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PLACES TO VISIT |
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Edakkal
Caves :
There are two Edakkal Caves, natural
rock cutout formations, formed by a large split in a huge
rock roofed over by other large rocks, all fixed in position
through natural processes. These caves are famous world-wide
for their ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions
of human and animal figures with peculiar head-dresses
and swastik forms and symbols. Archaeologists
say the place was one of the earliest centres of
human habitation. These caves are seen in the Ambukuthy
mountains which is located in between Sulthan Battery
and Ambalavayal. The caves contain several paintings and
pictorial writings of the New Stone Age civilization which
speak volumes of the bygone life and civilization.
Kalpetta : This is where the headquarters of the
Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains
in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple
is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.
Chethalayam
Waterfalls : Located 12 km. from Sulthan Bathery
on the Pulpalli Main Road, are the breathtakingly beautiful
Chethalayam Waterfalls.
One can get a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has
to trek a distance of around 4 km. from Chethalayam. Wayanad
Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
is another tourist spot not to be missed. Here you can
see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear.
About 15 km from Sultan's Bathery, the Wildlife Sanctuary
covers over 344 sq. km. and forms part of the area of
Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Sanctuary
in Karnataka.
Pookot Lake : Pookot Lake, a natural fresh water
lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills
is situated 3 km from south of Vythiri town.
Pookot Lake, about 13 km. from Kalpetta, is the most beautiful
tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake lies in
the lap of mountains surrounding it.
Boating in the Pookot Lake is a unforgettable experience.
Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway
around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater aquarium
with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.
Varambetta Mosque : 15 km south east of Kalpetta,
this 300-year-old mosque is the oldest in Wayanad.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum :
12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, it is one of the best
heritage museums in Kerala. The exhibits here include
rare 2nd century artifacts such as clay sculptures, ancient
hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons
and other curios
Banasura Dam : 15 km. north west of Kalpetta, Banasura
Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse
of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides,
except one. Its an ideal picnic spot. Located in the midst
of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and
park full of flowering trees, the beauty of this spot
is captivating.
Chembra Peak : Chembra peak, which is highest peak
in Wayanad is located 14 km west of Kalpetta. Located
amidst panoramic surroundings, the peak is at an altitude
of 2100 m above sea level. An ideal spot for trekking,
Chembra Peak is a very beautiful spot close to the Western
Ghats. The Chembra Hills and the adjacent Meppadi hills
are accessible from Kalpetta.
The entire region is quite picturesque with tea plantations
and a variety of flora and fauna and some wild life in
the jungles.
At the top of the Chembra Peak, there is a lake that has
never been dry. It is a delightful spot for the trekkers
as well as for the nature lovers. Although the trek to
the Chembra Peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary : This is an ideal
destination to watch herds of wild elephants, the Muthanga
Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area
network of the Nagarhole National Park and the Bandipur
Tiger Reserve in the neighboring State of Karnataka and
Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345
sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project
Elephant. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted
frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc
also live here. A drive along the road to Muthanga and
further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts.
Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.
Best time to visit is from June to October.
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