A bio-diverse region spread across 2,132 square kilometers on the lofty Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the few districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. And the very first prehistoric engravings in Kerala discovered in the foothills of Edakkal and around Ambukuthimala bear testimony to a pre-historic culture dating back to the Mesolithic Age. Strikingly scenic, it is known for its sub-tropical savannahs, picturesque hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. A holistic confluence of wilderness, history and culture, Wayanad is located on the southern tip of the magnificent Deccan plateau.
Chembra Peak
Elusive Tiger - Wayanad
Refreshing Dip in Rock Pool
View Point
Waterfall
Wayanad Wildlife
Spotted Deer at Muthanga Wildlife Park
Mountain Stream
Muthanga
Jack Fruit
Spotted Deer at Muthanga Wildlife Park
Ladies Visiting Waterfall
Local Farming
Jack Fruit & Coffee
Coffee Drying
Ladies Leaving Waterfall
View Across the Valley
View Across the Hills
Tea Plantation
Elephants in the Road
Landscapes as diverse as savannahs, wooded hills and evergreen forests, all rolled into one place – Wayanad, make it a truly special destination. The district also has a history as interesting as its landscape. It is believed that human life existed here from as early as 4000 BC. The rock carvings and caves of Ambukuthimala substantiate this belief. Large plantations of tea, coffee and spices can be seen here. Lush green paddy fields, from which Wayanad has derived its name (Vayal meaning paddy fields and Naad meaning village) add to its magnificence.
Muthanga Wildlife Park Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Wayanad Sanctuary, is situated on the way from Mysore to Sulthan Bathery. The Sanctuary is spread over an area of around 344 sq. km and one can find animals like sloth bears, sambhar, elephants, monkeys, tigers, reptiles, deer, panthers etc. There are many species of rare birds in this sanctuary as well. The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is most famous for its ‘project elephant’ site, where herds of elephants are seen roaming freely, frolicking in the mud and the water near the water holes.
Edakkal Caves Edakkal Caves are located at about a 25 km drive from Kalpetta and at a distance of 3 km from Ambalavayal. The Caves are famous for their exceptional rock art depicting human and animal figure carvings by Neolithic and later civilizations. Edakkal Caves were created by a fissure due to changing climatic conditions and the split in the rock is about 22 ft. in width and 90 ft. in length. The gap in the rocks extends to over 30 ft appearing as a cave to the observer. The caves can be reached through trekking trails within the forested area starting at Edakkal and the best time to visit the caves is during the morning.
Chembra Peak Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, stands at a height of around 2100 metres above sea level. At a distance of 14 km from Kalpetta, the Chembra Peak is a part of the Wayanad hill ranges in the Western Ghats, adjoining the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and Vellarimala in Kozhikode district in Kerala. The elevation makes it an ideal spot for trekking and mountain climbing. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipments on hire charges to the tourists. A heart shaped lake en route to the top of the peak is a major tourist attraction. It is believed that the lake has never dried up, even during the hottest of summers. For those seeking some adventure, temporary camps are set up on the top of the peak. Guides, camping apparatus etc are provided by the District Tourism Promotion Council on rent to tourists who are interested in camping. The Chembra Peak is undisputedly one of the most favoured trekking destinations; the breathtaking view from the top is sure to offer the traveller a spectacle worth more than all the hardship undergone while climbing. The picturesque Lake on the hill is an ideal picnic spot. Since it takes almost a day to reach the top of the hill, tourists can spend a day or two in the temporary camps.
Vythiri
Tranquil
Thekkady is located in the south east of Kerala, virtually on the border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is best known for it’s spices & nature reserve at nearby Periyar.
We can arrange for a tour of a local spice plantation where you will see spices such as cardamon, pepper, & vanilla being grown. The town of Theakkady has numerous shops selling the locally grown spices at a fraction of the UK cost.
Elephant rides are also popular in this area & this can be arranged in Thekkady town.
Periyar Wildlife Reserve
Periyar Lake
Spice Village Hotel
Periyar Wildlife
Tea Plantation
Periyar Lake
Rafting on Periyar Lake
Periyar
 The highlight of the area is the Periyar Nature Reserve. This is Kerala’s oldest & largest protected wildlife area. We would recommend a full day excursion to the park. In the morning a park ranger will escort you on a gentle trek looking out for elephant, wild boar, monkeys & the elusive tiger! In the afternoon, join the boat cruise along the lake where you will have the perfect opportunity to view the animals by the water’s edge. The scenery is wonderful & you will see a lot of wildlife – but don’t expect to see any tigers. |
Spice Village
Kasaragod, the Northern most district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. As yet relatively undiscovered, you will find yet another side to Kerala waiting to be explored.
