Trekking and adventure in Wayanad

The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The hills rocks and valley which make the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for catering to the ever increasing demand for adventure tourist.

Chembra peak:

Trekking to the Chembra peak is one of the thoughest tourist endeavours. Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m. above mean sea level. It is14 kms. west of Kalpetta. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. (Please let us know if you would like to camp here in advance so that we can make necessary arrangements for sleeping bags, canvass huts and permission from forest department and District Tourism Promotion Council) The scenic beauty of Wayanad which is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and thrilling. The blue eyed water in the lake at the top of the hill never dries up even in the peak of summer. All along the steep and slippery way to the top of the hill, the whispering of the flowing spring which sprouts from the top of the hill accompanies the tourist. If he is fortunate enough, on his way he may come across a passing wild beast, may be a leopard who may instantly hide behind the bushes. Camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at the top of the peak in shivering cold is everlasting experience. Only for die hard trekkers.

Pakshipathalam:

Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills at Thirunelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 kms. north-east of Thirunelly temple and is situated 1740m. above mean sea level. To reach 'Pakshipathalam', 17 kms. have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. To go to 'Pakshipathalam' special permission has to be obtained from forest department. Lucky guests will get to encounter elephants on the way to Pakhipathalam. Bisons, elephants and deer are a common site. Only meant for physically fit and real adventure seeking hearts.

Water Falls:

Meenmutty Water Fall: 12 kms. east of Meppadi. Water falls to a depth of more than 500m. in 3 steps. This a refreshing scene to any tourists. To reach this fall, a tourist has to trek down steep hills through jungle. For the adventure seeking but light trekking experience.

Kanthanpara Water Fall: Beautiful water fall of about 30m. in height, 8 km east of Meppadi and 12 kms. south-east of Kalpetta. A leisure trek.

Soochipara Waterfalls Soochipara Waterfalls is another beautiful water fall in Wayanad. Waterfall can be seen from a far which is a beautiful view. To reach the waterfall, one has to trek down 2kms through dense equitorial forest over steep rocks.

Chethalayam Waterfalls: 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, is located this astounding waterfall. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.

Banasura Project:

A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. A sprawling sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees are major tourist attractions. This comes on the way to Edakkal caves.

Thusharagiri:

A trekker's paradise. This is located near the Lakkidi Ghat Pass. This is a full day trek through dense virgin forest and rocks. There are couple of heavy waterfalls too. Needs stamina and strength to do this trek. One can take help of tree branches and roots to climb steep rocks. At the peak is a rich waterfall where camping can be arranged. Extremely risky if one got too adventurous.

Pookot Lake:

Situated very close to Orchard Holiday Home is this perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, a children’s park, a handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the facilities available here. Thick bushes and tall trees along the path round the lake gives a calm spiritual atmosphere. . Tourists can have a pleasant walk around the lake which stretches to a couple of kilo meteres. This is a pleasant and refereshing experience. A fresh-water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by Fisheries Department

Kuruva Dweep:

950 acres of evergreen forest surrounded by east flowing river, Kabani. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are sovereigns of this supernatural kingdom. This is a uninhabited island which resembles a fantacy land. Tribal colonies are situated around this island and one should take care not to disturb them. Special permission is required to access this island or to camp at this island. Ideal for a rejuvinating and pleasant holiday experience. Tourists are requested not to litter this place as extreme care is required to preserve island.

Lakkidi Ghat Pass:

It is the Gate Way of Wayanad above the Thamarassery Ghat Pass of western ghat, at an elevation of 700m above mean sea level. Deep valley to the south with winding roads through thick forest attract many. Just 3 Kms from the resort, guests can try a trek through the ghat pass which is long but not very tedious. The whole distance pass is a stretch of 14kms.

Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal caves cosits of two caves 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 civilisation 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. A must visit.

Thirunelli Temple:

Located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini. A beautiful expreience of an ancient temple preserved in the orginal form. 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. Make sure to visit Papanasini which is a short trek from the temple. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.

Wayanad has a rich diversity of forests all around. Forests at Wayanad forms an integral part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve.

Tholpatti Wildlife Sancturary: This is an extension of Nagarhole wildlife sanctury. Situated at the Karnataka border, a trip down to the park itself is an experience. Animals migrate from Nagarhole to this forest with the onset of summer heat and stay here till monsoon. Encouters with charging elephants is an experience

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an area of 643.39 sq km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. One of the thickest forest with thick animal population. Nagarhole boasts of maximum number of Tigers in South India. Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to 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. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.

Begur Wildlife Sanctury: Another wildlife park at Wayanad. Eventhough small, has a rich variety of animals and birds here. This not often visited by public and hence has the wild in its real form

Kabini/Karapur wildlife sanctury: This wildlife sanctury is a part of Karnataka which borders Wayanad. This wildlife sanctury has surprisingly good animail sighting because the forest is dry and not very thick. This forest is rich in bird population. An ideal location for a serious bird watcher.