All about wayanad..... well almost :-)!!! (contd.)

8. Archealogical museum in Ambalavayal near Sulthan Battery



The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is an archaeological museum in Wayanad and has one of Kerala's largest collections of the artifacts from an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here provide evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad.
At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios

9. Pookote lake (natural lake) near Lakkidi





It is a natural fresh water lake, surrounded by evergreen mountains. There are resorts in and around the lake. Boating on the lake is a fabulous experience. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha.and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs.

10. Thirunelli Temple - near Mananthavadi in Wayanad



Also called Tirunelli is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill. Inscriptions in this temple date back to the period of Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE). The name Thirunelli derives from the nelli, the Malayalam word for Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree.

11. Scenic drive of Thamarassery Churam



Then there is a scenic drive through Thamarassery Churam (Ghat Roads) on the way from
kerala to karnataka. We can see breath taking sunsets at certain location along the drive.

All about wayanad..... well almost :-)!!!

1. Banasura Sagar Dam





The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta, in Wayanad District of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, its located on the the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River 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.


2. Karapuzha Dam





Karapuzha dam, Wayanad. The landscape in that place is simply superb. It is perfect green and still water. The water body is about 158 feet deep!!!

3. Meenmutty waterfalls




Meenmutty Waterfalls is situated in Wayanad District and is 12 km east of Meppadi. It is a spectacular fall cascading in three tiers, down a height of about more than 300 m. A trekker's paradise, it has the distinction of being the second largest waterfall in Kerala.

4. Soochipara waterfalls



A highlight is the tree-top huts from which one can have a spectacular view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

5. Kanthanparra waterfalls



This falls is about 12 kms from Meppadi. The falls was about 30ft high.

6. Sunrise Valley



Located at a deviation between Kanthanpara falls and Meenmutty falls. The view was fantastic with nice valley and we could also see the Meenmutty falls.

7. Pazhassi Rajas Tomb



Pazhassi Raja tomb is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805 after the warfare against British east India Company.

3 beautiful locations of wayanad

The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the unique terrain of Wayanad provide for an exceptional adventure experience.The place is exciting with its natural beauty.

The Edakkal caves






The Edakkal caves known for its archiolological importance is located 10 kilometers away from Sultan bathery and are situated on the top of Ambukuthi hills in the Wayanad district, situated in Kerala, South India. The cave showcase one of the oldest surviving pictographic gallery of its kind in the world and also give a panoramic view on the natures beauty of the exciting Wayanad.

The wildlife santuary of Muthanga







The biodiversity of Kerala can be experienced in Wayanad wildlife santuary of Muthanga which is home to animals of the order of bisons, wild dogs, civet cat, panthers, tigers and elephants. This place is famous for its project elephant site, where herds of elephants can be seen enjoying themselves in mud and water near the water holes. Not only do the big animals, but also lesser forms of life like colorful butterflies can be seen fluttering here and there amongst the green environs. The best months to visit this sanctuary are the months of June to October.

Kuruva Island





Kuruva Island located near manathavady is a worth watching, this island with wide varieties of wild trees provides a great oppurtunity of trekking trough the forest. If one want to feel the nature the best way is to have a travel trough this wonderful district of Kerala.Treakking/travelling through these woods is a exciting experience which can't be discribed by words but has to be experienced in person.

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as "Trivandrum" is the state capital of Kerala.
Thiru-v-anantha-puram means the abode of the sacred snake god "Anantha". Lord Vishnu of the ancient Indian mytholgy rests on this huge serpent.

Thiruvananthapuram is a famous tourist destination for its beaches and temples. This city is well connected by roads, rail and air.

District Map: [ Click To Enlarge ]



Places to Visit in and around Thiruvananthapuram:
KANYAKUMARI TOWN
Kanniyakumari is a town in Kanniyakumari district situated at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula in the state of Tamil Nadu. Kanniyakumari is a cape, which during British rule, it was known as Cape Comorin.

PADMANAPHAPURAM PALACE
SUCHINDRAM TEMPLE

20 Must Do's in Kerala

1. Savour a sadya

A sadya is a typically vegetarian meal, which consists of boiled rice and 10-12 dishes, followed with 2-3 desserts, mostly served at weddings, festivals or special occasions. Must try -- Payasam (Dessert).

2. Attend a Boat Race

Boat races are normally held during the Onam festival time (August/September). Long boats approximately 100 feet long and manned by over 100 rowers take part in the race cheered by thousands of spectators. The thrill is contagious. You could hop on to one of them and row beyond the finishing line.

3. Stay in a Boat house

Boathouses are giant country crafts luxuriously decorated and furnished. It usually consists of 1 or 2 bath-attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck kitchenette and a crew consisting of oarsmen, a cook and a guide. Boathouses float on the backwaters and give an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty along the banks. A night out on the placid waters under the wide and starry skies has few parallels in the whole world.

4. Attend Kathakali

Kathakali is a dance form in which actors do not speak but enact dialogues, sung by singers in the background. The emphasis is on facial expressions. Mudras or hand signs too have significance. Kathakali actors excel in the presentation of the most beautiful and most violent scenes with equal skill. The whole face of the artist is painted and it appears as though he is wearing a mask. Performed in front of lighted oil lamps in traditional theatres this sophisticated art form takes you to the hoary past of the epics.

5. Wear a Mundu / KasavuNeriyadu

Mundu is a traditional Kerala dress, which is worn on festivals, for marriages and to temples. It is made from an off-white fabric with an elegant gold border. Men should try wearing the Mundu and women the Kasavu Neriyadu. The deceptively simple tuck is really worth a try. It surprises all those who cannot imagine a dress without belt, buckle or button. Enjoy the freedom, comfort and aesthetics of this simple attire.

