Banasura Sagar is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia but if you are expecting a huge mud embankment, all you will see is undulating terrain dominated by the Banasura River. During the rains, when the river is swollen and the dam is full, small islands are formed upstream. Large patches of water are lazily scattered against a picturesque backdrop of a chain of mountains, called Banasura.
Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment has no parallel elsewhere. With its placid crystal clear waters Banasura is a wonderful picnic spot.
Brahmagiri is a mountain range in the Western Ghats of south India. It is situated on the border between Wayanad district of Kerala state on the south and Kodagu district in Karnataka on the north. Brahmagiri Hill, at 1608 m height, is a scenic tourist attraction. The top of Brahmagiri Hill is well forested and has a lot of wildlife.
Chembra takes credit as the highest peak in Wayanad. At 2,100 metres, the summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills, rocks, valleys and shimmering streams. Though the ascent is tricky, the hill draws trekking enthusiasts from all over. Adding to the allure is the drive itself. The landscape is similar to that of Munnar – miles and miles of green tea plantations on the undulating hillsides along with crisp, bracing air, all guaranteed to fascinate the visitor.
Edakkal Caves is Kerala's most famous prehistoric site with prehistoric rock etchings found on the walls.
The wall art belongs to the Neolithic age, dating as far back as 4000 BC. You can make out images of a tribal king, a queen, a child, a wild dog, an elephant and deer. The second set of drawings belong to the Megalithic age.
As you look up you see a boulder miraculously edged in between two bigger ones with its angular bottom protruding below. Edakkal literally means the stone in between.
The walk is not easy, and is quite steep. And not too easy if you have younger kids. At places the climb could be slippery, and could seem unending. But the walk is work the effort.
The rock shelter is an uphill trudge through a hillside peppered with coffee plantation. The climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes. There is a jeep that can help you avoid he first part of the walk but the last 200m or so, you will need to climb.
Most of the 40 odd rivers that originate in the Western Ghats flow west into the Arabian Sea. But three flow east into the neighbouring States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. One of them is the Kabini. And it takes birth as two separate rivulets – the Panamaram, originating from Lakkidi and the other, the Mananthavady revulet originating from Thondaramudi peak. These two wind around a 950-acre wooded island nestled amidst sylvan surroundings, called Kuruva Dweep.
At Pulpally you buy a ticket, which will give you a ride across the rivulet in a bamboo raft. From the Manathavady side though, you could leap across half-submerged boulders to hop on to the island. DTPC operates a boat ride from here. A kilometre long walk under the bamboo canopy to the far end would take you to the confluence of the rivulets. The heavily wooded environs is home to myriad birds and butterflies.
This is an idyllic spot but, if you’re seeking solitude, go during weekdays when there is hardly anybody around and soak in the tranquility.
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
This view point gives you one of the finest views of Wayanad. You can see the Meenmutti waterfalls, gushing down and then flowing down in cascades further down its course.
Pakshipathalam is a haven for a large avian colony – mainly around the natural rock cave, which also provides a home to small animals, birds and some distinctive species of plants.
Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey buildings.
Legends and myths abound in the region surrounding the Brahmagiri hills. During their wanderings, saints and godmen are believed to have taken shelter in the numerous caves and rocky hillocks here. Pakshipathalam, Garuda Kunnu and Bhuthathan Kunnu are some of the prominent ones. While tired saints took shelter in the caves at Pakshipathalam, Garuda – the king of birds, is said to have perched on the nearby Karimala peak and a small rocky projection here in the shape of an eagle came to be known as Garudapara, or rock of the eagle. This place draws trekkers and bird watchers during the summer months.
En route, a watchtower in the jungle allows you to sight some rare birds. However, a trek here requires permission from the forest department. DTPC arranges guides and camping equipments.
Uravu is the NGO wing of the state bamboo mission formed under the department of industries. As a non-profit trust, it works to help tribals by utilising the abundant bamboo found all through Wayanad. This synergy of efforts between the NGOs and the locals has resulted in a multitude of benefits from ecosystem restoration, to employment opportunities for traditional bamboo artisans and social upliftment of the tribals.
