Sitting at the edge of a hill, your eyes wander into the distance. There, it meets the perfectly laid out paddy fields, skinny betel nut trees and the gentle fog hovering over the mountain peaks – yes, this is Wayanad! Spread across an area of 2,132sq. km on the lofty Western Ghats, its pure untouched beauty is its greatest asset. This place is also a treasure trove of heritage.
Rocky hills, valleys, white water springs and wild dense forests, together with its wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls, offer ample opportunities for adventure and recreation. A visit to this wonderful hill station ensures that every moment spent here is cherish worthy. Here are top 10 things to do in Wayanad.
1. Chembra Peak
Kissing the skies at a height of 6,900ft, Chembra Peak is a trekker’s paradise. Located near Meppadi in the southern part of Wayanad, climbing it tests your physical prowess. Every stage in the climb unfolds greater expanses of the landscape around. As one ascends closer to the summit, the encompassing view around seems to get wider.
The Chembra Peak offers panoramic views of the Vaithair, Karapuzha Dam and Banasura Sagar Dam.
2. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Elephants – single as well as in herds, can be spotted here, along with a rare sighting of tigers. Besides, the bamboo groves found in the forest greatly enhance its bio-diversity. The flora enveloping this region is typical of the South Indian deciduous forests and west coast semi-evergreen forests.
This sanctuary houses a large number of elephants and has been declared a Project Elephant Site.
[Also read: Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala]
3. Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are located at a height of 3,281ft in Ambukuthi Mala, near Ambalavayal in Wayanad district. These caves contain depiction which is as old as 7,000 years. The various etchings and prehistoric line drawings indicate that these caves were inhabited by people during the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age. Some of the carvings which belong here include ancient stone scripts, ancient weaponry figures, human-like and animal figures.
A common legend associated with this cave is that Lord Ram once visited this area. He shot an arrow that pierced the mountains and created a deep cleft there, leading to the formation of these caves.
4. Neelimala View Point
The road which leads to Neelimala View Point is laid with coffee plantations on either sides, with an occasional trace of ginger and areca nut along the way. Trekkers find their love for trekking fulfilled here. Upon reaching the viewpoint, one is greeted with some breathtaking views of the Meenmutty waterfalls.
You know you have reached the Neelimala View Point when the mountain folds of the Western Ghats lie to your left and a hill slope replete with grass and studded with boulders lie to your right.
[You may also read Top 10 Hill Stations in Kerala]
5. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam has situated about 15km from Kalpetta and is one of its major attractions. The largest earth dam in India, its picturesque beauty is something to be reckoned with. A series of mountains serve as its backdrop. Legend has it that the Asura king of Banasura undertook a severe penance atop these hills, which have been named in his honor.
During monsoon, the dam’s flooded reservoir provides incredible views of its small islands, which are formed as a result of the submerging areas.
6. Pookot Lake
Pookot Lake, located 15km away from Kalpetta, is a marvelous painting drawn by nature. The images of the drooping trees overhead form perfect reflections in the water, even as the stillness of the forest is disturbed by the buzzing of insects. The lake assumes the shape of an Indian map. Blue lotuses float merrily on its surface while freshwater fishes jump up and down with impatience. Pethia Pookodensis, a species of cyprinid fish, is found here exclusively.
Tourists can avail the boating facilities available here. One can also pay a visit to the nearby freshwater aquarium, children’s park and shopping center, which is a treasure house of handiwork and spices.
7. Tea and Spice Plantation
One of the many factors that make Kerala famous are its tea gardens that decorate the rolling slopes of hills. Some of the famous tea plantations worth visiting are Munnar, Vandiperiyar, Peermade, Wayanad, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram. One can get a tour ride through the tea garden while staying overnight in their colonial styled bungalows.
The smell of spices linger in the air on the streets of Kumily. Some of the spices cultivated here are cloves, nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon or cardamom, besides others. A particular variety of cardamom, also known as Cardamom Small, is widely grown here. Several hotels and travel agencies conduct tours to spice plantations. Visiting them can be a unique experience.
8. Thirunelly Temple
Thirunelly Temple, located in Wayanad, displays the best traditions of Kerala tradition, art and architecture. Encircled by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga Peaks, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main shrine is guarded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, this riverside temple is close to the mountain spring of Papanashini. A dip in its pure waters is said to bring salvation.
9. Wayanad Heritage Museum
Wayanad Heritage Museum, situated at Ambalavayal, about 12km from Sulthan Bathery, is one of the largest archaeological museums in Kerala. This brilliantly maintained museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, some of which are stone weapons, potteries of the Megalithic Age, clay sculptures and hunting equipment. The exhibits are preserved in four blocks – Veerasmruthi, Gothrasmruthi, Devasmruthi and Jeevanasmruthi.
Artifacts displayed in the Devasmruthi block attract a lot of students and scholars interested in archaeology. A multi-media theatre, near the museum, conducts show for visitors.
10. Meenmutty waterfalls
A 2km jungle trek off the main Ooty Road brings you to Meenmutty Waterfalls. It’s the largest waterfall in Wayanad and presents a spectacular sight. Its waters, falling from a height of 1000ft, descends over three stages – presenting a three-decker effect.
To each these fabulous waterfalls, a substantial amount of trekking is required. It’s also an ideal picnic spot, but should be avoided during the monsoons.
Find some top packages below to explore Wayanad:
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