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Top 10 Sightseeing places in Wayanad.

Wayanad
    1. Lakkidi View Point

Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad as it is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass. There are nine hairpin curves from Adivaram (Downhill) to Lakkidi through steep mountains and a journey through the serpentine ghat pass is worth an experience.  It is about 2296 ft (700 m) above the sea level and the major town nearby is Vythiri which lies five km away. The lush greenery of the hills, gorges and streams seen on both sides of the passage up the hill are sure to linger in the visitors’ mind for a long time. Tourists often stop by Lakkidi View Point, the vantage point which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys.

    1. Chain Tree

There is a legend associated with the chain bound ficus tree.  It is said that a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided him in making the route. The engineer was reluctant to share the glory and hence he killed Karinthandan. Local people believe that later the soul of the tribal youth started haunting the travellers on this way and at last a priest chained the spirit to the tree.

    1. Pookode Lake

Pookode Lake in Wayanad is a freshwater lake near Kalpetta resembling the map of India. People come to Pookode Lake for a family outing, boating and enjoying the serenity and peaceful ambience of the place. You can savour the views and watch the animals and birds coming to the lake from the surrounding forests. The lake is also home to lotuses and water lilies. The place boasts of a freshwater aquarium, a children’s park and a handicrafts shop too.

    1. Pazhassi Raja Tomb

At a distance of 30 Kms from Kalpetta, Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb is located in Mananthavady. This tomb is the memorial of the ‘Lion of Kerala’ Veera Pazhassi Raja, a descendent of Kottayam Royal family. Pazhassi Raja organized guerrilla warfare against the British around the year of 1800 AD and he is remembered for his bravery. Pulpally Cave nearby is the place where the Pazhassi Raja took refuge until he was captured by the British in 1805. The tomb marks the point where he was cremated after being shot by the British. Pazhassi museum located nearby has a sword which is believed to have been used by Pazhassi Raja. The location of the tomb offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys of Wayanad.

    1. Jain Temple

The Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery is believed to have been built in 13th century AD. The temple has an interesting history. It first served as a shrine, and then became an important centre of commercial activity. Later in 18th century, it became a dumping ground of ammunitions by Tipu Sultan.

    1. Thirunelli Temple

Located at Wayanad, Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple is a famous and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the only temple in the world where the rituals related to one’s life, from birth to death and life after death. Thirunelli Maha Vishnu Temple is also known as “Sahyamala Kshetram” and “Kashi of the South”. It is believed that  the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma.

    1. Edakkal Caves

It is a dwelling that showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture and you have to trek to about 4000 ft up a mountain to reach the place. Edakkal Caves remains a wonder and a mystery for archaeologists and historians alike.  The name of Edakkal Caves literally means `a stone in between’. As the name indicates, it seems that one boulder miraculously wedged in between two bigger ones to create a cave. Scientists too are of the opinion that Edakkal Caves is a fissure in the rocks which had been created due to natural causes/ changing climatic conditions.

    1. Banasura Sagar Dam

The Banasura Sagar Dam is an ideal picnic spot with a breath-taking view. Located at 21 kms from Kalpetta in Wayanad District of Kerala, it is an important tourist attraction. Built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini in Kalpetta, it is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, which got its name from ‘Banasura’, the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that ‘Banasura’ undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats. Banasura Sagar Dam is part of the Indian Banasura sagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979. The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in summer season.

    1. Kuruva Island

One of the most popular designations in Wayanad, Kuruva Island or Kuruvadweep is noted for its calm, serene and beautiful surroundings. Located in Kabani River, the island is surrounded by streams and visitors can enjoy a boat ride or a bamboo raft to explore. Spread over 950 acres of land, it takes a minimum of 3 hours to explore this uninhabited island. Visitors can also plan for a trekking in Kuruva Island. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs always attract nature lovers to Kuruva.

    1. Chembra Peak

Located close to Meppady and just 8 km south of Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.