The famed tourism sector of Wayanad has indeed experienced a lull lately after the massive landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

The famed tourism sector of Wayanad has indeed experienced a lull lately after the massive landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

The famed tourism sector of Wayanad has indeed experienced a lull lately after the massive landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai.

Malayali moviegoers cannot forget legendary actor and comedian Kuthiravattam Pappu’s famous dialogue on Wayanad's ‘Thamarassery Churam’ from the blockbuster 'Vellaanakalude Naadu.' His stellar performance in the scene ignited a desire in many minds to visit the Thamarassery mountain pass at least once in their lives. The famed tourism sector of Wayanad has indeed experienced a lull lately after the massive landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai. But Wayanad is slowly recovering, luring travellers with her impeccable beauty, misty mountains, serene lakes and adventure activities. What can you see in this green paradise of Kerala?

The tourist spots from Lakkidi to Kurumbala Kotta.

The viewpoint
The breathtaking views of the mighty Western Ghats and the serene valley await you at the viewpoint after crossing the nine hairpin curves at the Thamarassery mountain pass. Troops of monkeys are seen on the roadsides, trying to attract the visitors’ attention. The visitors are prevented from littering the viewpoint, the mountain pass and other tourist spots with plastic bottles and other waste. It is the responsibility of a civilised society to throw the waste in the dumpsters and not on the streets. This valuable lesson should be taught to our children, too.

Edakkal, Cheengeri Hill, Karapuzha Dam and Nellarachal are some of the prominent tourist spots in Wayanad.
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En Ooru - Pookode Lake, Vythiri
En Ooru is an Adivasi heritage village situated atop the Lakkidi Hills. This unique hamlet features the rich cultural heritage of the various Adivasi communities in the state. Realistic models of the traditional thatched huts are the highlight of this village. En Ooru, sprawled on more than 25 acres, helps visitors better understand the Adivasi community's (tribal people) lifestyle, culture, and arts. A souvenir shop where you could purchase beautiful handicrafts, spices, and other artefacts, an accumulation centre for the artefacts, a felicitation centre, and an open-air theatre that can accommodate up to 300 people have been arranged here.

From Kattikkulam, you can head to Thirunelli Temple and the other spots.

Pookode Lake is the next destination, 2100 feet above sea level. The dense forest and clean walkways around the lake are incredibly attractive. Visitors could ride in the lake in pedal boats, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the walkway, or even hire a cycle and ride around.

Head to 900 Kandi to walk on the glass bridge and check out Chembra Peak, Kanthanpara Waterfalls.

Karlad Lake, Padinjarathara
Although not as big as Pookode Lake, Karlad Lake is where you could try a few adventure activities. The lake opened to the public in March 2016, and it is 1200 metres above sea level. Visitors can enter the lake area on all days from 9 am to 5 pm. Boating is the main attraction here. Meanwhile, visitors could also try kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, nature walks and bamboo rafting. Besides, a children’s park has been arranged here.

From Bathery, it takes just an hour to reach the Jain Temple.

Banasura Sagar Dam, Padinjarathara
Banasura Sagar Dam is India's largest earth dam and Asia's second-largest dam. It supplies the water required for the Kuttiadi hydroelectric project. Banasura Sagar Dam, nestled between the verdant green hills, is one of the top tourist destinations in Wayanad. Besides regular boats, adventure lovers can enjoy thrilling rides in speed boats in the reservoir. Interestingly, this is also the base from which trekking expeditions to the nearby mountains begin.

20 tourists spots of Wayanad in a glance.
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Kurumbalakota Mountain
As per the legend, the place got its name from the fortress built by King Kurumbapalaka. However, it is also said that the name comes from kuriya pala or the mountain with short alstonia scholaris (pala). Compared to the other hills and mountains in Wayanad, Kurumbalakota mountain is shorter. One has to hike around one and a half kilometres of steep mountain to reach the summit. As the mountain is under the revenue department, the entry isn’t limited by tickets or passes. Earlier, people used to erect tents here to spend the night. However, now, visitors are not allowed to erect tents. It is easier to reach Kurumbalakota mountain from Kalpetta via Kambalakad.

