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This rich and wide-ranging cultural heritage of the region comes alive in the beautiful district of Wayanad in Kerala. The major attractions of the museum are manifold with a focus on the rich history of the indigenous Adivasi communities of the Kurichiyas, Paniyas, and Kurumbas. Ancient weaponry, ornaments, farming implements—even different traditional attire of the tribals for tourists to take a view. The Wayanad Heritage Museum also contains a great collection of prehistoric tools, ceramics, and stone carvings unearthed from this region. These artefacts speak much about the historical importance of Wayanad.
Quick Details About Wayanad Heritage Museum
Location: Ambalavaya, Wayanad, Kerala
Where To Stay: The Wave, Vistara Resort, Mount Xanadu Resort
Where To Eat: Aryaas Veg Hotel, Hotel New Taj, Mount Xanadu
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
About Wayanad Heritage Museum
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Wayanad Heritage Museum also known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is one of the best-kept museums in Kerala with its amazing collection of artefacts from the prehistoric civilization. The ingenious segmented four sections in the museum namely Veera Smruthi, Gotra Smruthi, Deva Smruthi and Jeevana Smruthi are entrusted with preserving a singular piece of the past at Wayanad reaching from epic legends on Veerakkal to tribal life items and ancient archaeological wonders.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Wayanad
How To Reach The Museum
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Road: Wayanad is well connected by road, hiring a taxi or renting a car. The museum is around 18-20 kilometres from Kalpetta and takes 40 minutes to an hour to reach, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Calicut. It is approximately 93 kilometres away.
By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport. It is around 108 kilometres away from the museum.
Things To Do In Wayanad Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum of Wayanad is the repository of the ancient culture of the hill tribes. Here is the list of things that travellers can do in Wayanad Heritage Museum:
1. Explore Ancient Rock Engravings
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The museum also has ancient rock engravings from the Neolithic and early historic periods. These carvings provide insight into Wayanad’s early human settlements. Spend time studying these engravings to learn about the region’s prehistoric past and early inhabitants.
Suggested Read: Theme Parks In Wayanad
2. Experience The Tribal Culture
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The museum showcases the tribal culture of the different Adivasi tribes who inhabit Wayanad. It enlightens visitors about the faith, customs, and rituals of aboriginal groups like the Kurichiya, Paniya, and Kurumba.
3. Study Cultural Artefacts
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The museum has a huge collection of robbed articles from several tribes, which include jewellery, knives, swords, traditional attire, and so on. Spend some time roaming around the exhibits to understand the ethos and also the lifestyle of the native Wayanad people.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Wayanad
Places To Visit Near Wayanad Heritage Museum
Some of the most common places to visit near Wayanad Heritage Museum include:
1. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Arav / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for the old petroglyphs and cave art, it offers a historical and adventurous trekking experience. These sites, located ten kilometres from Sulthan Bathery, provide historians with valuable information about ancient customs and lifestyles. The two natural rock structures known as the caves are supposed to have formed from a large split in a giant rock. To reach these tunnels, one must climb up the stunning Ambukuthi Hills. You can smell the coffee the entire time.
2. Banasura Sagar Dam
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
The magnificent Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is the result of the merging of hills, rivers, and grassland. It is impossible to find words to express how magnificent the largest earthen dam in India is and the second largest in Asia. However, there are other factors besides numbers that add to its enigma. In addition to having a wide selection of watercraft, it is one of the most well-liked picnic locations in the district.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Wayanad
3. Soochipara Waterfalls
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, another name for Soochipara Falls, is a well-known and picturesque waterfall in Wayanad, Kerala. Lush woodlands, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, around the waterfall. At the base of the waterfall, there is a naturally formed pool where visitors may have a leisurely dip in the glistening clear waters. It’s a 2-kilometre trek from the parking lot to the waterfall, which is rewarding and thrilling in and of itself.
4. Chembra Peak
Photo: Aneesh Jose / Wikimedia Commons
The Chembra Mountain Peak is Wayanad’s highest peak, rising 6,890 feet above sea level. It is also one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, standing at more than 2,000 metres. The summit is visible from numerous sites in Wayanad. Trekking to the summit of Chembra Peak is no longer permitted due to wildlife activity on the path. One of the great attractions, however, is the 1.5-kilometer hike to the heart-shaped lake beneath Chembra Peak.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Wayanad
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- If you are going to visit a museum during a public holiday, it is desirable to inquire about its timings.
- Winter is the best season to go to the museum.
- In Wayanad, winter starts in October and ends in February.
- You can have easy travel during the non-rainy season and relish the cool climate. The temperature is between 15°C to 25°C.
- You can also visit the spring season. Spring starts in March.
This visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum gives an insight into the rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Wayanad, soaked practically through the ages. From ancient artefacts and tribal relics to insightful exhibitions on traditions concerning Adivasis, every piece brings chinks of age-old customs. Plan your visits thoughtfully; let Wayanad soak you deep in the past, set against serene landscapes and warm hospitality from God’s own country.
Cover Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia
