Wayanad : The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal oriented. Though considered as backward, this District is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State, with its production of cash crops like pepper,cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.
#Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is another must-visit on the list of Wayanad tourist places. It is a fresh water lake settled amidst the evergreen forests of Wayanad. The map of India is what the lake is shaped like. An abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fish inhabit the water body, enhancing its glorious beauty.Facilities like boating, well maintained children’s park, aquarium and a handicrafts’ emporium is made available here by the District Tourism Promotion Council. This is an ideal picnic spot for families and a great place for a hike. |
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#Lakkidi View Point Lakkidi View Point is one of the highest peaks in Wayanad and receives the 2nd highest rainfall in the whole world. From here, you get a bird’s eye view of the scintillating valleys and mountain ranges of the region. Pookode Lake is barely 3kms from here and is thickly vegetated. Adorned with all these natural resources, it is also one of the richest biodiversity areas in the region and home to various species of herons as well as rare Indian birds among many other species of flora and fauna. It is a favoured picnic spot in this expanse. |
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#Thamarassery Ghat Thamarassery Ghat is along the national highway (NH 212) that connects Kozhikode with Wayanad. Since the road leads to Wayanad, this ghat pass is often called “Wayanad churam”.The ghat pass (“churam”) begins from Adivaram (downhills), while coming from Kozhikkode and ends at Lakkidi, the beginning of Wayanad district. There is a view point at the top of the ghat pass just after the 9th hairpin and before reaching Lakkidi. You can stop at this place and enjoy the beautiful view of the serpentine roads through the hills. |
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#Meenmutty Waterfalls The word Meenmutty, in Malayalam literally means the place where fish get blocked and is regarded as the largest waterfall in Wayanad. A 2km hike from the main Ooty road, this three-tiered waterfall with the height of 300 metres is a rare Wayanad tourist place that still remains untouched. Comfortable in its natural settings, Meenmutty waterfalls is the 2nd largest in Kerala. A separate hike through the moist dense forests leads one to each of the three tiers. This is a quiet and tiresome route that ends at a point with the most dreamy sights. |
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#Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock is situated at Vaduvanchal which is around 13 km from Kalpetta. This rock is adjacent to the Ambalavayal town and has a skull shape. The skull shaped rock is locally called as Cheengeri Mala and offers great photographic opportunities. |
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#Ambalavayal Wayanad Heritage Museum The Wayanad Heritage Museum is situated in Ambalavayal town and houses art facts that depict the history, heritage and culture of Wayanad. The museum has a wide collection of 14th century and 16th century sculptures and tribal art facts. This collection includes farming implements, jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons. It also houses stone weapons, ancient terracotta and local art. This museum is considered to be one of the best archaeological museums in the state of Kerala. The museum is segregated into four blocks, namely Veerasmruthi, Devasmruthi, Gothrasmruthi and Jeevanasmruthi. Veerasmruthi comprises varied kinds of pictorial rock edicts that are called Veera Kallu or Hero Stones. These stones mention the valiant warriors belonging to the bygone era. Gothrasmruthi and Jeevanasnruthi blocks display articles related to tribal people. These articles comprise headgear, jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, cowbells, farming implements and musical instruments. Devasmruthi has art facts that belong to the period extending between the Neolithic Age and the 17th century. |