Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of south india like Ooty, Mysore, coorg, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur are around this region.


Places To Visit In Thrissur

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary : Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, 15 kms from Calicut is bisected by a tract of cultivated land into two distinct parts.

Wayanad literally means the 'land of swamps'. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the nilgiri biosphere reserve, which has been established with the chief objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.

Sulthan Bathery - Edakkal Caves : This location of breath taking beauty is three kilometers from Ambalavayal which is 25kms from Kalpetta.The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary and quoted in the district Gazetteer, Kozhikode, it is only 'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft. wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and fissure is 30ft.

What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tones, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Thirunelly Temple : 32 km northeast of mananthavady, surrounded by kambamala, karimala and varadiga, the thirunelly temple is a marvel 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.

Mananthavady Kuruvadweep : 17 kms east of mananthavady / 45 km northwest of sulthan bathery , this 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound kabani river is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.


Tourist Attractions In And Around Wayanad

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 a hypnotizing sight to tourists.

Chembra Peak : The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. 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, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire.

Lakkidi : Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. 

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary : Muthanga,16kms east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka boarder. Wild forests covering an area of 345sq. kms form the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; the biggest aboad of wild animals in Malabar: 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, here.

Pakshipathalam : This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.

Kuruva Island : The Kuruva island, 950 acre3s of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17kilometers east of Mananathavady and 40kms north west of Sulthan Bathery.

Pookat lake : A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. 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 center for handicrafts and spices.

Soochippara Waterfall : The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches 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. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the Valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Sentinel Rock Water Fall : This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi Panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m. in height, is ideal for rock climbing.


How To Reach There

Nearest airport is at Kozhikode(80 kms).Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode (Calicut).Wayanad is well connected by road from Kozhikode (Calicut), Kannur, Ooty and Mysore.