Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Kerala-wayanad

Chembra Peak

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The Chembra Peak is the tallest summit in Wayanad and it is closely located to the town of Meppady. Traveling to the crest of this mountain is nearly a day-long affair and a dangerous rock climbing experience as well. The elevation of the peak is 6890 feet or 2100 meters.
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) above sea level. Chembra is located near the town of Meppady and is 8 km south of Kalpetta. It is part of the Wayanad hill ranges in Western Ghats, adjoining the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and Vellarimala in Kozhikode district in Kerala. Chembra Peak is accessible by foot from Meppady. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipment on hire charges to tourists. Permission from the forest office in Meppady is required for trekking up to Chembra Peak. A heart shaped lake on the way to the top of the peak is a major tourist attraction. The lake is believed to have never dried up. You can find the lake halfway to the peak, after getting to the lake you need to trek another halfway, which is through the dense trees of about one to two km. A 5 km journey from Meppadi town through tea estates to Erumakkolli.
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One can reach the forest office, from where a pass has to be acquired to trek the mountain. Also services of guide can be availed, which might be very useful. The trek to the top takes 3 hours, and one can see almost the whole of Wayanad and parts of Malappuram, Kozhikkode and Nilgiri districts.



thirunelli temple

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No proper records of the exact dates of establishment of temple exist, though it is beyond dispute that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim center in the middle of inaccessible jungle valley surrounded on four sides by mountains. There exists documentary 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. Excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded period coins from the 9th and 10th centuries. Noted historian V. R. Parameswaran Pillai in his book Thirunelli Documents clearly states that this temple was once an integral part of the early history of North Kerala
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The name Thirunelli derives from the nelli, the Tamil/Malayalam word for Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree. Veda vyasa wrote the 18 existing Puranas. The Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, Padma Purana, and many other Puranas and Hindu texts mention the beautiful Vishnu temple as being built by Lord Brahma, located in the picturesque Sahya valley, deep in the middle of forest of unmatchable beauty, and in these texts, it is referred to as "Sahyamalaka Kshetra." According to tradition, Lord Brahma was traveling round the Earth upon the Hamsa, when he became attracted by the beauty of the area now known as Brahmagiri Hill. Descending on that spot, Brahma noticed an idol set in an Amla tree. Brahma recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu Himself and the place as Vaikuntha (Vishnuloka) itself. With the help of the Devas, Brahma installed the idol and called it Sahyamalak Kshetra. At Brahma’s request Vishnu promised that the waters of the area would wash away all sins. 



Sultan Bathery

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Sultan Bathery, previously known as Sultan's Battery, is a town in Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It derives its present name from Tipu Sultan of Mysore who used the abandoned Jain temple here and used it as his battery here in the 18th century, hence the name Sultan's Battery. This town was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got its name because the presence of the Kidangans the tribes. Later, it came to be known as Sultan Bathery, the Malayalam version of its name. It is also known as Sultan's Battery of Wayanad district. Though the fort does not remain any more, the place is worth the visit for the famous Jain Temple. The place was previously known by the name of Sulthan's Battery. It is the Taluk headquarters of Sultan Bathery. It lies on the Kozhikode–Kollegal National Highway (NH 766) 98 km from Kozhikode. It is 115 kilometers from Mysore and about 100 kilometers from Ooty (Udagamandalam). It is also connected with Nilambur. The people primarily depend on agriculture for a living.
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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 - an invasion to the prosperous kingdom he had heard of from traders and Jain monks. Mission accomplished and he called the conquered kingdom 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 Battunga became the undisputed ruler of Bayalnad. In 12th century AD, Gangas were dethroned from Bayalnad by Kadamba dynasty of North Canara. In 1104 AD Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala invaded Bayalnad followed by Vijayanagara dynasty in 16th century. In 1610 AD Udaiyar Raja Wadiyar of Mysore drove out Vijayanagara General and became the ruler of Bayalnad and the Nilgiris. Bayalnad is the present Wayanad. When Wayanad was under Hyder Ali’s rule, the ghat road from Vythiri to Thamarassery invented. Then the British rulers developed this route to Carter road. When Wayanad was under Tipu Sultan's rule British invasion started. Tussle and turbulent times followed. The British claimed Wayanad under 1792 treaty of Srirangapatna citing it was part of Malabar. Tipu Sultan went in appeal before the Governor General. Considering his arguments, relying on the successive Karnatic rule for centuries in Wayanad and its geographical detachment from Malabar, in 1798, Governor General Lord Mornington declared by proclamation that Wayanad had not been ceded to the East India Company by the treaty of 1792. Consequently the British troops withdrew from Wayanad conceding to Tipu’s rule. In 1799, after the fall of Sultan, the British handed over Wayanad by treaty of 1799 to the Raja of Mysore and . But by a supplementary treaty dated 29 December 1803 the East India Company repossessed South Wayanad and thereafter administrated by Col. Arthur Wellesley from Srirangapatna.



