The Western Ghats of Kerala is home to as many as fourteen wildlife sanctuaries that are often surrounded some exotic trails in the country. A delight to the adventurous and nature lovers, the air of these habitats has fragrance of spices and other enchantingly aromatic plantations such as tea, coffee, vanilla, oranges and mangoes. Here, we have covered most of the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks for the benefit of our readers:
Silent Valley National Park
This 90 sq km of almost virgin forest came into focus when the Kerala State Electricity Board decided to set up a hydroelectric project in the Valley in the late 1970s, a proposal which started one of the most hyped debate on environmental debates and both local environmental organizations and prestigious international bodies such as the WWF stood up against it. Finally, the area was declared a National Park in 1980. Probably India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen forest, it is home to various species of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, wild dogs, Nilgiri leaf monkeys, Jerdon's palm civets, Nilgiri martens, flying squirrels, lion-tailed macaques and even tahr and gaur along with almost 120 species of avian fauna sighted within the including Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary)
One of the most prominent bird sanctuaries of South India, it has been established recently and stretches across 25 sq km sanctuary between the tributaries of the River Periyar. Both native and migratory water birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, the Great Indian hornbill, the heron egret, the jungle mynah, the rose winged and blue winged parakeet, and the grey jungle fowl can be seen here basking in the delights of its natural surroundings. One may even spot the rare Ceylon frog-mouth or the rose billed roller here while enjoying the boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to Thattekkad or looking out of the room from the Hornbill Inspection Bungalow at Thattekkad.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Adjacent to the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary sprawls across 285 sq km. It has three dams, namely, Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams and is home to one of the largest populations of gaurs (Indian bisons), besides tigers, leopards, elephants, sambars, tahrs, wild dogs, Indian muntjacs, spotted deers, jungle cats, bonnet macaques, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiris and common langurs besides several other species of fauna along with about 148 bird species, including the great Indian hornbills and the extremely rare Ceylon frogmouths. One can also see crocodiles in its reservoirs and boating and cruising facilities are available on request.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola talukas of Idukki and occupies the forested area between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. Suroounded by a panoramic lake on three sides, it is home to tropical evergreen and deciduous trees. Lying adjacent to the famed Idukki Arch Dam, one may enjoy the lovely boat rides here while viewing the elephants, bisons, sambars, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers and wild boars along with numerous species of snakes including cobras, vipers, kraits and numerous non-poisonous varieties. The local avian fauna includes jungle fowls, mynas, laughing thrushes, black bulbuls, peafowls and woodpeckers. Its wildlife is very similar to that at Thekkady.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
60 km from Munnar, with its unique thorny scrub forests and xerophyte species, Chinnar is one of the last shelters for the endangered giant grizzled squirrels, which are said to be less than 200, world over. Lying in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, Chinnar gets much less rain than Kerala's other wildlife sanctuaries. The extensive sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction to the place and is an ideal place to watch herds of gaurs passing through the area.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Aralam sanctuary, 35 km from Thalasserry, is spread over 55 sq km of forested highlands of the Western Ghats. Katti Betta is the highest peak of the region rising to a height of 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the sanctuary is home to myriad of flora and fauna life endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deers, elephants, boars, bisons, leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels can be spotted here. There is a Central State Farm, a 3,060-hectare farm at the Aralam village nearby, which is one of the country's main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
50 km from Trivandrum, this sanctuary sprawls across 53 sq km of the Western Ghats. Set amidst hillocks, it houses forests and eucalyptus plantations along with elephants, sambars, leopards and the lion-tailed macaques.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar reservoir extends for only 9.06 sq km and offers exceptional opportunities for boating. One can spot here Nilgiri langurs, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, jungle cats, sambars, elephants, gaurs, spotted deers and rare lion-tailed macaques. The Crocodile Breeding Centre is the main attraction here, set up here by the Government of India. The park houses reptiles like pythons, cobras and monitor lizards, a deer park, a lion safari park and well-maintained gardens. It also houses Agasthyakoodam hill, named after the legendary Indian sage Agasthya.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread across 12 sq km, this sanctuary lies in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams in Thrissur District. The Peechi dam was built for irrigation purposes and its reservoir is an ideal place for boating. One may also spot a wild tusker on its densely forested banks along with peafowls and jungle fowls.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
Chimmini's wildlife sanctuary was established in 1984 adjoining to the Peechi-Vazhani sanctuary. Its dense tropical forests shelter a variety of flora and fauna such as elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels and sloth bears. The dam across the river offers some breathtaking views, making it a favorite picnic spot.
Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary
15 km away from Sulthanbathery, it is also known as Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary. The second largest sanctuary in the Kerala, it occupies an area of 344 sq km. Neighboring the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, it boasts of elephants, spotted deers, gaurs, sambars and sloth bears along with a large avian and reptilian population. The best time to visit here is between June and October.
Shenduruny WildLife Sanctuary
Near to the Kallida Irrigation Project site, this 100 sq km park is a home to elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and lion-tailed macaques. Visitors often go to Tenmala, which is very near t this place to see the numerous tea and coffee estates of the region.
Hovering between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats God’s own country, Kerala is the major tourist attraction of India. It is a gateway of Indian Tourism that displays the most unmatched beauty in this world. For Holiday makers, travelers and nature lovers it is the beat place and off course for Honeymoon couples it is the heaven on Earth. Visit any corner, or enjoy boat cruise on the fabled backwater or trek through the emerald Western Ghats, its time for you to rejoice and cherish every moment being in this beautiful place. It’s beauty make visitors wonder about the creation of the almighty and beautifully placed nature to add more colour to this heavenly place.
The natural beautification with refreshing perfumed air gives bouncy feeling to the tourists. Its unique tranquility and exhilarating beauty attract tourist from the Far East, south, west and northern part of the world. Visit the place once in your lifetime and it will worth your life living in this wonderful world.
If you are in Kerala it is sure that you will not miss a chance to enroll yourself in the traditionally attired backwater destination. Backwaters are the unique product of Kerala and are found no where else in this world. Enroll yourself and feel the charm and beauty of the place meeting from the nearest point. Its alluring beauty and charismatic natural beauty lures tourist visiting from far end of the world. Kerala’s backwater enchants every one and, infact it is one of the most haunted destination by Honeymoon Couples. They spent romantic moments and time of there life hovering over the pristine backwaters of God’s own country. The sun kissed glistering water and the panoramic view of the hills with milky waterfall gives a feast to the eyes.
Apart from the scintillating natural beauty this spicy state of India also witness Munnar one of the most unique and charming hill station. Its alluring beauty and tranquility attracts tourist from every part of the world. It is one of the most visited places by the tourists on there tour. Whatever be the condition in this world Munnar is always at its best and offers very best and soothing environment for Honeymoon couples. It is the place where couples spend one of the most memorable and romantic time of there life with Honeymoon Tour Kerala. Munnar is decorated with beautiful hills, sprawling tea gardens and lovely mountain waterfall. Visit any of this memorable and unique hill station and it’s for sure you will get allured with its tranquility and exhilarating beauty.
Undoubtedly this spicy state is always at its best, whether talked about the beauty of the place, wildlife sanctuary or the fabled backwater destination. Its magical flavored cuisines have spell bound every tourists and visitors. Taste for once the most unique and mouthwatering cuisines then rest of the tourist’s spots in India. Its mind refreshing cuisines and most of all uniquely prepared in the coconut oil gives a real taste being in Kerala. After all entire Tour package in Kerala gives you a golden opportunity to rejuvenate your mind body and soul. The magical therapy and the ayurvedic body massage rejuvenate your exhausted soul with new life.
