Wayanad Hill Station, Kerala:
Wayanad is famous for its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna and picturesque views, from ancient times. Edakkal caves constitute 6000 years-old engravings from Neolithic civilizations. It is a quite interesting and engaging place to visit. The climate will keep you calm and the nature- hills, forests, waterfalls will fill you up with positive energy.
However, archaeological evidences prove that forests of Wayanad are inhabited for more than 3000 years. Several Dynasties like the Kutumbiyas, Kadambas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara’s empire etc ruled the Wayanad.
The meaning of Wayanad is the ‘land of paddy fields’ but the Britishers encouraged the production of wealthy crops. Therefore, over the years, tea, coffee and spices are cultivated on the fertile soils of Wayanad.
How to reach Wayanad?
Kozhikode is directly connected with major cities of India and some from some countries abroad through Airways. You can reach Wayanad from following means:
By Airways:
The nearest airport is Kozhikode International Airport which is only at a distance of 98 Kms. Hire taxi from outside the airport which will take almost 2-2.5 hours to reach there.
By Railways:
The nearest railway station is Kozhikode which is located at a distance of 88 Kms from your destination city.
By Road:
Wayanad enjoys great connectivity with nearby major cities i.e. from Mangalore, Kochi. Kozhikode, Mysuru, Ooty and Thiruvananthapuram. However, traveling by car is more joyful which gives you full freedom to stop and have a closer look to a view that attracts you. Click some pictures and make them a memorable moment forever.
Tips for preparing a perfect itinerary.
Following places are famous in Wayanad:
- Chembra Peak
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Edakkal Caves
- Soochippara Waterfall
- Stay in a Tree house
- Banasura Dam
Chembra Peak:
The Chembra Peak is the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range with an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. It offers a panoramic view of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. The view of the Banasura Sagar Dam is also a delightful to the watch.
Experience a three hour trek from Meppady to the peak and view the nature’s another gift in the form of a heart-shaped Lake ‘hridhayathadakam’ which is believed to have never dried up and is a major tourist attraction here.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Wayanad’s favourable climate facilitates the existence of rich flora and fauna in the Nilgiri region. This Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kerala 344.44 km2 area which was established in 1973 and brought under the Project Elephant in 1991–92.
It has four ranges namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty. A variety of large wild animals such as Indian bison, elephant, deer and tiger are found here.
Whereas, Peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls are a few of the various types of birds seen here. Blue beard bee-eater found in Wayanad is the largest bee eater in the world. These bee-eaters live in low lying forest areas and open hills. It also houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.
Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal caves are of historically and archaeologically significant for its carvings dating back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age i.e. around 6000 years old.
Famous for its exquisite rock and wall carvings, measure at a massive length and width of 96 and 22 feet, respectively and lie about 1200 metres above the sea level. Therefore, you have to trek for one and half hour to reach entrance of the cave.
Soochippara Waterfall
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall situated in Vellarimala, Wayanad. 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 and forms a large pool, so one can enjoy swimming and bathing in it.
Tree House:
So many people have a hidden aspiration of living a life like a Tarzan and roam in the jungle and hang from one branch to other. But fulfilling this desire depends upon one’s boldness to do such kind of action in real life.
So, Wayanad Hill Station is the right place to feel the life of the Tarzan by staying in a Tree house. If you want to fulfill this dream or staying in the tree house then Wayanad is one of the best place.
You can choose a best package which suits you as there are several packages available in the city. As a part of the package, you can stay in the beautiful wooden house, enjoy bonfire, if required and indulge in various activities like rock climbing, abseiling or rappelling or nature walks etc.
Banasura Dam:
The picturesque Banasura Sagar dam is lying in the lap of the Banasura hills, Wayanad, Kerala. It is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view from the top of the dam is breathtaking.
The dam has become a popular tourist destination. Many people visit the place to go trekking at the Banasura Hill & speed boating at Banasura Sagar Dam.
The Speed Boats are ready for your adrenaline rush or fulfilling your adventurous need. Take a trek up to the Banasura Peak which is filled with streams, diverse flora, fauna, lush tropical green and majestic waterfalls.
Suggestion:
If you want to visit Ooty, Coonoor, Mysuru etc from here. Read my articles:
Ooty: how to visit top tourist places?
Why do we visit Coonoor & Ooty Together?
Read tips for packing essential items.
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