Wayanad (Kerala)
Introduction: The unique
geographical features of Wayanad, expressed in rugged mist-covered
mountains and pastoral valleys, lend this northern district a peculiar
charm and a delightful challenge for hikers and nature lovers. Wayanad
is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its
pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the
oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation.
History: In ancient times, it was
ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe and later came under the control of
the Pazhassi Rajas of Kottayam's royal dynasty, Tipu sultan of Mysore
and the British. This district has the highest concentration of tribals
in Kerala. Kalpetta, famous Anathanthaswami Jain temple is situated
Puliyarmala near Kalpetta. It is the headquarters of Wayanad district.
Description: This northern
district, with it's rugged landscape and pastoral valleys, pose a
delightful challenge for hikers and nature lovers. The least populous of
Kerala's districts, it is relatively backward and development has not
appreciably improved the lives of the tribes (called Adivasis) who
comprise a sizeable section of the population. Wayanad is known for its
picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations,
luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The hill ranges of
Vythiri taluk (taluk is a sub division of a district), through which the
road from Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind boggling
bends and ridges, are the highest locations of Wayanad district. The
leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg,
Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region. Wayanad's climate and
geography make it ideal for the cultivation of coffee, tea, pepper and
rubber. Before the British arrived, it was under the reign of Tipu
Sultan.
Wayanad Quick facts
Wayanad Geography and Climate
Geography:
Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and
its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges
interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys, the
terrain is rugged. Quite a large area of the district is covered by
forest but the continued and indiscriminate exploitation of the natural
resources point towards an imminent environmental crisis.
Climate: During the hot weather the
temperature goes up to a maximum of 35 °C and during the cold weather
the temperature goes down to 10 °C. The more perceived temperature
variation in the last 5-6 years is in the range of 18-28 degree Celsius.
The average rainfall is 2,500 mm per year.
Best time to visit Wayanad
Wayanad experiences tropical
monsoons and rather hot summer. Thus the best time to visit Wayanad is
between the months of August and May.
Wayanad Orientation
The sanctuary, covering an area
of 345 sq km, consists of two separate pockets Muthanga in the east of
the district on the border with the Bandipur and Mudamalai, and
Tholpetty in the north on the border with Nagarhole. Three major towns
in Wayanad district make good bases for exploring the sanctuary are
Kalapetta in the south, Sultanbatheri (also known as Sultan Battery)in
the east and Mananthavadi in the north west.
Wayanad Near Getaways
Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass.
Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests
add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. It
is situated 55 km east of Kozhikode / 5 km south of vythiri.
Wayanad Distance(s)
- Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty: 175 km
- Mysore: 140 km
- South of Kochi, Palakkad: 356 km
- Thrissur: 289 km
- Alleppey: 147 km
- Kollam:63 km
How to reach Wayanad by Road
Kalpetta is linked by road to
other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Kozhikode. Though
there are hotels in Kalpetta, the jungles do not have any accommodation
facilities except Government guest houses, meant for it's officials, but
rooms are available for a day or two. Facilities are very basic and do
not expect any fancy frills.
How to reach Wayanad by Air
The nearest airport is Calicut, 109 km from Kalpetta, district headquarters.
Wayanad Festivals and culture
Wayanad Festivals
Thirunelli Festival: Thirunelli Festival is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.
Wayanad Culture
The local people here speak
Malayalam, which is also the official language of Kerala, whereas the
second language is Tamil. T-Shirts, Woolen cloths are ideal dress codes
to wear in Wayanad.
Wayanad Religious Places
Ananthanatha Swami Temple:
The temple is at Puliyarmala A beautiful Jain temple, devoted to
Ananthanatha Swami, one of the saints of the Jaina faith, is located six
kilometres from Kalpetta.
The Glass temple at Koottamunda:
Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this temple dedicated to
Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith, is an
exquisitely beautiful family temple.
The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi:
This is the set in the sanctum of this temple have thousand reflections
in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the
temple walls. It is 20 km from Kalpetta.
Maha Ganapathi Temple: The temple is
at Sulthan Bathery. This temple is believed to have been built eight
centuries ago. In the past, it was under the control of the Kottayam
royal dynasty. Before the conquest by Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan Bathery was
known as Ganapathivattam. The temple is devoted to Ganapathi.
Ponkili Temple: This is an ancient temple associated with the myth of Sita Devi. It is located on the Karnataka border.
