| Bedecked
among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad
district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres
mean sea level has a predominant place in the
tourist map of Kerala. A major centre of hill
products the district is noted contributor of
foreign exchange to the State. Apart from archaeological
and anthropological uniqueness Wayanand has
genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism
promotion.
Wayanad
has the highest concentration of tribals in
Kerala. They form 1/5 of the total population
of the district. It is the seat of Kurichiyas
the valiant warriors of late King Pazhassi Veera
Kerala Varma Raja who engaged the mighty British
Army in several battles. Their descendants are
still expert archers. Tribals can be seen in
their natural habitat in Wayanad. Reaping the
benefits of modern education and social welfare
schemes many of them have developed and became
part of the main stream.
Enjoying
a climate similar to Udhagamandalam alias Ooty
Wayanad has prospects of developing several
major hill stations in the district.
Lakkidi
Nestled
among the hills Lakkidi which is the gateway
to Wayanad has the highest annual rain fall
in Kerala. With mist formation in the atmosphere
almost throughout the year the place has further
scope for developing into a tourist centre.
Edakkal
Caves
These
are two caves in the Ambukuthy mountain. The
caves contain several paintings and pictorial
writings of the New Stone Age Civilization.
The location is 3 Kms away from Ambalavayal
and 25 Kms from the district Headquarters, Kalpetta.
Muthanga
Wild Life Sanctuary
The
wild life sanctuary at Muthaga 20 Kms from Sultan
Bathery is developing into a major centre of
tourist attraction. Herds of elephants, bear,
deer, wild pig etc can be seen here. It is near
the Begur wild life sanctuary at Karnataka.
Thirunelli
Temple
Located
in the valley beneath Brahmagiri hill, 66 Kms
from Kalpetta, Thirunelli is referred as 'Kasi
of the south' It is believed that Lord Brahma
himself had installed the idol of Lord Vishnu
the presiding deity of the temple. Situated
among the reserve forests the location of the
temple has an enchanting natural beauty.
The
adjoining mountain spring called Papanasini
is a major centre of pilgrimage. Papanasini
means the destroyer of all sins. Thirunelli
is a potential centre for eco tourism.
Glass
Temple
The
Glass Temple of Kottamunda, located 20 Kms from
Kalpetta, on the slope of Vellarimala, is a
famous Jain family Temple in Wayanad. It is
dedicated to Paraswanatha Swamy the third Thirthankara
of the Jain faith. Icons of Parswanatha Swamy
and this temple have thousand reflections in
beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on
the inner side of the temple walls.
Pookkode
Lake
Located
between Lakkidi and Kalpetta Pookkode is a very
attractive freshwater lake around 2000 metres
above mean sea level. Contoured by lush green
forests the lake has good prospects for boating
facilities. It is one of the major centres of
eco-tourism in Wayanad.
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