WAYANAD
Sweetest District
Banasura Dam
Lying in the lap of the Banasura hills in the Wayanad district is the picturesque Banasura Sagar dam. Banasura Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view of the sprawling reservoir from the top of the dam is breathtaking. Adventures like speed boating are readily available, and a trek up to the Banasura Peak is filled with streams, diverse flora, fauna, lush tropical green and majestic waterfalls. An earthen dam, also known as an embankment dam is created by placing mounds of clay, sand, rock or soil. The view of Banasura Lake from the top of the hill is mesmerising.
Chembra Peak
Located close to the bumbling town of Meppady and just 8 km south of the beautiful town, Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.
Edakkal Caves
Famous for its exquisite rock and wall carvings, the pre-historic Edakkal Caves are naturally occurring alcoves located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The caves measure at a massive length and width of 96 and 22 feet respectively and lie 1200 metres above the sea level. Owing to its precarious location, one needs to trek for one and half hour to hit the cave entrance, and another 45 minutes to reach the mouth of the cave.The Edakkal caves are of historical and archaeological significance as it has carvings that date back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age. The stone work in the interior of the cave is estimated to be as old as 5000 BC to 1000 BC.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and comprises of rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the protected areas of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Founded in the year 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which was the first biosphere out of the 14 present in India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 345 square km and comprises of two parts namely Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad. Eucalyptus, as well as bamboo trees, are grown in the region.
Pookot Lake
Snuggled in the evergreen forests and wooded slopes, Pookot Lake is a natural freshwater lake and a famous tourist attraction situated in Wayanad. This peaceful lake has an exquisite beauty and remains surrounded by lush greenery all around thereby captivating the visitors. The pathway leading up to the lake is covered with thick bushes and tall trees adding even more charm to the place. The Panamaram which is one of the main branches of the Kabani River originates from the Pookot Lake and then joins the Panamaram valley. The pleasant weather of the place along with its exquisite beauty and captivating charm is going to make your tour genuinely revitalising and memorable. This freshwater lake situated amongst the wooded hills in the shape of India's map is one of its kinds in Kerala.
Soochipara Falls
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall situated in Vellarimala, Wayanad. Surrounded by deciduous, evergreen and montane forests, this waterfall is regarded as one of the best waterfalls. The drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls provides visitors with scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. This enchanting waterfall is 200 meters high that also offer a cliff face, ideal for rock climbing. Also, since the water falling from the waterfall forms a large pool, one can enjoy swimming and bathing in it.
Sulthan Bathery
Formerly known as Ganapativatom; Sulthan Bathery, located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, is a quaint and peaceful town. The place came to be known by its new name after the great ruler, Tipu Sultan of Mysore, invaded the region and used the Jain Temple located here as a battery. The pleasant weather in this beautiful town, coupled with excellent opportunities for shopping and spectacular historical sites makes the town of Sulthan Bathery a popular tourist destination that is visited by tourists all year round.