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Showing posts from 2017

Karapuzha Dam

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Karapuzha Dam is one of the biggest earth dams in India. Karapuzha Dam is located in the greenish and natural regions of Wayanad , on the Karapuzha River, a tributary of the Kabini River. Karapuzha Dam is one of the most stunning dams in the destination. The dam is known for its picturesque setting and skilful architecture. The dam sees a lot of tourism all year round because of the charming design and looks of the place. The scenic environs of Karapuzha Dam with its partly inundated hills and verdant islands are an ideal breeding ground for aquatic birds. It is an ideal place for watching aquatic birds that frequent the reservoir. The background of the gushing water from the dam against the luxuriant mountains makes it a charming spot. The water here is around 158 feet deep. You can visit the dam through the day; however at dawn, visibility is low. Construction on the dam began in 1977 and it was complete in 2004. The purpose of the dam is irrigation and it left and rig

Ambukuthi mala

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Ambukuthi mala is a mountain in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is 12 kilometers away from Sulthan Bathery and near Ambalavayal. Three pre-historic caves (Edakkal Caves) are located at a height of 1,000 meters on Ambukuthi mala. These caves are believed to be formed as a result of an earthquake and the name is derived from the rock that is supported in between other larger rocks (Edai + Kal = rock in between). Some Old and New Stone Age pictorial writings can be seen on the walls of these natural caves. The cave drawings are at least 7000 years old and still older as they are from different periods, and depict pictures of ancient tribal kings, queens, other chieftains, elephants and other animals A less ancient script from the 4th or 3rd century BC is also seen in the caves which are better conserved. The structure of these caves is truly extraordinary as a big boulder balances itself on two relatively smaller boulders, thus forming the truly fascinating

Kuruvadweep

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Kuruvadweep is a 950 acre  protected river delta on the Kabini River in the Wayanad district, Kerala, India. Kuruvadweep is the only island surrounded with naturally purified water source in Kerala. These group of islands consists of dense and evergreen forest that is uninhabited and hence home to rare kinds of flora and fauna: endemic species of birds, orchids and herbs namely . The unique geographical characteristics of Kuruva Island make this place very calm and the forests are always evergreen. These mind blowing characteristics have made this place attractive to the tourists who are nature lovers or travelers who love silent atmosphere. Other special characteristics of Kuruva islands are the bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees. It is a must see destination for nature lovers and a popular picnic spot. A perfect destination for those wants to have a lazy walk through the shoreline of a river. Its unique geographical characteristics make it a place where no

Thirunelli Temple and Papanasini

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Thirunelli Temple  is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The temple is at an altitude of about 900 meters in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is 32 kilometers away from Manathavady. There is only limited historic and archaeological information on the place , though it is beyond dispute, that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim center in the middle of an inaccessible jungle valley surrounded by mountains on four sides . There exists records proof that Thirunelli at the time of Tamil Chera king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) was an important town and pilgrim center in South India. In the dense jungles surrounding temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found. Noted historian V. R. Parameswaran Pillai in his book Thirunelli Documents states that this temple was once an integral part of the early recorded history of Kerala. The Malabar Manuel, written by

BanasuraSagar Dam

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BanasuraSagar dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979. The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in seasonal dry periods. The actual missions for this dam was to provide water for kakkayam dam which was situated in Kozhikode district to produce electricity and also irrigation in wayanad, both missions were not accomplished and currently it's been part of Hydel project. It is India's First Solar Atop Dam. BanasuraSagar Dam is at the foot of the Banasura Hill, in the Banasura Lake. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats.Legends says that the Asura king Bana, (the son of King Mahabali) undertook a severe penance on the t

BRAHMAGIRI HILLS

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Brahmagiri hill, is a part of the Western Ghats of south India. It is situated on the border between Kodagu district in Karnataka state in the north and Wayanad district of Kerala state on the south . Brahmagiri Hill is situated  at  a height of 1608 meters. The hill is a beautiful tourist attraction. The top of Brahmagiri Hill is densely forested and has a lot of wildlife. Thirunelli Temple , dedicated to Lord Vishnu, lies on the side of Brahmagiri. This temple is known as Dakshina Kasi or the Kasi of the South. The temple was constructed in an ancient style and includes 30 granite pillars. According to legend, the temple was constructed by Lord Brahma himself. Pakshipathalam at an altitude of 1740 meters is another attraction on Brahmagir Hills. Pakshipathalam is a cave that is said to have been used by rishis in ancient times. Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologist's paradise. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick bl

Lakes In Wayanad

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Wayanad is blessed with a number of beautiful lakes, which are surrounded by dense green forests. Banks of these freshwater lakes are unique site seeing locations and attract thousands of tourists every year. Pookode Lake Picturesque surroundings and easy access are draw cards that attract large numbers of visitors. The natural fresh water pool is around 9 hectares and nicely perched among hills at a height of 2100 meters above sea level. There is a small aquarium by the side of the lake. Have a walk around the lake, get into one of the boats or for extra fun, you can climb on an elephant or horse and tour around. Heart Lake or Hridaya Saras This amazingly beautiful heart shaped lake is located on the way to Chembara Peak. This wonderful gift of nature is located at a height of 4500 feet. The lake is considered as one of the nine love symbol articles seen on earth. The  water in the lake is pure and clear like crystal. The lake water has a lukewarm temperature even i

