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Pookot Lake
Pookot Lake, nestled in the lap of mountains, is one of the perfect destinations that any nature-tourist longs to visit. It is vast with an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres. Located at three kilometres from Vythiri, Pookot Lake and the verdant greenery of the rolling hills overlooking the lake, offer a view that is so riveting that it reminds you of a beautiful picture postcard.
It is a natural freshwater lake and the weather here is exciting. The serenity and the romantic elements of the idyllic setting have made it one of the most sought-after destinations in Wayanad.
Facilities
The tourists can avail boating facilities and glide through the placid waters using pedal or rowboats. There is a pathway constructed around the lake and the visitors can walk through the pathway enjoying the dream-like serenity of the lake and the somnolent hills on its brim.
Horses trot on the pathway and the visitors can have a horse ride, if they wish to, along the pathway. The location also offers the facility to shop for curios. You can select from a wide variety of bamboo and wooden artefacts in the curio shop nearby. The tea, coffee and spices produced in the Wayanad Mountains too can be bought from here. The natural honey, collected by the tribals too is available from the shops here.
A children’s park and an aquarium which displays freshwater ornamental fishes are the other attractions in this location. A hatchery for Mahseer fish can also be seen here.
Karalad Lake
Karalad Lake is situated in Thariode, about 16 km from Kalpetta and it is the second largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It is an ideal location for tourists who are looking for quiet and peaceful destinations. The lake is spread over an area of seven acres and a boating through the calm waters here is worth experiencing.
The place is surrounded by dense bamboo groves and gliding on the small boats enjoying the greenery around will be a delight for any nature lover. The surroundings of Karalad Lake offer great opportunity for trekking and if you are an adventure traveller, you can trek to Pallikkunnu Church from here. One of the famous dams in Kerala, Banasura Sagar Dam too is situated within three kilometres from Karalad Lake.
Recent developments
A Karalad tourism centre has been opened on the banks of the lake recently. A facilitation centre, restaurant, dormitories and a heritage village have been set up here.
Kuruva Dweep (Kuruva Island)
Kuruva Island is located about 17 km from Mananthavady and it is formed amidst the tributaries of Kabani River.
Peculiarities
Kerala’s landscape is blessed with about 44 rivers of which about 40 flow westwards towards Arabian Sea. But three rivers flow eastwards towards the neighbouring states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. One of them , Kabani river, which flows towards Karnataka, has two tributaries in Wayanad district – Panamaram River which originates from Lakkidi and and Mananthavady River originating from Thondaramudi Peak.
These two rivers wind around a wooded forest area, which is known as Kuruva Island. The island is about 950 acres and the rural surroundings and the green canopy houses myriad of birds, butterflies and rare herbs and orchids. The bamboo canopy of the island is its another important characteristic and if you walk through it to the far end of the island, you will get a glimpse of the confluence of the rivulets. Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is only a few kilometres from here and you can spot plenty of birds, deer and various animals on your way.
The place is a famous picnic spot in Wayanad and the visitors can have a ride on a bamboo raft across the rivulet from Pulpally. It is a very exciting experience to stand on a raft and glide through the waters. At some places, the river is shallow and your boat will have to glide between rocks. A boat ride is also organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council to the island. The abundant greenery with the sylvan surroundings offers you a tranquil atmosphere, far away from the bustling city life.
 Major Waterfalls | Banasura Sagar Dam  |
