Kerala has a spectacular heritage of performing, ritual, folk and classical arts. The time - honored values lie dormant in the living traditions of these performing arts. The feudal chieftains and provincial landlords who patronized these visual and devotional arts for centuries were not only encouraging them as entertainments but were also upholding their moral and ethical messages.
Towards the close of the nineteenth century the traditional arts of Kerala were on the verge of extinction. The social, political and cultural factors which contributed to the downfall of the art forms are many and varied. This was but an ephemeral phenomenon. The dawn of the twentieth century witnessed a cultural renaissance all over India. In Kerala among those who spearheaded the cultural renaissance poet Vallathol Narayana Menon is an immortal name. Besides being an outstanding poet and scholar, Vallathol was a passionate lover of Kathakali and other similar classical dance-theatre traditions of Kerala.
The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilerating. Located about 2000 meters above the sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad hills and provide ideal conditions for trekking. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Wayanad, from the top of Chembra. The picturesque surroundings never fail to charm you with its beauty. Tourists can camp for one or two days at the top of the peak.
Chithirapuram ,Its main attractions are old play grounds ,Pallyvasal hydel project & tea plantations .Apart from this picture postcard beauty of Kerala, a tour to Chithirapuram reveals its agricultural importance to the more interested souls. The Spices Board of Kerala has under its ambit two major nurseries, with one being at Chithirapuram, which enjoys a deeper identity as a Hill station in India . A tour to Chithirapuram reveals the Hill Station to be a sleepy little folksy, congregation of nature's delights. This hill Station in India is home to the Pallyvasal Hydel Project and added to this meager qualification as a center of natural beauty, it has a liberal smattering of tea plantations, which a tour to Chithirapuram would reveal.
How to get there : 10 km from Munnar .
It is 1800 meter above sea level and16 km. from Munnar Devikulam is a small and beautiful hill station. The Devi lake with its mineral water is a natural gift.7 kms from munnar, this hill station with its lawns, flora and fauna and the cool air is a experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and its surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for fishing. Foremost among the sightseeing attractions in the hill resort of Devikulam is the beautiful Sita Devi Lake with a backdrop of verdant hills. Named after Sita who once came here to take a bath in its water, the lake attracts tourists for its sacredness as well as its curative properties thanks to its mineral water. The lake also offers trout fishing resulting in the gathering of adventure seekers.Devikulam is a nature lovers' paradise. Mother Nature has been generous to this scintillating hill station in South India . Not far away from the lake is the spectacular Pallivasal Waterfalls that is frequented by the picnickers for the sheer manifestation of nature in its various ways. Tea plantations carried out in and around Devikulam in a large number is an added feather to the hill resort. The natural vegetation of the hill resort comprises the gum trees in red and blue. India profile arranges tour to the tea plantation area.
One of the most famous hill resorts of South India, Idukki is immensely appealing for travelers seeking an escape to the mist layered mountains and an adventure with a difference. Deriving its name from the Malayalam word Idukki literally meaning 'a narrow gorge', this hill station will never fail to amaze you. The mountains of Idukki are the source of the River Pamba.121 km from Kottayam in the southern part of Kerala Idukki lies en route to Munnar. Apart from getting mesmerized by the breathtaking scenic beauty of Idukki, you can visit many sightseeing highlights of the hill resort.Asia's biggest arched dam, Idukki Dam built across Periyar River , is an absolute must on the list of attractions. Another major tourist attraction is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary Occupying an area 70 sq. km the sanctuary is the natural habitat for the elephant, bison, sambhar, deer as well as a wide variety of snakes and birds like the jungle foul, laughing thrush etc. Not far away from Idukki are the Cheruthani and Moolamattam, which deserve a visit. You can have views of the surroundings from the heights of Cheruthani and far away the city of Cochin . At Moolamattam is famous for being home to the powerhouse of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project.The mountains of Idukki are the perfect place for the adventure seekers to indulge in trekking.
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a pictureesque scenery. It is about 58 kms northeast of Kozhikode and five kms south of Vythiri. Lakkidi , the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level. The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads , are breath taking. The 12 kms. long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi thrugh ghat road with nine hairpin bends amdist thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
As a popular Hill Station in India , Lakkidi also boasts of the second highest degree of rainfall in the whole wide World. A Tour to the rain soaked silhouettes of Lakkidi would enable the Tourists to decipher the same magic. Irulas and Mudugars are the main tribes inhabiting the Waynad region which houses the rain soaked Lakkidi as a famous Hill Station in India . The Waynad region is home to Malleswari Peak , which is home to an India renowned Shiva Lingam.