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Wayanad district was formed on November 1, 1980 as the twelfth district of Kerala.It is the most backward in terms of population, the neighboring districts are Kozhikode, Kannur and Malappuram, sharing borders with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Four things are said behind the name of Wayanad .According to the Madras Manual of Administration, its name in Sanskrit is Vananad (Vanam is forest and naadu is place), Mayakshetra, which means the land of fields, the land of forests. Some people think that it became Mayanada in Malayalam and later became Wayanad orally.The names of Vananad, Vazhi nadu are also said to be the reason for getting the name Wayanad.
Beautiful rivers, scenic mountains and mist covered surroundings is what defines Wayanad. Wayanad is a perfect destination for those who are looking forward to get away from the busy city streets and crowds. The best time to visit Wayanad will be in between the months of October to May when the climate is pure heaven. The nearest railways station here is Kozhikode and the nearest airport is Karipur International Airport.
EN OORU TRIBAL VILLAGE
En Ooru , a replica of the Tribal Heritage Village which is an drive of Kerala State Government. En Ooru was build to create an exclusive and permanent platform for the heritage skills and livelihood for the tribes domiciled in Kerala. En Ooru shows the culture & the traditions of tribal communities in Wayanad . Traditional tribal huts roofed with hay and in the backdrop you can see the towering hills at En Ooru, Wayanad . This Tribal Heritage Village has become a major tourist attraction in Wayanad . This place is spread over twenty five acres on a hillock. Moreover this place gives us a golden opportunity to learn about the heritage and lifestyle of tribes in Wayanad .
LAKKADI VIEW POINT
After Thamarassery and Adivaram we enter the hairpins which is also called as Wayanad chunam or Thamarassery churam. Thamarassery Churam is having 9 hairpins . Lakkadi view point is the first spot after all hairpins Here you can view the panoramic view of Adivaram , Thamarassery and Kozhikode. Lakkadi view point is a photo point for all the tourists to Wayanad and the night drive from Lakkadi view point to Vythiri is a heavenly feel.
CHAIN TREEE | CHANGALA MARAM
In the late 18ft century, there was no road to Wayanad from Kozhikode. One had to trek from
down hill to Lakkidi to reach Wayanad. As the legend goes, a British engineer was on the look out to form a road to lnkkidi and an adivasi youth, by name Karianthandan guided the engineer, through the rough terrain. According to the legend, the engineer, shot the adivasi guide, after finding the route, to take credit of this discovery and the spirit of this adivasi youth constantly haunted subsequent travelers. It is further believed that a priest later chained this troublesome spirit to this tree.
Karintandan Smriti Yatra is held every year on the second Sunday of March. It is organized by a local organization. It is believed that he lived between 1750 and 1799. Because of this, everyone sees him as the father of the Thamarassery pass. Now a movie is coming based on Karintandan.It is a historical movie directed by Leela Santhosh and starring Vinayakan.
VYTHIRI
Vythiri is at a distance of 3 km from Pookode lake. There are only three taluks in Wayanad district, Vyithiri is one of them. Many forest adventure trips are started from here. Kerala’s only veterinary university, Kerala ‘Veterinary and Animal Science University’ is located at Pookode near Vythiri town.
MEPPAADI
Meppadi is 17 to 18 km from Vaithiri. Meppadi is a town in Wayanad district. Meppadi Hill Station is located on State Highway-29 between Kozhikode and Ooty. The beautiful hill slopes and forest here add to the charm of Meppadi.
No Particular Timing
No Entry Fee , NH Road side
30 minutes maximum
POOKODE LAKE
Pookode lake near Vythiri is a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling green hills. After 4.2 km from Lakiti view point you can reach Pookod lake. Pedal boat safari is available here and there is a walking trail around the lake. There is a special type of fish found only in Pookod lake and its name is “Pookodan Paral”. The area of the lake is 13 acres and the maximum depth is 6.5 meters. The lake is blue amber. There are boats for 4 people and 8 people.
9AM to 5 PM
2 hours
HONEY MUSEUM
Honey Museum is an organic honey outlet at Old Vythiri specialization in serving you the finest varieties of Honey. Natural Honey, Mustard Honey, Sunflower Honey, Ginger Honey, Multi Flora Honey, Lychee Honey and Forest Honey are the various products of this Bee Craft. They have outlets at Old Vythiri, Chundal & Kaloor in Wayanad.
9.30 AM to 9 PM
BANASURA SAGAR DAM
MEENMUTTI WATERFALLS
Meenmutty Waterfalls can be the right place to visit for all those who love to know no boundaries for nature,. It is amongst the best waterfalls in Kerala that offers a delightful experience to people of all age groups.
