Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic rugged terrain of the Western ghats, with lofty ridges interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys. Quite a large area of the district is covered by forest but the continued and indiscriminate exploitation of the natural resources point towards an imminent[citation needed] environmental crisis. Wayanad is nature’s green paradise with its pristine valleys and mountains, sprawling plantations, waterfalls, exotic species of flora and fauna and wild life sanctuaries.
Wayanad is the ideal location to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a few quiet memorable moments in a calm and soothing ambiance in the midst of trees and wild animals- an experience of a life time to be sure. Wayand has much to offer to a holiday seeker and is home to several hotels, resorts, home stays and ayurveda treatment centers. A journey to Wayanad will offer a golden opportunity to gain a first hand knowledge of these tribals and to study their customs, traditions and their day to day life. Most of the major tourist destinations in South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg and Nilgiris etc are close by.
Wayanad wild life sanctuary is one of the most important wild life sanctuaries in Kerala that is rich in biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Wayanad city centre. It is home to a large collection of wild animals including elephants, bisons, wild boars, lion tailed monkeys and squirrels among others.
Pookkote Lake, located at a distance of 13 km from the city centre, is a fresh water lake that abounds in a variety of fishes. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Wayanad. Boating facilities are available to tourists and there is a children’s park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium for the benefit of tourists.
Edakkal caves are located at a distance of 28 km from Wayanad city centre and are believed to have been inhabited by tribesmen thousands of years ago. The carvings seen on the walls are a testimony to the age of these caves. Archaeologists and historians worldwide have taken an interest in these ancient caves that are considered historical monuments. The edakkal caves are one of the most important attractions in Wayanad. The district tourism promotion council has installed a telescope at the caves affording a panoramic view of the forests surrounding the
Chembra Peak is located at an altitude of 2100 meters and is the highest peak in Wayanad. Located at a distance of 18 km from Wayanad city centre, the peak is a major attraction among adventure tourists in Wayanad. It is one of the most important locations for adventure tourism and trekking in Wayanad and whole of Kerala.
Kuruva Island is a small island consisting of 950 acres of evergreen forests situated on one of the tributaries of the Kabani River. The island abounds in rare variety of birds, butterflies and several plant varieties. The Kuruva Island is located at a distance of 40 km from Wayanad.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 59 km from Wayanad and bordering Karnataka is a wildlife sanctuary featuring several species of rare birds and animals. It has a rich collection of flora and fauna and several medicinal plants used in ayurveda medicines. The ideal season to visit this wild life sanctuary in Wayanad is September.
This Jain temple in Wayanad built in the 13th century and was one of the most famous Jain temples in Kerala in early times.. This Jain temple in Wayanad is a testimony to the presence of a strong Jain community that lived in Kerala several years ago. The temple is no more in use and is in ruins. Tipu Sultan occupied this temple and used it as an ammunition depot. Several Jains from North India, apart from other tourists visit this tourism attraction in Wayanad.
This important waterfall in Wayanad offers a majestic sight. This waterfall is one of the most important tourism attractions in Wayand. Located at a distance of 22 km from Wayanad, this waterfall is set deep in the forests. The waters cascade downhill from several feet hight and are a breathtaking sight to watch.
Meenmutti Waterfalls is the most famous, largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad .It is located 2 km from the Ootty Road along jungle path. The waterfall is over 300 feet in height and cascades down in three steps. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Wayanad and is located at a distance of 29 km from Wayanad.
Banasura Sagar dam is the largest earth dam in India and is the favorite tourist spot in Wayanad. There are several islands in the catchments area and is a beautiful sight to visit. Boating facilities are available and several tourists make use of boating facilities in the waters of the dam. The dam and its surroundings are in the midst of deep forests.
