Wayanad is a district in North East Kerala, north of the district of Calicut. With altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 metres above Mean Sea Level, Wayanad, situated on the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau, is an area which offers breathtaking locations. Etymologically, Wayanad comes from two words – ‘vayal’, meaning ‘paddy’ and ‘naad’, meaning ‘land’. This ‘Land of Paddy Fields’ is surrounded by mist-clad hills and luxuriant sub-tropical rainforests. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad spreads across about 2000 sq kms of the Western Ghats and is recognized as a leading bio diversity region.
History:
Historians believe that organized human life existed in these parts at least ten centuries before Christ. Evidence to support this claim is found in two caves of Ampukuthimala between Sultan Battery and Ambalavayal. There are pictures as well as pictorial writing on the walls of these caves which speak volumes of a bygone era and civilization.
Recorded history of this area is available from the 18th century onwards. In ancient times, this land was governed by the Ruler of Mysore after he invaded it and brought it under his rule. Tipu Sultan restored Wayanad to the royal dynasty of Kottayam. Later, it came into the hands of the British who set up the tea estates and plantations on a large scale.
Best For:
There is abundant scope for the amateur photography enthusiasts to capture nature on film as Wayanad offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes. It is also known for its wild life sanctuary and prehistoric caves.
The year is classified into four seasons – cold weather during December, January and February; hot weather from March to May; the southwest monsoon rains from June to September and the northeast monsoon during October and November. The mean average rainfall here is 2322mm. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in the west and high velocity winds are common during the monsoon season so it is not advisable to visit during this period. The best time to visit is during the cold season.
Foreign currency can be changed at the three international airports of Kerala, namely, Thiruvanantapuram, Cochin and Calicut. Some of the home stays and hotels of Wayanad also offer this service.
Air The airports in Kerala are well connected to the major cities of India, with most domestic carriers operating daily. Closest Airport is in Calicutand is 02.30 hrs away from Wayanad
International Flight:
Flights from most of the cities around the world operate to Thiruvantapuram, Cochin and Calicut, the three international airports of Kerala. Flights from some Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, operate on a daily basis. Emirates Airlines follows the UK- Dubai-Kerala route while Air Sri Lanka flies UK- Colombo- Kerala.
Road The Kozhikode- Mysore National Highway No. 212 passes through Wayanad district.. Wayanad is well connected to all the major cities of Kerala and India by a network of roads. Buses go frequently between important centres. While travelling at night please take care, this is an elephant country and there may be wild elephants. Various destinations like Mananthavady, Vythiri etc are connected by good roads.
Edakkal Caves – located 12 kms from Sultan Battery, 3 kms from Ambalavayal and 25 kms from Kalpetta, these caves are accessible only by a one km trekking trail. They are natural caves formed by giant stones resting on each other. A cleft about 96 feet long and 22 feet wide can be seen in a rock fissure made by a corner of one rock splitting off from the main body. New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls are evidence of the pre-historic civilization that existed here.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 300 sq kms, this sanctuary is a haven for many species of birds and animals. Elephants and deer can be seen frequently while one can get an occasional sighting of tigers and panthers.
Pookot Lake this is a perennial fresh water lake nestled amongst the hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for boating. Spices and handicraft items are available on sale near the lake.
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls known locally as Soochipara, this waterfall derives its name from the needle-like granite stones shaped by the waterfall. This picnic spot at a height of 200 metres is ideal for rock climbing and trekking. The tree-top huts at Soochipara offer breathtaking views of the valleys of the Western Ghats.
Meenmutty Waterfalls at a distance of 2 kms from the main road, is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.
Chembara Peak, at 2100 metres above the sea-level, is the tallest peak in the range. The peak is an exhilarating four-hour trek from the base of the mountain. It is also possible to stay at the top for one or two days in temporary camps or halt midway. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvas tents and trekking implements on hire.
Kuruva Island This is a breathtaking 950 acre wooded island wrapped around by rivulets and is ideal for camping and peaceful nature trails. It is uninhabited and has rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. It is 17 kms east of Mananthavady and 40 kms northwest of Sultan Battery.
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands are formed in the upstream when the dam is full. These islands, with the background of the dam provide a hypnotic sight.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located 16 kms east of Sultan Battery, near the Karnataka border, is the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah and wild bear can be seen here amidst their natural habitat and visitors can also enjoy an elephant ride.
Pakshipathalam is a bird sanctuary located in the Brahmagiri Hills at Thirunelli and is accessible only by trekking 17 kms through the forests. Special permission is required from the Forest Department to reach there as it houses many rare species of birds.
Amongst the numerous templesfound in Wayanad, the Thirunelli Temple, located 64 kms from Kalpetta is revered as the ‘Dakshin Kashi’, or Benares of the South. It is believed to have been dedicated by Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Chaturbhuja and draws pilgrims from all over the country.
Valliyoorkavu Temple, located 24 kms from Kalpetta and 31 kms from Sultan Battery, is dedicated to the Mother Goddess and is a very important site for the tribal community in Wayanad.
Sita Luv Kush Temple is the only temple dedicated to Luv and Kush, the two sons of Lord Ram. Local legend also connects this region to important episodes from the Ramayana so it attracts visitors.
Pallikkunnu Church dedicated to Lourdes Matha, was established in 1905 by the French Missionary, Father Jeffrine and draws pilgrims to pay their respects.
The district headquarters at Kalpetta offers a number of small eateries where fresh South Indian style food is served at competent prices. The Green Gates Hotel has two restaurants to cater to the tastes of the visitors. The home stays and hotels all over Wayanad have their own in-house restaurants or kitchens, offering an array of fluffy appams, spicy coconut based curries and sweet payasams.
Where To Stay:
Vythiri Nature Resort is situated 2600 feet above Mean Sea Level and 60 kms from Calicut airport, in the heart of Wayanad district. It is set amidst lush tropical rain forests, providing an escape into the lap of nature.
Tranquil – located 100 kms from the Calicut airport, this is a private coffee and vanilla plantation nestled amidst 400 acres of exquisite ecological beauty. With just eight rooms and luxury tree houses, it is a unique home stay experience.
Rain Country located 75 kms from the Calicut airport, in the verdant hills of Lakkidi in Wayanad and surrounded by lofty tree covered mountains, the Rain Country is a quiet nature resort giving one the opportunity to witness the marvel of nature in all its splendour.
Spices such as cloves, pepper, cardamom as well as nuts and coffee are available and can be purchased at any place in Wayanad. It is better to take the help of the hotel staff or guide if one wishes to make bulk purchases.
Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad, 58 kms north of Kozhikode and 5 kms south of Vythiri. Also considered as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’, Lakkidi lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 metres above Mean Sea Level. The twelve kms journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through the ghat road, with 9 hairpin bends amidst thick forests is a fascinating experience.
Vythiriand Sultan Battery are two important destinations in Wayanad. Both offer good accommodation and resorts as well as guided tours.
Nearby Sites:
The Sultan Battery Jain Temples built in the 13th century are one of the most important ruins of Kerala. There are more temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi, well known for their beautifully carved pillars, which exude a peculiar aura of mystery.
The district of Wayanad is an area of 76 kms from Kozhikode in the Western Ghats. It is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. The Wayanad hills are adjacent to Madhumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka. Thus, this entire area is a vast land mass for the wildlife to move about. A visit to Wayanad is an eye–opener to the magnitude and natural beauty in this land, aptly termed ‘God’s own Country”.
