Wayanad
is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its
pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some
of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation.
Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling
spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.
The leading tourist centres of south india like Ooty, Mysore, coorg,
Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur are around this region.
Tourist
Destinations:
» Banasura
Sagar Dam
This
is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that
many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the
dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill
will provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists.
» Edakkal
Cave
The
Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is not a cave in the real
sense. As stated in the India Antiquary and quoted in the district
Gazetteer, Kozhikode, it is only 'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft.
wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting
off from the main body due to some natural causes.
» Wayanad
wildlife sanctuary
Established
in 1973, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the protected
area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast
and Madumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity,
the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve,
which has been established with the specific objective of conserving
the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich
in flora and fauna. The animal population of the sanctuary is varies.
Elephant, tiger, Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog,
bison, deer, bear, etc. inhabit the sanctuary. Reptiles like monitor
lizard and a variety of snakes are seen. Peacock, babblers, cuckoos,
owl, wood pecker and jungle fowl are only a few among the different
types of birds seen in the area.
» Thirunelli
Temple
Thirunelli
is situated 29kms north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmagiri
hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelli is often
called 'Thekkan Kasi'. It is believed that a bath in the holly water
of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple,
Thirunelli is a place of scenic beauty. Pakshipathalam, an interesting
trekking centre, is 7kms away from the temple.
» How
to reach Wayanad
By
Air : nearest airport Kozhikode (Calicut) (80 kms)
By Rail : nearest railway station : Kozhikode (Calicut).
By Road : well connected by road from Kozhikode (Calicut), Kannur,
Ooty and Mysore.
