Wayanad :

Home to exotic legends, ancient ruins, mysterious mountain caves, aborigine tribes, hidden treasures, tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wild life, Kerala's Wayanad district is the perfect setting for a hundred great adventures!

The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for exceptional adventure experiences. Mountains and forests intersperse to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and opportunities for other adventure sports. With vast areas still unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventurescape waiting to be discovered!

Come explore this fascinating adventurescape!

Wayanad :

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga :
  
  Spread over avast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. Located 18 kms East of Sultan Bathery, it is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103kms.) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123kms.)in Tamil Nadu.
  
  The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with smaller stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. With such profuse and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.
  
  With numerous watering holes, Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms,and has been declared a Project Elephant site.
  Other animals species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur and Slender Loris. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. In addition, there is also a bewildering variety of birds, butterflies and insects.
  Distance:
  
  Kalpetta:42kms. Sultan Bathery:17kms
  
  
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Tholpetty :
  
  Tholpetty reserve is situated along the northern ridge of the district bordering Coorg in Karnataka. In terms of flora and fauna, Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is from November to May.
  
  Distance:
  Kalpetta:59kms.Mananthavadi:24 kms.
  
  
• HERITAGE :
  
  EDAKKAL CAVES : An interesting trek up the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the fascinating neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.
  
  With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.
  An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed by the DTPC a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country.
  
  Distance:
  Kalpetta: 28 kms.
  
  THIRUNELLI TEMPLE : Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture.
  
  Legend has it that this temple was dedicated by the Creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idol is in the form of Chathurbhuja.
  
  Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of the south), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for
  ancestral rites.
  
  The two main festivals here are in April and August/September.
  
  Distance:
  Kalpetta: 64 kms.
  
  
• LEISURE :
  
  POOKOTE LAKE : Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212.
  
  It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children's park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.
  
  Distance:
  KALPETTA : 15 kms.
  

  CHEMBRA PEAK : At 2100 metres, the spectacular Chembra Peak located towards the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day.
  
  The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is a unforgettable experience.
  
  Distance:
  Kalpetta:17kms. Sultan Bathery:42kms
  
  NEELIMALA VIEW POINT : Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty falls and the beautiful valley in it's foreground.
  
  Distance:
  Kalpetta:27kms.Sultan Bathery:26kms.
  
  MEENMUTTY FALLS : A interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty Road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.
  
  A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.
  
  Distance
  Kalpetta:29kms. Sultan Bathery:28kms
  
  About Yamunotri : Yamunotri, the source of revered river Yamuna, is situated on top of Bandar Poonch Peak (3615 m), almost opposite to Gangotri. The temple of Yamunotri located in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The goddess Yamuna has been beautifully carved out from black marble and holds the esteemed value of Divine Mother at par with Goddess Ganga. Yamuna has the frivolity and the roots of this mannerism allude to the mythological event, where Yamuna's mother didn't have an eye contact with her husband all through her life.
  
  Haridwar : About Haridwar : Haridwar connotes to Dwar of Hari or Dwar of Har, and also alluding to Gateway to God. Posited on the bank of Holy Ganga river is one of the four palces where every twelve years the great festival of Kumbha Mela is held and every six years an Ardh Kumbha. Haridwar is also among the seven most revered places of Hindu pilgrimage in India.