Kerala Tourism - Palakkad

Palakkad is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad district has its own special characteristics. Palakkad is known as the Granary of Kerala. The district has vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, with tributaries of Bharathapuzha river criss-crossing it. Palakkad was known as Palghat during British rule. The name was later changed from Palghat to Palakkad by the government of Kerala.

¤ Tourist Destinations in Palakkad

* Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort, the old granite fort situated in the town, is the most beautiful and best preserved fort of Kerala. Built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore was taken over and remodified by Britishin 1790. The fort is protected by Archeological Survey of India. The location to the west fort known by the name is Kottamaithanam, is where Tippu's cavalry once camped. Martyr's Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. There is also a Children's park on the side of the Fort.

* Malambuzha
The Malampuzha Dam and surrounding gardens have always remained the main attractions of Kerala. This famous picnic spot is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats. Within the Malampuzha garden compound, there are many more wonders which includes fish shaped aquarium, Snake Park, rock garden.

Malampuzha is also known as the Vrindavan of Kerala. It exudes the charm of the harmony of nature, a perfect synchronisation of the grandeur of the mountains blending with the serenity of rivers. It is 10 kms from Palakkad. There are lush green lawns, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, fountains and avenues. There is a fresh water aquarium, snake park and a Children's park with a toy train which await the pleasure and delight of children.

Another item of interest in the park is the imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI , done by the renowned Kanai Kunhiraman. The passenger ROPEWAY, its first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the garden, giving a soul stirring view of gardens, the distant hills that kiss the heavens and the blue strip of the reservoir. There is a TELESCOPIC TOWER in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles.

The first ROCK GARDEN emerged from the master creator Padmashree Nek Chand of Chandigarh, in South India is at Malampuzha. Modelled after Appu Ghar of Delhi and Essel World of Bombay, the first amusement park of Kerala named FANTASY PARK is at Malampuzha.

* Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley is 80 kms from Palakkad. It is also known as Sairandhri vanam. Ecologists desrcibe this area as the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. This has been declared as a National Park recently. This ever green forest is home for several specious of trees and plants. It includes many varieties of reptiles. Over 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths were identified here.

Silent Valley covers about nine thousand hectares of land and the forest is devoid of the chirping cicedas. Kunthipuzha flows through the valley before merging with Bharatapuzha . There is a huge Wild tree of Kattuaiying variety. It is hollow within and can hide atleast 12 people in it.

* Parambikulam Wild life Sanctuary
This Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. It is 110 kms away from Palakkad offers a scintillating sight of rare wild animals. Boating facilitie is available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu is another attraction.

There is an array of Dams / reservoirs in this area. Boat cruisers are provided in the PArambikulam reservoir. The rest houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree-house in Thoonakkadavu offer lodging facilities. The giant "Kannimari Teak" is a sight to dream of.

* Attappady
Attappady is home to many tribes like the Irulars and Mudugas, who are considered to be the descendants of the Negrito race. It is 80 kms from Palakkad. Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists. Attapadi is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. The plateau offers a scintillating sight of near by mountains.

* Sholayar
Highest place in Attappady. Cool climate and the enthralling natural beauty rejuvenates the body and soul. Tea and coffee plantations are another attraction.

* Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy Hills are extremely fascinating and offer an easy escape from the scorching summer of Palakkad. About 75 kms from Palakkad the height of this cool resort ranges from 467 meters to 1572 meters. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. Seetharkundu at Nelliyampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide angled panaromic picture of about one third of Palakkad, beautiful and resembling the Green valley of Kodaikanal.

* Dhoni
Dhoni, a reserve forest, is 15 kms from Palakkad. The forest has among other captivating sights, a small but splendid waterfall. The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni is also famous for its farm house, harbouring hundreds of cattles of Swiss variety. Its lush green surroundings is a pleasure to watch.

* Jain Temple of Jainmedu
The only existing Jain Temple in South India is situated at Jainmedu, 3 kms from Palakkad. Here you can find images of Jain THIRTHANKARAS and YAKSHINIS. Rituals are being held even now in this historic temple.

* Peacock Sanctuary
The National Bird of INDIA, peacock, has got a sanctuary of its own in this part of the country. Mayiladumpara, 30 kms from Palakkad, is well known for its grove abounding in Peacocks.

