Kariyathumpara

Kariyathumpara is situated in Koorachund panchayat 45km from Calicut town; Karyathanpara nestles next to the Western Ghats and Wayanad and enjoys the soothing weather most of the year. 

                                   It is a relaxing tourist destination with many natural water springs and naturally formed water pools. Kariyathumpara is at its scenic best, after the rains and resembles a painting. 

                                       Miles of grass rolling over mounds and dips is fenced by the mild river. Scores of fallen trees, their dry branches emoting different stages of helplessness and swayed by the moods of the river, gives Kariyathumpara its unique architectural beauty. 

                         
                                       Miles of grass rolling over mounds and dips is fenced by the mild river. Scores of fallen trees, their dry branches emoting different stages of helplessness and swayed by the moods of the river, gives Kariyathumpara its unique architectural beauty.

                                              The paddy fields along the river disappeared when the Kakkayam dam came and Kariyathumpara became a catchment area. Thus Kuttiadi river gained might and the landscape has changed. The Kuttiadi River is rocky at the mouth, with a dozen little wells on its rocky belly.

Banasura Sagar Dam

                                         The picturesque Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains.It is an important tourist attraction. Banasura Sagar Dam is at the foot of the Banasura Hill.Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment has no parallel elsewhere. With its placid crystal clear waters Banasura is a wonderful picnic spot. There is a mini hydel project here.

                       At Kalpetta, which once used to be the stronghold of the Jains in Kerala, you also have the attraction of historic monuments like the Ananthanathaswami Jain Temple near Puliyarmala. Boating facilities in the dam and trekking trails leading from here draw many outdoor enthusiasts.

Getting there,

Nearest railway station is kozhikode, about 73 km

Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 86 km from Kozhikode town

Wayanad Ghats

                      Thamarasserry Mountain Pass or Wayanad Churam is the gateway to Wayanad district, a fascinating destination in Kerala state, India. This 14 km long mountain pass connects Wayanad with the nearby district of Kozhikode. The green ghats en-route to Wayanad has nine hairpins bends, each turn taking one to higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below. Thamarassery Churam, route explored by a tribal was developed by the Britsh.

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Thusharagiri waterfalls

            The name Thusharagiri itself is a combination of two words ‘Thusharam’ means Mist and ‘Giri’ means peak. So if you read in that sense the term dinotes mist covered peak. Yes the mist covering the mountain peaks in an attraction of this waterfall. Apart from being so gorgeous and delightful to the beholders’ eyes, it remains a great spot for trekking.

                                                 

                                              Two streams originating from the Western Ghats  meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into four waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. Of the four, the highest waterfall is the Avnjithode  that falls from an altitude of 120 meters. Thusharagiri offers endless scope for trekking, rock climbing and wild life sanctuary visits. It is around 55 kilometers from Kozhikode. The nearest town Kodenchery is around 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from Thusharagiri. 

                 Thusharagiri offers a fine trekking trail to Wayanad which is rich with breathtaking views of picturesque waterfalls, various shades of greenery, streams bursting forth from ravines, and rustic log bridges. As you start climbing you will be able to see the final portion of the falls of Thusharagiri which starts from higher up regions. You will have to walk carefully through a narrow steep path which leads to a ravine and you can also watch water plunging over the boulders in the ravine. 

                         There is a peak called Mele Thenpara (which means Upper Honey Rock) and by the time you reach there you will watch and relish the beauty of nature which is enriched with no less than four waterfalls. The falls include Erattumukku, the first one, which is about 100 m above the base. Water falls on the boulders and natural pools have been created below. The trekkers walk across the narrow bridges over the waters.  When the trekker reaches about 400 m up the hill, there is an idyllic spot called Mazhavil Chattam (Rainbow Falls) and it also houses a waterfall. The next fascinating spot is Thumbithullum para, which is about 900 m up. If you travel a few kilometres further, you can reach Thonnikayal where a large pool under the falls enhance the charm of the area. 

                    The final climb again takes five km and you will reach the Upper Honey Rock and can enjoy yet another magnificent fall. Avinjithode is a nearby location where there is another waterfall and usually the trekkers start descending from this region. On your way back in this route, you can observe Pooncholapara. 

                    Another trail from the base of Thusharagiri trail leads to the woodlands and then to Vythiri, which is also used by hundreds of trekkers every year. As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall on the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri in Wayanad district by evening.

                         Vellari Mala, Bukud Lake, Olichu Chattam Waterfall, Vythiri Hill Stations, Wyanad, Pookot Lake, etc. are a few attractions nearby Thusharagiri Waterfalls. If you start trekking in the early hours of the day, you will be able to reach Vythiri that lies around 6.5 km away from this waterfall. On the way you can explore large numbers of wild animals and beautiful birds. No doubt , you will surely enjoy visiting this site sure.

Getting there,

Nearest railway station is kozhikode, about 50 km

Nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 23 km from Kozhikode town