Wayanad - Eco-tourism Hub

Nestled in the lush green valleys of the Western Ghats

, Wayanad is one of the later formed districts of Kerala. Wayanad district came into existence in 1980 with the headquarters at Kalpetta, carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

Wayanad with its forest covered mountains and valleys, extensive jungle cover, flora and fauna, pristine waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and historic monuments is a tourist hot spot and one of the most visited districts in Kerala.

Wayanad's strategic location has also been a boon for the tourism development in Wayanad. Wayanad lies on the border of the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, making it advantageously located near other tourist locations like Ooty, Mysore and Coorg. Its proximity to Bangalore also attracts a lot of tourists on the weekends.

At a height of about 2100 metres, Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and considered to be a trekkers' paradise. There is a lake at the summit which promises spectacular views from the top. Pakshipaathalam is also another favoured trekking destination. There is a natural rock cave in the Brahmagiri Hills that is also a favoured trekking destination. The 6 km trek from Tirunelli takes you through thick jungle. A lot of resorts and hotels can organise the treks.

Sultan Bathery, a small town in Wayanad derives its name from the Nizam of Hyderabad, Tipu Sultan, who built a fort here that was known as Sultan's Battery, as he used this place to store ammunition.

Pazhassi Raja, considered the 'Lion of Kerala', was the first to fight a guerrilla war against the British. In the memory of Pazhassi Raja a tomb has been built near Mananthavady in Wayanad.

Muthanga and Tholpetty are two wildlife reserves in Wayanad that are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, which even include some endangered species.

Believed to be in existence from the New Stone Age, Wayanad is full of archaeological sites as well. Edakkal caves, an ancient rock shelter, 4000 feet up the mountain, are famous for the rock art depicting human and animal carvings.

Some of the most popular religious centers in Wayanad are Ananthanatha Swamy Temple, popularly referred to as the Jain Temple, the Tirunelli Temple, Papanasini, Valliyoorkavu Temple, Sita Lava Kusha Temple, Thrissilery Shiva Temple and the Pallikkunnu Church and is a must for the religiously fervent.

Kuruva Island on the Kabini River is a relatively untouched mass of tropical forests that houses many exquisite varieties of flora and avifauna.

Another popular attraction here is the Banasura Sagar Dam which is famous as the largest earth dam in India.

The nearest airport is Karipur international airport in Kozhikode and the nearest railway station is the Kozhikode railway station.

by: Rashmii

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