Kerala is not a plain land. With Western Ghats are part of the state, there are a good number of hill stations in Kerala that attracts tourists. One part of the income got through tourism can be dedicated to the hill stations. Based on the hills, Kerala can be divided into North, South and Central. This article just covers the Wayanad hill station in the North of Kerala.

Wayanad
It means "Land of Paddy fields". This is the least populous district on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau. Large of the district is covered by forest. There are few peaks and caves to explore in Wayanad. The peak altitude in this district, range from 700 to 2100m above the sea level.

Reaching Wayanad
Wayanad can be reached through five Ghat roads. Looking at the important ones,
From Thalassery take Nedumpoil ""Periya Ghat road. If travelling from Kozhikode take Thamarassery-Lakkidi Ghat road. If travelling via train then the nearest railway station would be Kozhikode. Kozhikode International airport is the nearest airport to Wayanad.

Things to do
This would involve trekking and a day through wildlife sanctuary. There are few peaks in Wayanad which offers the pleasure of trekking. Also visit to the largest earth dam in India, Banasura Sagar Dam is a must.

Peaks
The highest hill in Wayanad is Chembra Peak and it would require a day to reach the peak. DTPC provides the tourists with guides and other amenities required for trekking. Standing on the peak of Chembra one can drink the beauty of Wayanad.
Lakkidi is the second highest peak in Wayanad. It is located about 58 kms to the north east of Kozhikode. Drive to Lakkidi through Ghat road among nine hair pin bends and thick forest is worth an experience.

Muthanga Wild life Sanctuary
This is located very close to the Karnataka border. Many wild animals like elephant, deer and bison can be spotted in this sanctuary. Elephant riders for tourists are arranged by the forest department.

Waterfalls
There are three waterfalls in this district, ideal spots for a picnic.
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls at the Vellarimala Village is both a picnic spot and a trekking center. The rock is of 200 m height is best suited for rock climbing.
Kanthapura waterfalls much less preferred to Sentinel rock water, is about 22 kms away from Kalpetta. The entire area is surrounded by bamboo forests and this place is ideal for picnics.
Soochippara waterfalls are located near Meppadi. This place is ideal for water rafting and swimming. From the tree top at Soochippara valleys of the Western Ghats can be viewed.

Caves and Islands
This place doesn"t just end with peaks and waterfalls; it also has caves and islands to be explored.

Edakkal cave
This cave is found in Ambukkutty mountain 25 kms from Kalpetta. It is fissure caused in a rock by natural causes. The cave walls contain carvings from a prehistoric age. It depicts the history of Wayanad and Kerala through its interesting carvings. People interested in archaeology and history will find this place very appealing and entertaining.

Kuruva Island
Found in the tributaries of Kabani River, this place is full of evergreen forests. This is an ideal picnic spot for people who love watching rare species of birds and orchids. Lots of herbs are also found in this place.
There are many resorts to stay nearby. Visit to Wayanad can give a fun filled experience of trekking and exploring Kerala Tours and Wayanad Tours.