Wayanad is holding as the best place in Kerala that offers a cool weather to experience during summer. Mainly three routes are headed to Wayanad. The route through Pakranthalam and Thalassery lead to the northern places like Mananthavadi, Thirunelli, Tholpetty, Kuruvadweep etc. The nearest tourist destinations are Pazhassi Raja’s tomb, Thirunelli, Tholpetty and Kabani. The path further longs to the places like Sulthan Bathery and Kalppetta.
The southern parts of the Wayanad are connected by the routes like Kozhikode-Sulthan Bathery through Thamarassery glen and the way from from Meppadi to Ootty. The attractions like Pookkot lake, Soochippara, Meenmutty and Kanthambara waterfalls, Ambalavayal, Edakkal cave, Muthanga, Karappuzha Dam are located on this way. The famous Banasura Dam is situated in the midway between north-south Wayanad.
These are the popular attractions in Wayanad:
POOKOT LAKE
The Pookot Lake, located 3km south of Vythiri town, is the most frequented tourist spot in the entire Wayanad district of Kerala. It is much refreshing feel to spend time there. The recreational facilities at the spot include Boating in the lake and Handicrafts.
CHEMBRA
Today, Chembra remains as a disaster which has burned into ashes out of a light sparked by someone. And that single spark of fire is destroying the subsistence of lakhs of microorganisms and wild animals. The entry to Chembra is restricted even though what if it is taken away for the time being you start the journey. Plan your journey after getting assurance through a phone call. Chembra is located near the town of Meppadi and is 8 km south of Kalpetta.
The entry pass and guide service facility are available from the forest conservation office. Before entering to the private road leading to Chembra estate the visitors are required to give their details including name and address. After estate bungalow the next main point is Watch tower. The trekking path is towards this tower and from there the lake located 4500 feet above the sea level is visible. Heading above there the sky views are also insight.
EDAKKAL CAVE
These are not real caves but a cleft or rock shelter formed into the shape of caves due to any earthquakes happened long before in Ambukuthimala. There are evidences of prehistoric settlements here. The caves contain drawings done by stone tools and the writings in an unknown script. In the year 1894, the British police superintendent F.Poster during hunting has discovered the tools from Neolithic age. The further excavations at Edakkal cave were documented by him. In 1954 the Kerala State Archaeology Department has taken over the protection of this cave and has declared as the protected monument.
The visitors to this place include the tourists, students, the researchers etc. This hill is located 4000 feet above the sea level. It is situated like a 96 feet by 22 feet, a 30-foot-deep fissure caused by a piece of rock splitting away from the main body. The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock.
The bus routes are available till the valley of Ambukuthimala. From there onwards we need to climb the hill. D.T.P.C authorized jeep services are also available and it charges Rs.40 and Rs.30 to climb and to descend respectively. The ticket counter is located in the upper part of the hill and it costs Rs.10 for the adult and Rs.5 for children. For permitting camera you are required to pay Rs.25 and for movie cam Rs.100. It is not allowed to capture pictures in your mobile phone inside the cave. The cave is located 8 km away from Kolagappara in Kalpetta- Bathery route.
KURUVA ISLAND
This island filled with giant trees, the bamboos, the mangroves are spread 950 hectares on thre banks of the river Kabani. It consists of about 50 small islands and two fresh water lakes. The rivers Manathavady and Panamaram flowing to Kabana River have made this a miraculous island. We need to cross these rivers to reach there. Boats are facilitated for this. It is 21 kilometers away from Mananthavady and 45 kilometers away from Sulthan Bathery.
THIRUNELLY
The Thirunelly Temple is regarded as the inner-emotion of Wayanad. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters is reputed to wash away all sins committed in a lifetime. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Saraswathy. It is 32 km away from Manathavady on the side of Brahmagiri Hill near to the Kudak Hills in Karnataka boarder. Devaswam rest houses and the Tamarind hotels of K.T.D.C are available for those who visit the temple. Never forget to taste the “Unniyappam” from the unniyappam shop on the way!
BANASURA SAGAR
Banasura Sagar is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The beautiful view of green hills in the background and the small hills located in the water made this place spectacular. Speed & pedal boat riding are available here. It is located 21 km from Kalpetta and 20 km away from Mananthavady.
KARLAD LAKE
This is a destination that attracts the adventurous tourists for various thrills. The Soochippara water fall is located 15 km away from Kalpetta, 27 kms from Mananthavady and 13 km from Meppady. The water fall becomes weaker during the summer even though the tourists attracted to here are not least. The Meenmutty water fall, Kanthambara water fall and Sunrise Valley are other destinations situated on the way. The entry to Sunrise Valley is restricted now. Don’t forget to visit the museum at Ambalavayal and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary.