
For a traveler to Wayanad, this 2100m high peak is really haunting. It is visible to you from all parts of Wayanad and you will have a bird’s eye view of the greenery of the district from top of it.
Trekking
Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourist can also stay for one or two days on the top of the peak in temporary camps. One can get permission from the forest office at the chembra Protection Office. The trekking starts from the watch house. There is a heart shaped lake in the midway, which will not dry even in the hot summer, to make your trekking unforgettable. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of this peak is very challenging and thrilling. Camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak in shivering cold is an everlasting experience.
Pakshipathalam
Seventeen kilometres trekking through the wild forest of Bramhagiri hills at Thirunelly takes you to Pakshipathalam, a challenging tourist spot. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts.
The trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division IB. Watch Towr is 3 km away and Pancharathodu is 4 km ahead. Pakshipathalam is just 500 metres from here.
It will take 7 to 8 hours to complete the to and fro trekking. Always try to carry first aid kit and torch and follow the directions of the guide. Avoid colour outfits, cosmetics and plastic products. Do not trouble the birds and animals. Carry tobacco and salt to tackle the leeches. Avoid liquor and cigarettes and avoid travel in times of mist.
Kabani River
One of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, Kabani is an important tributary of the river Cauvery. Kabani and its distrubtaries constitute a powerful riversystem in the landscape of Wayanad Panamaram rivulent takes its origin from the perennial lake called, ‘Pookode lake’ it flows swiftly through mountain gorges and joined by other streams, tumbles down into Panamaram valley. Six kilometers further from Panamaram, this river joins the Mananthavady rivulet, originating from the lower regions of the peak ‘Thondarmudi’. From this confluence, the river is called Kabani, a mighty, perennial river which after entering Karnadaka State, joins with the river Cauvery. Almost the entire state of Wayanad is drained by the Kabani river and its tributaries, namely, Panamaram river, Mananthavady river and Thirunelli river.
Meenmutty Waterfall
The mesmerizing view of water falling from a height of more than 500 meters in three steps will no doubt thrill a trekker to this sport which is located 12 kms east of Meppadi. It is a two km trekking through the jungle to reach the largest and most spectacular water fall in Wayanad
Trekking equipments are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta. Trekking charge is Rs 300 for 10 persons and Rs 60 for extra persons. It is 6 km from Vaduvanchal and 12 km from Sulthan Batheri.
Soochippara Waterfalls
These stretches of waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppady have heights ranging from 100 to 300 feet. An ideal spot for white water rafting swimming, bathing, etc. the tree top huts at Soochippara will give you a unique viewof the valleys of Western Ghats.
From parking area, walk through the stone path for about one kilometer to reach the waterfall. It is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm. It is 13kms from Meppadi on Chooralmalai Road.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
A beautiful water fall of about 30m in height, 8 km east of Meppadi and 12 kms south-east of Kalpetta. One can go very close to the water fall in a vehicle.
Recreational Tourism In Wayanad
The vast stretches of mist-capped mountains, green meadows of valleys, white water springs, blue water lakes and wild forest fabricate the splendid natural beauty of Wayanad.
Pookat Lake
The natural fresh water wonder, Pookot Lake is located in the lap of ever green mountains near Vythiri. It has an area of 8.5ha and the maximum water depth is 6.5 mtrs. The most sought after tourist spot Wayanad, it provides a calm and spiritual atmosphere with thick bushes, tall trees, sensational weather, scenic beauty and unspoiled nature.
The fresh-water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes here is managed by Fisheries Department. Tourists can also avail boating facilities children’s park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices.
It is 15 km from Kalpetta and very near to Vythiri. Ticket charges are Rs.10 and Rs.5 foe children. Pedal boat Rs 30 for two persons and Rs 50 for four persons. For kayaking Rs.100 for 30 mins
Kuruva Islands
950 acres of evergreen forest surrounded by the tributaries of the east flowing Kabani River, this uninhabited lovely island hosts rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Relatively untouched island of tropical forest, it is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the distrurbances of city life.
150 small islands and two fresh water lakes surrounded by Manathavady River and Panamaram River make Kuruva a wonder in the midst of green forests. Bamboo bridges, rare vegetation, medicated herbs and blossomed orchids make it feel different.
Banasura Dam
The largest earth dam in India, it possesses a vast expanse of crystal clear water enclosed by blue hills on the three sides. An ideal picnic spot with blissful charm of Banasura hills and many islands inside the dam, it provides mesmerizing sight to the tourists.
