Shimla Hill Station,Himachal Pradesh

Information:

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is the most popular and established hill station of Northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi',which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Shimla was the most important British hill station,prior to India's independence. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys,and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range,on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge. The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till then,it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence,Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Attractions:

The Mall: All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall,the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge - a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings,souvenir shops and restaurants. Narrow cobble-stoned paths wind down to the middle and lower bazaars where tribals from the hills around gather to sell their quaint and colorful artifacts. At the top end of the Mall is the Scandal Point,a large open square with a view of the town - a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people.

Rashtrapati Niwas: About 1 km west of the centre of Shimla,on Observatory Hill,Rashtrapati Niwas was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy. The huge,fortress like building has six storeys and magnificent reception and dining halls. Set in beautiful gardens,it now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies.
Viceregal Lodge: It once served as the seat of power,from a hillock west of Shimla. The imposing six-storey edifice,with its manicured gardens is today the institute for advanced studies. It overlooks the Shimla State Museum,which is a treasure trove of Pahari art and sculpture.

St. Micheal's Cathedral: Situated on the Ridge,it is regarded as the second oldest church in north India and is known for its fine stained glass windows.

Annandale: 2 kms below the Ridge in Shimla,is Annandale glade,once the playground of Shimla,where racing,polo and cricket were legendary during the British era. Today,it is still a favourite with fun-loving picnickers,for a leisurely game of cricket or for the more princely game of polo.

Summer Hill: This is a quiet suburb of Shimla,5 km from the ridge and on the Kalka - Shimla line. Its peaceful environs and secluded walks were endorsed by a personage no less than Gandhiji,who once made this his retreat.

Jakhoo Temple : 2 km east of the city on the Jakhoo Hill is the small Jakhoo Temple. Atop the highest point in Shimla,it keeps the visitors in constant company of the playful monkeys,who inhabit the environs of this Hanuman temple in hundreds.

Chadwick Falls (8 km): At 2149 m this beautiful suberb is surrounded by a thick forest. From here,a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held here every year in April.

The Glen: About 4 km from Shimla,a sprightly stream flows through a clearing in dense woods. This is The Glen,a popular picnic spot. It is at a height of 1830 mtrs and is very scenic.

Prospect Hill: At a distance of 5 kms from Shimla,this popular picnic spot is a 15 minute climb from Boileauganj. It has imposing views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From the temple of Kamna Devi,one can catch a glimpse of the toy train threading through the stretch from Tara Devi to Jatogh.

Sankat Mochan: About 7 km from the town of Shimla and at height of 1875 mtrs is the scenic spot of Sankat Mochan,with its Hanuman Temple and a lovely view of Shimla.

Mashobra : Pine and oak woods frame the beautiful retreat of Mashobra,12 km out of Shimla. Enchanting trails wind through the forest to lovely gardens. Through thick woods,a side road leads to Bekhalty. From the heart of Mashobra,a pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. This is a large and exquisite glade shaded by ancient cedar trees. Streams of cool water gently divide it. The pastoral picture is completed by the temples on the edge. A trek to Shali Peak - the highest in the area,can be made from Mashobra.


Kufri : A little hamlet,just 16 km away from Shimla,offers unparalled views of the countryside and the majestic HImlayan mountains. The Winter Sports capital,Kufri is the focal point of a large number of ski enthusiasts who come here to enjoy the fine ski slopes.

Fagu : 6 kms from Kufri,it is a place of great natural wealth,with its woods,ferns and apple orchards.

Naldehra: 23 km from Shimla,at a height of 2044 mtrs,is a mini golf course (9 holes) which must be one of the most picturesque in the world. The surrounding country,bouncy turf and a grove of deodars which are its crowning glory,caught the eye of Lord Curzon,and the golf course was laid under his personal supervision.

Tattapani: Tattapani is just 28 kms from Naldehra,along a road winding through the scenic countryside. The hot sulphur springs here,are noted for their invigorating and curative powers.

Narkanda : An enchanting 64 km drive from Shimla,brings you to Narkanda,which is a popular skiing resort in winter. It has a choice of ski slopes - a beginner's run and sharper descents for the seasoned foot. Narkanda is well poised to hold out some of the finest views of the inner Himalayas.

Hatu Peak: Rising above forests of spruce,the Hatu peak is a vantage point with spectacular views. An annual fair is also held here .This peak is at a distance of 8 kms from Narkanda.

