Kerala Tourism
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Wayanad Travel Guide
Wayanad in Kerala is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history lovers alike, tucked away in the abundant greenery of the Western Ghats. Having the title "Land of Paddy Fields," Wayanad is rich in combinations of scenic, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Amidst the mist-clad mountains are pristine waterfalls, dense forests, and ancient caves, making it a perfect destination in Kerala tourism.
Wayanad is endowed with a pleasant climate and a peaceful environment away from the noise and the hurry of today's urban life. Wayanad has something to offer every tourist, from trekking over rugged trails to peaceful walks.
Wayanad is an enchanting district, full of myriad variety of tourism opportunities that every traveler would crave for. Nature lovers can simply gaze in admiration at the greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife of the area. Adventure junkies can trek to the picturesque beauty of Chembra Peak or the sinister Edakkal caves with their petroglyphs.
Having a plethora of romantic spots, Munnar is an ideal honeymoon destination for newly-weds who are romanticizing being amidst nature and all sorts of secluded experiences.
Temples, Jain caves, and museums in Wayanad are filled with history and culture. Wayanad also serves as a perfect honeymoon destination as it has many beautiful waterfalls and lakes, which serve as romantic spots for couples.
The projects related to ecotourism in Wayanad adopted by the district ensure that every tour is productive. Activities such as bamboo rafting, bird watching, and forest hiking are some of the top things to do in Wayanad. There are also pleasant climatic conditions across the year, and the warmth of the people makes Wayanad tourism more appealing. It is possible to spend a very nice vacation in Wayanad, whether one wishes to sit quietly beside a beguiling lake, engage in some exciting activities, or visit places of interest.
Wayanad, one of the top hill stations in Kerala, is a green haven. It assures sophistication in nature, culture, and adventurous activities. The evergreen hills under the cover of mist, wide expanded plantations, thick jungles, and quiet picturesque lakes are a paradise for nature lovers. There are beautiful waterfalls and trekking routes, caves and temples, and everything in between—Wayanad has it all. This hill station gives a comforting feeling of age-old beauty and rich flora and fauna, irrespective of whether one loves animals or history or prefers to be in the lap of nature. To begin with, let us now look into the list of visiting places in Wayanad and understand what makes them different from one another.
Meenmutty Waterfalls is a 'three-tiered' waterfall, with its total fall measuring up to 300 meters. It is also the largest water fall in Wayanad and entails a short trek through dense forests, which makes the journey just as thrilling as the destination. It is most enjoyable to visit this place during the monsoon when the falls are at their full turbulent range. Water falling with a resounding force and the fog that envelops the surroundings is an experience that is hard to forget. The untouched beauty of the place is ideal for enjoying the beauty of nature, taking pictures, or having a picnic.
At an elevation of 2,100 meters, Chembra Peak is the highest point in Wayanad and one of the most sought-out peaks for adventure travel enthusiasts. The climbing route provides excellent views of Wayanad tea gardens, misty valleys, and mountains all around. Enroute, the travelers also get to see the heart-shaped lake, which is a beautiful natural phenomenon and also adds beauty to the trek. And, of course, the views of the green expanses of Wayanad from the top are worth the effort taken in the treks. It is suggested to take a guided trek to avoid any risks due to the topography, and for those who are looking for excitement with relaxation, this peak is simply perfect.
Within the area of 344 square kilometers, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is catered to the wildlife and nature-loving people. Well-endowed in natural resources, the sanctuary boasts of elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and numerous birds. The sanctuary, which is divided into two sections called Tholpetty and Muthanga, provides jeep safaris through the jungle in which the tourists are able to see the animals up close. The dense woodlands accentuated by prairies are lush green and alive with activity. And this sanctuary is also a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. It is also a place to which one must go to understand the wilderness and the beauty of nature in Kerala.
The Edakkal Caves at the Ambukuthi Hills are an archaeological adventure. The caves contain engravings, some even older than 6000 years, and remain an attraction to the most history buffs. Not easy to reach, the caves contain carved drawings of human and animal forms, including symbols of primitive man. The structure of rocks found in the caves too is interesting. The panoramic views of the adjoining valleys from the entrance of the cave are motivating enough for the climb. Edakkal Caves serve not just historical importance but also provide an insight into the cultural richness of Wayanad.
Located amidst natural beauty, Banasura Sagar Dam—the second largest earthen dam in the Asian Subcontinent—is an engineering masterpiece. Geographically speaking, the dam has been constructed over the Karamanathodu River, which creates a large water reservoir within the green mountains. Tourists can indulge in boating, which is delightful with a clear passage of water and greenery all around. The trekking routes in the vicinity lead to some amazing sights along with waterfalls. The dam attracts a large number of visitors due to its waterfall and its suitability to spend a day with family and friends in harmony with nature. Because of its peaceful environment and aesthetic appeal, the Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the top tourist places in Wayanad.
The Soochipara Falls, often known as the sentinel rock waterfalls, is a three-drop waterfall located in the forest of Wayanad. The height of the falls measures approximately 200 meters and is surrounded by a rocky cliff, which makes the view mesmerizing. This natural beauty is accessible after a brief trek up narrow path. The water reservoir formed at the base of the falls is quite ideal for either swimming or admiring the stunning sights around. Soochipara is also among the most renowned destinations for rock climbers and photography enthusiasts because the place is so beautiful that one tends to get a lot of pictures taken.