If you have never been to this beautiful place of India, don’t miss this chance in this holiday. Kerala name echoes in every part of the world and its beauty is highly appreciated by the tourist who has witness the fascinating beauty. Book your kerala Tour and meet with the exhilarating beauty of this God’s own country. Plains words, beautiful adjectives will hardly be able to outline the external and internal beauty of Kerala. The best is experienced by visiting the alluring and mesmerizing beauty of this Green paradise, Kerala.
Welcome to charming and captivating south Indian state of Kerala, India. There are lots of tourism options in this beautiful state of Kerala – popularly described as the God’s Own Country. Apart from numerous tourism options the state has also several holiday spots where one can spend their Indian holidays in memorable and enjoyable way. In fact, entire Kerala is worth exploring and any region of the state is perfect for enjoyable Indian holidays.
Today Kerala is globally famous tourist destination of India. And tourists from all over the world come here to explore its attractions and known about it that why it is called as the God’s Own Country. And yes, you will have no any wonder that why the state is known as the God’s Own Country while you will be on tours to Kerala, South India.
There are several packages available in the market offered by several travel agents or tour operators. Tour operators organize kerala honeymoon tour, South India and make you enable to explore its amazing attractions. Sunny beaches are the prime attraction of travel and tourism in Kerala, India. Beaches are decorated with lined palm coconut trees and blessed with exceptional nature’s beauty. The ambiance at beaches is perfect to celebrate holidays in enjoyable way.
There are several options to do at breathtaking beaches of state. Beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water funs. You will find several beach benches and umbrellas for your comforts arranges by several state government or resorts. Beaches are also very popular among honeymooners from all over the world. Beaches provide sheer romantic ambiance for honeymooners with exceptional nature abundant beauty. There are numerous reasons to explore breathtaking beaches of state. Beaches have prime position in almost tour package in Kerala, South India.
Kerala – the land of coconut trees – is also internationally famous for its breathtakingly beautiful backwaters. Backwaters are vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, canals, etc and endowed with superb natural beauty. There are several backwater destinations in Kerala that can be visited and explored on Kerala tours package. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, Kollam, Kuttanad, Trivandrum, Kottayam, etc are some popular backwater destinations of the state. Tourists don’t forget to explore these breathtaking backwaters of the state on their Kerala visit.
One of the best and most suitable ways to explore breathtaking backwaters of the state is hiring a traditional rice boat or modern luxury packed houseboat. Floating over tranquil waters of backwaters a houseboat cruise takes you into the unique world of water and wonderment. The houseboat cruise provides wonderful opportunity to see aquatic life, bird life and unique ambiance with serenity. It also provides opportunity to see lush green paddy fields, temples, traditional villages, modern towns, etc on the shoreline. Surly, exploring backwaters by a houseboat will be a unique and pleasant experience of life time.
Verdant hill stations of Kerala – God’s Own Country – are also very popular among tourists from all over the world. Rolling hills have prime position in package tours to Kerala, South India. Munnar is the most famous hill towns of the state. It is known for its exceptional nature beauty, beautiful landscapes, and sheer romantic ambiance. And that’s why honeymooners prefer to spend their honeymoon holidays in Munnar.
Apart from hills, beaches and backwaters Kerala has more to offer its visitors. Well, come and explore its attractions and know more about it. Kerala tourism awaits you.
The beautiful backwaters of Kerala make a wonderful home to its traditional houseboats that take visitors on a dreamland journey meandering into the numerous lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of a number of rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Tranquility and bliss rules these parts of Kerala as one gets lost into the beauty of swaying coconut groves bordering the shores and the rural lifestyle of the people. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. It is houseboats that attract a considerable number of tourists to the backwaters. Huge, slow moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips of today are actually the reworked Kettuvalloms of olden times, which were once used to carry tonnes of rice and spices.