Surrounded by thick green forests, this three-tiered waterfall falls from a height of 1000 feet and provides its visitors with a fantastic view that is a sight to behold. To reach the waterfalls, you need to trek through the thick jungles for nearly 2 km to enjoy a kind of adventure that is an experience in itself.
You can also engage in photography to capture some excellent shots of the nature. Kindly avoid visiting it during the rainy season as the waterfall becomes extremely dangerous due to the heavy flow of water.
KARLAD LAKE
Karlad Lake is a natural freshwater lake located around 8 KMS from Vythiri and 3 kilometers away from Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. This Adventure Camp here offers a wide range of activities for the adventure enthusiasts out there. The activities organized involve the following
NELLARACHAL
URAVU BAMBOO HUT
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AMBALAVAYAL MUSEUM
Wayanad Heritage museum, situated at Ambalavayal, about 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. One of the best-maintained museums in Kerala, the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum houses a rich collection of artefacts which stand in testimony of the fact that there had been an advanced civilisation which existed in the mountains of Wayanad. This heritage museum is one of the largest and best archaeological museums in the state. Exhibits in the museum include many stone weapons, stone carvings, 14th to 16th century sculptures, potteries of Megalithic Age, hunting equipment, clay sculptures and other interesting artifacts. Idols made of hard and soft rocks, which were believed to be worshiped by the ancient people too can be seen in the museum.
PHANTOM ROCK | CHEENGERI HILL | PHANTOM PARA
Cheengeri Hill, located in the Ambalavayal Panchayath of the Sultan Bathery constituency, is one of the important trekking destinations in Wayanad. Cheengeri hills are located about 2600 m above sea level. Breathtaking views of Karappuzha Dam catchment area, Ambukuthimala, Manjamala
can be enjoyed.
Cheengeri Hill Rock Adventure Center is ideally located close to Karappuzha Dam, Edakkal Cave, Ambalavayal Agricultural Research Station and Ambalavayal
Heritage Museum.
KARAPUZHA EARTH DAM
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EDAKKAL CAVES | EDA KALLU
A trip to Edakkal Caves is like a journey into our forgotten past. Located 10 kms from Sulthan Bathery, they have provided historians with great information regarding the lives and habits of our ancestors. The caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The carvings inside are extremely beautiful. A trek up the majestic Ambukuthi Hills is required to reach these caves. The aroma of coffee stays with you the entire way. It is truly a surreal experience as we step into the palms of history.
900 KANDI, ADVENTURE ECO PARK
Enjoy the thrilling adventure at Eco Park located in 900 Kandi,Wayanad! Trek through lush greenery or take a boat across the forest or walk on Kerala’s longest glass bridge. Experience nature in a whole new way. Welcome to a complete eco-system that covers adventure, ecotourism, indoor & outdoor recreational activities.
SOOCHIPARA WATERFALLS
NIAGRA OF WAYANAD
Soochipara Falls or Sentinel Para Falls is a waterfall located in Meppadi Gram Panchayat in Wayanad District, Kerala. The water falls from a height of 100 to 300 feet in many places and is spectacular. You can swim and bath in the small lake where the water falls below. From the hermitages at Soochipara Waterfalls, you can get a beautiful view of the Western Ghats and the stream below. At over 200 meters high, Suchipaara (Sentinel Rock) is a favorite among adventurous mountaineers. Even small children can swim in the pool formed by falling water from the waterfall. The scenery around the waterfall is beautiful.
Soochipara is located 22 km south of Kalpatta. The scenery from Soochipara Waterfalls are very beautiful.
Beautiful views of the Western Ghats can be seen from Soochipara.
JAIN TEMPLE SULTAN BATHERY
Bathery Region
Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery is at a distance of 12 km from Edakkal cave. So when you are planning to visit Edakkal cave , you can club the Jain temple also. This Jain temple is believed to have been built in the 13th century. This temple served as a Hindu temple, a major commercial center and eventually Tipu’s armory during the Tippus Invasion to Kerala. The Jain temple, which was declared a monument of national importance by the Government of India in 1921, is under the protection of the Central Department of Antiquities. It is said that a rectangular well in front of the Jain temple have a tunnel in which this well is said to extend to Mysore during the Tippus Invasion.