Uravu was set up in 1996 as a bamboo processing training and design centre in Thrikkaipetta village, about seven kilometres east of Kalpetta. Today the centre is a beehive of activity - maintaining a bamboo nursery, designing and developing new uses of bamboo and training in bamboo craft pieces to utility articles. With the support of panel of designers and consultants, Uravu regularly takes part in craft fairs throughout the country, apart from maintaining marketing outlets of its various products.
Bamboo is truly manna for the locals. This fast growing tropical grass yields within three years of planting and requires minimum capital investment. It can be promptly spring up around the cut stubs, obviating the need for replanting. It also rejuvenates degraded land and reduces soil erosion. Added to all this is its other uses. While the spiky leaves provide fodder to cattle, the use of stems is limited only by the imagination.
With partners like the design centre at IIT, Mumbai, the State bamboo corporation, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, NABARD and a host of others, Uravu brims with confidence and is a clear example of sustainable development and social responsibility.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompassses an area of 3444.44 square kilometres, is made up of two discontinuous pockets - Muthunga in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Located 18 Kilometres west of Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri biosphere region that is made up of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and the Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Within Kerala, the Sulthan Bathery and Kurichiat ranges lie contiguous to Muthanga. To the north, the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary abuts the Nagarhole range of Karnataka. Muthunga is 35 kilometres from Kalpetta while Thirunelly is the nearest habitation to Tholpetty.
The roads leading to both Muthanga and Tholpetty are smooth and even with lots of greenery all around, especially bamboo, which is pelnty. Paddy fields and long spiky bushes of ginger also dot the route on either side.
Notified in 1973, this sanctuary, headquartered in Sulthan Bathery, forms part of Project Elephant. Pachyderm roam freely across the different ranges and reserves. Inter-state seasonal migration is also common. Earlier, elephant safaris were a regular feature. From 1993, this was discontinued in keeping with conservation measures.
Brahmagiri can be reached by a trek from Mananthavady (29 km east) or from Kutta. From Karnataka side, trek to Brahmagiri from Irupu Falls is 9 km and to Munikal Caves is 7 km. Trekkers need to seek the permission of Range Forest Officer at Srimangala. Brahmagiri is about 11 km from Tirunelli.
The peak of the Brahmagiri Hills is covered with dense forests, which has a lot of wildlife. Coffee and orange plantations can also be found on the hilly slopes.
Trekking in Lakkidi is very popular. So much undisturbed country just begs to be explored, and there is no better way to do so than by hiking and camping. Trekkers find themselves hiking through some of the most breathtaking lands in the world. Waterways, mountain peaks, forests, and even waterfalls are all readily explored when on a trek. Temples can be explored along the way as well.
This is a fascinating trek. This is a challenging tourist spot for even adventure loving patrons. 9kms trek along the winding paths through dense evergreen forest over three hills is required to reach here.
Pakshipathalam can be accessed only by trekking
Approx. Rs. 20/- Group of 20 people allowed for Trekking. No food or accomodation available
This is a must see if you are a history buff. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic are and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Pakshipathalam is a natural nest for birds, rare species are seen. This acts as abode to a vast variety of birds and wild animals. There are various rare species of birds besides elephants, tigers, jungle cats, civets, bison, peacocks, wood peckers etc. A Tour to Pakshipathalam provides the unique experience of watching some of the most exotic species of birds from the watch tower of the Bird sanctuary which is situated nearby.
With so much landscape that remains untouched, it is small wonder that birdwatchers are drawn to this area. It is common to see such bird species as peacocks, cormorants, egrets, bulbuls, snipes, peafowl, and babblers. The natural landscape is also a draw for exotic animal lovers. The area is home to such wild animals as tigers, Asian elephants, sambars, leopards, cheetahs, sloth bears, and spotted deer.
DTPC Operates a boat ride from here. A kilometre long walk under the bamboo canopy to the far end would take you to the confluence of the rivulets. The heavily wooded environs is home to myriad birds and butterflies.
Pleasure Boat Ride on the Manathavady side: Rs 50, Boat fee: Rs 10 per person for ferry Island entry fee: Rs 10 per person, Rs 30 for still camera, Guide Fee: Rs 50 Vehicle parking fee: Rs 10
Though the climb is steep and ardous this trail is ideal for even a first time trekker. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day.
You have to trek around 5 KM up and down.
The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipments on hire charges to the tourists. Permission from the forest office in Meppady is required for trekking up to the Chembra peak.
