The district Wayanad in Kerala, which lies on the southern most part of the Deccan Plateau, is one of the tallest hill stations in India. Wayanad is situated in about 2100metres above the sea level and is sanctified with pleasant cool climate. Kerala is in fact indebted to Wayanad for being called as ‘The Gods Own country’. Wayanad is truly a nature lovers paradise blessed with beauty and bounty of green forests, great landscape, lush green valleys, misty woods, racing rivers and enchanting waterfalls. The velvety hills, murmuring valleys with energizing chilly breeze, misty mountains, mystifying caves, gurgling rivulets, glorious waterfalls, jungles,, tree houses, paddy fields and its exotic tradition make Wayanad a holiday makers heaven.
The distance from County Pep to each tourist spot is given in brackets. Most of the tourist spots lay in a cluster so that the distance will become short. For instance Kuruva Island, Tholpetty Sanctuary, Thirunelly Temple, Iruppu Waterfalls, Nagarhole park etc. lay in a stretch and the total up and down distance to visit all these places comes around 100 kms. Apart from visiting the tourist spots, a trip along the green hilly Wayanad itself is thrilling.
Kuruva Island(8Kms)
Kuruva Island is the most important tourist attraction in Wayanad.It is actually the wonder of Wayanad. The Kuruva Island is the fertile land of rich greenery between the two tributaries of Kabani River. Its 950 acres of area is home to various species of rare birds,orchids,butterflies and herbs. Facilities for cycling to reach the place is available. But if you prefer to be a pedestrian walk through the forest, Kuruva Island is the real place. Kabani river following aside can refresh you well. This place is a great attraction for movie makers also.
Thirunelli Temple (15km)
It is situated below the Brahmagiri hills that separate Kerala and Karnataka. It is a Vishnu Temple has been built in the 12th century with perfect architectural proportions. It’s a pride and mind smoothing architectural piece for devotees in the Brahmagiri Valley. Myth says, the Creator Brahma dedicated this temple to Lord Vishnu.
Tholpetty Wild Life Sanctuary(21 Kms)
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences will be the jeep Safari. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is abundant with flora and fauna. Animals like Bison, Jungle Cats and Elephants can be spotted here.
Nagarhole National Animal Park (26 Kms)
Nagarhole National animal park is situated in Coorg District which is the boarder of Kerala and Karnataka. It is situated in about 25 Kms from County Pep. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls. The park has a healthy tiger-predator ratio, with many tigers, Indian bison and elephants. The park ranges the foothills of the Western Ghats spreading down the Brahmagiri hills and south towards Kerala state.
PazhassiTomb (9 Kms)
Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam royal family was one of the earliest to revolt against the british. Taking refuge in the Wayanad Hills,he resorted to guerrilla warfare against the much superior British force.This fighter known as the ‘Lion of Kerala’,was defeated in a ferocious encounter in 1800 and the tomb marks the place where he was cremated,situated at the heart of Mananthavady.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary (42 Kms)
Muthanga is a rain forest reserve which is connected to the two other major sanctuaries – Bandhipur,the National Park of Karnataka and Mudhu-mala,the wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Muthanga wild life Sanctuary claims the largest number of elephants in Asia. The reserve serves as a home to many rare herbs, medicinal plants and species such as leopards, Sambar, Cheetah, Langur, Python and King Cobra and rare varieties of birds, butterflies and insects.
Meenmutty (50 Kms)
Meenmutty water falls. This is the biggest waterfall in Wayanad where water flows down from about 100meters above. This main fall is assisted by 2 other small waterfalls.
Chembra Peak (35 Kms)
It is a, trekkers paradise with rocks,meadows,forests and hills kissing the horizon stands at the west of Kalpetta. Start to climb early morning and comeback by evening with a refreshed mind. On the top, there is a lake in the shape of a leaf with crystal clear water. Enjoy the breath taking scenic beauty of Wayanad from the Peak.
