Wayanad

Wayanad is a green paradise in the Western Ghats in the state of Kerala. It is 76 kilometres from Kozhikode and is well-known for its plantations, forests, and wildlife. Along with a misty climate, it provides a variety of trekking options, plantation tours, and wildlife excursions. Along with a bird sanctuary in north Wayanad, popular tourist destinations in the region include the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chethalayam Waterfall, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple at Thiruvangoor, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Pookode Lake, and Edakkal Caves. The land is covered in a thick canopy of coffee, cardamom, and tea plantations that emit a heady aroma and cover it in luscious emerald greenery. Wayanad is one of 20 reserves in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, and it is located at the very southern end of the Deccan plateau. Along with serene lakes, gurgling mountain streams, and cascading waterfalls, it provides excellent picnic areas. Wildlife enthusiasts can choose from wildlife safaris, forest trails, or treehouses, while adventure seekers can go camping, hiking, speed boating, zorbing, or ziplining. It is also home to Edakkal Caves, where one of the oldest signs of human settlement are preserved.

Kuruva Island
It is an uninhabited island surrounded by the River Kabini, which is 22 kilometres from Wayanad. It is known as Kurwadweep in the local language and spans 950 acres of lush forest. The bamboo raft ride is the island’s main attraction. Treks there are leisurely.

Chembra Peak
When it comes to hiking and exploring nature, Chembra Peak is unrivalled. It is located at a height of about 2,100 metres above sea level. Travellers are enchanted by the beauty of nature as they pass through milky white waterfalls and lush green surroundings while hiking to the top, which is truly a blissful experience. The peak provides a panoramic view of the entire Wayanad district, as well as some areas of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Nilgiri.

Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal caves are located about 23 kilometres from Wayanad. The ancient, intricate stone carvings from the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods are what really set the Edakkal Caves apart. The two caves are natural formations that are thought to have been created by a significant rock split. As a result, they were given the name Edakkal, which means stone in between. Tourists can take a trekking excursion to explore the caves, which are located in the Ambukuthi Hills.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb
The memorial to Varma Pazhassi Raja, known as the “Lion of Kerala,” is situated in Mananthavadi, a town 20 kilometres from Wayanad. In the year 1800, Pazhassi, a member of the Kottayam royal family, successfully waged guerilla warfare against the British. The memorial was erected on the River Kabini’s banks, exactly where his funeral pyre was lit. Raja’s sword and other historical artefacts are on display in a museum that was added in 1996.