Baldehan: It is 15 Kms. from Simla on the Shimla - Mashobra - Naldhera golf course road. Here one can experience astounding views of nature. Baldehan is overlooked by snow capped mountains.

Other Attractions:

Golfing: Nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera,23 km from Shimla. It is open to all at a nominal green fees. Golf sets,balls and caddies are available on hire. The course is closed from 15th Dec to end Feb.
Fishing: Trout fishing(from March to October)is available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru. Mahaseer fishing (throughout the year) is available at Tattapani 43 km from Simla. A license has to be obtained for this.
Skiing: The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continues till Mid-March depending upon snow conditions. It can be done at Kufri (16 km from the ridge) and Narkanda (64 km from Shimla) from January to March.
Skating: One can do skating at the ice skating rink below Rivoli Cinema at Shimla from November to February.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Shimla airport is 23 kms from the city connected by daily flights from Delhi and Kullu.
• By Rail: Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka,from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards,a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. You can also take a bus from Kalka to Shimla.
• By Road: Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh,Delhi,Dehradun,Kalka,and to many other places as well.

Chail Hill Station

Information:

Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla.Bhupinder Singh,Maharaja of Patiala,was expelled from Shimla - the `summer capital' of the British in India - he decided to create his own capital for the hot months. The little village of Chail was perfect. It lay surrounded by magnificent deodar forests,Shimla was in direct vision and most important,the hill of Chail at 2226 m was somewhat higher than British-controlled Shimla. Today the Maharaja's creation can be experienced by everyone. Whether you are on a honeymoon or in search of seclusion or wish to organise a conference and demand all facilities,Chail has it all .Then,there is good sight seeing and the possibility of some fishing and trekking. Chail also has the world's highest cricket pitch and polo ground.

Attractions:

Chail Palace The palace of the maharajas,built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort. Chail has lobely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer,wild boar,pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports,Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2,250 m above sea level.

Chail SanctuaryChail is a beautiful hill station and a popular resort. The deodar and oak forests and grasslands around the town are part of the sanctuary. One can see sambhar,ghoral and cheer phesants at Blossom and Jhaja - where there are pheasant breeding centres. Barking deer and khalij pheasant are often spotted at dusk and dawn in the sanctuary. Treks from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja are popular.

Sidh Baba ka Mandir Maharaja Bhupinder Singh originally began building his palace at this site. It is said that a `sidh' -saintly person appeared before the Maharaja in a dream and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Bhupinder Singh shifted his palace and also had this temple built.

Cricket Ground Built in 1893,after levelling the top of a hill,this stands at 2444m and is the highest cricket pitch and polo ground in the world.

Travel Information:

• By Air: Shimla has an airport,22 km away,from the main city with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh airport,120 km away on the plains,has flights at more regular intervals. The flights to Shimla may be called off,during the winter months of December,January and February,so you will need to check them up in advance.
• By Rail: Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka,from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards,a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. You can also take a bus from Kalka to Shimla.
• By Road: Shimla is connected by road to Chandigarh,Delhi,Dehradun,Kalka,and to many other places as well.

Idukki Hill Station,Kerala

Information:

A landlocked district,idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of kerala . The high ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three main rivers- periyar,thalayar and thodupuzhayar- and their tributaries. The river pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination,idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries,hill stations,spice plantation tours,mountain treks,elephant rides etc. Idukki has a large population of tribals who have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is distinctly different from that of the mainstream culture.

Attractions:

Munnar The nature,absolutely untouched has led to the christening of this place as 'Virgin Munnar',in the tourism industry. Increasing fame and the growth of visitors may soon account to deletion of this description.

Devikulam Located 16 kms from Munnar,this gorgeous hill station symbolises nature in her pristine glory. The crisp and cool mountain air heavily laden with the fragrance of wild flowers and rare herbs is any nature lover's paradise

Kuthumkal Waterfalls The misty waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water,cascading down from scintillating heights. The sheer beauty of the place allures thousands of visitors every year.

Cheruthoni 5kms from Painavu,it encompasses areas in and around Idukki Arch Dam and Cheruthoni Dam. Constructed across the Periyar river,between two granite hills,the picturesque Idukki Dam is the first arch dam in India.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary


Devikulam Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species. Chinnar is the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.

Idukki Arch Dam This dam,constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam. The dam lying close to the cheruthoni barrage is 550 ft high and 650 ft. wide. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluka of Idukki district,spreading over 77 sq km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. extending to 33 sq. km,the Idukki Reservoir is formed by three dams,namely Cheruthoni,Idukki and Kulamavu.