Pookkode Lake (40 Kms)
The lake is a rare gift of nature to Wayanad and its tourists. The place has got a children’s park, an aquarium, and a shopping centre for tourists to buy spices, hand crafts wild honey and other attractive items. Cycling along the lake side can help you to throw your worries in the lake and hear the music of water flow. Cycling along the lake side gives a fresh feeling to the waves in the lake takes away your troubling worries.
BanasuraSagar Dam (30 Kms)
BanasuraSagar Dam is India’s Largest earth dam and is situated on the northern boundary of Wayanad.The water body owns 25 small Islands which are busy tourist spots.Tourists can enjoy boating here and travel among the Islands. The panoramic hills such as Manikkunnu, Chembra peak, Thariyode, Suganthagiri and Brahmagiri from these Islands are unmatchable.
Wayanad Ghat view point (44 Kms)
It is the peak point of the Wayanad Ghat which lay in about 610 meters from the sea level. From here, we get a great view of the steep, misty mountains and a glimpse of distant horizon in the Arabian sea.
PakshiPathalam (28 Kms)
It is a bunch of huge rocks that makes a cave for birds. It is situated on the Brahmagiri Hills at Thirunelly. For visiting this location , permission has to be taken from the forest department. We have to climb up the Brahmagiri hills to reach there. It is thoroughly adventurous to visit Pakshipathalam.
Kolagappara(28 Kms)
It is an elephant shaped rock near Edakkal Caves. It is meant for adventurous tourists.
Iruppu Water falls (37 Kms)
Iruppu waterfalls is located at a distance of 14 kms from Kutta, and 20 km from Nagarahole National Park bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala. The Iruppu waterfall is surrounded by lush green Western Ghats. The roaring waters of the Iruppu falls and the picturesque surroundings make it a favourite picnic spot.Iruppu Falls presents a magnificent view during the monsoon. Originating in the lofty Brahmagiri peaks, the falls plunge 170 ft in two different stages. Iruppu falls later become a part of the LakshmanaTeertha River. Hence, this waterfall is also known as Lakshmanateertha falls.
EdakkalCaves (35 Kms)
The pre-historic heritage of Wayanad, near Ambalavayal is best depicted in Edakkal Caves. The cave was formed in the crevice of a broken rock and other massive rock.The carvings on its walls throws light on the cultural practices of the Neolithic age. Archaeological excavations in this place can expose the still unexposed history of Wayanad.
Palchuram (20 Kms)
Palchuram waterfall is situated at the northern most boundary of Wayanad.It is 1 km away from Asaram kavala a place on Boys Town road. From Asaramkavala you can have a beautiful view of Kannur plains. Trips to the place are not advisable during rainy seasons due to muddy & slippery clay roads and leaches.
Soochippara (40 Kms)
The place Soochippara is blessed with tea plantations that give a green velvety skin to the hill slops. The view of water flowing, in a narrow stream between rocks is panoramic. These river streams reach the river Chaliyar which ultimately dissolves and disappears in Arabian Sea.
Karappuzha Dam (32 Kms)
It is the biggest mud dam in Asia.Like Banasura Sagar , this whole dam is built in soil. It is a great place for picnics.
Phantom Rock (30 Kms)
The human shaped rock,called Phantom Rock is a magnum opus of the mother nature.This rare work of art from nature is at Cheengery near Ambalavayal.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls (41 Kms)
Tourists can enjoy the magnificent view of mountains and forest.
Kadachikunnu (35 Kms)
It is a location for adventurous tourists. From the peak point tourists can have the enthralling view of Wayanad and Nilambur forests.
Other important tourist attractions in Wayanad
- Chain tree at lakkidi
- Papanasini at Thirunelly
- Seetha lava kusa Temple at Pulpally
- Valliyoorkav Temple at Mananthavady
- Ganapathivattam Temple at SulthanBathery
- Jain Temple at Kalpetta
- Kadamanchira
- Karalad lake near Banasura Dam