29/11/2013
Leisure & Nature
A convenient hop away from cities like Bangalore, Calicut and Cochin, Wayanad is the perfect weekend getaway. Still uncrowded, clean and friendly, the district offers a host of options for those looking to just relax away from the stress and bustle of city life.
1. Pookote Lake : Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the NationalHighway212. It has been developed as a recreational center having boating facilities, children's park, shop for souveniers and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a cafe and restautant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.
Mananthavady : 50 kms.
Open: 0900 – 1800.
2. Sentinel Rock Falls : Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very porular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.
Open: 0830 – 1600
3. Kanthanpara falls : Relatively smaller than sentinel rock, and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and it's surroundings are nonethless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it's perfect for picnics.
Mananthavady: 57 kms.
4. Sunrise Valley : As the name indicates, Sunrise valley is great place to watch the rising and setting sun amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The place also offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath with the river chaliyar meandering along gracefully.
5. RARS : The Regional Agriculture Research Station located in Ambalavayal town is part of the Kerala Agricultaral University. This station conducts researchs on spices, tropical and sub-tropical fruits, vegetables and hillpaddy, RARS also has a nursery with a large collection of rare roses and ornamental plants. visitors can purchase seeds and saplings at the purchase counter.
6. Phantom Rock : Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock, named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengery Mala.The immediate surroundings offer excelent photo oppurtunities.
7. Karapuzha Dam : The large Irrigation baased dam site is set amidst picturesque surroundings. It is another fine venue for picnics.
8. Pazhassi park : A good recreational site, Pazhasii park has a children's play area and boating facilities set on the Mananthavady river.
9. Kuruva Island : The Kuruva Island with the 950 acres of evergreen forests lies on one of the tributaries of the River Kabani This calm and peaceful Island is home to a variety of birds, butterflies and orchids.
Open: 0930 – 1730
10. Karalad Lake: A 10.5 acre lake with a charming grove surrounding it,Recreational park with facilities for boating fecilities are available right now. Karald is now being developed as a centre of base camp for Adventure activities like Zip-Line, angling, Archery, Panit Ball, Tented accomodation and Water Zorbing.
Open: 0900 – 1800
