Kerala a place that’s almost synonymous for its houseboats (kettuvallom), but this time around, we are actually advising you to dump the houseboats & try something new! Want to experience a vacation like none other, where one can truly appreciate Mother Nature? Then try Vythiri, one of India’s most exotic locales, nestled in Kerala’s Sylvan Northern High Ranges, (Wayanad District), a destination known for its dense green rainforests replete with exotic flora and fauna, dazzling waterfalls, rubber and spice plantations, tea / coffee estates, sparkling streams and more!
But for an adventure of a lifetime, try the fabulous tree houses that Vyithiri offers! One of the biggest attractions of the place, these tree houses perched at some 90 ft above the ground provide tourists with some stunning views of the dense forests below, from spectacular sunsets to a bird’s eye view of the misty mountain peaks, not to forget some unforgettable pictures and memories.
Definitely nature at its best, Vyithiri is a magical destination that comes alive during the monsoons, one known for its dense undergrowth, thick fir, pine and conifer trees, lush greenery, exotic animals, numerous water bodies and rolling hills.
From tree houses to rope bridges that lead you to various cottages over the numerous streams here, this eco-friendly hill station is said to be the only one of its kind in Kerala.
Delighting tourists are various attractions such as the Edakkal Caves, two natural picturesque caves known for its Petroglyphs (rock engravings) that date back to least 5000 BC. Attracting archaeologists and historians worldwide, these prehistoric caves are said to be the only known carvings of South India till date.
Set up in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Kerala is rich in bio diversity, and home to some exotic species such as the elephant, tiger, cheetah, Bison, spotted deer and others. Trees such as rose-wood, deciduous teak, mullumurikku (Erthrina), bamboo, anjili (Artocarpus), are also found here.
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of the Wayanad district is another spectacular sanctuary. Being a part of the Project Elephant; here one can find herds of wild elephants roaming freely. Also spotted here are Jackals, Otters, Tigers, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, King Vultures and more.
Challenging adventure seekers is the Chembra peak, the highest peak in the Wayanad region at 2100 meters. A favorite for trekkers, the rewarding views from this peak make this difficult trek well worth the effort. It time permits try Lakkidi, at Thamarasseri Ghat pass, at 700 m above sea level, where one can get some breathtaking views of the valley below.
One of the most spectacular falls here, the Suchipara falls is a dazzling three-tiered waterfall, known not just for its breathtaking beauty but also for the rock climbing it offers. June to January is when one experiences what is said to be one of Kerala’s most beautiful waterfalls!
Another splendid falls in this region is the Chethalayam falls known also for its avifauna and the exotic wildlife that visit this falls.
Surrounded by thick woods, the Pookot Lake at about 30 km from Vythiri, is the ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon. From boating to kids enjoying the children’s park or the beautiful aquarium here, this lake is a favorite of nature lovers and a photographer’s delight!
Also try the boating facilities available at Banasura Dam, believed to be the second largest earth dam in Asia, and the starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.
Not just a must for ornithologists, but for nature lovers and tourists as well, Pakshipathalam in the Wayanad district is known for its spectacular birds. Besides its exciting trekking trails, another attraction here is a cave that was once used by meditating Rishis.
Another interesting cave here is the Muniyara cave, also believed to be the meditating place of ancient sages. Attracting anthropologists and archaeologists, these caves are thought to be the cover of ancient tribes. Remnants found from this area are today displayed in the Wayanad Heritage Museum.
If you feel a chill down your spine, when here, don’t blame it on the weather here, but on the Chain Tree and the interesting legend behind it! It is said that Karinthandan, was a local youth who helped out a British Engineer around the dangerous mountainous region to Wayanad; however the ungrateful engineer wanting to take credit for the discovery, murdered Karinthandan. His soul returned to haunt subsequent visitors to Wayanad, but a priest managed to chain the spirit to a tree thus giving it the name! Other attractions within the vicinity include the Kanthanpara waterfalls, Meenmutty Falls, the Neelimala view point, and temples such as the Glass temple Koottamundu, Manikavu Temple, Thirunelly Temple, Thrissilery Shiva Temple and more.
A place known for its spice plantations, can one return without purchasing a few? Do look out for handicrafts also made out of bamboo and wood besides exotic spices.
If the Jungle book and Mowgli’s tree house fascinated you as a kid, then this is a perfect getaway, providing tourists with an unforgettable experience, and some wonderful memories. This one of a kind hill resort in Kerala known for its lush greenery, misty hills, spectacular falls, and exotic fauna is surely one to take your breath away!
