Wayanad
Land of spices and serenity

What makes Edakkal Caves truly amazing is that the unique intricate stone carvings that go back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. The caves are two natural formations that are believed to possess been formed by an outsized split during a huge rock. Thus, they need been called Edakkal, meaning a stone in between. The caves dwell the Ambukuthi Hills and tourists can enjoy a trekking expedition to explore the caves. It takes around an hour to succeed in the highest of Capitol Hill and as you go higher, the way gets steeper. you’ll stop for refreshments at stalls present on either sides of the steep trek and luxuriate in brilliant views of the scenery. On your thanks to the caves, the aroma emanating from the coffee plantations takes you to a different world, making your experience a memorable one.

The caves are somewhat of a treasure for historians and archaeologists, who come here to review the exquisite carvings closely. it had been Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Malabar district police, who discovered the caves in 1890 during a hunting trip to Wayanad.

The largest and therefore the most beautiful falls of Wayanad, the Meenmutty Waterfalls plunges down from a height of 1,000 ft in three stages. Situated within the midst of a lush green forest, it requires a trek of about 2 km to succeed in this pristine falls. The beaten muddy path resulting in the falls is lined with small shops selling a spread of things like handicrafts, toys and eatables. After walking about 500 m, the trail turns into a rocky terrain, providing a touch of a challenge to adventure enthusiasts. to succeed in the very best level of the falls, one must undertake a mountain trek. The waterfalls may be a excellent spot to unwind and rejuvenate within the lap of nature and is found at a distance of 29 km from Kalpetta town.

One of the foremost popular spots in Wayanad, the Pookot Lake lies amid lush green surroundings and leaves one mesmerised with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil setting. A freshwater lake, it offers a number of recreational opportunities to visitors, starting from boating to aqua zorbing. The pristine lake is surrounded by picturesque mountain slopes and its shape bears an uncanny resemblance with the Indian map. The lake is additionally famed for its blue lotus flowers. it’s a well-liked site for nature walks, because it shores are carpeted by colourful blooms and therefore the nearby pathways are neatly lined with dense evergreen forests. Lying in close proximity to the lake, a children’s park, a freshwater aquarium and a Handicraft Emporium make it an ideal place to go to together with your family. do not forget to shop for local spices from the handicraft store before you allow . Nestled 3 km south of Vythiri town, the Pookot Lake is definitely reachable from all parts of Wayanad.

Straddling the protected forest areas of the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu , the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rich biodiversity. Sheltering a mixture of South Indian moist deciduous forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests and trees of teak and eucalyptus, the sanctuary houses fauna like tigers, panthers, langurs, bonnet macaques, bison, sambars, monkeys, Malabar squirrels, bears, monitor lizards, elephants, crocodiles, flying lizards, turtles, skinks and therefore the rare Loris gracilis . Located on the outskirts of the town , the sanctuary is an integral a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Muthanga and Tholpetty eco-tourism spots nestled within the sanctuary offer an unforgettable wildlife experience to visitors.

The best thanks to explore the sanctuary is thru jeep safaris, where you’ll sight grazing deer, a herd of elephants tromping by or the elusive tiger drinking from one among the various waterholes within the area.

Running along the western coast of India, from Tapti river within the north to the southern tip of India, the Western Ghats may be a veritable treasure of biodiversity. it’s the eighth biodiversity hotspot within the world, extending into the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The Western Ghats comprises several hill ranges like Cardamom Hills, Nilgiris, Anaimalai Hills and Sahyadris.

The Western Ghats shelters over 139 sorts of mammals, 508 species of birds, 5,000 sorts of flowering plants and 179 sorts of amphibians that are unique to the region. a number of the species , like Malabar large-spotted civet, Asian elephants, Black Panther , lion-tailed macaque, tiger, wild boar, Melursus ursinus , leopard, sambar and therefore the great Indian hornbill, are often spotted here. The forests of the Western Ghats include 39 reserves and 13 national parks.