Kerala, also known as "God's Own
Country" is one of the most popular tourism destinations
in India. It's tropical climate, beautiful palm-fringed
beaches with pristine stretches of sand, the serenity of
the backwaters and the clear blue Arabian Sea, make Kerala
one of the most beautiful destinations in India.
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Wayanad/Calicut
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. They form 1/5 of the total population
of the district. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk (taluk is
a sub division of a district), through which the road from
Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind boggling
bends and ridges, are the highest locations of Wayanad
district.
A major centre of hill products the district is noted
contributor of foreign exchange to the State. Apart from
archaeological and anthropological uniqueness Wayanand has
genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism
promotion.
Tribals can be seen in their natural habitat in Wayanad.
Reaping the benefits of modern education and social welfare
schemes many of them have developed and became part of the
main stream.
Enjoying a climate similar to Udhagamandalam alias Ooty
Wayanad has prospects of developing several major hill
stations in the district.
LAKKIDI
Nestled among the hills Lakkidi which is the gateway to
Wayanad has the highest annual rain fall in Kerala., Lakkidi
also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58kms north
east of Kozhikode and 5kms south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the
gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at
an elevation of 700m. above mean sea level.
The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant
vegetation and the birds eye view of the deep valley on the
south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12kms
long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with
nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating
experience.
GLASS TEMPLE
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda, located 20 Kms from Kalpetta,
on the slope of Vellarimala, is a famous Jain family Temple
in Wayanad. It is dedicated to Paraswanatha Swamy the third
Thirthankara of the Jain faith. Icons of Parswanatha Swamy
and this temple have thousand reflections in beautiful
patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the
temple walls.
EDAKKAL CAVE: 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 inspire the
archeologists and historians to rewrite the history of
Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
MUTHANGA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY:
The wild life sanctuary at Muthaga 17 Kms from Sultan
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.
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.
THIRUNELLI TEMPLE: Located in the valley beneath
Brahmagiri hill, 66 Kms from Kalpetta, Thirunelli is
referred as 'Kasi of the south' It is believed that Lord
Brahma himself had installed the idol of Lord Vishnu the
presiding deity of the temple. Situated among the reserve
forests the location of the temple has an enchanting natural
beauty.The adjoining mountain spring called Papanasini is a
major centre of pilgrimage. Papanasini means the destroyer
of all sins. Thirunelli is a potential centre for eco
tourism. 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.
POOKOT LAKE: It is a
natural fresh water lake, brimmed with evergreen
mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic
beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot
Lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sort after
tourist spot of Wayanad. The is an aquarium and a green
house here. Boating facilities also are available.
Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale
at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and maximum
water depth is 6.5m. This lake is 3kms south of Vythiri
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. The scenic beauty of Wayanad,
which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very
exhilarating.
PAKSHIPATHALAM: Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri
hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any
adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen
kilometers have to be covered through wild forest. The deep
rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the
northern top end of Brahmagiri, are the abode of various
birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained
from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District
Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping
equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.
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.
SENTINEL ROCK WATER FALLS:
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.
SOOCHIPPARA WATER FALLS:
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.
CALICUT (Kozhikode):
Calicut (Kozhikode) on the Lakshadweep Sea, has been known
throughout history as a significant port for trade and
commerce. Its importance was further enhanced in the 10th
century when it became the the capital of the powerful
Zamorin dynasty. Known also as Calicut, the quality Cotton ,
calico is believed to have originated here.
Kozhikode retains its role as an important center for timber
and boat building. It's a thriving city with evidence of
wealth and enterprise- the fruits of Malayali labour in the
Middle East.
A bustling city and commercial capital of Malabar, Calicut
has an International Airport, University, Medical College
and prestigious Indian Institute of Management and National
Institute of Technology to its credit.
Calicut has a very colorful past, Vasco Da Gama landed at
Calicut (Kappad - 16 KM from the city) in 1498, becoming the
first European to reach India by the sea route around the
southern cape of Africa. His arrival heralded the period of
Portuguese supremacy in India and the history of Calicut
after 1498 was certainly dramatic. The Portuguese attempted
to conquer the town, the capital of Malabar under the
Zamorins, or lords of the sea.
