Kerala Wayanad
Welcome to Wayanad
Nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, lies Wayanad, one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. This green paradise, located at a distance of about 65kms. from the seashores of Kozhikode , lies at a height of 700 to 2100m.above sea level, on the northeastern part of the state. The name Wayanad is believed to have been derived from the word, Vayalnadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present of Wayanad was carved out , from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts and came into being on 1st November 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala. This backward district is, perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the state, thanks to its cash crops of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.
Most of the reserve forests in the state are in this district. The loamy soil generally show wide variation in depth and texture with a very high content of organic matter A large percentage of the population in this region are tribals. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans, etc.
Tourist Attractions
Chembra Peak
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 exhilarating.
Edakkal Caves
This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometers from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometers from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense.
Kuruva Island
The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. North West of Sultan Bathery.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery,
is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.
Soojipara Falls
These waterfalls are an endless natural splendor amidst dark and deep woods.
Pookot Lake
Located 3 km south of Vythiri town, Pookkot lake is located at an altitude of 2100 metres above sea level.
The Pookkot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala, and sports a fresh water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2100 metres above sea level the Pookkot Lake is a tourist's paradise. Boating facilities, a children's park and a spices and handicrafts emporium add to the attraction of the place.
Pookkot has some of the highest hill ranges in the State in its Vythiri taluk (a taluk is a sub division of a district). Winding hairpin bends and ridges make the journey up the ranges an exciting experience. With vast stretches of tropical forests and hilly terrain as yet untainted by civilization, Wayanad is also home to the largest number of tribal settlements in Kerala.
Thirunelli Temple
The temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water.
Wayanad - Getting There
By Air:
the nearest airport to Wayanad is at Kozhikode ( Calicut) 65kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railhead is at Kozhikhode (Calicut) 65kms.
By Road:
Kozhikhode is almost 100kms from Wayanad. It is well connected with other important towns of Kozhikhode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore by road.
