Tourist Attractions in Wayanad Wayanad is located in the northeastern part of Kerala has nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats. It means the land of paddy fields and is carved from the parts of the districts of Kozhikode and Kannur. The place earns foreign exchange for producing spices like pepper, cardamom, spices, tea, coffee and seasonings. There are luxurious plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber. Chembra Peak At a height of 2100 metres, the towering Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi in the southern part of Wayanad. It is the tallest of peaks in the region and climbing this peak would test ones physical prowess. The climb up the Chembra Peak is an exhilarating experience, as each stage in the climb unfolds great expanses of Wayanad and the view gets wider as one goes up to its summit. Going up and coming down the peak would take a full day. Those who would like camp at the top are assured of an unforgettable experience. Neelimala Located in the southeastern part of Wayanad, and approachable from Kalpetta as well as Sulthan Bathery, Neelimala is a trekkers delight, with options for different trekking routes. At the top of Neelimala, the sight is a breathtaking one with a view to the Meenmutty falls located near by and the valley in the foreground. Meenmutty waterfalls Located close to Neelimala the spectacular Meenmutty falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ootty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad, and adds to ones curiosity with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres. Chethalayam Yet another waterfall that attracts visitors to Wayanad is the Chethalayam falls, located close to Sulthan Bathery in the northern part of Wayanad. This waterfall is smaller in size when compared to Meenmutty. The falls and the adjoining areas are ideal locales for trekking and a haunt for bird watchers. Pakshipathalam Pakshipathalam is located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 metres. The region predominantly comprises large boulders, some of them really massive. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. Pakshipathalam is located near Mananthavady and a visit to the region would require a 7 km trek through the forest, starting from Thirunelli. Visitors to Pakshipathalam are to seek permission from the DFO- North Wayanad. Banasura Sagar Dam The dam at Banasura Sagar is reckoned as the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located in the southwestern part of Wayanad district and is close to the Karalad Lake. The project area of the Banasura Sagar Dam also has the start point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. While you take in the captivating sights, sounds and fragrance of Wayanad, you may also shop for some specialities of Wayanad like spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants. Visit the charming Pookode lake surrounded by wooded hills, 3 km from Vythiri. You can buy spices and tea from the plantations at the stalls at the lake entrance. Trek up to the Edakkal Caves with their intriguing rock carvings Shop for fine Kerala saris and other handlooms at Sindur in the nearby town of Kalpetta. Go on an early morning nature walk with a knowledgeable local to point out local flora. How to reach Wayanad by Bus, Train & Air: There are daily flights to Kozhikode (Calicut) from major cities – Air India flies from Delhi via Mumbai and Coimbatore. Several trains, such as the Rajdhani from Delhi and the Poorna Express from Pune, go to Kozhikode. From Kozhikode, Vythiri in Wayanad is around 2 hours (66 km) by road. It is 5 hours (287 km) by road from Bangalore, 2 hours (149 km) from Mysore and 3 hours (107 km) from Ooty. When to go: The best time to visit is from August to May, although winters are very cold during December and January.