The word Kettuvallam means 'boat with knots' and it is surprising to note that the entire boat holds together with coir knots only. Not even a single nail is used during its construction! Made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir, it is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. However, one does not need to worry because times have proved that with careful maintenance, a Kettuvallom can last for generations. Though, they are out of use now as carriers of load, clever humans have put them to a new use by modifying them and promoting them successfully as a tourist attraction. More than 100 years old, special rooms have been made in these boats to accommodate travelers who love to cruise in these houseboats, though, care has been taken to use only natural products such as bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the Aracanut tree are used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds in the process. Solar panels are used for lighting. Alleppey alone has as many as 120 houseboats today.
Today, with the advancement of the tourism industry, luxury houseboats have been introduced that have acquired all the comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views of the panoramic scenery. These boats are either driven by local oarsmen or are powered by a 40 HP engine. In case of large groups, one may also opt for Boat trains that are formed by joining two or more houseboats together.
Backwater tourism in Kerala, God’s Own Country, an Indian state situated on the southern tip of the country, is gaining popularity rapidly. Backwaters and backwater destinations of the state are unquestionably among major attractions of the state. Tourists don’t want to forgo to enjoy breathtaking beauty of scenic backwaters of the states.
I think if Kerala is globally famous tourism destinations then the region behind it is backwaters and houseboats sailing over tranquil water of country waterways like lakes, canals, lagoons, rivers, inlets, etc forming vast stretch of backwaters. But do you think backwater tourism without a well-organized houseboat cruise? I think certainly not. How tourists can explore endless beauty of scenic backwaters of the state without a houseboat, rice boat, vessel, or canoe?
Now I want to give a short description about house boats of the state. Traditionally houseboats in Kerala were called Kettuvallams. Literally Kettuvallam means “Boats with Knots”. Coir ropes tied in knots are used to tie entire structure of Kettuvallam together.
There is an interesting fact that not a single nail is used during the entire process of assembling Kettuvallams or house boats. In ancient times Kettuvallams were excellent means of transportation. They were used as cargo carriers. They were used for the transportation of rice, spices, etc.
Today Kettuvallams are known as houseboats and are known for excellent accommodation with facilities like luxurious hotels. Today houseboats are major attractions of backwater tourism in the state.
Journey through the scenic and panoramic backwaters of the state is an unforgettable experience. Tourists from all over the world visit this state and enjoy house boat stay as well as backwater tourism. A well-organized houseboat tour in the Kerala can be the most relaxing experience of your lifetime. Exceptional nature beauty never fails to grab the heart of tourists. Sunset views over the sapphire backwaters make honeymoon couples romantic.
Tourists also get opportunity to see coconut groves, lush paddy fields, ancient temples, rustic homes, traditional villages, etc from the deck of houseboat. Some of houseboat cruise also takes tourists to the periphery of wildlife sanctuary. I think taking a house boat tour in scenic backwaters of the state will be the most magical moment of your life.
There are several backwater destinations in this heavenly state. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, etc are names to few. Alleppey houseboats are more popular than of other backwater destinations of the state. At Alleppey, house boats can be seen in quite good numbers. Rightly, Alleppey is described as the citadel of houseboat.
Kumarakom is also a very famous backwater destination of the state famous for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Lake. Vembanad is an ideal destination to start kerala house boats tour.
A well organized cruise promises tourists amazing tourism and wonderful holiday with excellent accommodation. For honeymoon couples cruising is the most magical experience and experience of lifetime shared together. It is delight of nature lovers and photographers. Well, you too can enjoy the charm of houseboats Kerala tour by visiting this blissful state of India that is Kerala – God’s Own Country.
Honeymoon is the most important moment for a couple after wedding. It gives couple wonderful opportunities to know each other and spend some of the most romantic moments of their life away from home. If you are a couple and looking for a perfect destination for your perfect honeymoon vacation then Kerala can be just for you, if your interests are in beaches, mountains, rivers, lakes, and nature creations. Kerala is situated on the southern tip of India. It is one of the most beautiful states of India. It has everything that is associated with the most romantic honeymoon couples. In India, it a honeymoon destination strikes in the mind of couples that is none other than Kerala – God’s Own Country. It is the destination of all seasons and deserves the attention of couples in all season. It is not destination for domestic vacationers only but also deserves the attentions of couples from abroad.