Exciting Places To Trek in Wayanad

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You will be excited to trek across the non-linear routes along Wayanad. There are small trails across which you will go on in your treks that will take hardly a day. While this may not seem exciting enough, trekkers will be surprised at the challenges you come across while trekking in Wayanad.  While some areas have gentler slopes which is easy to trek, certain other areas require experience and a better understanding of the terrain before hitting the trails. Pakshipathalam Peak Trek Located at a height of 1,740 kilometers above the sea level and is one among the challenging spots for tourists across Wayanad. Trekkers will be met with deep caves, thick rock blocks and wild forests during the trek. Trekkers can reach the top after travelling 16 kilometers. Pakshipathalam is near the Brahmagiri hills, but unlike the latter Pakshipathalam has gentler slopes and is a comparatively easy terrain to climb. With amazingly beautiful surroundings, the hill offers great opportunities for p

The History and Myth behind Changala Maram (Chain Tree)

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Changala Maram or Chain Tree is a major attraction for travelers who pass through the Calicut- Wayanad route. You can see steel chains hanging from the branch of the tree. The tree has a story to tell. The myth of the tree is associated with the tribal chief Karinthandan ,who lived between 1700-1750 AD. During the British colonial era Wayanad didn’t have any developed roads. Wayanad was blessed with dense forests and hills only the tribes knew the paths through these forests.  Karinthandan  belonged to the Paniya  tribe ,he was the chief of that tribal community . He knew every path in the forest.So when the British Viceroy announced reward for to those who find a way from Thamarassery to Wayanad  to through the forest ,a British engineer  took the help of Karinthandan to find the route . After discovering  the hidden routes in the forest the engineer took Karinthandan to the top of the hill and shot him dead ,so that he could take the credit for finding the route. The Brit

Bathery Jain Temple

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Jain temple in bathery is one of the most important Jain temple in Kerala. The  Bathery Temple in Sulthan Bathery is believed to have been built during the 13th century. Its design is influenced by the architectural style of the then reigning Vijayanagar Dynasty. The temple has an interesting history, which first served as a shrine, next as a centre of commercial trade and finally, as the ammunition store or battery of Tipu Sulthan’s army. The town, Sulthan Bathery, derives its name from that use. Sultan Bathery is a historical place and its ancient history goes in sync with the history of Wayanad.The recorded history of this district exists only from the 10th century onward. In 930 AD, emperor Erayappa of   Ganga Dynasty   led his troops to south west of Mysore and after conquering, called it   Bayalnad   meaning the land of swamps. After Erayappa, his sons Rachamalla and Battunga fought each other for the new kingdom of their father’s legacy. Rachamalla was killed and Battung

Pookode Lake

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This amazing fresh water lake is in Wayanad. It is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level . Pookode lake is spread over 13 acre and is 40 m deep. This lake is one of the most attractive and sought after tourist location in Wayanad. Panamaram , the rivulet which ultimately becomes  Kabani River , originates from the Pookode lake. It is spread across an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres . The lake is surrounded by lush green forest  making this place an ideal location for nature lovers . The lake has the shape of India's map. This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is only one of its kinds in Kerala.  Pethia pookodensis , is a species of cyprinid fish known to occur only in Pookode Lake. The lake has abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fishes. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds and flies. There are groups o

Chembra Peak

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Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,100 m above sea level. It is located eight kilometer south of Kalpetta, near to the town of Meppady . Chembra peak adjoins Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu and Vallarimala in Kozhikode. From the town of Meppady you can reach the peak through walking. The peak is visible from almost all parts of Wayanad. It is an ideal place destination for trekking activities. You have to take prior permission from the Meppady forest office before going for a trek at Chembra Peak. The forest office will be open on all days. Overnight camping is not allowed at Chembra peak as there is a threat from wild animals. It will take at least 3 hours to reach the top point of Chembra peak. On the way to the peak, you can see a heart shaped lake, which is said to have never dried up. It is one of the topmost attractions of this peak. This lake is known as 'hridhayathadakam' , the name derived from two words Hridhayam and Thadakam. Meaning of hridh

Must Try Food Malabar Food Items in Wayanad

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Wayanad is known for its beautiful nature and geographical features. But there is one another thing that’s make Wayanad famous, its food items. Wayanad is part of the Malabar region of Kerala. There is umpteen number of variety Malabar food items available in Wayanad.  Some of the food items are the following , which every tripper should try . VazakaiPoriyal (Raw Banana) It’s a tasty dish made of bananas and coconut. Bananas and Coconut  cooked with tasty spices to make this food. Pazham nirachathu It’s a very tasty snack made up of Bananas. It made by stuffing coconut mixture in banana dipped in Maida and fried.  It is really a delicious and nutritious snack.  Kalan Milagu Kalan Milagu is a classic mushroom dish with peppercorns, with  an added zing of garlic and onions. These pepper mushrooms make for an excellent side dish and are usually served with rice. Meen Chuttully Mullet fish cooked with slightly burnt shallots. Served with grilled coriander potatoes and

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

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Wayanad  is one favorite place for every trekker . There is a spot in Wayanad , which  has captured the mindset of every trekker, ornithologists and nature lovers is the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. Here virgin forests, streams and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking.  It   is a natural rock cave at the northern end of the Brahmagiri Hills. Situated at an altitude of 1740m and accessible only by trekking, Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologist's paradise. It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly. There is a cave here, which according to legend, was used by rishis (saints) for meditation in ancient times . 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. It  is believed that Garuda, the vehicle of  Vishnu and the King of birds, stands guard over his subjects at Pakshipathalam, a bird love