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| PLACES TO VISIT |
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Wayanad's unique geographical features lend a peculiar charm and a delightful challenge to trekkers and nature freaks.
Its fascinating scenery and wonderful climate creates an unforgettable experience.
Apart from the breathtaking scenery, its long history offers visitors the opportunity to explore a range of interesting spots: |
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| Pookot Lake |
This natural lake surrounded by hills and meadows provides an excellent picnic spot or opportunity for a relaxing boat ride or fishing expedition. (4km - ½ hr drive) |
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| Soojipara Falls
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These waterfalls are an endless natural splendour amidst dark and deep woods. (38kms - 1½hr) |
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| Kuruva Islands |
950 acres of evergreen forest surrounded by the Kabini River, this uninhabited island is full of orchids, rare species of birds and herbs. (70km - 3½ hr drive) |
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| Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary |
The main attraction is with no doubt the elephant rides through the jungle. This sanctuary allows you to have a peek into the natural lives of all the wild animals within the area. (55kms - 2hr drive) |
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Thirunelli Temple
The temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water. (80kms - 3hr drive) |
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Chembra Peak
The highest peak in Wayanad at 2100mts above sea level, this spot provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley and also has a path for trekking enthusiasts. (27kms - 1½ hr drive) |
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| Chain Tree |
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Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman (and thus, the name). (9kms - 20mins drive) Edakkal Caves 1000mts above sea level, this ancient natural cave exhibits ancient carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the stone ages. (53 kms - 1½ hr drive) |
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| Wildlife Sanctuaries |
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Wayanad abounds in wildlife sanctuaries. Elephants, spotted deer, sloth bear, samba and gaur are just some of the species you can spot. The distances of the various sanctuaries from the resort are as follows: Muthanga - 55kms, Nagarhole - 70kms, Bandipur - 75kms, Muthumala - 100kms, Tholpatti - 70kms. |
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Itinerary One - 'Hiking Adventure' (adventurous)
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| 8.00am |
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| 9.00am |
| Depart Vythiri to Pakshi Pathalam (translated as "bird hell"!) |
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| Midday |
Arrive at Pakshi for a 4-5km hike through the forest and the Opportunity to experience the sheer thrill of spotting elephants, bison, spotted deer, samba, wild boar and if you're really lucky, the rare "barking" deer (Not for the faint-hearted). Serious bird watchers will marvel at the sheer number of rare birds that fill this bird haven. A must for all nature lovers. |
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| 1.30pm |
| Stop amidst the surroundings for a 'close to nature' picnic lunch. |
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| 3.00pm |
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| Itinerary Two - 'Wayanad Safari' (for all nature lovers) |
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| 8.00am |
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| 9.00am |
| Depart Vythiri to Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary |
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| 11:30 am |
Arrive Muthunga for a guard accompanied jeep drive through the dense forest and the opportunity to spot majestic elephants and bears amongst other local wildlife. |
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| 2.00 pm |
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| 3.00pm |
| Visit to the sanctuary's snake park to see a very large King Cobra |
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| 3.30pm |
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| Itinerary Three - 'Trekker's Delight' (For trekkers with good stamina |
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| 8.00am |
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| 9.00am |
| Depart Vythiri to Soojipara Waterfalls |
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| 11:00 am |
Arrive Soojipara and hike uphill to see one of the largest natural waterfalls in Wayanad. The trek is vigorous but the view well worth it. |
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| Midday |
| Arrive at waterfall site. Relax and picnic lunch |
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| 1.00pm |
| Downward trek from waterfalls to the jeep |
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| 2.00pm |
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| 3.00pm |
Arrive Eddakal Caves. 1000mts above sea level, this huge ancient natural cave exhibits ancient carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the stone ages. It is believed to have existed 10 centuries before Christ. A good two hours walk will enable visitors to absorb the carvings. |
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| 5.00pm |
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| Itinerary Four - 'A Gentle Journey' (recommended for families) |
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| 8.00am |
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| 9.00am |
| Depart Vythiri to Chembra Peak |
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| 9:30 am |
Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100mts above sea level. This spot provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley and also has a path for trekking enthusiasts
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| 10.00 am |
| Arrive at the Chain Tree where a chain from a Banyan tree still hangs today to mark the spot where an Advasi (tribal) was murdered by a British Colonialist. |
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| 10.30am |
| Enjoy a gentle boat ride at Pookot Lake, a pretty natural lake surrounded by hills and meadows |
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| 12.00pm |
| Return to Vythiri Resort for lunch and relaxation |
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| 4.00pm |
After afternoon tea at the resort, depart for a Tea Plantation visit. Wayanad is saturated with plantations. You will be taken to a nearby tea plantation, but keep your eyes out on the way - coffee, pepper, cardamom and many other crops grow throughout the entire region. Your guide will surely point them out to you.
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| 5.00pm |
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