Pilgrim Tourism In Wayanad
Historically and culturally, the importance of Wayanad lies very close linked with its temples. Thirunelly temple, jain temples at Sulthan Bathery and Panamaram and valliyoorkavu at Mananthavady historically dates back from 12th to 16 th centuries and the temples show that Wayanad was a habitat of mankind and place of civilization even in very old times. These temples are the living testimony of the cultural heritage of Wayanad. D.T.P.Carranges conducted tours to these centres.
Thirunelly Temple
Known as ‘Thekkan Kasi’ of Kerala, Thirunelly Temple Signifies the spiritual importance of Wayanad. It is believed that a dip in the river Papanasini, running crystal clear down hill, wipes one off allsins. And the souls of ancestors attain salvation with a dip in this holy water. A fine specimen of classical Kerala Temple Architecture, the temple id dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja and draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites.
Sita Lava-Kusha Temple
This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. The Temple is 50 Kms away from Kalpetta, 25 Kms away from Sultan Bathery and 41 Kms away from Mananthavady
Historical Spots Of Wayanad
Pazhassi Memorial
The body of Veera Pazhassi, the Lion of Kerala who organized a guerilla war against the British East Indian Company was shot dead in an encounter at Mavilanthod and was cremated at Mananthavady in 1805. It is 32 km north east of Kalpetta and 42 km from Batheri and is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad.
Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple
It is generally known as Tippu’s Fort and situated at Sulthan bathert Town. Tippu used this temple as the Battery of his army.It was bult by Hoysala Kings 700 years ago. It one of the most important ruins of Jainism spread across the State.
Jain Temple At Panamaram
These ruined Jain Temples are situated within 5 kms North-east of Panamaram.
Muniyara
As the remnants of old civilization these underground wonders beckons travelers to Andykkavala near the valleys of Ambukuthymala. 3 Kms from Edakkal Caves, 11 km from Sultan Bathery and 25 km from Kalpetta are these.Buses are available from Bathery and Kalpetta to Kolagappara junction which is close to these heritage wonder.
Sunrise Valley
Sunrise Valley, one of the most beautiful spots of Wayanad, is in Muppainad Panchayath, near Meppadi. The sight of the Meenmutty waterfalls on the east and in east another fall from Attamalai and thickly forested valleys with a beautiful back drop of hills in differing heights in the valley an experience unforgettable.
It is 20 km south of Sultan Bathery and 7 km from Vaduvanchal. Get down at Kadassery on Meppadi Vaduvamchal road this nature’s treasure.
Kurumpala
One can have a bird’s eye view of Wayanad from this hill top and was once the hideout of Pazhassi Raja. It is of the Kalpetta- Malankara Road.
Neelimala
Trekking through the plantation and thick forest you can reach this beautiful top that provides you with a variety of natural sights including the Meenmutty waterfalls.
Board bus from Kalpetta and get down at Vaduvanchal. Hire another bus ( or a jeep) to Cherambadi on Ooty route and get down at Chitragiri. Trek one and a half km to Neelimala or reach chundal before Kalpetta and take the Ooty road to the right that goes via Meppadi and on reaching Vaduvanchal, turn right. After three kms, the road turns right and climbs up a road up to a tribal settlement. Get down and trek.
Karlad Lake
Surrounded by thick bamboo forest, this lake is ideal for boating. It is in Tariod, 16 km from Kalpetta. It is better to hire a vehicle since there is no direct bus service upto the Lake.
Karappuzha
This earth dam is built for the water supply to different parts of Wayanad. With small islands engulfed the dam is calm and ideal for bird watching.
It is nearby Ambalavayal town, 13 km northeast of Kalpetta. Buses are available from Kalpetta. Get down at Ambalavayal and hire an auto or jeep. Stay at Kalpetta or Ambalavayal.
Wayanad Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal
This museum exhibits findings from the regional tribal cultures in the present and the past
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
A part of the greater range of protected jungle, Muthanga is in the Nilgiri Biosphere Religion. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms from the Muthanga wild life sanctuary . It is the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar, Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer, Spotted deer, Bison, Tiger, Cheetah, wild bear, etc. are found in this area. Also known as the Wayanad National park, it has been declared as a project Elephant Site.
The Forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists here. It is located 16 kms east of Sulthan Bathery .
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Civil Station, North Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673122
Ph : ++91-4936-202134
Email : info@dtpcwayanad.com