Wayanad

Wayanad literally means the 'land of swamps'. Lying at an altitude between 700 - 2100 metres above the sea level, Wayanad possess great flora n fauna. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements in Kerala. The road from Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind boggling bends and ridges, are the highest locations of Wayanad district.

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comes under the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.

Places to visit are:

Pookat lake: A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children's park, and a shopping center for handicrafts and spices.

Kuruvadweep: This 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani river is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.

Kuruvadweep: 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.

Pazhassi tomb: The memorial of ' the lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organized the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.

Pakshipathalam: This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.

Boy's Town: Herbal garden, nature care center, sericulture unit, perma-culture center etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here

Chembra Peak: At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.

Edakkal Caves: The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilization that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 hrs.

Lakkidi: Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.