Edakkal Cave

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Edakkal Caves (11°37′28.81″N 76°14′8.88″ECoordinates: 11°37′28.81″N 76°14′8.88″E) are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats. They lie 1,200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast. Inside the caves are pictorial writings believed to date to at least 6,000 BC, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India.
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These are not technically caves, but rather a cleft or rift approximately 96 feet (29 m) by 22 feet (6.7 m), a 30-foot-deep (9.1 m) fissure caused by a piece of rock splitting away from the main body. On one side of the cleft is a rock weighing several tons that covers the cleft to form the 'roof' of the cave. The carvings are of human and animal figures, tools used by humans and of symbols yet to be deciphered, suggesting the presence of a prehistoric settlement.






Kuruva Island

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The Kuruva islands are a group of three islands located in the middle of one of the tributaries of the east-flowing river Kabani. This 950-acre tract of uninhabited land is rich in flora and fauna. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds; herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. It is a must see destination for nature lovers and a popular picnic spot. A perfect destination for those want to have a lazy walk through the shoreline of a river. 
 
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Its unique geographical characteristics make it a place where not only the leaves but also silence is evergreen being away from cities and thus it has become a place of attraction. Most recently, tourists drawn from all over the globe have identified it as the most visited place in the district. Kuruva comprises of more than 150 small islands and two fresh water ponds.



Lakkidi

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Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad district of Kerala state, south India. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the World. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is situated 700 m above mean sea level, atop Thamarassery ghat pass. Vythiri is the nearest town, just 5 km from Lakkidi. Chain tree, Pookot Lake, Sight seeing point on ghat road and number of tourist resorts are within 5 km from Lakkidi. It is about 58 km north east of Kozhikode district.
Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad district of Kerala state, south India. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is situated 700 m above mean sea level, atop Thamarassery ghat pass. Vythiri is the nearest town, just 5 km from Lakkidi.[1] Chain tree, Pookot Lake, Sight seeing point on ghat road and number of tourist resorts are within 5 km from Lakkidi. It is about 58 km northeast of Kozhikode district
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Once during the colonial rule, Lakkidi was a secret route for local adivasis of Wayanad. Later the British identified the route and asked an adivasi how he could export things such as pepper, spices, etc. The tribal or adivasi helped him to find the route way out. Once the British found out the way they killed the adiviasi. Later it was seen that the travellers who passed by the routes had not reached their destination. Hence a priest was called and in a chain his spirit was called, and tied in a small tree. Then it started growing along with the tree. Every year there will be a festtival also known as utsavam in Malayalam with the feast along the roadside of temple.




Pazhassi Raja Tomb

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Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (also known as Cotiote Rajah or Pychy Rajah) (3 January 1753 – 30 November 1805) was one of the earliest freedom fighters in India. He was the prince regent of the princely state of Kottayam or Cotiote in Malabar, India between 1774 and 1805. His struggles with English East India Company is known as Cotiote War. He is popularly known as Kerala Simham (Lion of Kerala) on account of his martial exploits.
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Pazhassi Raja was a member of the western branch of the Kottayam royal clan. When Hyder Ali of the Kingdom of Mysore occupied Malabar in 1773 the Raja of Kottayam found political asylum in Travancore. Pazhassi Raja, the fourth prince in line for succession to the throne during this period, became one of the de facto heads of state surpassing several of his elder royals. He fought a war of resistance on Mysorean army from 1774 to 1793. On account of his refusal to flee and resolve to fight invaders, people of Kottayam stood firmly behind the Raja who had not abandoned them in their hour of misfortune. Raja's troops were drawn from ranks of the Nambiar, Thiyya and also the tribal clans like Kurichias and Mullukurumbas.