Monsoon tourism in Kerala is gaining popularity rapidly. It is mainly grabbing the heart of couples from abroad as well as India. Couples love to enjoy their vacation on breathtaking beautiful beaches, eye-catching hill stations and in the lap of nature. If drizzling water falls on their bodies, it is truly a romantic experience of Kerala honeymoon tours. There are several tour operators and travel agencies which offer monsoon tourism package specially designed for newly wedded or honeymoon couples. There are several beach destinations in the state which can be ideal destination for couples. Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Fort Bekal, etc are names to few pristine beaches of the state. Couples love to spend their romantic vacation in such places of the state.
Hill stations of the state are also very popular among newly wedded couples for their most awaiting honeymoon vacation. Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi, Echo Points, etc are names to few pristine hill stations of the state. Munnar is extremely beautiful and very ideal place for honeymoon vacation. Its abundant nature beauty gives couples romantic experiences of lifetime. Couples love to pose in tea plantations of Munnar, popularly known as the “Kashmir of South” due to its superb nature beauty. Views of Munnar are truly for couples to cherish and rejoice. Ponmudi, Wayanad, etc are simply delights for couples. So, hill stations of the state provide couples truly romantic, delightful and serene ambiance, just right for them.
Kerala backwater tours are also very popular among newly wedded couples for their romantic vacation. Backwaters here are breathtakingly beautiful and provide couples truly serene sheer ambiance for their romantic vacation. Kerala India backwater is large network of several scenic water bodies like lagoons, lakes, canals, rivers, inlets, etc. Couples love to embark on houseboat cruise to explore the scenic charm of backwaters. A houseboat stay provides couples wonderful opportunity to enjoy their honeymoon vacation in sheer romantic ambiance. Couples find ambiance on houseboat sheer, romantic and accommodation like luxurious hotels. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, etc can be perfect destinations for couples to start their Kerala houseboat tours .
There are several other options for newly wedded couples in Kerala, India. If you are a couple and want to celebrate your honeymoon vacation in India, then Kerala is just for you. Come, explore it and cherish it.
Kerala, one of the most popular tourist destinations of India, is famous for its serene natural beauty, beautiful beaches, lush green landscapes, backwaters and ayurveda. This beautiful Indian state situated at the southern part of the country, lures tourists from far and wide.
Kerala travel is one thing that you should experience yourself and with you family at least once. The charm of Kerala is such that once you go there, you'll have that craving to go back again and again.
You can explore the beauty of nature to the fullest in Kerala. The places you can explore here are the exotic sea beaches, hill stations, temples, wildlife and the backwaters. If you are in Kerala for your holidays, one must visit place is the Kerala Backwaters. You can enjoy every element of nature around you - water, greenery, birds almost everything.
Another very beautiful travel location in Kerala is the mystic hill station Munnar located amidst three hills. Munnar is 120 km away from Cochin which is another tourist hotspot. The aroma of tea and coffee plantations and pleasant weather make this place all the more special. You can spend your evenings lazying around the beautiful and ecstatic beaches of Kerala.
While you are on Kerala India travel, give yourself a culture treat and enjoy some lip smacking south Indian food seasoned with flavours of fresh spices. You can also enjoy the folk and classical dance forms of the state, Kathakali, Mohini Attam etc. that are actually musical representations of a mythological drama. It generally starts at dusk and goes throughout the night. Snake boat race presents another ethnic and unique cultural glimpse of the state that is held only once in a year before Onam which is the biggest festival of Kerala. Watching live snake boat raced is an experience of lifetime and in itself which cannot be this can not be experienced anywhere else in the world.
So, book your Kerala flight and a room in a Kerala hotel now to spend a vacation of lifetime and do full justice to your much needed break because a holiday in Kerala is completely worth it.
