Wayanad

The ferocity of water here is like anything. After walking on foot for 1.5 km when you discover these three-tongued waterfalls that are almost hidden in the dense equatorial forest here, you surely won’t regret. ‘Suchi’ in local language literally means ‘needle’. It  probably assumes its name from the sharp edged rocks on which the water falls. Kanthampara is on the adjacent side of the rocky area of Suchipara. It is advisable to carry a pair of shoes with a good grip for trekking in this area as it is often very slippery.

It is the tallest peak in this region at 6890 ft (2100 m) above the sea level. Trekking in this area is so popular that many people visit Wayanad just to scale Chembra. Getting to the top would require approximately 4-5 hours. The District Tourism Promotion Council organizes treks to the peak. A guide accompanies a group of every 10 people. It also provides sleeping bags, canvass huts, trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists so that tourists can stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps.

A kilometer’s trek up Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town will reward you with the evidence of the age of habitation in this area. One of the two caves here displays petroglyphs (scenes of hunting, farming, taming of animals etc) that are supposed to belong to Neolithic age. District Tourism Promotion Council has installed a telescope near the caves to help the visitors feast their eyes on the wonderful scenery all around. Try tasting the ginger sherbet and special herbal masala soda sold here. The inhabitants (Kurichias of Wayanad) of this place are said to have long life spans – attributed to their eating habits.

Located in the town of Ambalavayal, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region. These include headgear, weapons, pottery, and objects associated with tribal life.

A small theatre, adjoining the museum gives an interesting multimedia presentation on Wayanad for the visitors.

The ruins of this 13th century temple still bear some signs of the intricate carvings that had once adorned its interiors and exteriors. It is also indicative of the old ties that the Jains have with Wayanad.

With 26% forest cover, far greater than any other district in Kerala, Wayanad has a sanctuary covering an area of 345 sq km. This deciduous rainforest is an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It consists of two separate pockets: Muthanga in the east of the district is contiguous to the Bandipur and Mudamalai, and Tholpetty in the north on the border with Nagarhole. Elephants, bisons, sambar and spotted dear, peacocks and langur monkeys are plentiful. Entry to both parts is permitted only with a guide. Jeep tours are popular but trekking can also be done.