Applying Theyyam Make up
Theyyam Holy Guys
View from Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort
Theyyam
Local Theyyam Festival
Bekal Fort Beach
Theyyam Preparations
Theyyam Interval
Local Theyyam Festival
Backwater Fishing Boats
Backwater Fishing Boat
Lunch at the Theyyam
Backwater Ferry
Theyyam Tufts
Holy Bell Ringers
Neeleshwar Hermitage
Theyyam
 A particular cultural highlight of the region is the Theyyam festival: ‘the dance of the gods’. In a theyyam performance, the divine force – often the Great Goddess or Shiva, possesses the body of the dancer and acts through it to bless the community. The gathering is held spellbound by hypnotic chants and music and the performance may continue for a whole day or night. The dancer’s costume, make-up and mask are magnificent, while the headdress, the most important feature, can be up to six metres in height. |
Bekal Fort
 The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This three-centuries-old circular structure of laterite rises 130 feet above sea level and stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The magnificent beach below offers spectacular views of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation. |
Ananthapura Lake Temple
 Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this 9th century temple is the only Lake Temple in Kerala and is the original Seat Of Anathapadmanabha Swami. The temple houses a beautiful image of Shree Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu) seated on Adisesha, the serpent god. An ancient shrine is engulfed by a chuttambalam and its walls have beautiful murals. It is believed that a lone crocodile inhabits the lake which is said to be 150 years old. It is a venue of Thapotsavam, an annual one-day festival which is held in the month of April. |
Ranipuram
 Located 85 km from Kasargod town, 750m above sea level on the Western Ghats, Ranipuram is a beautiful mountain terrain known for trekking. Covered with evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, this beautiful land and its extensive forests merge into those of Karnataka. This is unexplored territory for the nature enthusiast and birdwatcher. Butterflies are in abundance and birds of the evergreen biotope like the black eagle, crested serpent eagle and little spider hunter are common. Elephants pay visits in the summer months and leopards have also been sighted. |
Valiyaparamba Backwaters
 Located 30 kms from Bekal, this is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in northern Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is a favoured backwater destination that offers enchanting houseboat cruises to its visitors. |
One of the many fascinating experiences for visitors to Kerala is without doubt the Homestays. These are literally a home away from home, allowing you to experience Keralan life with the host family and local community. Tucked away in misty plantation hills, amidst cool coconut groves, circled by backwaters, by the side of sun drenched beaches or in villages with distinct characteristics; homestays in Kerala offer a unique opportunity to enjoy and experience the culture, lifestyle and flavours of the land and its people.
Villa - Philipkutty\'s
Taxi Driver - Philipkutty\'s
Emerald Isle Homestay
Fishing Near Philipkutty\'s
Approaching Emerald Isle
Tranquil Bar
Tree House - Tranquil
View from Villa - Philipkutty\'s
Swimming Pool - Tranquil
Emerald Isle
PhilipKutty’s Farm
Tranquil
Travel west from the backwaters of Kerala & the landscape changes into rolling hills smothered in tea plantations. Winding roads snake their way around the hillsides, emerging at picture postcard towns. Once the summer capital of the British during the times of the Raj, Munnar is the most important town in this area. At an altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 metres, Munnar ranks among the most beautiful hill stations in South Asia.
Munnar derives its name from the Malayalam words mun (meaning three) and aaru meaning (stream) as it is located at the confluence of three streams.
Waterfall - Eravikulam National Park
Waterfall - Eravikulam National Park
Tea Plantations
View of Tea Plantations
Tea Plantations
Tapping Rubber
Tea Picking
View Around Munnar
Noisy Frog - really!
Weighing Yam at Munnar Market
Munnar Market
Nilgiri Ibex Goat
Nilgiri Ibex Goat
More Tea..
Lake View
Long & Winding Road
Jack Fruit
Kurunji Plant - Eravikulam National Park
Cardamom Flower
The scenery in this area is breathtaking & there will be many photo opportunities as you tour around the area. We can organise a visit to a tea plantation to learn more about this industry & its impact on local life. Eravikulam National Park is also situated in this area & we can organise an excursion there to visit the endangered Nilgiri tahr goats. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with the flowering of the Kurunji plant which paints the mountainside in a glorious shade of lilac – but only once every 12 years.
Mattupetty
Famous for its Indo-Swiss livestock project, Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m and is just 13 km from Munnar. The Mattupetty Lake and Dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot.
Lock Heart Gap
Lock heart gap is ideally located for adventure tourism. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Eravikulam National Park
Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District, 15 Km from Munnar. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The Anamudi peak (2695) is located in the southern region of the park. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.
Tea Museum
A visit to the tea museum in Munnar Town enlightens you about the art of tea making. An encounter with very interesting pieces of history and antiques of Munnar is guranteed during a guided tour of the mini Tea factory in the museum.
Top Station
32 Km from Munnar and 1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar -Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakuranji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. This plant blooms once every twelve years bathing the hillsides in bright blue. Top station also offers panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
Marayoor
40Km from Munnar, this is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandal wood trees. The caves (muniyaras) with murals and relic from the New Stone Age civilization and the children’s park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourist. Thoovanam waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Windermere Estate
