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KERALA CITIES -
Wayanad
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There is a land not far from Calicut, the city of Zamorins, yet a world
apart from Kerala's agricultural and industrial epicentres. It is a quiet
place where scenic beauty
wild life and traditional matter, simplicity is
a virtue and beauty still blossoms from the mountainous horizon and from
the green glaze of alluring vegetation. This is Wayanad - the green
paradise - the border world of greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine,
enchanting and hypnotising this land has a history and mystery, culture
and social epistemology yet to be discovered. Located at a distance about
76 km. from the sea shores of Calicut in the Western Ghats, this station
is full of plantations, forests and wildlife.
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Chembra peak: At 2100 mts above mean
sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for
trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and
would take a full dayThe scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from
the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. The sur rounding areas offer
exceptional photo oppurtunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable
experience. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping
bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire.
Neelimala View Point:
Closer to
Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue fro trekking with lots of
stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the
cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground. |
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Meenmutty falls:
An interesting 2 km
jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most
spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that wa ter drops
about 300 metres over three stages.
Sentinal Rock Waterfalls: 22 kms south
of Kalpetta near Chooralmala. Locally known as Soochippara and is a very
popular leisure destination. This is a three step waterfall more than 200
mts in height. Framed by enchanting scenery. A must to see site! This
region is ideal for rock climbing. Soochipara can be reached by a scenic 2
kms. nature walk and deer and other wildlife can be seen near the
waterfront. |
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Kanthanpara
waterfalls:
22 kms south east of Kalpetta and 8 kms east of Meppadi, a beautiful waterfall about 30 mts in height. Relatively smaller
than Sentinel Rock falls, and rather less frequented Kanthanpara and its
surroundings offer a very pleasant site. A easy hike away from the main
road, its perfect for picnics.
Banasura sagar project: 21 kms north
east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with
the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being
built here. The Bansura project precincts are an ideal starting point for
treks to the Banasura Peak. A quaint feature is a series of islands that
were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
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Lakkidi:
The gateway of Wayanad, is
situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery
Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic
to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Pookot lake:
3 km south of Vythiri.
The perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is a only one
of its kind in Kerala. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by
evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookot is one of Wayanad's top visitor
draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the
NH-212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating
facilities, children's park, fresh water aquarium etc. It is a good
setting for day outings with family.
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Chain Tree:
This large Ficus tree,
bound by a prominent chain is an interesting excursion, approximately 15
kms. from Kalpetta. It is said that a British Engineer, with the aid of a
tribal guide named Karinthandan, found the difficult mountain terrain into
Wayanad. Eager to take the credit for the discovery, the Engineer
conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend,
constantly haunted subsequent travelers. It is believed that a priest
chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree and hence name the Chain
tree.
Mananthavady: Mananthavady lies 32 kms.
from Kalpetta and has a historic church, which is interestingly designed
in the traditional Kerala style, with gabled roofs. There are some
interesting tombstones in the church grounds. Pazhassi Raja, the lion of
Kerala, met his end at Mananthavady and his memorial is termed Pazhassi
Tomb.
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Pakshipathalam: 10 kms from Thirunelly
and is situated 1740 mtr above the sea level. Rare species of birds can be
sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. Pakshipath alam is a
formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storeyed buildings. The
deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and
distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7 km trek
through thick forest commencing at Thirunelly.
Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary: Tholpetty-Situated
along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of
Karnataka), Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and
fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between November
and May. The Wildlife Sanctuary,Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous
with Nagarhole of Karnataka state. The park houses diverse species of
plant and animal life. |
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Boys Town: 15 kms north of
Mananthavady. A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture
centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for
promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.

Kuruva Island:
17 kms east of
Mananthavady, calm and peaceful. This 950 acres of uninhabited, evergreen
forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani is an ideal picnic
spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The wooded land is a
home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Occasionally, wild
mammals can be observed by the riverside.
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Wayanad Heritage Museum:
Located in
the town of Ambalavayal, 27 kms from Kalpetta. This Museum is home to an
interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history,
culture and heritage of Wayanad region. This is one of the best-maintained
Museums of Kerala's Malabar region. The museum has a fine collection of
14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artefacts, which include jewellery,
hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc.. Ancient terra
cottas, stone weapons, and local art are also on display at the museum.
There are various exhibits on display here, amongst which are sculptures
and the figure of Nandi and other dieties, which were collected from parts
of the region that date back to the 14th to the 16th centuries AD. A
series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memoralise a
bygone age of valiant warriors.There is a fine figure of the Goddess of
fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Remnants of Stone age tools and
pottery found within the Muniyaras are displayed here.
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Regional Agricultural Research Station
(RARS): The Regional Agricultural Rese arch Station located in Ambalavayal
town is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. This station conducts
research on spices, tropical and sub tropical fruits, vegetables and hill
paddy. RARS also have a nursery with a large collection of rare roses and
ornamental plants. Visitors can purchase seeds and saplings at the sales
counter.
Phantom Rock: Located close to
Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock named so because of its skull head shape,
is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer
excellent photo oppurtunities.
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Edakkal caves: 12 kms from Sulthan
Bathery. 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala
near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of
these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that
existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The caves can be
accessed only by a 1Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the
best time to visit these caves. Entry is permitted only upto 1700 hrs. An
interesting trek up of the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you
to this fascinating neolithic cave site. Etchings found on the walls of
these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and
historians worldwide. |
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Chethalayam Falls: Chethalayam is one
of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. Its surroundings offer a number of
vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking
enthusiasts.

Muniyaras: Excavations at various
points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive
series of ancient burail vaults commonly called Muniyaras.
Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these
cellars are displayed |
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Pazhassi Tomb: 32 kms north east of
Kalpetta. Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam Royal family was one of
the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British overlordship
in this part of India. He remained successful for a remarkably long period
until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and
Bombay.

Sultan Bathery:
Also known as Sulthan's Battery lies approximately 25 kms. from Kalpetta. Associated
with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan's Bathery no longer has a fort.
It is worth visiting for the Jain temple, which has some interesting stone
carvings. Sulthan Bathery can be seen on a drive from Kalpetta to Wayanad
Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga.
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