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Wayanad is a beautiful district nestled in the western ghats in the northern part of Kerala, at a height of 700 to 2100 m. above sea level. Kalpetta town is the district headquarters of Wayanad.
Wayanad is a land that’s blessed immensely by nature. There are verdant mountains, gentle streams, lush green forests, exotic wildlife and so much more in this region. Pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments are grown in abundance because of the rich soil and healthy climate. There are miles and miles of paddy fields that are pleasing to the senses. It’s a rustic part of the country rich in nature’s bounty.
The east flowing rivers of Wayanad are a contrast to other rivers of the State. The Kabani river of Wayanad is a perennial source of water to the Kaveri river. Tribals untouched by civilization are a major source of interest in this district. You can actually see them living in primitive conditions in the Kuravadweep islands. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the preserved biosphere of the western ghats. It is a biological heritage rich in diverse flora and fauna. Many endangered species of birds and animals live in this region.
History of Wayanad:
The name ‘Wayanad’ is derived from the expression 'Vayal nadu', meaning a village of paddy fields. Wayanad was first ruled by the kings of the Veda tribe and latter by the Pazhassi Raja’s of Kottayam. Hyder Ali invaded Wayanad and occupied the region during his reign. But Tipu Sultan had to give up Wayanad and the entire Malbar region to the British after he reached a truce with them in Srirangapatinam. The Britishers cultivated tea and other crops in this region. They laid roads and people from nearby towns came to inhabit the region. Thus developed the town of Wayanad.
Special attractions in and around Wayanad:
- Ananthaswami Jain temple: A famous temple located at Paliyar Mala
- Vythiri: A resort town 62 km from Kozhikode.
- Suchipara Falls: 22 km away from Kalpetta, this breath-taking falls is hidden deep within a lush, green forest.
- Meenmutty Falls: 29 km from Kalpetta, this silvery cascade appears to fall off in three places and inspires awe in the minds of the onlookers.
- Pookote Lake: Just 1 km from Vythiri, this place is great for boating and kayaking.
- Chembra Peak: The tallest peak in the region, it takes a 5 hours trek to climb to the top of this 6890 ft peak. DTPC organizes trek to the peak.
- Lakkidi: Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad.
- Sultan Battery: Once known as Ganapathivattom, Tipu Sultan’s stored their ammunition in this 13th century-old Jain temple here.
- Edakkal Caves: The carvings in this caves are of Neolithic Age and Mesolithic Age.
- Lower Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 17-km away from town in rain forest Muthanga. You can spot animals like elephants, deers, leopards, sambhar, cheetal etc.
- Kuravadweep (Kurava isle): Only the Katunayika tribes inhabit this secluded 950-acre island. This is a trekker’s paradise with shallow streams, marshes, woods and dense jungle. The Green Gate Hotel in Kalpetta organizes trekking and camping at Kuravadweep.
- Ambalavayal: A Heritage Museum in Ambalavayal is associated with tribal life in Wayanad.
Best Time to Visit Wayanad:
June to October
Location of Wayanad:
State: Kerala
District: Wayanad
Distance from Kochi -130 km, Idukki - 60 km, Kundala - 28 km, Thekkady - 110 km
How to reach Wayanad:
Nearest airport: Kozhikode Airport – 90 km
Nearest railway stations: Kozhikode, Mysore
Directions by road from nearby cities: Wayanad is well-connected to Mysore, Mangalore, Calicut, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Madurai.
Contact
Kerala Tourism Information Office
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram,
Tel: +91-471-2321132
Climatic Conditions:
Max 35 °C - Min 10 °C
Clothing:
Cottons around the year, rainwear during monsoons
Tourist places near Wayanad:
Mysore, Kozhikode, Madurai, Ooty
This article was contributed by Rupa P.
If you have any photos / travelogues of Wayanad, we would be happy to upload them on this page with due credits given to you as photographer/author.
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