* Smriti Vanam
J.P. Smriti Vanam located at Walayar, on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, extends to about 100 acres. You can conduct a safari ride here and see deers, elephants and other animals moving freely. The park is located at a distance of 22 kms from Palakkad.

* Siruvani
Siruvani is 48 kms from Palakkad. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam bear the stamp of Kerala and Tamil Nadu Architectural Styles. Its thick reserved forest has all kinds of wild animals.

* Meenvallam
There are 10 steps of Water Falls at Meenvallam, the originating point of Thuppanadu river. The height of the fall varies from 5 to 45 meters. Meenvallam is located at a distance of 37 kms from Palakkad.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam, Kanniyarkali, Kaalapoottu, Pavakkooth, Pattambi Nercha etc... heralds the cultural heritage of Palakkad. Other palces of tourist interest in Palakkad are Meenkara, Thrithala, Ottappalam, Lakkidi, Poothundy etc

Sena attacks Sachin again

Shiv Sena on Sunday unleashed another attack on Sachin Tendulkar and compared him with Sunil Gavaskar who it hailed as a “true Maharashtrian“.

The attack came in an article in party mouthpiece ’Saamna’ by Sena MP Sanjay Raut days after party supremo Bal Thackeray accused the 36-year-old cricket icon of hurting Marathi sentiments with his “Mumbai for all” remark.

Comparing Tendulkar to Gavaskar (60), Mr. Raut alleged, “There has been no instance of Sachin extending a helping hand to other Marathi cricketers. Forget others, he did not even support Vinod Kambli.”

“In contrast, Gavaskar when he captained India, had half the team drawn from Mumbai and Maharashtra. He gave Test caps to many Marathi players including Suru Naik and Zulphikar Parkar at least for one match,” he said, while also acknowledging Tendulkar’s greatness as a cricketer.

“In this context, Gavaskar is a genuine ‘Maharashtrian’ and the whole country loves him even now in the same way,” the article claimed.

“Players like Sachin have become rich because of game of cricket. Sachin’s wealth has crossed Rs 200-crore mark. We expect Sachin to be as ‘proud’ of Maharashtra as Saurav Ganguly is of Bengal,” it said. “Rahul Dravid too is a Marathi player but he is loyal to Karnataka,” Mr. Raut said.

Mr. Thackeray’s remarks on November 16 had evoked angry reactions from a host of political leaders as also the BCCI, who came down heavily on the Shiv Sena chief for criticising Tendulkar, saying his statement was just right and nobody could take objection to it.

Mr. Thackeray had said that Tendulkar had, through his remark, “left the crease and moved to the pitch of politics” and this had hurt the Marathi psyche.

Earlier, Tendulkar had said, “I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first. And Mumbai belongs to all Indians.”

Don’t forget your roots, Sena tells Sachin

Protesting Sachin Tendulkar’s “I am an Indian first and Mumbai is for all” remark, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, in a letter to the cricketer in Saamna, said Sachin was not even born when Marathi people fought for Mumbai.

He referred to the bloody struggle for the formation of Maharashtra State and the martyrdom of 105 people for Mumbai. “Mumbai cannot belong to anyone else and even if it was the country’s economic capital, it was the capital of Maharashtra first.”

The Sena chief commended Tendulkar for his game and riches and the fact that he was a billionaire. However, Mr. Thackeray said, the cricketer’s statement that he was an Indian first and Maharashtrian later had shaken Maharashtrians.

A separate editorial, “Sachin’s no ball,” has reminded Sachin of his Marathi roots and told him not to forget where he had come from, among other things.

“Friendly advice”

Defending the diatribe as friendly advice, Sena leader Subhash Desai told a press conference that Mr. Thackeray had not said anything undesirable, adding he had the right to advise Sachin.

“Just as Sachin is the last word in cricket, Mr. Bal Thackeray is the last word for Mumbai and Maharashtra.”

Support for Sachin

However, support for the cricketer has come from Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who told a television channel that Sachin had spoken from the heart and his remarks would unite the country.

Sachin’s remarks were made in the spirit of a sportsman, Mr. Chavan said. He did not attach any importance to Sachin’s critics.

None can object to Sachin’s stand - Jaitley

In a veiled attack on its alliance partner Shiv Sena, the BJP on Monday supported cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘Mumbai for all’ remark, saying nobody could object to his stand.

“Sachin is fully correct. I don’t think anybody can have objection to it ... India is proud of him and he is proud of being an Indian,” senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley told journalists in New Delhi

Mr. Jaitley, however, refused to respond to a question whether Sena chief Bal Thackeray had ‘insulted’ Sachin by accusing him of hurting Marathi sentiments.

Kerala Tourism - Vagamon

Vagamon is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala is engulfed by three hills namely Thangal hill, Kurisumala and Murugan hill. It is located on the Idukki-Kottayam border, situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level. Vagamon is located at about 60 km from Kottayam and 65km from Idukki in Kerala.

Vagamon is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. Beautiful flowers, bluish brown hills, cotton mist, meadows, breathtaking view all of it can be enjoyed in the enchanting land of Vagamon Hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram.A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. Thus Vagamon is enriched with beauty of the nature and spirituality.

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking on the mountains, para gliding and rock climbing. Have fun on the boat ride on the lakes or one can sit on the banks or hours and watch the sun go down. If lucky the tourists may spot wild animals like the elephants, wild buffalos and deer.









¤ Tourist Attractions of Vagamon

* Kurisumala Ashram
Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India’’s south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the mediative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience.

What we write here about Francis Acharya, the head and architect of the Ashram, was heard from the sadhakas of Kurisumala. Mountains are the place of God-experience. In the wilderness of Sinai, Moses the prophet heard great revelations. Jesus loved to retire to the mountains, in the silence of the night to have a colloquy of love with His Father.The spirituality of understanding is all-pervading here.

Today Kurisumala has become the Mount of Transfiguration, as it gives to all who come to the Ashram for a visit or to spend a few days, the feeling that, " It is good to be here", as Peter said on Mount Tabor. Here the seeker's soul realizes the commands of God. Here are relevantly assembled 'Om karam', the primordial sound of the ancient seers of India and the Cross.

* Water fall
This is essentially a lake and it's catchment area, with grassy hillocks stretching into the forest on one side and ending at the cliff on the other. This large tract of land has a small stream originating at the lake and going through. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums with the mountainous landscape as the background.

The stream goes along the ravine and can be developed as a trekking path as it is a rugged route, with rocks and rough undulations. A small facility like a coffee bar and the like would add the richness of the place with more participation. A reservoir up stream would ensure the presence of enough amount of water even during dry season. A stepped path leading to the water fall itself is a thing of interest.

* Rocky out crop
The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay.

* Forest
Around 100 acres of forest area could be developed as a holistic health care center with Ayurveda as the theme. Providing treatment, health care facility, rejuvenation centers, yoga and meditation center, naturopathy clinics, herbal garden etc. emphasising the theme of living with nature and exploring the aeons old way of life. Tree walks, medicines preparation areas, etc. all designed to a character of ashrams. Vagamon Hill offers a good vacation time for the leisure traveler and the adventure spirited. It is the beautiful valleys, the waterfalls and green slopes with flowers all around that can leave the traveller enthralled, an experience he will carry home with him.

* Grassy planes
The area is rather featureless compared to other parts of the site, with grassy, slowly rolling plains. It has a direct access from the road and slopes down from there ending at the cliff. At present there are plantations of eucalyptus, tea and some agricultural crops here. This plot section can be reserved for residential school or some similar institutional use. The relative flatness of the site and gentle slope is ideal for this. The land is generally buildable also.

The area near the main road could be reserved for exploiting the future commercial potential. This long strip can be developed for the future public amenities and facilities that have commercial viability. Land value will also increase as the place develops and demand for plots with accessibility will increase.

* Camping site
A unique type of space with stream, rocky terrain and forest meet. This can be developed to a camping site, a small lake and a special abode, for evening tea and the like.

* Lake
The entertainment center and related activities like boating leisure walking etc. could be organized around the lake. Lawned rolling hills and flowers that grow along the ground can be provided as a part of the landscaping. This should be developed with minimum intervention of built. This place (node) should be developed to communicate the essence of this site, to a passerby along the public road as this portion is visible from the road as a lake between three knolls. A stage for performance, crafts, arts center, pedestrian path etc. can concentrate around this node.

* Wild Orchid
The area is a stretch of rolling hills with green meadows. A unique cottage resort built in a rugged village style and is eco friendly in all features especially in the disposal of water, conservation of resources, building material use and construction techniques. A total of 50 cottages are coming up on one side of a beautiful lake and common facilities like restaurant, theatre etc. on other bank of the lake.

If you have not been to Vagamon you have not seen God's Own Country. Vagamon provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. Vagamon, the final word in your holiday options, provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. A land, which would make a person come back again and again, so that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land. We will experience a kind of inner peace here. Like a lot of other beautiful things in life, Vagamon too has to be experienced, not read about or its stories merely listened to.

Kerala Tourism - Thenmala

Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. It is located about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and about 160 m above sea levelThe first eco tourism project in India is located at Thenmala. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats and predominantly a forest area. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna. Thenmala; “Then + Mala” , i.e. in local parlance “Then” means honey and “Mala” means hillock i.e. it mean honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.








¤ Culture Zone

This zone accommodates various activities, which favours Eco friendly General Tourism. Restaurant, Shop court, Amphitheatre etc help the tourists understand the Kerala cusines, Kerala crafts and natural wealth and Kerala’s Art, Culture etc. An open air Musical Dancing Fountain which is considered, as “Natures Dance” is another major attraction here. Nakshatravarnam is a garden comprising of 27 trees associated with the 27 birth stars. You will be blessed to see all the 27 trees planted in the garden. Walk along and get more information on the trees.

An abode of the butterflies in an open ambience. A garden of host plants for the butterfly has been created enabling the large number of butterfly species of the region to thrive. A guided walk (Safari) along the nature trail of the garden will provide the visitor an opportunity to sight the butterflies and to learn about the butterflies.

Kerala Tourism - Gavi

Gavi is a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest haven. It is spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a refreshing experience. On the route to Gavi are places of interest like Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi.

These evergreen forests are abundant with magnificent Wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten and a lot more. For the nature explorers Gavi offers the complete acquaintance with the flora around including Nageia Wallichinia (Podocarpus Wallichinia), a highly endemic species of the Gymnosperm family seen only around Gavi in the whole Western Ghats.

Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers. Active involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state. If you are a birder, the forests around Gavi are home to over 320 species of birds –the great Indian hornbills, sunbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers and myriads of mynas, dongos, cuckoos and bulbuls-truly any birder’s dream. The sheer beauty of this place is indeed worth a closer look.

The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Thar, Lion-tailed macaque is often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. Active involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.

Some of the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer spectacular view of the deep ravine and the forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near Green Mansion eco-lodge one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.

The famous pilgrim destination, Sabarimala is a short trek from Gavi. For those interested in observing the nocturnal wildlife, night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa and Pachakanam provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Another unique feature of Gavi is, camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest.

Gavi is bound to cast its magical spell on every visitor and is surely a place that should not be missed in one's lifetime. Gavi is pristine, and it belongs to the wild, which is a reminder that visitors are responsible for their intentions and actions, which will have a bearing on the upkeep of Gavi for a long time to come.

Kerala Tourism - Thekkady

Thekkady is on the border with state of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5 kms from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This is one of the beautiful places in Kerala.















¤ Tourist Attractions of Thekkady

* Periyar National Park
One of the of the most interesting tourist attractions in Thekkady, the Periyar National Park is famous for its different species of flora and fauna. The National Park which is a Tiger Reserve and is also the home for a number of animals like Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer and Indian Wild Dog. If you are lucky enough you can get to see the herd of playful elephants on the banks of the Periyar River.

* Periyar Lake
It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Thekkady.

* Kurisumala
A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

* Kumily
Kumily is one of the growing spice plantations of Kerala. From the daily edible spices to different other spice varieties, Kumily is now a growing township which is also known as the Spice Village. t is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily.

* Cardamom Hills
These are the mountainous regions in Kerala which produces cardamom, pepper and coffee. The thick plantations of cardamom covering this hilly area have given it the name of Cardamom Hills.

* Mangala Devi Temple
Mangala Devi is a primeval temple, located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Thekkady. The temple lies unseen in dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 meters above sea level.

* Pandikuzhi
This scenic place is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Thekkady, between Chellarkovil and the state of Tamil Nadu and is a popular recreation spot. Pandikuzhi has great locations for trekking and is a photographer's paradise.

* Pullumedu
Located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Thekkady, this hill town, situated along the Periyar River, offers a striking view of the undulating hills covered in lush greenery.

* Vandanmedu
Vandanmedu is considered to be one of the world's largest trade centers for Cardamom. It is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Thekkady and walking through its lush green cardamom plantations is an absolute delight.

