Nature/ Scenic

Edakkal cave is 25 kms from Kalpetta and just 3 kms from Ambalavayal. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave to any observer.

There are human and animal figures carvings on the rock walls depicting pre-historic period and civilized people. The caves can be approached by 1km trekking trail starting from Edakkal. The best visiting hours are morning.

The Chethalayam Falls is another not very known fall in Wayanad yet there is no denying that it is extremely beautiful. The fall is 37 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery and 54 km from Meppady and offers wonderful opportunity to trek its rocks in the summer season (when due to heat the water dries up).

Chembra Peak soars upto 2100 metres and is perhaps the tallest summit of the Wayanad region. It is popular amongst tourists for the simple reason that it provides some spectacular views of the surrounding area from its zenith. However, trekking up the hill itself is not so simple. Usually it takes around four hours to climb up but for the starters it might just take another extra hour. DTPC organizes trek to the peak in a group of ten at a time. You can also make arrangement for the trek yourself but you will have to necessarily take along a guide provided by the DTPC.

The dam is located in the close vicinity of the Karlad Lake and is an excellent base to start off a trekking expedition to the Banasura peak. Also, what will catch your imagination here are the set of islands that are seen in the surroundings. Bansura dam is towards the north west of Kalpetta. Bansura dam is considered to be the largest earth dam in India. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura dam is an absolute beauty and is an exceptional dam.

The two rock caves at Ambukuthy Hills, 12 km south of Sultan's Bathery, contain ancient carvings and pictorial writhing with human and animal figure. They speak of a highly civilized people at an early centre of human habitation.

Varkala Beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. There are several small restaurants and snack shops near and around Papasnanam beach, which attracts the maximum visitors both for leisure as well as for religious reasons.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahandiain/3137060037/

Ponnumthurut Island is a beautiful spot you can reach by cruise boat. There is a sivaparvathy Temple in this island.

The town of Varkala is home to the famed papanasam beach which is thought to hold holy waters. It is believed that if you dip yourself in these holy waters, all your sins will be washed away and if you perform certain rituals in this particular beach your forefathers will attain salvation. Only a myth, but with all the beauty that surrounds this place, it is definitely worth the belief. There is also a natural spring at this beach which allows you to taste the sweet mineral water. Just relax your muscles and twitch your toes on the golden sands of this exotic beach.

Kappil Lake is about 4 kilometers (3.75 miles) north of Varkala Town.This serene estuary meanders through dense coconut groves before merging into the Arabian Sea. The bridge over the lake is quite a vantage point to view the backwater stretching white and grey to the distant blue horizon. Boating is another great way to browse this tranquil waterway.

Shanghumugham Beach is one of the popular beaches adjacent to Trivandrum airport. This is a beautiful and charming beach sited in Kerala. This beach is a relaxing holiday option for the city residents. Shanghumugham Beach is a place liked by tourists. There are numerous recreational facilities on the beach.

This beach displays a festive look during festivals in the temples. A children's training park for traffic is associated with star shaped restaurant and is the most delighted place for families who have children accompanied with them.