Nature has always been partial to Kerala with all its exotic seashores and lush green hill stations that are a delight to the visitors. Much of the highland area of the Western Ghats is enviable for its serene and tranquil surroundings, wonderful treks, aromatic plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom, tropical forests and rich flora and fauna rising to an average height of 1520 m. Here, we have attempted to cover the major hill stations.
Ponmudi
Situated at a height of 915 m above sea level, it is an Idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways surrounded by cool, green, thickly wooded forests. Adorned with pretty mountain flowers, colorful butterflies, small rivulets and springs, these hill station boasts of a deer park and excellent trekking trails.
Idukki
Idukki means narrow gorge. It has a large population of tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos, which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture. It is a small hill town surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and meandering streams. Three rivers and their tributaries surround the region, namely, Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar while River Pamba originate from the place.
Munnar
Known for its cool climate and tea plantation, this serene and tranquil hill town houses many colonial bungalows, tea factories, wildlife sanctuaries and many lakes. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, it was the erstwhile summer resort of the British government in South India. These hills are famous for the blue flowers of 'Neelakurinji', that blossom once in every twelve years to bathe the hills in blue. Next time they will bloom in 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m and is an ideal spot for trekking.
Mattupetty
Located at a height of 1,700m, Mattupetti is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm that owes itself to the Indo-Swiss live stock project. It is home to over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. One may visit the three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm. However, Mattupetti Lake with a Dam and boating facilities is the favorite picnic spot of the region along with Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake nearby.
Devikulam
An irresistible display of natural greenery, the slopes of Devikulam ascend to as high as 1000 metres adorned with the silent clusters of slender red and blue gum trees. 16 km southwest of Munnar, Devikulam (the lake of the goddess) sports a lovely little lake hidden amidst the rolling hills. According to a legend, Sita Devi, the consort of Lord Rama, came down to frolic in the lake and the place came to be known by the present name ever since.
Wagamon
65 km from Idukki town, 110 m above sea level, this hill station is mainly for trekkers with its beautiful trails and is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens.
Peruvannamuzhi
60 km from Kozhikode, the Peruvannamuzhi dam site set amidst hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides speedboat and rowboat cruise facilities and uninhabited island, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm makes it much more inviting to the tourists.
Vythiri
A scenic place located in the sylvan Northern High Ranges in Wayanad District, it is exclusive, comfortable, refreshing, pollution free and inspiring with vast stretches of lush green land interspersed with perennial streams and rolling hills. Situated near the Pookot Lake, this little city breathes history and legend. A natural choice because of its accessibility, beauty and pleasant climate, it rises 2600 ft. above sea level and was once a favorite retreat for English planters during colonial times.
Lakkidi
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, it registers the second highest degree of Rainfall in the world. Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar, Kerala's famous satirist poet, who is regarded as the progenitor of Ottanthullal, the traditional solo dance narration. His songs combine satirical barbs with rib tickling laughter. Some of the famous lines are still quoted to lampoon contemporary social injustices. The Government of Kerala preserves the poet's house as a monument.
Chembra Peak
The highest peak in Wayanad, at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level, it is located 14 km west of Kalpetta. Trekking to the Chembra peak is strictly for the adventurous types as it is risky. There are temporary camps on the top of this peak and one can hire guides, sleeping bags, canvass huts and trekking implements. The peak provides some breathtaking views of the scenic beauty of Wayanad district while the lake at the top of the hill never dries up. A spring murmurs along all the way and sprouts from the top of the hill.
Malampuzha
A large irrigation dam built across the longest river in Kerala, the Bharathapuzha, it is situated at the base of the hills of the Western Ghats. The highlights of the place are its beautiful gardens, amusement parks, boating cruises, rock garden, fish-shaped aquarium, Snake Park, the ropeway, which takes the tourist on an aerial tour of the park, and the famous work Yakshi (an enchantress) sculpted by Kanai Kunjiraman. It is amazing to see the rock garden, which is built entirely of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a masterwork of sculptor Padmasree Nek Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
