It is hoped that the on-season tourism will help Wayanad, which has been affected by the Meppadi Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslides. Wayanad, spread over 2,313 square kilometers, was hit hard by the landslide disaster in three wards of the Meppadi Panchayat. The number of tourists visiting the district has also decreased due to the misconception that the entire Wayanad was perished in the disaster. This situation has now changed. Tourist destinations in the district are waking up with hope for the off-season.

11 centers for DTPC

The tourist spots in the district under the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTP) are Mananthavadi Pazhassi Park, Pilakav Pancharakkolii Priyadarshini Tea Environs, Pulpally Mavilamthodu Pazhassi Smarakam, Karlad and Pookode Lakes, Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Island, Cheingerimala, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, Kanthanpara Falls and Sultan Bathery Town Square. Of these, entry is open everywhere except the Cheingeri climb and the Kanthanpara waterfall. Only 1,150 people can enter Edakkal Cave in a day. Entry in all centers of DTPC is from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry to the Edakkal Cave will be suspended once the fixed ticket has been issued.

Closure of Ecotourism centers a setback

The closure of eco-tourism centers is a setback for Wayanad tourism. Safari through Tholpetty and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is the main attraction of the eco-tourism destinations. The entry to Soochipara Falls, Banasura Meenmutty Falls, Thalapuzha Muneeswaran Hill, Brahmagiri Trekking, Vellamunda Chirapullu Trekking, Makkiyad Meenmutty Falls, Chembra Mountain Climb, one part of Kuruva Island (Palvelicham) and the other part (Pakkam) is restricted by the Forest Department. It has been seven months since entry to Kuruva Island was banned and eco-tourism centers in the district were closed down.

The closure of the eco-tourism centers in the district was caused by the killing of two people by wild elephant 'Belur Makhna' which came from the Karnataka forest last February. Although this elephant was chased into the forest of Karnataka, eco-tourism centers were not yet open. At the same time, many people pass through Wayanad for a safari to the bordering Nagarhola Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. There is a growing demand for the government's intervention to reopen the eco-tourism centers which were closed following the High Court verdict.

Pazhassi Kudeeram, Karapuzha and Banasurasagar Dam

Everyday many people visit Mananthavady Pazhassi Kudeeram, where Veera Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja rests. Its entry is from 9 am to 5 pm. Run by the Department of Archeology, the center is closed on Mondays and government holidays.

Banasura Sagar, the only hydel tourism centre in the district, is also visited by thousands every day. Admission is from 9 am to 5.45 pm. The dam at Karapuzha, a tributary of the Kabini, is remarkable for its construction. One can reach Karapuzha by traveling about 5 km from Edakkal Cave.