Among the numerous temples that stand in Wayanad, the old Jain Temple of Sultan Bathery is one temple that enshrines the many hallmarks of Jain-inspired architecture. The temple, which is said to have existed in the 13th century AD, has carved granite pillars and walls. This temple that was built for the Jain faith served as a place of worship for them and later was transformed into an armory by Tipu Sultan. The temple is a historically important site with captivating architecture, an interesting visit for lovers of history and art. The Jain Temple is surrounded by verdant greenery, offering a respite while exploring the rich culture of Wayanad.
Lakkidi View Point is also famous as "The Gateway to Wayanad," as it showcases amazing views of the valleys and the roads below that would be engulfed in mist. This viewpoint is located at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, and it is recommended to visit this site at dawn and dusk, as it is when the light enhances the value of the site. The contours of the road leading to Lakkidi with its bear-pull hairpin bend are a thrilling driving experience that makes Lakkidi even more popular. The refreshing cool mountain breeze and the wide expansive views from the mountains make it a perfect delight for travelers in search of peace and natural beauty. It is also a great location to stop by in order to admire the beauty of Wayanad.
Built in the lap of nature, Neelimala View Point is enthralling with beautiful picturesque views of the valleys and waterfalls in Wayanad. This place is reached after a trek through coffee estates and forest trails. From this place, the breathtaking Meenmutty Waterfall can be spotted on a clear sunny day. The Meenmutty Waterfalls End Point is a photographer's paradise as they get to enjoy nature at its best with unspoiled views and amazing scenery all around. The calm atmosphere is enhanced by a gentle wind and twittering birds. Neelimala View Point is suitable for those looking to escape the humdrum of crowds and wish to embrace nature more closely.
Located in the heart of the Brahmagiri Hills is Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, which is a treat to bird lovers and adventure enthusiasts as well. It is accessible after crossing the dense forests that surround the sanctuary; it houses many rare and migratory birds. The unspoiled nature gives refuge not only to the birds and trees but to small mammals and reptiles too. The rocky caves and unspoiled streams found in the sanctuary make it even more attractive. The journey to Pakshipathalam is lined with breathtaking scenes of Wayanad in its purest and rawest forms. This is one of the top tourist places for people who are interested in trekking and wildlife.
Pookode Lake is an example of a natural lake shaped like India's map; it is located in the Wayanad hill station. The lake has boating as one of the activities for couples. The walking trail that surrounds the lake is very captivating, as it has trees and singing birds, creating a perfect environment for a walk. Further, it has an aquarium and a park for the kids, which enhance its attractiveness. Apart from that, the lake is home to different species, especially the freshwater fish. The lake, situated in the lap of nature with all the natural beauty and scenic landscapes, is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad.
Kuruva Island, situated on the River Kabini, comprises around 950 acres of land that takes pride in its flora and fauna. This is a very small and yet very beautiful island situated away from people and has green jungles, narrow and dense groups of bamboos, and a few endemic plants. The visitors will find the island charming and peaceful, as it can be explored through bamboo rafting and nature trekking. A large number of birds may also be sighted here, as this island is a birdwatcher’s delight. For those who want to feel the tranquility of nature, away from the noisy city life in general, Kuruva Island is compulsory for a visit.
Wayanad Heritage Museum in Ethnic Ambalavayal is rich in history as well as in cultural artifacts. These include ancient sculptures, tribal artifacts, and Neolithic pottery, among other collections. Their collections depict the ways of life of the tribes that inhabit Wayanad. This well-kept museum is segregated into four subdivisions, namely Devasmruthi, Gothrasmruthi, Jeevanasmruthi, and Veerasmruthi, each section presenting a different aspect of the history of Wayanad. It is one of the must-visit attractions in Wayanad for history lovers.
Thirunelli Temple is situated in the Brahmagiri Hills and is a historical temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enclaved with mountains and green trees, the temple radiates peace and spirituality combined with architectural beauty. It is believed to have been around for more than a thousand years and is fondly known as the ‘Kashi of the South’. According to some beliefs, the holy stream ‘Papanasini’ flowing by the temple takes away the sins of the people who visit it. The Temple of Thirunelli is a notable historical and religious place filled with interesting decorative details. Because of this, it also allows for a deep sense of thought and connection with God.
The ideal period for exploring Wayanad is between the months of October and May. It is during this time that the climate is mild and even cool, which is ideal for sightseeing tour, trekking, and other outdoor activities. The winter period (December-February) is the most optimum for most adventure activities like hiking and wildlife safaris since the temperatures are warm yet comfortable.
The region experiences a rainy season extending from June to September, which is characterized by heavy showers, but this also beautifies the region into lush green. Waterfalls, such as Meenmutty and Soochipara, are in full force, thus attracting rain lovers to come and visit these two waterfalls. Nonetheless, trekking may be a challenging activity during this period. The season of summer, which is between March and May, is warm but not so hot as Wayanad is situated at a high altitude; thus, this period is appropriate for cave and hill exploration.
Wayanad is conveniently located and has access to roads, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is located 95 km away from Wayanad. This airport supports both domestic and international flights. Taxi and bus services are available from the airport.
While traveling by train, Wayanad is reached through Kozhikode Railway Station, which is 87 km from the location. It also links Wayanad with other important cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Kochi, among others.
Wayanad is reachable by a series of highways. Buses are commonly found from the capital of Kerala and its neighboring states. It is also possible to self-drive or get a taxi for a picturesque drive through the pass, such as the Wayanad Ghat Pass and many others.
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