Marayoor Marayoor is 40 kilometers away from Munnar. It is the only place in Kerala having a natural growth of sandal wood trees. The relics of new Stone Age civilization have been unearthed here.

Mattupetti: 13 kms form Munnar,at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level,this verdant landscape houses the Indo-Swiss Dairy Project.

Top Station Top Station,the idyllic hill station is located 32 kms from Munnar,on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level,Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road.

Main Attraction Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time August to March.

Travel Information :

• By Air: The nearest airport is at Cochin 132 km away.
• By Rail:The nearest railway station is at Kottayam,133 km away.
• By Road:Idukki can be reached by mortable roads from most parts of Kerala.

Kasauli,Himachal Pradesh

Information:

Kasauli was developed by the British during hey days of the empire as a cantonment sanitarium. Situated at a height of 6000-7000 feet above sea level Kasauli is popular round the year and crowns one of the frontline foothills of the Shivaliks. Kasauli is a quaint little town that seems to exist in a time wrap of an era that reminds one of the 19th century. 77 km from Shimla and 35 km from Kalka,at 1,927 meters,Kasauli is a quaint little town with a strong Colonial influence. Legend has it that Kasauli came into being when Lord Hanuman,on his way to getting the Sanjeevani herb,stepped here for jumping on to the Sanjeevani hill. At Kasauli there is a Hanuman Mandir atop the 300-mt high hillock,called Monkey Point,where Hanuman is supposed to have rested his feet. Lying 15 km from Dharampur,37 km from Kalka and and 65 km from Chandigarh. it's main attraction are it's overall cleanliness and it's accessibility. The narrow winding roads which their way up and down the hill side offer some magnificent sights.

Attractions:

Monkey Point The highest point in Kasauli called Monkey point is just 4-km from the Kasauli bus stand. The Monkey Point commands an excellent view of the distant plains of Chandigarh region and the river Satluj,tracing a silvery trail through the scene. A small temple is also situated on the top of the hill,which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to a legend,at the end of Ramayana when Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after obtaining Sanjivany Booty or the Magical Herb,his foot touched the hill and thus the top of hill is in a foot shape. On a clear and starry night the gorgeous view of Chandigarh can be seen from the Monkey Point.

Sanawar Just 6-km from Kasauli,Sanawar houses one of the best schools in the country. The Lawrence school is almost one hundred-years-old and a major attraction of the town.

The Christ Church Still unspoiled and very much as the British left it fifty years ago,Kasauli has a fine old church. The Christ Church,is a typically Anglican structure of the period and its foundation stone laid in 1844.

Best Time To Visit April To September

Travel Information:

• By Air: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh ( 65 km ),and Simla ( 73 km ).
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Kalka ( 37 km ).
• By Road: Kalka 35 Km.Shimla 77 Km.Chandigarh 62 Km.Delhi 315 Km.
  

Khandala Hill Station

Information:

A beautiful hill station that captures your heart with its scenic beauty. It is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Range and lies along the Mumbai-Pune highway and serves as a convenient stop-over for those travelling between Pune and Mumbai. It is also a hassle-free weekend get-away for those living in Pune or Mumbai. Khandala is the smaller and quieter of its counterpart,Lonavala. Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty

Attractions:

Sites To Visits: Khandala is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers throng this place to escape the hectic lifestyle of Mumbai city. They can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. It has a number of trekking trails around it. At the Khandala Ghat is the tourist attraction of Amruntanjan point. The beauty of the gorgeous greens,wondrous vistas of the valley and the Dukes Nose will sweep you off your feet.

Sites Near By : For the water lovers amongst the nature lovers Khandala offers several excursion options. The tourists are known to throng the Tugauli Lake,Lonavala Lake,Bhushi Lake and the Walvan Dam near Khandala. At a distance of 16 km from Khandala are the tourist attractions of Karla and Bhaja Caves. These rock-cut caves are located in the hills and date back to 2nd century BC. These caves temples boast of being the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India. Belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Travelers coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's Nose with its peculiar peak.

Best Time to Visit Weather in Khandala is pleasant all through the year. Summers (April-June) are mild,while winters are cool (November-February). Khandala experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September. Thus,the tourists must avoid these monsoon months. The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May. The temperature varies between twelve and thirty six degrees at Khandala.
Travel Information:

• By Air: Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.
• By Rail: Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also an hourly shuttle service for Pune.
• By Road: Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km from Mumbai and 64-km from Pune. The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good. Buses shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala. Travelers can hire bicycles on hourly basis to explore Lonavala or to go to Khandala.

