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Wayanad - The Hidden Gem - An Article About Wayanad in Kerala, India - What to Do in Wayanad

By Aparna Anand

Article Word Count:

2637

Bangalore has always been famous for its salubrious climate, urban parks, gardens and laid back culture. However, the rapid urbanization after the IT boom has resulted in creating a urban chaos in this once beautiful city. The city, no doubt has grown prosperous, but has paid a heavy cost in terms of quality of life. Traffic jams, high level of pollution and a crumbling infrastructure due to the rapid growth of population has resulted in tremendous stress among its inhabitants. It is in this context that the concept of weekend breaks for the urban dwellers of this megalopolis gains importance. Most of the new generation citizens of Bangalore are migrants from the rural hinterlands of India. The sudden IT boom has churned at least the creamy layer of the rural Indian society and in a short span of 15 years have brought together the first generation urban migrants, who are educated and suave, but not really at ease with the urbanity surrounding them. While they are at ease with the comfort and pace of this urban, no one can deny that there exists a part in their mind, which pulls them back to nature, where nostalgia beckons and where mind yearns for the simple ways of their childhood.

Wayanad is just 6 hrs drive from the urban chaos of Bangalore. Just 280 Kms from Bangalore, a different world awaits you. Rolling green hills, incredibly fresh air from the blue mountains that almost touch the heavens, cascading water falls, teeming wild life and tea and spice plantation that promises a romantic get away- Wayanad is all that and much more. A legendary land, whose spices changed the world history, a culture almost three thousand years old, a place rich in mythical yore, Wayanad is something which you can never have enough.

I shall list a few attractions of Wayanad here. This is by no means exhaustive.
You can get more details from my website http://www.planetgreenresorts.com

Come, let us have a tour through the magically green Wayanad

Lakes and Boating
1. Pookot lake, Wayanad

With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers.

Pookot Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, district head quarters of wayanad is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it. Boating in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.

This is a beautiful natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and wooded hills. Boating facilities, Children's Park and shopping centre for handicrafts and spices of Wyanad are arranged by District Tourism Promotion Council. These provides recreational facilities to the visitors. A fresh water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by the Fisheries Department. The lake is 9 km south of Planet Green Plantation resorts.

2.Banasura sagar lake, Wayanad

The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta,. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains. It is an important tourist attraction.

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.
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3.Karalad Lake, Wayanad

16 km west of Kalpetta, this is a 7 acre lake with great photo opportunities
4.Kuruva Dweep river islands,Wayanad

Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.

Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature.

View Points

1.Lakkidi view point, Wayanad

One of the most popular view points in Wyanad, this is on the road to Kozhikode. When you are here, do not forget to feed the monkeys and also taste gooseberry and pineapple pickled in brine from the local shops

2.Boys town view Point,Wayanad

This is a breathtakingly beautiful site in the boys town ghat road leading to famous Kottiyoor temple. One can watch sunset from a high altitude and see off Kannur coast will be visible like a silver line. Distance 45 Kms from Planet Green Resorts

3.Phantom Rock,Wayanad

A skull shaped rock which has an eerie similarity to the face of Phantom. Will be an excellent addition to your travel photos

4.Nellimale view Point,Wayanad

Nellimale 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 its foreground.
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Trekking
1.Chembra Peak,Wayanad

Chembra Peak soars upto 2100 metres and is perhaps the tallest summit of the Wayanad region. It is popular amongst tourists for the simple reason that it provides some spectacular views of the surrounding area from its zenith. However, trekking up the hill itself is not so simple. Usually it takes around four hours to climb up but for the starters it might just take another extra hour.
Planet Green Plantation Resorts, Wayanad has the best view of Chembra peak wayanad. You may visit
http://www.planetgreenresorts.com to see the pictures

2.Brahmagiri Peak

We rested here for a while and walked a bit on the beautiful ridges. A bit of walking and we saw a few Sambars and a ma elephant with its baby. Weather had completely cleared up as we headed back and offered good view of the surroundings and the Brahmagiri peak itself. We also got to see Wild Gaurs on the way back. A few of us discovered thorns of porcupines here and there. Elephant dung was littered wherever we went. A pair of Nilgiri Langur were spotted on a tree at a distance. There was life in every part of the sanctuary.
3.Banasura Peak

It is the largest earth dam in India, and is located 21 km from Kalpetta. Due to the undulating topography of the region, islands are formed upstream of the dam when the dam is full.

4.Pakshipathalam,Wayanad

Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam.

