WAYANAD


About District

Wayanad District came into existence on 1st November, 1980 as the 12th District of Kerala consisting of Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery and Vythiri Taluks. The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and on the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States.

Tourism Hotspots Of Wayanad

Chembra Peak

At a distance of 17 km from Kalpetta, Chembra Peak is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats of Wayanad district. This is one of the top places of trekking in Kerala, and another popular attraction not to miss in a Wayanad tour packages. Located at an elevation of 2100 m above sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad & the third highest peak in South India. Chembra is located near the town of Meppadi, which is about 10 km south of Kalpetta. Trekking to Chembra Peak is one of the top things to do in Wayanad. Being nestled amidst the beautiful Wayanad hills and the adjoining Nilgiri hills, trek to the peak is certainly a rejuvenating affair. Chembra Peak is accessible by foot from Meppadi town. Trekking to the Chembra Peak is a moderately difficult task and is recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness. 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. Earlier, the trek used to be till Chembra peak. But, now visitors can only trek to the heart-shaped lake. The actual trek starts from the watchtower at the foothill of Chembra Peak which is about 7 km from Meppadi. The trek entry point can be reached by private vehicles (jeeps) from Meppadi town. Visitors can get permission from the entry gate itself. The peak is about 4 km one way and takes about 2 hours to trek (one way). A forest guide will be provided for each group near the entry point. Camping is not allowed on the peak.

Banasura Sagar Dam

At a distance of 21 km from Mananthavady, 22 km from Kalpetta, 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places. Banasura Sagar Dam was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini. Ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, it is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam 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. The dam was built in 1979 under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project that was started to support the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the locals during the hot summer season. Banasura Sagar Dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. The reservoir is marked with a cluster of small islands which were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas during monsoon season. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill provide a mesmerizing sight to the tourists as part of Wayanad holiday packages.

Soochipara Waterfalls

At a distance of 13 km from Meppadi, 24 km from Kalpetta & 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Vellarimala mountain range of Wayanad. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Kerala, and among the must-visit places as part of Wayanad holiday packages. Soochipara Waterfalls is a 3 tiered waterfall, dropping from a height of about 200 meters. The waterfall cascades down into a large pool, which is a good place for swimming and bathing. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins Chaliyar River after Vellarimala Hills near Cherambadi in Tamil Nadu. The waterfall got its name from a needle-shaped rock situated here where soochi means rock and para means needle. It is regarded as one of the prominent Wayanad tourist attractions. This waterfall, surrounded by dense green forest, is one of the best waterfalls in Wayanad. A 20-minute drive from Meppadi will take you to this splendid waterfall. Visitors have to trek down for about 2 km to reach the falls from the road point through the well-laid path. The trekking is of easy level, which takes about 30 minutes one way. There are high chances that visitors may get a glimpse of wildlife like Deer.