Wayanad Excursions

Looked in the midst of sprawling greenery, giant mountains, superb landscapes, and pictorial vistas, Wayanad is a small hill station, oozing out supreme beauty and charm. Not that Wayanad is bountiful of tourist attractions within its boundaries, but it also has numerous worth-visiting places beyond its limits. With several opportunities for excursions and adventure sports, Wayanad is a must-visit destination. There are a number of places which are famous not only for the verdant beauty, but you will also find numerous places for adventure sport lovers. Chembra peak is once such example as it is a famous spot because of its high altitude. You then have Pakshipathalam, famous for its wildlife and hence, attract a large number of wildlife enthusiasts. Check out the different places that deem perfect excursion sites around Wayanad, as you scroll through the lines below.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
Located 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala. Exhibits displayed in the museum date back to the 2nd century including artifacts, such as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like stone weapons, bows and arrows, and other curios. These artifacts are the remnants of a civilization which was more advanced than any of its contemporary civilizations. The museum provides an insight into the culture and ethnic background of Kerala.

Chembra Peak
Standing tall amidst panoramic surroundings is located the Chembra peak, with an altitude of about 2100 m. An ideal spot for trekking, Chembra peak is a divinely beautiful spot close to the colossal Western Ghats. The Chembra Hills and the adjacent Meppadi Hills are easy accessible from Kalpetta. The major attraction while trekking up the Chembra Peak is a heart-shaped perennial lake. You can also find some tea estates located in near proximity which offer mesmerizing views of the valley downhill.

Pakshipathalam
7 km north-east of Thirunelli, this picturesque bird watching hub is located at a height of 1740 m above sea level. With its steep hills, virgin forests, and lovely rivulets, Pakshipathalam is the habitat of a number of rare species of birds. Apart from a large variety of birds, this hill station is famous for a variety of fauna species, including elephants, tigers, jungle cats, civets, bison, peacocks, wood peckers, and numerous other birds and animals. Several challenging avenues are offered for those interested in trekking. To visit this place, you will have to secure an exquisite permit from the state forest department.

Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple, also known as the "Kashi of South", is located 30 km in the north-west from Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district. Peacefully nestled away in the Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is encircled by the rippling River Papanasini, important for performing the last rites of the demised. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the building is beautifully constructed, giving the architecture an amazing look. Besides, the shrine is supported by 30 individual granite pieces.

Valliyoorkkavu Temple
Located 3 km east of Mananthavadi, Valliyoorkkavu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is popular among the tribal communities of the district. The ten-day annual festival, which takes place in the month of April, is a celebration time for tribesmen. During the festival, various tribes gather and perform rituals and folk and tribal dances to celebrate this festival. The ambiance of this temple becomes colorful and enchanting. The percussion and other tribal instruments add to the ambiance and spirit of this festival.

Vythiri
Vythiri is a picturesque place situated in the sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in the Wayanad district. Vythiri is refreshing, pollution free, and appealing. The most amazing place to visit while staying at Vythiri are the 150 acres of coffee and cardamom plantations, it forms a picturesque landscape with the farm hands working in the plantations. Most tourists visit the hill station for enjoying the unique rainforest experience offered by this place.

Kuruva Island
Located 17 km east of Mananthavadi, the island stretches over 950 acres of evergreen forests on the banks of Themkabani River. The island is a storehouse of rare species of animals, birds, orchids, and herbs. It is a cluster of uninhibited islands which form an ideal avenue for eco tourism. Any kind of partying or picnic is strictly prohibited on the islands. Because of heavy vegetation, hiring a local guide becomes mandatory.