Continues from Part 1 of Wayanad Travel Guide
5. Kanthanpara Waterfalls: These beautiful waterfalls are at a distance of twenty two kilometers towards the east side of Kalpetta. Also, it is at a distance of eight kilometers from Meppadi which is again another surreal waterfall approximately thirty meters tall. The Kanthanpara waterfalls are smaller than the Sentinel falls and also less crowded. The places around these falls are very pleasing to the eyes. One needs to hike ones way up to the falls which is an easy hike. It is also perfect for a picnic with your loved ones.
6. Banasura Sagar Dam: this dam is located at Padinjarathara at a distance of twenty one kilometers from Kalpetta. A small hydel project is being constructed at this place. The project will have the largest earth dam in all of India and would also be the second largest earth dam in the entire Asia. This place serves as the perfect start point for hikes and treks leading to the Banasura Peak. A distinctive feature of this place is the small island series that came into existence when the reservoir drowned the neighboring area.
7. Varambetta Mosque: This mosque is at a distance of fifteen kilometers from Kalpetta located close to Padinjarathara. This mosque is about three hundred years old and is the old mosque in Wayanad.
8. Jain Temple: The Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala at a distance of four kilometers from Kalpetta. This temple is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami one of the most worshipped Jain Saint.
9. Glass Temple: This temple is situated in Koottamundu on the slopes of Vellarimala. The temple is devoted to Parshwanatha Swami. This is called the glass temple as the mirrors on the walls of the temple interiors reflect photos of the temple’s holy sanctorum’s icons.
10. Edakkal Caves: The caves are located at a distance of twelve kilometers from Sulthan Bathery. A total of three caves are situated at an altitude of thousand meters on Ambukuthi mala close to Ambalavayal. One gets to see pictorial writings of the new stone age era on the walls of the natural Edakkal Caves that are proof that pre-historic civilization dwelled in this area. To reach the caves one has to take a one kilometers long trek from Edakkal. The morning time is the best time to explore the caves. This place is closed for visitors after five in the evening. An intriguing trek up on the Ambukuthi Hill close to the Ambalavayal town will lead you to the captivating Neolithic caves. The engravings on the cave walls have attracted various historians and archaeologists from across the world.
11. Chethalayam Falls: This is a popular place amongst bird watchers. This smaller waterfalls is also a famous trekking location amongst adventure freaks.
12. Muniyaras: excavations carried at several places around and about the feet of the Ambukuthi Hills have revealed a very different series of antediluvian entombment vaults ordinarily known as Muniyaras. The findings also uncovered some ancient tools and pots that are now exhibited at the Wayanad Heritage Museum.
Other interesting places to visit while in Wayanad are the Wayanad Wild life Sanctuary, the stunning Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Seetha lava Kusha temple (The only temple devoted to the sons of Lord Rama), The Manikavu Temple, the highest peak Chembrapeak Near Mippady town, Lakkidi (the gateway of Wayanad), and Pakshipathalam a place where naturally formed large boulders stand as tall as two storey.