Pazhassi Tomb, Mananthavady
Pazhassi Kudeeram is the tomb of the great warrior king Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, known as the Lion of Kerala. Many people come here to pay their respects to Pazhassi, whose name is written in golden letters in the history of Kerala. The Pazhassi Tomb, located on the banks of the Kabani River in Mananthavady, was turned into a museum in 1996. Moreover, historians and research scholars frequented the tomb and the museum. The iconic sword of Pazhassi Raja and many other historical artefacts are exhibited in the museum. The Kerala Archaeological Department manages the tomb.

Muniswaran Hills Thalappuzha, Mananthavady
Muniswaran Mountain, located near Thapappuzha, which comes under the Begur Forest range, is a trekker’s paradise. The trek to the Muneeshwaran temple on the summit grants a unique experience. You can also enjoy the scintillating panoramic view of the valley from here. The Muneeshwaran hills, located 960 feet above sea level, is a place that adventure lovers shouldn’t miss. Vast swathes of verdant meadows welcome visitors and trekkers to the Muneeshwaran hills, which are known as the Vagamon of Wayanad. The entry to the Muniswaran hills that are part of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges is from 8 am to 5 pm.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Mananthavady
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place if you wish to see wild animals roaming around in their natural habitat. Located 20 kilometres northeast on Kodagu Road in Manathavady, the wildlife sanctuary is home to some rare species of flora and fauna.
Tholpetty is part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala's second-largest wildlife sanctuary after the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Wayanad, which was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1973, covers more than 345 square kilometres.

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Thirunelli temple, Mananthavady
Thirunelli temple, constructed in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, is surrounded by Kambamala hills, Karimala hill and the Varadiga ranges.

This pilgrimage centre, also known as Brahmagiri temple and Sahyamala temple, is famous for offering special poojas and rituals in honour of the dead. Lord Vishnu is the main idol in this beautiful temple. Interestingly, the structure of the temple is supported by 30 rock pillars. Besides, huge sheets of rocks have been paved on the temple floor, adding a bit of rustic charm. The devotees call this temple Dakshina Kasi or Dakshina Gaya. Meanwhile, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is just seven kilometres away from here.

Kuruva Island, Mananthavady
Kuruva Island is a protected river delta in the Kabani River. The bamboo raft ride is the highlight of this popular tourist spot. After being closed for over eight months, Kuruva Island was recently opened to tourists. Visitors can cross the Kabani River in makeshift rafts and enjoy the delta's pristine forest. The forest department allows entry for 200 visitors in a day via Pakkam, while the KTTC enters 200 visitors via Palvelicham in Mananathavady.

Pazhassi Park, Pulpally Mavilamthod
The Pazhassi Raja Museum is located at Pulpally, Vandikadavu, Mavilamthod, where the erstwhile king ended his life. The 15-foot-tall statue of Veera Kerala Pazhassi Raja is the park's highlight. Besides, children can enjoy the play area here. Meanwhile, the open-air art gallery in the middle of a beautiful garden is one of the main attractions of the Pazhassi landscape museum. Mavilamthod is where Pazhassi Raja ended his life on November 30, 1805, after losing the battle with the British. The entry to this park is from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Meanwhile, the entry fee is Rs 30 for adults, Rs 20 for children and Rs 15 for senior citizens. Toilets and parking facilities are also available in the park.

Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuaries are part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the state after Periyar. Muthanga is closely connected to Nagerhole National Park in Karnataka, Bandipur forest region and the Muthumalai forest area in Tamil Nadu. This region boasts an elephant path sprawled in three states and is also part of Project Elephant. Moreover, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary forms a part of the famed Nilgiri Biosphere. Visitors could spot tigers, bison, deer, and sambar deer in their natural habitat at Muthanga. Night travel to Karnataka via Muthanga has been banned to preserve the forest area.