* Vandiperiyar
This place is located at a distance of around 20 kilometers from Thekkady and is famous for its tea plantations and factories. The Periyar River flows right through this place.

* Peerumedu
This famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint .Wide vistas of tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantations interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermedu an unforgettable experience.

* Murikkady
It is 5 km from Thekkady. Washed in fresh spice scented air;Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantation.

* Chellarkovil
It is 15 km from Kumily. This sleepy little village with its spectacular view of the plains and cascading waterfalls during the monsoons is a feast to the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Kambam in neighboring Tamil Nadu.

In addition to all these tourist places, Thekkady offers a lot more. It is one of the best place in Kerala where we can spend our holidays.

Kerala Tourism - Wayanad

Wayanad District is situated in the north-east of Kerala. It was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigeneous tribals in this area.

Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. It is a hilly district lying close to the Sahya ranges and with almost one forth of the total land area under forest cover, Wayanad district is also home to some of the oldest tribes in South India.

Wayanad of Kerala is blessed with a unique geographical position.Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are strewn all over the hills of Wayanad. Situated at a height of 700-2100 m above sea level, it is bound on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively. Panorama, Manathavady and Kabini, the fast flowing rivers lend a unique beauty to the whole region.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Wayanand

* Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.

* Thirunelli Temple
It is situated 29kms north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmagiri hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelli is often called 'Thekkan Kasi'. It is believed that a bath in the holly water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelli is a place of scenic beauty. Thirunelli Festival is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.

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

* Valliyoorkavu Temple
Located high in the Wayanad Hills at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. Valliyoorkavu festival is a very famous festival.

* Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri.Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water.

* Banasura Dam
15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot in Kerala.Bansura dam is considered to be the largest earth dam in India. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura dam is an absolute beauty and is an exceptional dam.

* Kalpetta
This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

* Jain temple
A striking Jain temple, dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami represents one of the saints belonging to the Jain faith is situated just six kms from Kalpetta. This temple is in the wayanad district and is commonly known as Tippu’s fort. This is prominent as Tippu’s fort because Tippu used this place for storing ammunition. Hence, it gains the name sultans battery.

* Sentinel Rockfall
Near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.

* The Chembra Peak
The Chembra Peak (2100 m) is situated around 14 km off Kalpetta and the highest point in this district. It is also a popular trekking destination.

* Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves are situated around 12 km off Sulthan Bathery at a height of 1000 metres. This is a pair of caves on top of the Ambukuthimala with historical importance. The walls of the caves are full with New Stone Age pictorial writings and throw light on the history of this region. 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. Symbols of human beings, animals and ancient tools are visible here.

* Glass Temple
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda is located around 22 km off Kalpetta and dedicated to Parsvanatha, the Jaina Tirthankara. The mirrors on the inner walls of the temple reflect the icons inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

* Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.

* Vythiri Resort
It is situated at the heart of a picturesque Wynad district on the Nilgiri hills in South India. 2600 ft above sea level. Miles away from the dust, grime and din. A magical, romantic getaway tucked away in a lush tropical rainforest.

* Kanthapara falls
It is located towards the south east of Kalpetta. Kanthapara falls is at a distance of 22 kms from Kalpetta and 8 kms from Meppadi east. This is another significant and charming waterfall at about 30 mts height. Comparatively it is smaller that the sentinel rock falls.

* Pazhassi Raja Tomb
It is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805 after the warfare against British east India Company.

* Pookot Lake
It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with evergreen mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot Lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sort after tourist spot of Wayanad. The is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and maximum water depth is 6.5m. This lake is 3kms south of Vythiri.

* Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometers have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam.

* Muthanga
Wayanad wild life sanctuary is here. The sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees is a major tourist attraction. Muthanga and Tholpetty are ideal places to spot wild life.

In addition to these, Wayanad offers a lot more. Wild life sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, fulgurous waterfalls, tranquil lakes, lush greenery of the evergreen forests and the pristine nature unveils a visual spectacle to anyone visiting Wayanad.

¤ Best Time To Visit
The climate of the region is very much influenced by the southwest monsoon that touches it in the months from June to September. There is good rainfall during the Northeast monsoon too in the months of October and November. July receives the highest rainfall while February is the driest month here. April and May are the hottest months here while coldest months are January and February.