Nandi Hills, Banglore

Information:

Nandi Hills is 60 kms north of Bangalore and also known as Nandidurga. One of the summer retreats of Tipu Sultan, Nandi Hills was popular with the British too who built bungalows and laid out gardens here. Today it's a hot favorite among Bangaloreans who find this an ideal get-away for weekends. The 1,478 m high Nandi Hills are the source of many rivers. And the forests surrounding the hills, abound with wild animals. Around the Nandi Hills are several smaller hills which can be visited on foot. Nandi Hills enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year.

Attractions:

Tipu's Drop: A 600 m high cliff face where according to legend, condemned prisoners were pushed to their death.

Yoga Nandishvara Temple: This beautiful Chola temple has an inscription of Sambhaji, Shivaji's son. Don't miss the Dwarapalakas-the splendid metallic figures.

Nandi: Situated at the north-eastern base of Nandi Hills, this villages was, for some time, a British Military Station. The Bhoga Nandishvara Temple Complex here is, architecturally one of the most important Dravidian-style structures in the State.

Muddenahalli: The home town of Sir M. Visvesvaraya - the architect of modern Karnataka - Muddenahalli is just a few kms from Nandi Hills. The house of this genius is now a museum.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Chikkaballapur.
• By Road: Nandi Hills is connected by road to Bangalore and Chikkaballapur.

Kullu,Himachal Pradesh - Hill Station

Information:

Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha,which means the end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas,and by the banks of the shining river Beas,lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each of which is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high meadows. The town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In the 17th century,Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji,which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance,he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presiding deity of the valley.

Attractions:

The Great Himalayan National Park Characterised by dazzling high ridges,glaciers,deep gorges,alpine meadows and valleys with closed virgin forests,the Great Himalayan National Park with an altitudinal variation from 1,300m to 6,100m in Kullu district is one of the best destinations for Himalayan flora and fauna lovers. Supporting a diverse wildlife of over three hundred species of birds and over thirty species of mammals,the region was declared a national park in 1984.

Bijli Mahadev Temple Situated at an altitude of 2,438 metres one can reach this temple by a tough but rewarding climb through a 6-km long trek. From the temple site,a panoramic view of Kullu and Parvati valleys is available.

Brighu Lake In district Kullu,Brighu Lake lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6-km from the village of Bulaba. The shores of this clear water lake are devoid of human habitation yet,it is visited regularly by the people of the area

Dhankia Mahadeva Temple The temple is dedicated to Shiva who stands enshrined in a cave in the form of a 'lingam'.

Kullu Dussehra More traditionally,over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its unusual Dussehra Celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunathji while Music and colour fill the "Silver Valley". Dussehra at Kullu commences on the tenth day of the rising moon,i.e. on 'Vijay Dashmi' day itself and continues in seven days.

Pin Parbati Pass The Pin Parbati Pass,4,810m,is marked by rock cairns and prayer flags. The alpine views to the snow-capped ranges towards the Kullu Valley contrast with the barren mountain ridges,which stretch east towards Spiti.

Akhara Bazaar Known as one of the main bazaar,where Kullu caps,shawls,'pattoos',gudmas,'puhlas' and 'namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple,Bajaura This 9th century Shiva Temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.

Jagatsukh Jagatsukh is the most ancient Kullu capital,situated on the left bank,between Nagar and Manali. Around the Jagatsukh secondary school playground there are two ancient temples - the small shrine of Gaurishankar and the larger chalet-roofed temple to the goddess Sandhya Devi,the stone base of which is much more ancient than the 19th-century wooden verandah and roof.

Kanwar Sanctuary This sanctuary is located in Parbati valley of Kullu district. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic Deodar and Fir forests is enjoyable.

Best time to visit:
Mid-March to mid-April,mid-September to mid-November.

Travel Information:

• By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is 10-km from Kullu,where taxis and buses are available.
• By Rail: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar,95-km from Kullu.
• By Road: By road,the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530-km and from Shimla this is 240-km. From Delhi and Shimla,luxury buses ply to Kullu. There's a bus and taxi stand on the opposite side of maidan. The main bus stand is by river in the northern area of the town.
  
