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Lakkidi:
Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad.
It is situated 700 metre above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat pass.
Luxuriant forests, lofty peaks, gurgling streams and a good number of monkeys on both sides give thrill to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
The 12 kilometre long journey through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests is a challenging experience.
Pookot Lake:
This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala.
A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction.
Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children’s park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices.
Edakkal Caves:
The two caves are located at a height of 1000 metre on Ambukutty Hill near Ambalavayal.
The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in Wayanad in prehistoric times.
The caves can be accessed only by a 1 km trekking trial from Edakkal.
Kuruva Dweep (island):
The Kuruva island is a 950 acre of ever green forest lying on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani.
It is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbance of city life.
The island is uninhabited.
Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are found here.
Thirunelli Temple:
Thirunelli is situated north-east of Mananthavady under the Brahmagiri hills in the reserve forests.
The Temple is a marvel of temple architecture.
The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite.
The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7 kms. away from the temple.
Pakshipathalam:
Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird’s sanctuary.
This place can be accessed only by trekking.
Pazhassi Tomb:
King Pazhassi, known as the “lion of Kerala”, who organised guerrilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated in Mananthavady in 1805.
Banasura Sagar Dam:
This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide an enchanting sight to tourists. Boating facilities are available here.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:
Thick forests covering an area of 345 sq. kms form the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary – the biggest aboad of wild animals in north Kerala. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary.
The forest department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists. Muthanga, which is 16 kms east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka boarder.
Soochippara Waterfall:
The waterfall at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature. The stretch of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing etc.
Chembra Peak:
At 2100 metre above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging endeavour and would take a full day.
Kanthapara Waterfalls:
A 30m high water fall situated 12 kms south-east of Kalpetta.
Boys Town:
There is a herbal garden with rare species of medicinal plants, a sericulture unit and a perma-culture centre.
All these are patronised by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening). The ever green tea plantation is worth seeing.
Nagarhole Wild Life Sanctuary:
It extends over an area of 635 sq. kms. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. Elephants roam freely. Tigers are seen frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc., are also found here.
Begur Wild Life Sanctuary:
It has a wide variety of animals: Panther, Jungle Cat, Bison, Bear etc. Birds range from Peacock, Babber, Cuckoo, Owl, and Woodpecker to Jungle fowl.
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