6. Watch Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is believed by most historians and scholars to be one of the oldest and most scientific systems of martial training existing in the world. Many of the traditional art forms of Kerala have drawn elements from Kalaripayattu at the evolution stage. Watching Kalaripayattu will definitely be an interesting experience. Vigour and elegance seldom combine in such perfect manner.

7. Get an Ayurvedic massage

The term Ayurveda denotes 'the science of life'. Ayurveda is a system of teaching to achieve perfect health-both physical and mental and to attain the bliss of real life. Must try-an Ayurvedic massage to soothe your aching muscles and feel rejuvenated. The secrets of an ancient science are yours for the asking.

8. Watch the sunset

Relax and watch the sunset at the beach along side the Chinese fishing nets in Cochin. Similar views are possible from the backwaters or any other beach side in Kerala-a truly picturesque and memorable experience. Watch the birds flying to their distant homes. Catch a glimpse of the sun setting behind the palm leaves. Listen to the ceaseless sighs of the breeze and the sobs of the waves. Behold the pageantry of the protean clouds. Discover the poet in you.

9. Shop at a local market

It would be an interesting experience to see the wide variety of vegetables, fruits, fish, flowers snacks and knick-knacks that are sold by eager vendors. Observe how people bargain while shopping. Share the simple joys of the give and take of life in an unfamiliar yet charming setting.

10. Stay in a tree house

A tree house is a cozy little house on top of a tree with picturesque views. Relish the chance to enjoy the sparkling air and the unique flora and fauna from a vantage point. From the secure perch savour the night sounds of a tropical forest.

11. Take an Elephant ride

This is possible at the Periyar wildlife sanctuary where you can take a tour through the jungle on elephant back. A mahout will guide you through. Feel how Maharajahs felt high and mighty riding into the midst of their admiring subjects.

12. Walk through a paddy field

Take a walk along the narrow dyke through lolling, green paddy fields, a chance to take in the fresh, clean air-an unforgettable experience. Do not forget to feel the slender shoots. Their softness lingers long in your fingertips just as the fragrance and the hues of the field flowers fill your mind forever. A trip in the early morning mist through the paddy fields can give you a feel of the bliss of the dawn of creation.

13. Taste Toddy and Karimeen fry

Make sure you try kallu (sweet toddy extracted from coconut palm) and taste Karimeen (carp) fry and a spicy chutney or pickle. The brew is as inebriating as the fish is delicious.

14. Shop for spices and an Aranmula mirror

Make sure you shop for fresh spices and an Aranmula Kannadi (mirror)-this is a special mirror made from four metals copper, silver, lead and bronze. In the past only the royal family owned this mirror. These are very rare mirrors and only 2 master craftsman and their families still make them.

15. Wake up to the smell of delicious breakfast

Make sure to try as many different items as you can from the wide spread. Must try Puttu kadala, Idiappam stew, Appam and chicken curry or vegetable stew.

16. Watch the fishermen go out to the sea

It is interesting to watch the fishermen go out to the sea with their fishing nets in their small boats and to see them return with their catch. Do watch how they transact business by the seashore. See how man harnesses the bounties of nature.

17. Have tea at a Thattukada

Thattukada is a small roadside teashop, which serves tea and snacks. The most interesting thing to watch is how the tea is made and poured into the glasses.

18. Taste the different varities of bananas

Try the red, green and yellow varieties - Also try the milkshakes and snacks made from each of the different types of banana. While in Kerala you could become an addict of banana chips. Try the red, green and yellow varieties - Also try the milkshakes and snacks made from each of the different types of banana. While in Kerala you could become an addict of banana chips.

19. Collect Antiques

The Jew Street in Fort Kochi is famous for its display of antiques. Elaborately carved pens, ornamental brass latches and antique jewelry are some of the things you could pick up.

20. Take a boat ride through the backwaters

This is a relaxing experience as the boat takes you along the narrow canals and beautiful villages. You get an opportunity to see local people engaged in fishing, duck rearing and shell collection. You may also see the traditional toddy makers at work on the coconut palms.

Fact File...

Kerala is at the souther tip of India. With the Indian Ocean lying to the South and West of the state, Kerala has a nice tropical climate. On the North and East it is bordered by states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Compared to the 28 other states in India, Kerala is the 21st state in terms of size. This small state is divided into 14 districts and it envelops the union teritory of Mahe, which is a costal enclave of Pondicherry.



Kerala is a densely populated state with a population of around 31 million people living in an area of around 38 thousand square kilometers. Kerala is the 21st state of India in terms of size but it is 12th in terms of population. The most remarkable laurels for kerala is that it is the only state in Inida which has 100% literacy rate.

Kerala is a very popular tourist destination. The state government considers tourism as one of the major income resource of the state.
There are two international airports; one in Cochin and another at Thiruvananthapuram, but it is more fun to discover Kerala by road.

There are three main national highways connecting Kerala with the rest of the country.

In the north, we can enter the state through Mangalore in Karnataka using the National Highway (NH) number 17. This highway touches the costal towns of Kasaragod, Kozhikod and continues to touch NH 47 near Ernakulam.

In the east, we can enter the state via the NH 47, which connects Salem in Tamil Nadu with Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Cochin and continues along the cost line to touch Thiruvananthapuram and then Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

In the south, the state can be entered through the NH 7. This highway starts at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and cross through Karnataka (Bangalore) and Tamil Nadu (Salem and Madurai) to end at Kanniyakumari. From Kanniyakumari we can enter Kerala through Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu. This is the shortest route to the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram from Bangalore.