Tourist Destinations in Wayanad - Morickap Resort

Time to visit Wayanad

Holiday during the time of the pandemic may seem challenging but it is something a lot many people are enjoying. After being virtually locked up and cooped up in the house with working and studying from home, it is time for being close and one with nature. It seems like a good time to pack up your bags and drive away to Wayanad to the lovely resort Morickap which follows all Covid-19 protocols set by the tourism and health departments of the Government.

Wayanad is a fascinating place, nestled in the Western Ghats. It is arguably the most popular tourist hill destination in God’s own Country – Kerala. Now you will be perched at an astounding height of 700 to 2,100 m above sea level. Morickap overlooks a valley and gives you sensational views all around. Just because this year has had its adverse sides does not mean life does not go on.

The joy of staying at the best resort at Wayanad.

People still get office perks and rises for good performances, people get married and people go on holidays just for the sake of enjoying relaxing moments in a beauteous, natural environment enjoying all the luxuries of a wonderful resort, like Morickap.

Morickap Resort is set in a scenic location and is an ideal location for leisure seekers, honeymooners seeking romantic memories, adventure lovers, and people who love to go on nature treks and do a bit of birdwatching. You can easily reach Wayanad by road from Bengaluru or Mysuru, Madras, Kochi, or Kozhikode. This abode of Kerala’s tribal population is full of misty valleys, gushing waterfalls and spice scented farmlands, tea and coffee gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, dams, and more. You will never tire of visiting one or the other places of tourist interest from the resort. If you arrive by train or by air, you can be chauffeur-driven to the resort in a hired car of your choice from the Kozhikode Railway Station or the Airport which are just about 86 km away.

Tourist locations to visit and enjoy at Wayanad

The word Wayanad is a shortened version of the words in Malayalam that mean “Land of paddy fields” (Vayal-Nadu). One major reason that makes this hill station much loved is the fact that it offers many interesting tourist attractions which are within easy reach from the luxurious Morickap Resort where you stay.

Chembra Peak Trek

After being nearly locked up in the house for so long, it makes wonderful sense to go on a trek. And Chembra Peak is right there calling you out to visit it. The thrilling steep climb to the top of the mountain is blessed with the view of the heart-shaped lake, lush green hills in the backdrop, and the beauty of nature all around. The perennial lake is called the Hridaya Saras in the locality. It is one of the most loved destinations in Wayanad. Morickap Resort’s tourist section will help you with all information to get your hiking permission from the Forest Office bout 5 km from Meppadi town. A further hike for about 2 km takes you to a panoramic view of the Vaithair Kaapuza and the Banasurasagar Dams.

Trek to Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam means the refuge for birds in Malayalam. As you trek to this 1,740m high location, you are in for a feast for the eyes. This is arguably the best trek in the country with a walk that takes you through thick evergreen forests. It is a very interesting place for ornithologists and the click-happy people who love multi-hued birds. You will see rare bird species, herds of Gaur deer, and the occasional Giant Malabar Squirrel which have distinctive coats with varying shades of orange, maroon, and purple. They measure 36in from head to tail and can leap 20ft between trees. There are ancient deep caves that are believed to have once served saints for their meditations.

Sahibkkunnu

Seven hours of a tough trek up from the foothills of Banasura Ranges leads one to Sahibkkunnu in Wayanad. Old folklore associates the place with a demon. Banasura Ranges serves as the base of this trek followed by steep slopes, deep valleys, mountain streams, and captivating views of the surroundings. Deep thickets and green pastures welcome you to the hilltop. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the peaks and the entire valley underneath, from there.

Kurisumala

Translated as the ‘Mountain of Cross’ or ‘Amrithamedu’, Kurisumala is a pilgrimage center and a trekker’s delight. The treacherous climb denotes the suffering of Jesus Christ. Further, the cross is believed to be a symbol of his sufferings. Sudden ups and downs during the climb make this trek one of the most enthralling things to do in Wayanad. As one goes up the hill, rough terrain laces the pathways, however on arriving at the peak, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views.

Phantom Rock

A steady and invigorating uphill trek will take you to the edge of the hill from where you can witness a strange rock formation in the shape of a skull. The skull seems to be perched precariously atop a hill.

Cycling to Nilgiri

Now you can also go on cycling trips around Wayanad along paths that are well accustomed by cyclists. Cycling in groups is a fun thing to do and there are cyclist clubs and groups who join up through social media that are now taking up cycling trips around Wayanad. Some familiar routes are to Chundale and Kalpetta in Wayanad that can be easily accessed from Morickap Resort.

The Waterfalls

The Meenmutty Waterfalls – is believed to be the largest in Kerala, cascading into a spectacular delight on the rocks. It is located in deep tropical forests off Ooty road, just about 29 km from Kalpetta. The waterfalls are in three tires of about 300 meters each in progressively higher places. So it involves a trek up the hill to reach the waterfall above. This is an arduous and tricky trip and is only recommended for the sure-footed. It is not advisable to involve the elderly or kids as well as women or men even who do not have previous experience of forest and mountain trekking. But they can enjoy the raw beauty and majesty of it from afar. The waterfalls create a floating mist cascade that extends into the valley, drifting in the wind. For some time now, the waterfall trek is inaccessible.

The Soochippara Waterfalls – is just like the name suggests, thin streams of waterfalls that fall from great heights to the pool below where tourists can bathe. The trip to Soochippara waterfalls is a long trek in Wayanad and is recommended only to the fit and able as it can be pretty tricky when it rains or when the ground is slippery as it involves latterly clambering down a steep slope.

The other two picnic spots are the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls and Kanthanpara Waterfalls. The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is more than 200m in height and located in Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. The Kanthanpara Waterfalls is a pleasant locale away from the main road and a popular picnic spot with nature endowed surroundings.