Wild life and bird Sancturies in wayanad
1.Begur (tholpetty) wild life sanctuary,Wayanad

Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of Karnataka) Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between Nov. and May.

2.Muthanga Wild life sanctuary,Wayanad

Spread over a vast area, Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. Located 18kms east of Sultan Bathery, it is a rain forest reserve connected to two major sanctuaries. Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamilnadu (TN) The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with smaller stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. Amidst such fertile 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 profusion of birds, butterflies and insects.

Distance from Planet Green: 3 Kms

3.Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary,Wayanad

Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey buildings! The deep caves found here are home to wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7km trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelli. (Special permission required from the DFO � North Wayanad at Mananthavady).

Waterfalls
1.Meenmutty water falls,Wayanad

An interesting 2km 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.

2.Soochipara water falls,Wayanad

Soochippara waterfalls are really a treasure of nature. Alight from your drive & take a one Km. walk through the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad. You will discover nature at its thundering best. Soochippara is a three tiered powerful waterfall. The cliff face here is ideal for rock-climbing, but for true professionals only.

3.Palchuram water falls,Wayanad

Palchuram is new road opened from Wayanad towards Kottiyoor. A visit to this place is exotic, especially during rainy season and winter season. The whole mountains will be covered with snow and the chilling cold climate makes you feel wonderful.

4.Chethalayam water falls,Wayanad

Chethalayam is one of Wayanad�s smaller waterfalls. It�s surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.

5.Kanthanpara Water falls,Wayanad

This beautiful waterfall is about 30 mts in height.

Historic & Heritage

1.Pazhassi tomb (35 km northeast of Kalpetta):

The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.

2 Edakkal Caves (24 km from Sulthan Bathery):

The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls are evidence of the prehistoric civilisation that existed in these regions. Accessible only by a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 hrs.

Cultural and tribal

1.Wayanad Heritage Museum

Located in the town of Ambalavayal, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artefacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region. These include headgear, weapons, pottery and various objects associated with tribal life. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memorialise a bygone age of valiant warriors. Adjoining the museum is a small theatre where you can watch a multimedia presentation on Wayanad.

2.Muniyara, Wayanad

Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive series of ancient burial vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars are now displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal.

3.Uravu, Wayanad

Uravu is a charitable trust that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology. They run a successful bamboo crafts design and production centre along with a bamboo nursery. Uravu has a whole range of functional and decorative products created out of this wonderful material found so abundantly in Wayanad.

4. Chain Tree, Wayanad

This large Ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes, an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree.

Religious attractions in Wayanad
Hindu
1.Valiyoor Kavu temple, Wayanad

This temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, manifest in the three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga is an important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad. The annual 15 day festival is in Mar / Apr.

2.Seetha Lava-Kusha Temple, Wayanad

This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

3. Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Wayanad

This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelli. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thiruneli remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less a personage than the legendary Parasurama. There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!

4. Thirunelli Temple:, Wayanad

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.

5. Papanasini, Thirunelli, Wayanad

A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins.
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6. Ananthanatha Swami Temple at Puliyarmala, Wayanad

A beautiful Jain temple, devoted to Ananthanatha Swami, one of the saints of the Jaina faith, is located six kms. from Kalpetta,Wayanad

7. The Glass temple at Koottamunda,Wayanad

Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this temple dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith, is an exquisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls. It is twenty kms. from Kalpetta.

8. Santhinatha Temple at Venniyode,Wayanad

This is another Jain temple devoted to Saint Santhinatha Swami and is situated 20 kms away from Kalpetta. The Chandranatha Swami Temple at Puthanangadi, Vrishabhadeva Swami Temple at Mananthavady and Parawanatha Swami temple at Palkunnu are the other important Jain temples in the district.

Jainism in Wayanad
Jain Temple- Sultan Bathery,Wayanad

This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important for centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan�s marching armies.

The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the best known ruins of Jain temples. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar air of mystery.

Christian pilgrim centers in Wayanad

1.Pallikunnu Chruch, Wayanad
2.Nadavayal St Thomas Church,Wayanad

Muslim pilgrim centers in Wayanad

1. Varambetta Mosque, Wayanad
2. Mardoni Mosque, Wayanad

 

Aparna Anand Planet Green Plantation Resorts Wayanad http://www.planetgreenresorts.com

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I have all of these and I'm trying to get caught up on the story but I'm not sure what order I need to read these in to get it all in order.. Also are there any other books that should be read to help tie this story line together?
Blackest Night
Blackest Night: Green Lantern
Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps
Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps
Blackest Night: Black Lantern Corps:
Volume 1 & Volume 2
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