There is more to kerala than cochin, munnar, kumarakom trivandrum and alleppey.
This is a review on a place called Wayanad, 80 kms away from calicut on the calicut b’lore highway.
The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The hills rocks and valley which make the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for catering to the ever increasing demand for adventure tourist.
Chembra peak Trekking to the Chembra peak is one of the risky tourist endeavours. Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m. above mean sea level. It is14 kms. west of Kalpetta. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps.
District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvass huts trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists. The scenic beauty of Wayanad which is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and thrilling. The blue eyed water in the lake at the top of the hill never dries up even in the peak of summer. All along the steep and slippery way to the top of the hill, the whispering of the flowing spring which sprouts from the top of the hill accompanies the tourist. If he is fortunate enough, on his way he may come across a passing wild beast, may be a leopard who may instantly hide behind the bushes. Camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak in shivering cold is everlasting experience.
Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills at Thirunelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 kms. north-east of Thirunelly temple and is situated 1740m. above mean sea level. To reach ’Pakshipathalam’, 17 kms. have to be covered through wild forest. 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. To go to ’Pakshipathalam’ special permission has to be obtained from forest department. DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) arranges vehicle, guides, camping apparatus etc. to the tourists on hire charges.
Meenmutty Water Fall
12 kms. east of Meppadi. Water falls to a depth of more than 500m. in 3 steps.
Trekking equipments are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta.
Rivers: Kabani river, one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the river Cauvery. Kabani and its tributaries constitute a powerful river system in the land scape of Wayanad. Panamaram rivulet 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 kilometres further from Panamaram, this river joins with the Mananthavady rivulet, originating from the lower regions of the peak ’Thondarmudi’. From this confluence onwards, the river is known as Kabani, a mighty, perennial river which after entering Karnadaka State, joins with the river Cauvery. Almost entire Wayanad is drained by the Kabani river and its tributaries, namely, Panamaram river, Mananthavady river and Thirunelli river.
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. Taking advantage of this natural endowments, recreational facilities in Wayanad can be widened very much.
Pookot Lake Tourist Resort
This resort in Vythiri is the most sought - after tourist spot of Wayanad. Boating facilities are arranged to the very vast natural lake which lies in the lap of surrounding mountains. Thicks bushes and tall trees along the path round the lake gives a calm spiritual atmosphere. A fresh-water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by Fisheries Department. Children’s park and shopping centre for handicrafts and spices of Wayanad are arranged by DTPC.
Sentinal Rock Water Fall
at Soochipara near Meppadi 22 kms. south of Kalpetta. A three step water fall of more than 200m inheight with a fantastic scenary provides for white water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc., The tree top huts at Soochipara will give unique view of the valleys of Western Ghats. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing.
Kanthan Para Water Fall
a beautiful water fall of about 30m. in height, 8 km east of Meppadi and 12 kms. south-east of Kalpetta.
Kuruva Dweep
950 acres of evergreen forest surrounded by east flowing river, Kabani. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are sovereigns of this supernatural kingdom. It is 17kms. east of Mananthavady and 45 kms. north-west of Sulthan Bathery.
Banasura Dam
The largest earth dam in India, 15 kms north-west of Kalpetta. This large expanse of water bounded except on one side with magnificant hills has heavenly charm.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort
The DTPC has organised a park at Kabani river side, 1 km. south of Mananthavady. Boating in Kabani River Children’s park, children’s traffic park and sales counter for handicrafts and spices are arranged here.
Lakkidi Ghat Pass
It is the Gate Way of Wayanad above the Thamarassery Ghat Pass of western ghat, at an elevation of 700m above mean sea level. Deep valley to the south with winding roads through thick forest attract many. It is 55 kms. east of Kozhikode and 5 kms. south of Vythiri.
Historically and culturally the importance of Wayanad lies very closely linked with its temples. Thirunelly temple, Jain temples at Sulthan Bahery and Panamaram and Valliyoorkav at Mananthavady historically date back from 12th to 16th 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.C arranges conducted tour to these centres.
Thirunelly Temple
It is known as ’Thekkan Kasi’, of Kerala. It is believed, that a dip in the river Papanasini, running crystal clear down hill, wipes one off all sins. Thirunelly is 30 kms. north-east of Manathavady.
You can get more details from kerala.com (link wayanad)