Resorts Kerala, Jungle Resort, Island Resort

Resorts Wayanad

Wayanad is known for its virgin forests, waterfalls and rivers. Chembra peak, at 2100m, is the highest peak in the district. You can camp on the peak, go trekking and mountain climbing here. The District Tourism Promotion Council gives out trekking gear on hire. Kalpetta is the district headquarters. The Varambetta Mosque is 15km from Kalpetta, and is 300 years old making it the oldest mosque in Wayanad. A Jain Temple at Puliyarmala is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, one of the most respected Jain saints. The Jain Glass temple at Koottamundu is situated on the Vellarimala slopes.

The 300m-high Meenmutty falls is the highest in Wayanad. You need to trek two km off the Ooty road to reach here. The Sentinnel Rock Waterfalls is about 20km from Kalpetta, and is also known as Soochippara Waterfalls. The three-step waterfall which is over 200m makes for an exhilarating sight. Rock climbers and nature enthusiasts will love this place. Banasura sagar project, at Padinjarathara has the propositions for a mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia to be built soon. You can trek to the Banasura Peak.

Sulthan Bathery is about 25km from Kalpetta and is the connecting point for the Edakkal caves – a group of three caves located at a height of 1,000m on Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal. New Stone Age pictorial writings and paintings can be seen on the walls.

Wayanad wild life sanctuary at Muthanga which was established in 1973 is connected with the Nagarhole and Bandipur sanctuaries of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on southeast. The sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and houses a number of tribes and their families. In Muthanga you’ll find elephants, tigers, panthers, civet cats, monkeys, spotted bears, bisons, gaurs, deer, cheetah and owls. Elephant rides by the forest department are a good leisure activity.

There are several Jain temples in the region. The Tipu’s Fort temple and the ones at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are commonly visited ones. The Thrissilery Shiva Temple and the Vishnu temple at Thirunelly are famous too. The Seetha Lava Kusha Temple is the only temple in the country dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama.

The main river of Wayanad – Kabini – flows through the group of islands in the Kuruwa Dweep. Adventure seekers would love it here. River rafting routes traverse villages, forests and reserves. An accompanying vehicle on the road will carry food as there will only be snacks and mineral water on the raft. Rafting gear and equipment such as jackets, helmets, paddles and first aid kits will be available. Rafting on the bamboo-and-coir raft over the Kabini is a great experience. June, July, August and September is the best time to visit.