WAYANAD

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.

Banasura Dam-The largest earth dam in India

15 kms north-west of Kalpetta, this large expanse of water bounded on one side with magnificant hills has a heavenly charm.

Landscapes of Wayanad

This is Wayanad at its wild best — nestled along the southern belt of the Western Ghats. With over 26 per cent of the total area covered by dense forests, it is probably one of the finest trekking trails in this part of the country, hear the gentle sound of water rippling over rocks.

Paddy Fields

The name Wayanad is derived from the expression 'Vayal Nadu' - The Village of Paddy Fields.

Plantations of Wayanad

The Green drive

The road is surrounded on both sides by lush green tea plantations and the odd teak. The sight of the sprinklers shooting water in the air and plantation workers picking leaves is a sight for jaded urban eyes.

Temples of Wayanad

Relics and edicts found in various parts of wayanad speak of an important prehistoric era.

Thirunelli temple (64 kms of Kalpetta):

Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture.

Thrissilery Siva temple(50 kms of Kalpetta)- The stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions,many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!.

Wildlife in the Green Wayanad

Adventure with elephants

Birds in the Green Wayanad

Nature's vibrant colours

Animals in the Green Wayanad

Nature's make

The deers , monkeys, sambars, pigs, bisons, snakes etc in the forests of Wayanad gives you a wonerful exploring in the wilds. Have a great experiance by watching theses animals roam in the forest.

The roads to Wayanad

Chain tree: (Distance: Kalpetta: 16kms. Sulthan Bathery: 41kms. Mananthavady: 51kms.)

The large Ficus tree bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further beleived that a preist chained the troublesome spirit into this tree.