Places To See
The name Wayanad is derived from Wayalnadu, which literally means the land of paddy fields. Wayanad is one of the 14 districts of Kerala and is located between 11° 27’ and 12° 58’ N latitude, and 74° 52’ and 76° 07’ E longitude. The district adjoins the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and along with parts of these states comprises the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. Wayanad is situated at an elevation of 2100 to 7000 feet above sea level and encompasses an area of about 2132 square kilometers.
Wayanad has a total population of approximately 850,000, and at 17 per cent, the largest concentration of tribal population in the state. The district headquarters is at Kalpetta. Other important towns include Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady. The district has a literacy rate of 85.25%. Wayanad is one of the biggest foreign exchange earning districts in the state, thanks to its focus on cash crops such as pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea and other spices and condiments.
With as much as 26% of its total area coming under forest cover, Wayanad is the habitat for an incredible variety of flora and fauna. It is only lately that the district has caught the attention of the tourist circuit, and hence is as yet unsullied by the menace of mass tourism. Vast areas of the district still remain unexplored, waiting to be discovered. Its rugged terrain with outback trails and trekking routes offers countless opportunities for the footloose traveler to enjoy the bounty of Nature.
The district is not without its share of historical and religious monuments either. Check the links below for a glimpse of some of the places worth a visit. We have indicated the approximate distance from the Resort to each of these places. To visit them all would take more than a week. For your convenience we have classified them into three categories. Contact Reception to chart out an itinerary that best serves your interests.
Banasura Hill
The Banasura Hill, at the foot of which the Banasura Hill Resort has been developed, is ideal for trekking. The top of the hill offers breathtaking views of the Banasura Dam and the reservoir formed by it speckled with numerous tiny islands. (5km)
Banasura Dam
The Banasura Dam is built across Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini River, and is part of the Banasura Sagar Project aimed at supplementing the Kakkayam Hydro-electric project, and to provide drinking water and irrigation facilities to the region. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas make a pretty sight against the backdrop of the Banasura Hill. Boating is a favorite activity here. (18km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Chembra Peak
At an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak in Wayanad. A daylong trek takes you to the top from where you can have a panoramic view all around. En route to the summit is a small heart-shaped fresh water lake. (47km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Muthanga Wildlife Reserve
Home to diverse species of plants and animals, Muthanga covers an area of 345 sq km. Situated very near to Karnataka border, this thick green forest is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. (55km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Pakshipathalam
Situated at an altitude of 1740m and accessible only by trekking, Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologists paradise. It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly. There is a cave here, which according to legend was used by rishis (saints) in ancient times for meditation. (45km)
The Glass Temple
This temple located at Koottamunda is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith. It is an exquisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple are reflected in a thousand beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls. (45 km)
Kuruva Island
The Kuruva islands are a group of three islands located in the middle of one of the tributaries of the east-flowing river Kabani. This 950 acre tract of uninhabited land is rich in flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs can be seen here. It is a must see destination for nature lovers and a popular picnic spot. (40km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is connected to Muthanga and to the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, and is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Flanked by towering mountain ranges on all four sides, Tholpetty covers an area of 345 SqKm. The sanctuary's deciduous forest cover, rich in bio-diversity, is home to 900-odd wild elephants, apart from numerous other species of animals. (40km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Pookote Lake
This is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level and having an area of 8.5ha. The Panamaram rivulet - one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River - originates from it. Lying 3km south of Vythiri town, the lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad. Boating facilities are available. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Spices and handicraft items are available for sale at Pookote. (35km)
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls is a spectacular fall that cascades from a height of about 300m in three stages. It is the second largest waterfall in Kerala. Located in the lush deciduous forest 29km south of Kalpetta, the falls can be reached only after a 2km trek. The Meenmutty, Soochipara, and Kanthanpara waterfalls combined, feed the Chaliyar river. (50km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 20 km to the east of Mananthavady in Wayanad, the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of animals including elephants, deer, tigers, boars, leopards, etc. One can also find a variety of birds in this sanctuary. The dense forest cover has a wealth of herbs with high medicinal value. The best time to visit the Begur wildlife sanctuary is from December to May, when scarcity of water in the Bandhipur, Nagarhole and Mudamalai sanctuaries forces animals to migrate to Begur. (25 km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Soochipara
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, also known locally as Soochipara, is located at Vellarimala village in Meppadi panchayat. Like in Meenmutty, here too the water cascades down in three steps from a height of about 200m. This is a popular picnic spot and trekking area. The Sentinel Rock is also ideal for rock climbing. (54km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Kanthanpara Waterfall
Surrounded by bamboo forests, the Kanthanparra Waterfall is more noted for the breathtaking beauty of the path leading to it than for the fall itself. At 30m, the fall is relatively smaller than Meenmutty or Sentinel Rock Falls, and perhaps on that account it is less frequented. But its proximity to the main road and the beauty of the surroundings make it a popular picnic spot. (54km)
Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Cave located about 25km from Kalpetta is a 96ft long, 22ft wide and 30ft high cleft formed by the vertical split of a rocky mountain. A gigantic rock of enormous proportions fell into this crevice, forming a roof over a large part of it, giving it the impression of a cave. The rock wall is etched with carvings depicting human and animal figures and objects of human use. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age, and have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. (50km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Pazhassi Tomb
The memorial of Pazhassi Raja known as the Lion of Kerala is an important heritage site. The tomb marks the point where the Raja was cremated. The monument and the underground museum were conceived and designed by Eugene Pandala, the architect who designed Banasura Hill Resort. (15km)
Thirunelli Temple
This is an ancient temple located on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Wayanad and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inscriptions in this temple date back to the period of Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962�1019 AD). The name Thirunelli derives from the nelli, the Malayalam word for Amla, the Indian gooseberry tree. According to legend, Lord Brahma was attracted by the beauty of the area around the Brahmagiri Hill. Descending upon the spot, Brahma noticed an idol of Lord Vishnu on an Amla tree. Brahma installed the idol there and called it Sahyamalak Kshetra. At Brahma�s request Vishnu promised that the waters of the area would have the power to wash away all sins. The river near the temple is called Papanasini, which means the cleansing of sins. (45 km) Learn more in Wikipedia...
Stunning Earth Structures of the World
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