kanthanpara waterfalls wayanad

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A beautiful waterfall situated about 22 km away from Kalpetta. Smaller than the Sentinel Rock waterfalls, the Kanthanpara Falls and its surroundings make an ideal picnic spot in Wayanad.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other destination offers.
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Kanthanpara waterfall is in Wayanad district and is 22kms from Kalpetta. It is a lovely waterfall at a height of 30 mts. This waterfall is relatively smaller than senthinel rock falls and Meenmutty waterfalls hence are less visited by tourists. This picnic spot of Wayanad is surrounded by bamboo forest increasing the beauty of this tourist place. Kanthanpara Waterfalls is easily accessible from main road and the path towards this waterfall is filled with breathtaking sceneries.
Tourists who want to visit Kanthanpara waterfalls can stay at Meppadi or Kalpetta. Frequent bus services are available from this tourist location to waterfalls.





sentinel rock waterfalls

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Soochipara Falls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by Deciduous, Evergreen and Montane forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara ("Soochi" meaning "Needle" and "Para" meaning "Rock"), the 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is 200 metres (656 feet) and offers a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins Chulika River or popularly known as Chaliyar River after Velarimala Hills near Cherambadi (Tamil Nadu) in Kerala.
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Once people reach the parking area, they have to pass through a security check at the entrance where they make sure you don't carry any plastic. It takes 10-15 minutes walk to the water falls and water flow is less during summer, which makes it easy to reach the rocks where water falls.
The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is 200 metres (656 feet) and offers a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing. Once people reach the parking area, they have to pass through a security check at the entrance where they make sure you don't carry any plastic. It takes 10-15 minutes walk to the water falls and water flow is less during summer, which makes it easy to reach the rocks where water falls.



Soochippara Waterfalls

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Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, also known locally as Soochipara, is 23 km away from Kalpetta, located at Vellarimala village in Meppadi panchayat. This is a popular picnic spot and trekking area and the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. The more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.
 
The Sentinel Rock is also ideal for rock climbing. It is a spectacular waterfall where the water cascades down in three steps from a height of about 200 m in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by deciduous, wet evergreen and tropical Shola forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara 'Soochi' meaning 'Needle' and 'Para' meaning 'Rock', The 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. 
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There is counter of Vanasamrakshana Samithi to give the passes.
Ticket fee is Rs 20 and for students it is Rs 10.
For vehicles parking: two-wheeler Rs 5 
Cars Rs 20 and for big vehicles Rs 50.
 
One has to make a walk for one km from the parking area as to reach the falls. There is a pond in its upper side called Cheenikund. The forest has many wilds animals. 



Pookot Lake

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Pookode Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in the Wayanad district in Kerala, South India. Pookode is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is 15 km away from Kalpetta.
 
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.Lying 3km south of Vythiri town, the lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad.
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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 of Blue water lily flowers scattered here and there in the lake.
 
The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.


koottamundu glass temple

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One of the must visit for Wayanad Kalpetta tourists is Glass temple Koottamundu. This is a traditional Jain temple built attractively. The Glass temple Koottamundu is on the hill side of Vellarimala. Vellarimala is a part of the magnificent Western Ghats. Vellarimala is a high hill range of Camel's Hump Mountains. The majority of Vellarimala hill ranges falls in the Meppady Forest Range. Meppady forest range is of South Wayanad Kalpetta. The main attraction of this place is adventure trekking.
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This Glass Temple Koottamundu is a Jain temple built to honor the Jain saint, Parshawanatha Swami. Parshawanatha swami is one among the most popular Jain saints. The specialty of the Glass temple is the thousands of mirrors placed on the inner wall of the temple. These glass mirrors reflect the idols placed in the main hall of the temple. The view of idols in the mirrors is splendid. This fabulous piece of architecture attracts many tourists.
 
The Glass Temple Kottamundu is twenty kilometer far from Wayanad Kalpetta.  The major attraction in this temple is the reflection of icons in the temple's sanctum sanatorium in the mirrors. Inside the temple there is divine serenity. Once you enter the temple you feel eternal peace. You can meditate well in the peaceful atmosphere. This is really an excellent venue for religious and pious people. Other tourists and multicultural guests also enjoy this temple atmosphere. This Glass temple Koottamundu is one of the main locations included in Upavan’s sightseeing menu. Remember to visit this historic and marvelous architecture on your upcoming Wayanad Kalpetta trip.






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