Prime Attractions of Wayanad
Today, the Wayanad is very rich in tourist spots. A nature lover's paradise, the famous hill resort of Wayanad offers a lot of sites to visit. Few of them are –
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.
Banasura Dam, 15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot.
Kalpetta, this is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Sentinel Rockfall, near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.
Thirunelli Festival, is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.
Thusharagiri Waterfalls, snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water.
If you are looking for some spectacular sights of the beautiful nature, hills of Grampi or Parunthupara at peermade is the answer of that.
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And the other, excursions from Wayanad are -
Edakkal Caves, situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, 12-km south of Sulthan Bathery, it is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala. The exhibits here include rare 2nd century artefacts such as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.
Chembra Peak, located amidst panoramic surroundings, the peak is at an altitude of 2,100m above sea level. An ideal spot for trekking, Chembra Peak is a very beautiful spot close to the Western Ghats. The Chembra Hills and the adjacent Meppadi hills are accessible from Kalpetta.
Chethalayam Waterfalls, 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, is located this astounding waterfall. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.
Kuruva Island, 17 kms east of Mananthavadi, it stretches over 950 acres of evergreen forests on the banks of Themkabani River. The island is a repository of rare species of birds, animals, orchids and herbs.
Meenmutty Waterfalls, 12 kms east of Meppadi, it is a bewitching waterfall cascading in three tiers, down a spectacular height of 500m.
Pakshipathalam, 7 kms north east of Thirunelli, this picturesque bird watching centre is located at a formidable height of 1740 m above sea level. With its steep hills, virgin forests and rivulets, it is the habitat of a number of rare species of birds.It also offers challenging avenues for those interested in trekking.
Soochipara Waterfalls, Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.
Thirunelli Temple, located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.
Tusharagiri, famous for its trekking tracks, Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. Tusharagiri also abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations.
Valliyoorkkavu Temple, 3 kms east of Mananthavadi, this temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga is very popular among the tribal communities of the district. The ten-day annual festival, which falls in April, is celebration time for the tribals.
Varambetta Moque, 15 kms south east of Kalpetta, this 300-year-old mosque is the oldest in Wayanad.
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