PAZHASSI PARK , MANANTHAVADY
Pazhassi Raja Park is a recreational park located on the banks of the Mananthavady River. Well known for its greenery and flora, this region is surrounded by the panoramic beauty of the mountain ranges
PAZHASSI TOMB | PAZHASSI RAJA KUDEERAM
Pazhassi Raja Memorial at Mavilamthodu is located at the spot where the Lion of Kerala ultimately met his demise
THIRUNELLI TEMPLE
THOLPETTY WILD LIFE
Manathavady Region
Tholpetty Wild Life Sanctuary is 65 km from Muthanga Wild Life and 20 km from Kuruvadweep. Tholpetty was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1973. During 1991-92, the center included Tholpetty in the project “Project Elephant”. A jeep ride into the forest is arranged by forest department by paying fees. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mutumala Wildlife Sanctuary. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is also located nearby.
The forest areas that comprise Wayanad are the largest elephant sanctuary in the Western Ghats. Muthanga and Tholpetti Wildlife Sanctuaries in Wayanad are generally known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Lying towards the north of the district of Wayanad, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora. Open to wildlife jeep safari twice a day, you are bound to spot various animals and bird species in their natural habitat during the 1 to 1.5 hour journey.
MUTHANGA WILD LIFE
Sultan Bathery Region
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and bio-geographically one of the richest tracts of peninsular India.
Muthanga Wild Life Safari is 15 km from Sultan Bathery Jain temple and 38 km from Kalpatta town. Established in 1973, Muthang Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Muthanga and Tholpetti are two eco-tourism centers in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Muthanga is on the road from Sultan Bathery to Mysore wheras Tholpetty is near Mananthavady region. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary shares borders with the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The point where these three states meet is called the triangle point. The forest department has organized trips to see the elephants.The most famous elephant breeding center is also a specialty of Muthanga. Animals like bison, deer, elephant and tiger can be seen in the forests of this wildlife sanctuary. The tiger sanctuaries of Bandipur in Karnataka and Muthumala in Tamil Nadu are adjacent to Muthanga. A village called Chunda near Muthanga is also a part of the wildlife sanctuary. There is a facility for trekking in the forest which we need to take approval from Forest DFO.
PAKSHIPATHALAM
CHEMBRA PEAK
Experience trekking to climb up the verdant landscapes of Chembra Peak and see what it holds for you. On the way, you will come across several small waterfalls, abundant lush greenery, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and a heart-shaped lake that is believed to never dry up, no matter what the season is. However, to experience all this, you need to obtain prior permission in writing from the forest department in Meppadi.
Chembra Peak is around 25 km from Pookode lake and approximately 8 km from Mepadi town. The highest peak in Wayanad district is 2100 meters above the sea level. When you climb the mountain, you will see a natural lake in the shape of a heart and its name is Hrudayasaras. This lake never dries up. Permission for trekking should be obtained from Meppadi Forest Office. It will take 3 hours to reach from the base camp to the Heart Lake . It is not a very difficult trekking path, even those who have no experience in trekking can do the trekking here. However trekkers above 65 years of age are not recommended .
The total trekking distance is four and a half kilometers and if you walk one kilometer you will reach the watch tower. When you continue walking two more kilometers, you will reach the heart lake. You have to walk another one and a half kilometers to reach the top. Only 200 people are permitted per day and to get the tickets , be around 5.45 AM
7.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Full day(9.00 AM to 4.00 PM) to trek & return to the base station
KURUWA DWEEP – KURUWA ISLAND
Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island comprises of a cluster of islets over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad that is popular for the boat rides it offers on specially crafted bamboo rafts. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island, is popular for its diverse flora and fauna. These islands contain two small fresh water lakes. They are also a known safe haven for migratory birds along with hornbills, parrots and many butterfly species.
Kuruvadweep is 60 km from Muthanga Wild Life. Kurva Island in Wayanad is the largest uninhabited island in India. Kuruvadweep is a 950-acre island community in the Kabini river basin, situated on a tributary of the river Kabani, which flows east from Kerala.This is a protected area, a variety of birds, medicinal plants and herbs grow here. About 150 small islands form Kuruvadweep. Recently alligators are found in the river .Identity card is mandatory to get the token to visit this island.
Nature lovers throng to this remote destination in large numbers. Trekking enthusiasts will find some of the most beautiful and natural trails here. Massive trees situated next to the river are perfect picnic spots. The surrounding streams are ideal for a boat ride or rafting while enjoying the enchanting beauty of the island.
NB: Only 575 visitors are allowed through our entry point , Try to visit in the morning itself
9.00 AM to 3.30 PM
4 hours
Getting Wayanad
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport, about 70 km | Kannur International Airport, about 130 km
Nearest Railway Station: Koyilandy, about 60 km | Kozhikode, about 60 km