Jain temple, Bathery
The remnants of Jain temples can be seen at various places around Kerala, highlighting the significance of Jainism in ancient times. The Jain temple in Wayanad, believed to have been constructed in the thirteenth century, is located at Kaidanadu in Sultan Bathery. This Mahaveer stone temple, the Digambara temple or Kidaganad Basti, stands out for its historical significance. The influence of the Vijayanagar Empire could be seen in the architectural style of the temple, the inscriptions and the ancient drawings on the wall. The Archaeological Survey of India now protects the temple. Interestingly, this Jain temple was once turned into a Hindu temple, a major commercial centre, and even used by Tipu Sultan as his arsenal. The visiting time is from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

Edakkal Caves, Amabalavayal
The Edakkal Caves consists of two cave complexes at the Ambukuthi mountain near Ambalavayal. These ancient caves are often touted as a miracle that is as old as 7000 years. British officer Fred Fawcett discovered the caves during one of his hunting trips to the mountains. The caves contain ancient drawings that range over various periods in history. Geographically, these are not caves but rather a cleft or a rock shelter. Hundreds of archaeologists and historians visit the cave daily due to its historical significance. In 1894, the cave was discovered to be the habitat of Neolithic people. The Edakkal Caves was declared a protected site in 1985.

Cheengeri Mountain, Ambalavayal
People flock to the Cheengeri mountain to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset. Besides, it is a perfect spot in Wayanad to enjoy adventurous trekking. You could appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Wayanad from 2600 feet above sea level. Cheengeri Mountain is located opposite Ambukuthi Mountain, which allows you to have fabulous views of all the significant spots in the district. The trekking time at Cheengeri Mountain is from 6 am to 12 pm. The trekking charge is Rs 80 for adults and Rs 50 for kids.

Karappuzha dam
Karapuzha dam, situated 13 kilometres northeast of Kalpeta, is one of the largest earth dams in the country. The dam is just five kilometres away from the Edakkal Caves. National Adventure Foundation has been organising a few adventure rides in the dam. You could enjoy the longest zip line in Kerala, a giant swing, a space tower, and a twister at Karappuzha. Visitors are banned from walking on top of the dam.

Nellarachal view point
Nellarachal is the reservoir area of the Karappuzha Dam. The viewpoint here is the perfect spot to enjoy the splendid beauty of Wayanad in tranquillity. The distant view of the dam during sunset is marvellous. It might be difficult to enjoy the viewpoint on the weekends as the spot may get crowded. The Nellarachal viewpoint is 20 kilometres away from Kalpetta and 17 kilometres from Bathery.

Kanthanpara waterfall
Kanthanpara waterfall, which falls from a height of around 30 feet, is hailed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wayanad. Tourists don’t swarm this area, as the waterfall is still undiscovered and pristine. Moreover, this is the perfect place to enjoy family picnics, as the waterfall is just a few minutes from the main road. Interestingly, you could view Kanthanpara from the famous Soochipara waterfall. The Soochipara waterfall has been open to the public from November 1 onwards.

900 Kandi
The glass bridge is the most amazing attraction in 900 Kandi. Wayanad's famed greenery can be enjoyed from the glass bridge. The journey to 900 Kandi begins with an exciting off-road trip. On the way to the glass bridge, you can enjoy many waterfalls, dense forests, and marshy areas. Hundreds of tourists reach 900 Kandi daily to enjoy the thrilling skywalk on the glass bridge.

Heart-shaped lake in Chembra
The tickets to Chembra Hills, around seven kilometres from Meppady, are available from 7 am onwards. However, only up to two hundred visitors would be allowed here in a day. The trekking starts at the parking area near the ticket counter. The rustic walkway is lined with small trees, followed by swathes of verdant meadows. Chembra mountain is a must-visit spot if you are a nature lover and an adventure enthusiast. Tourists must note that guided trekking is allowed only here.