WAYANAD TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
BANASURA SAGAR DAM
Banasura Sagar dam across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, in Kalpetta, is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, which got its name from ‘Banasura’, the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that ‘Banasura’ undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats.
The dam here was constructed on behalf of the Banasurasagar project in 1979, to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric power project to meet the water demand for irrigation and drinking purposes. The dam, located around 21 km away from Kalpetta is a beautiful tourist destination in Wayanad. Banasura dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.
KURUVA ISLAND
Kuruva Dweep or Kuruva Island is a protected river delta, comprising a cluster of islands over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. The geographical peculiarity of this island makes this place evergreen with a serene ambience.
Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. The uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc. Coming so much closer to the nature, you might be feeling Kuruva Island as a nature’s gift to Wayanad.
The island is surrounded by streams and you can have a boat ride or rafting through this stream enjoying the enchanting beauty of the island.
POOKODE LAKE
The beautiful freshwater lake in Wayanad, Pookode Lake lays 15 kilometre away from Kalpetta. Nestled between evergreen forest and Western Ghats, the lake is spread over 13 acre and is 40 m deep. This is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Wayanad.
While reaching at this gorgeous lake, you will be experiencing a calm and peaceful environment around. The lake is surrounded by forest and you will see green and green all around, making this place an ideal location for photographers and nature lovers. One of the main tributary of Kabini River, the Panamaram rivulet originates from here.
The perennial freshwater lake has the shape of an Indian map. You can sight blue lotus and numerous fresh water fishes.
MUTHANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located around 16 km away from Sulthan Bathery, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, popularly known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a rainforest wich connects Nagarhole and Bandipur parks in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 345 sq km, the sanctuary is an abode of rich flora and fauna.
Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973, the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary was brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. It is considered to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and bio-geographically one of the richest tracts of peninsular India. Here you can see semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
The moist deciduous forest of Muthanga is blessed with varieties of trees and other plants. You can sight here maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal etc.
EDAKKAL CAVE
Twenty five kilometers away from Kalpetta lays two caves which showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture. These caves are located 1,200 m above the sea level on Ambukutty Mala. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. Here you can see a cave formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock.
Many legends are there behind the formation of Edakkal caves. One of the stories is that, these caves are said to be formed with the arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Sri Rama. Another one is associated with Kutti Chathan and the Goddess Mudiampilly. The local people used to have a pilgrimage trip to this place to honour the Goddess.
The caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890, during his hunting trip to Wayanad.
CHEMBRA PEAK
If you are an admirer of soothing natural beauty and if you love to have an adventure trip, then Chembra Peak in Wayanad, will be a perfect stop for you. Eight kilometer south of Kalpetta, near to the town of Meppady, lays the highest peak in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak (2,100 m). Chembra peak adjoins Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu and Vallarimala in Kozhikode. From the town of Meppady you can reach the peak through walking.
The peak is visible from almost all parts of Wayanad. This place is an ideal destination for trekking activities. You have to take prior permission from the Meppady forest office before going for a trek at Chembra Peak. The forest office will be open on all days. Overnight camping is not allowed at Chembra peak as there is a threat from lurking wild animals.
THIRUNELLI TEMPLE
On the side of the Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad lay an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, the Thirunelli temple. The temple, surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, is located 32 km away from Mananthavady. The temple is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of South.
The temple has an interesting legend behind. While travelling around the world, Lord Brahma came across a beautiful place now known to be Brahmagiri hills. Getting attracted to the beauty of the hills, he descended there and noticed an idol resting on an Amla (Gooseberry) tree. He recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu himself and with the help of the other Devas, he installed the idol there. On Brahma’s request, Lord Vishnu promised that the water around the temple will wash away all sins and thus the stream Papanashini originated, destroying all the sins. The temple got its name from Nelli means Amla (Gooseberry) and came to be known as Thirunelli.