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Wayanad
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 and Kannur are around this region.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND WAYANAD

1. Pookot Lake
It is a natural fresh water lake surrounded with 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 centre for handicrafts and spices.
Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 - 2100 metres above the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements in Kerala. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk (taluk is a sub division of a district), through which the road from Kozhikode (Calicut ) ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind boggling bends and ridges, are the highest locations of Wayanad district.

2. Edakkal caves
What kind of people were our ancestors? What kind of lives did they lead? Often, the paths leading to the answers to these questions are as fascinating as the answers themselves. If you would like to walk a little way along one such wonderful path of discovery, one good place to visit would be the Edakkal caves in the Ambukuthi Hills in north Kerala, considered to be one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Inside the cave you will find ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar headdresses, the swastik form, symbols and cave drawings of human figures, wheels, bows, knives, trees and so on. Similar cave drawings, considered to be 7000 years old, are found only in Stiriya in the European Alps and a few rocky places in Africa. The caves, which are found around 10 km from Sultan Bathery, are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock.

3. Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara waterfalls are really treasures of nature. Alight from your drive & take a one km. walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad. You will discover nature at its thundering best. Soochipara is 3 tiered powerful waterfalls. The cliff face here is ideal for rock-climbing, but for true professional only.

4. Kuruvadweep
Kuruvadweep is a group of islets forming 950 acres of evergreen forest. These islets are located in one of the tributaries of the River Kabani, which is close to the border with the State of Karnataka.
There are three prominent islets among the group, where one would come across a variety of vegetation, some rare orchids and wild flowers. One of these main islands contain two small fresh water lakes These islets are also haven for migratory birds, whose activities break the otherwise silent environs of these beautiful islets. The avian life here includes hornbills, parrots and a host of butterfly species.

   

5. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is located very near to the Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.mts. Form Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the biggest abode of wild animals in the entire Malabar region. Elephants, Spotted Deers, Bisons, Tigers, Wild Bears….etc. are sighted here.

Visiting time:  0600 - 10:00 hrs and 1600 – 1730 hrs

6. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
This is another popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. You can find here Spotted Deer, Elephants, Bison, Leopards…etc., or the greatest hunter of them all – Tiger, the big cat. jeep safari is allowed inside & a big hit with tourists.

Visiting time: 0600 - 1000 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs. Permitting authority Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty

7. Thirunelly temple
Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly 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.

8. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an area of 643.39 sq km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life.
Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs.

9. Meenmutty
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.