Wayanad - The ‘Green Paradise’

Wayanad District came into existence on 1st November, 1980 as the 12th District of Kerala consisting of Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery and Vythiri Taluks. The name ‘Wayanad’ is derived from ‘Vayal Nadu’ which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. The District was carved out from the then Kozhikode and Kannur Districts. About 885.92.sq.km of area is under forest. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal oriented. Wayanad also has inexplicable mountain caves, thundering waterfalls, large tracts of forest land, ancient ruins, tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wild life. It is a perfect place for both nature and adventure lovers. Wayanad is also the land of spices. Coffee, turmeric, rubber, ginger, cocoa are grown here.

Some of the adventurous places to visit:

Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak

Heart shaped lake

At 2100 meters above sea level, Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and third highest peak in South India. It is about 14 kms from Kalpetta district and is an ideal place for adventure lovers who are keen on trekking and mountain climbing. When you reach the top of the peak, you will get to see a heart shaped natural lake. The view from the top of the peak will leave you mesmerized.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

                                Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Just 42 kms from Kalpetta, this sanctuary has one of the biggest collections of wild animals like elephants spotted deer, tiger, wild bear etc. This rain forest reserve is spread over 345 sq kms and is connected to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. You can enjoy elephant rides here in Muthanga.

Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Lake

Banasura dam is considered one of the largest earth dams in India and the second largest in Aisa. Located at 24 kms from Kalpetta, this dam is yet another picnic spot. The serene crystal clear water makes it ideal for boating.

Pookot Lake

Pookot Lake

This scenic natural freshwater lake which is surrounded by dense forests. It is about 13kms from Kalpetta and is an ideal picnic spot where visitors can enjoy boating as well. A fresh water aquarium with a wide variety of fishes adds to the attraction. 

Soochipara Waterfalls

Soochipara Waterfalls

Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, this is a must see site located about 22 kms from Kalpetta. A short 2 km trek through the dense forest will see you to the waterfall. Soochipara is a 3-tiered powerful waterfall. The water falls from a height of 100 feet to 200 feet. We took an extra pair of clothes to enjoy swimming in the pool down below the waterfall.

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves

Pictoral Carvings on the walls of the Cave

Edakkal means ‘a stone in between’. It is situated at 25kms from Kalpetta in the Ambukuthy Mountains. It is not exactly a cave, just a rock shelter formed by two huge rocks (about 96 feet long and 22 feet wide) on either side. The carving on the walls of the cave was quite fascinating. It is etched with drawings illustrating human and animal figures belonging to pre-historic civilization. To get to the caves, one has to climb over rocky terrains.

Kuruva Island

Kuruva Island

Spread over 900 acres of land, this isolated island is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. It is rich in flora and fauna. Kuruva Island is 40kms from Kalpetta and is one of the main attractions of Wayanad. The Kuruva islands are a grouping of three islands located along one of the tributaries of the river Kabani. A must see destination for nature lovers.

Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam

Perched at 1740 meters above sea level in the Brahmagiri hills, lays a challenging tourist spot, Pakshipathalam. It is 66 kms from Kalpetta. The name Pakshipathalam refers to rich birdlife and is abode to various birds and wild beasts. In order to reach the place, you have to trek 17 kms through dense wild forest. You need to get special permission from the Forest Department to visit this place.