Trip to Wayanad - Places to see and Entry tickets
Wayanad has become a must visit place for any tourist heading to Kerala!
It has become all the more popular, with its proximity to Bangalore, as an ideal weekend get away spot. It has a lot to offer to every traveller with its lush greenery, trekking paths, waterfalls, lakes, island and historical spots. Unlike Munnar or Kovalam where the locales and resorts are commercialized, Wayanad stands out with clean and well maintained tourist spots and accomodations for guests. These are the few major attractions in Wayanad which could be typically covered in 3 Days.
1. Banasura Sagar Dam : It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. The dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. In the dam's reservoir there is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.The islands with the Banasura hills in the background provide a spectacular view.
2. Banasura Meenmutty Falls (Near Banasura) : It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. A part of Meenmutty could be accessed from Banasura.
3. Pookode Lake : This is a scenic freshwater lake in the Wayanad district in Kerala,South India. It is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level.
4. Lakkidi View Point : Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is situated 700 m above mean sea level, atop Thamarashery ghat pass.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurgling stream, luxuriant vegetation and the Bird's Eye view of the deep valley on the south,with its winding roads, are breathtaking.
5.Chembra Peak: Hike up the rugged terrains of the Chembra Peak located 2,100 metres above sea level on the southern part of Wayanad. Chembra is the tallest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking. There is a heart shaped lake on the way to the top of the peak, which is believed to have never dried up, is a major tourist attraction here.You can have group treks of up to ten people or hike on your own, accompanied by a guide.
6.Soochipara Falls: Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is located in Wayanad district of Kerala. Locally known as Soochipara (needle rock) waterfalls, the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. One of the most attractive falls in the district, the water hits the sharp spikes of granite at the base and hence the name, Sentinel Rock waterfalls.
7.Kanthampara Falls: A beautiful waterfall situated about 22 km away from Kalpetta. Smaller than the Sentinel Rock waterfalls, the Kanthanpara Falls and its surroundings make an ideal picnic spot in Wayanad.
8. Ambalavayal Farm: This farm grows a wide variety of crops like coffee, pepper, rice including scented varieties, spices like ginger, turmeric, clove, cinnamon , tropical and subtropical fruits, summer and cool season vegetables. The station is assigned with the mandate of solving location, specific problems of horticultural and spice crops.
9. Ambalavayal Museum : Four sectors of the museum—the Verasmruthi, the Gothrasmruthi, the Devasmruthi, and the Jeevanasmruthi—house different types of items ranging from the Neotholic age to the 17th century, including artifacts from ordinary tribal life, decorated memorial grave stones once used to adorn the graves of heroes, and terracotta figures.
10. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary : A variety of large wild animals such as Indian bison,deer,elephant and tiger (rare sightings) are found there. There are also quite a few unusual birds in the sanctuary.
11. Kuruvadweep is a 950-acre (3.8 km2) protected river delta on theKabini River.This island of dense and evergreen forest is uninhabited and hence a home to rare kinds of flora and fauna: uncommon species of birds, orchids and herbs. Most recently, it has been identified as the most visited place in the district by tourists drawn from all over the globe.The island surrounded by streams and river can be accessed using rafts or fiber boats run by Kerala Tourism Department.
12. Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukuthi Hill to reach the caves. Inside the caves are pictorial writings believed to date to at least 6,000 BC from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill.
13. Karlad Lake is located in Thariode, which is around 16 km away from Kalpetta. This is the second largest freshwater lake in the state, which is quite popular among nature enthusiasts for its peaceful environs. The 7 acres land surrounding this lake is a popular picnic spot, where boating can also be done. This lake is surrounded by dense bamboo groves that are perfect trekking trails for reaching the Pallikkunnu Church. Banasura Sagar Dam is situated around 3 km away from the Karlad Lake.
14. Tholpetty: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 344 square kms with four ranges namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty. A variety of large wild animals such as Indian bison, elephant, deer and tiger are found there. It is bounded by protected area network Of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. The vegetation is predominantly deciduous and also semi evergreen. Elephant rides are arranged by the Kerala Forest Department.
15. Thirunelli Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu beside the Brahmagiri hills in Kerala. The temple is at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is 32 km away from Manathavady. The famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parasurama is believed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed in killing Kshatriyas. It is a popular destination for performing last rites by Hindus especially during Karkkidaka Vavu in August.
Entry & Tickets:
Kuruva
Entry Time: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
Entry Fee: Rs.80
Edakkal :
9am to 4pm, Entry Fee: Rs. 20
Muthanga - Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Entry Time: 7 to 10 am , 3 to 5 pm
Entry: Rs.110 /head
Jeep : Rs.675 for 7 - Apart from entry fee
Camera:Rs.38
Video: Rs.225
Only 60 vehicles allowed /Day inside the forest
40 vehicles - Morning
20 vehicles - Afernoon
Soochipara Falls
Entry Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry : Rs.30
Camera: Rs.25
Chembra Peak
Entry Time: 7 am to 2 pm
Entry : Rs.750 per group
Pookode Lake
Entry Time : 9am to 6 pm
Entry Fee : Rs.20 for adults, Rs.10 for kids
Row boat 7 seater - 350
Pedal boats : 2 seater - Rs.100, 4 seater - Rs.200
Camera - Rs.20 ,
Entry Time: 9 am to 5 pmVideo - Rs.150
Aquarium-Rs.5, Fish Spa : 50 for 10 minutes
Banasura Sagar Dam
Entry Time:7am to 2 pm
Entry : Rs.10
Jeep Safari : Rs.10
Speed Boat : Rs.750
Entry:Rs.750 for a group
Karlad Lake near Banasura:
Entry Ticket for Adult: Rs.30
Children : Rs.10
Still Camera : Rs.100
Video Camera : Rs.250
Zipline : Rs.290
Kayaking : Rs.230
Rock Climbing : Rs.115
Pedal Boat (2 seated): Rs.100
Pedal Boat (4 seated): Rs.200
Row Boat : Rs.400
Note:Edakkal Caves is closed on Mondays
Kuruva is closed during Monsoons -June,July,August months
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