  

Renuka Hill Station

Information:

Located at the base of the Renuka Lake is the Parashurama Tal, a massive pool embodying, it is believed, 'Parashurama', who desired to spend eternity at his mother's feet. The enchanting Renuka Lake, in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 672 m above sea level Renuka is a sacred place that attracts tourists and pilgrims alike in Himachal Pradesh. Iis believed to be the embodiment of Renukaji, sage Jamadagini's wife and the mother of Parshurama - one of the ten `avatars' of Lord Vishnu. Acoording to a local legend, when the evil Sahasarjuna killed sage Jamadagini and attempted to abduct the latter's wife, Renuka, she threw herself into these waters. The gods brought her back to life, and consequently, this lake is considered to be her embodiment. Shaped like a sleeping woman, the lake is the largest in the entire state. This tranquil water body is fed by underground springs, and the lush forest cover embracing it, houses many a species of flora and fauna. Apart from the haunting natural beauty of this area, Renukaji also offers boating and trekking facilities to the adventurous at heart.
Attractions:


Renuka Lake The Renuka Lake is a major landmark in the hill resort of Renuka. The Renuka ji Lake boasts of being the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh and is dedicated to Goddess Renuka. Close by is another lake of Parshuram, goddess Renuka's son. You may enjoy boating at the Renuka Lake. Close by is a temple dedicated to the goddess Renuka. The Lake is the venue of the annual Renuka Fair that takes place in the month of November. As a part of the celebrations there are competitions and recreational activities taxingly places on the banks of the Renuka Lake.

Parashurama Tal and Renuka Temple

Located at the base of the Renuka Lake is the Parashurama Tal, a massive pool embodying, it is believed, Parashurama, who desired to spend eternity at his mother's feet. Mother and son are reunited every year at the great Renuka Fair, held on banks of the lake, in the month of November.The original temple of Renukaji, is said to have been built overnight by a contingent of Gurkhas in the early 19th century.

Jamu Peak: Just above the revered lake, is the Jamu Peak, where Rishi Jamadagini is believed to have meditated. There is a temple at the spot, which offers a fantastic bird's eyeview of the surroundings.

Mini Zoo: Around the lake is a small zoo that has Asiatic lions, spotted deer, Himalayan black bears, barking deer and other species.

Lion Safari: Directly adjacent to the zoo is the Lion Safari, a large enclosure. An armoured van is the preferred means of observing these big cats, from a close range.
Travel Information:

* By Air: The airports at Chandigarh and Dehradun cater to the air transport to Renuka. The former is at a distance of 95 km whereas the later is 126 km away. Then there is the airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala too.
* By Rail: The railheads at Pathankot, Ambala, Dehradun, and Chandigarh cater to the rail transport to Renuka
* By Road: The excellent road network links Renukaji with most of the important places through buses and taxis. The State road transport services of the Punjab Roadways & Himachal Roadways may be used to commute to and from Renuka.

Lakkidi Hill Station, Kerala

Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad, and registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world.

Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar, Kerala's famous satirist poet, who is regarded as the progenitor of Ottanthullal, the traditional solo dance narration.

His songs combine satirical barbs with rib tickling laughter. Some of the famous lines are still quoted to lampoon contemporary social injustices. The poet's house is preserved as a monument by the Government of Kerala.


Unique Travel Attractions of Lakkidi
Pokkot Lake
Pookot Lake, a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills is located 3 kms from south of Vythiri town. Pookot Lake is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it.Boating in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.

Eddakal Caves
Situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district. Formed by a large split in a huge rock, the two natural rock formations represent the world's richest pictographic gallery of its kind.

The two caves located at a height of 1000m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal can be accessed only by a 1 km trek trail from Edakkal. Edakkal literally means 'a stone in between'. Edakkal rock engravings stand out distinct among the magnitude of prehistoric visual archives of paintings and graphic signs all over the world.

Chethalayam Waterfalls
Located 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, are the breathtakingly beautiful Chethalayam Waterfalls. For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is another tourist spot. Here you can see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear.

About 15 km from Sultan's Bathery, the Wildlife Sanctuary covers over 344-sq. km. and forms part of the area of Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Sanctuary in Karnataka.

Pakshipathalam - The Bird Watching Centre
Pakshipathalam, located 7 kms north east of Thirunelli Temple in Brahma Giri Hills is a challenging tourist spot. A trekkers' paradise, this place is accessibe only by trekking.

Located at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level, this hill station offers great opportunities for bird watching. One has to trek 17 kms through the wild forests, to reach 'Pakshipathalam'. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. One can watch rare species of birds from the watchtower of the Bird sanctuary located nearby.

Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.

Here, one can find nature at its thundering best. Soochipara is a 3-tiered, powerful waterfall. And the cliff face here is ideal for rock climbing.