Santhinatha Temple: The temple is at Venniyode This is another Jain temple devoted to Saint Santhinatha Swami and is situated 20 km away from Kalpetta.
The Chandranatha Swami Temple: The temple is at
Puthanangadi, Vrishabhadeva Swami Temple at Mananthavady and
Parawanatha Swami temple at Palkunnu are the other important Jain
temples in the district.
Sita Devi Temple: The temple is at
Pulpally. This is centuries old temple, dedicated to Sita Devi. The
icons of Leva and Kusa are also installed here.
Thirunelli Temple: The temple is
located in a valley beneath a hill called Brahmagiri in the reserve
forest. This temple is often referred to as the 'Kasi of the South'. The
temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. A
little away from this temple is the mountain spring called Papanasini,
which literally means destroyer of all sins.
Paallikkunnu Church: It is situated 12 km north of Kalpetta Kallianathum.
St. Peter's Church: It is at Meenangadi. This is an important church of Jacobite Syrian Christians.
Pallickal Mosque: It is situated 10 km southwest of Mananthavady.
Wayanad Monuments
Edakkal caves:
Edakkal caves in the Ambukuthi Hills in north Kerala, considered to be
one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Inside the cave one
will find ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions of human
and animal figures with peculiar head dresses, the swastik form, symbols
and cave drawings of human figures, wheels, bows, knives, trees and so
on. Similar cave drawings, considered to be 7000 years old, are found
only in Stiriya in the European Alps and a few rocky places in Africa.
The caves, which are found around 10 km from Sultan Bathery, are two
natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in
a huge rock. Kozhikode railway station is about 97 km from Sultan
Bathery. Karipur international airport is about 23 km from Kozhikode.
Wayanad Entertainment and Night Life
Wayanad Adventure
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: Muthanga,
which is 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the
Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq km from the
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary which is the biggest abode of wild animals
in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear,
etc. are found in this sanctuary. The Forest Department has facilities
for providing elephant rides to tourists here. Lakkidi One of the
highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery.
It is about 58 km north east of Kozhikode and 5 km south of Vythiri.
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop.
Thamarassery: The ghats 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 km long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghats road with
nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
Kidding around Wayanad
The Picturesque Banasura Project:
It is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in
Asia. Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife
sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment has
no parallel elsewhere.
With its placid crystal clear waters Banasura is a
wonderful picnic spot. Banasura Project is located at Padinjarathara,
about 25 km northeast of Kalpetta. Kozhikode about 72 km away from
Kalpetta and Karipur international airport is about 23 km from Kozhikode
town.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort: Pazhassi
Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad.
There is a good aquarium here. Coin -operated toys for children and
boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the
Lion of Kerala, who organized guerilla type warfare against British East
India Company, was cremated here in 1805. These carvings speak of a
highly civilized people of pre-historic are and inspires the
archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and
Kerala as a whole.
Wayanad Shopping
As Waynad is highly vegetated
place and also a forest area with hill stations, waterfalls we can shop
for mostly rare things which we cannot get at other places of the
country like Ivory and coconut shell craft, Aranmula mirrors, Chinese
ceremics Other Charms of Shopping : Embroidered mats, Wayanad coffee,
Spices.
Famous To Eat at Wayanad
Wayanad is fond of rice
and it is their staple food. Rasam, Sambhar, Moru kootan and Poricha
kootu are some most delicious dishes to take along with rice. The
common food here is known to be the typical south Indian foods.
There are varieties of vegetarian foods and non vegetarian foods served
in the city. Like as in many cities of south India.
Wayanad Museum and Hill Stations
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum:
The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum in Wayanad,
has Kerala's one of largest collections of the remnants of an era
dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here are evidences of
an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The
articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the
archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum one can see
articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like
bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios. It is situated 12 km
south of Sulthan Bathery which is about 98 km from Kozhikode city. There
are frequent bus services between Sulthan Bathery and Kozhikode.
Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode is about 120 km from Sulthan
Bathery. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal: This
Museum lies at a distance of 12 km from Sultan Bathery and
displays items related to tribal communities. Prominent among
these items are clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like
bows and arrows, stone weapons, musical instruments, bangles, ear
ornaments and hunting traps. The items have been collected from
all over Wayanad region. The Museum is open between 9 am to 6
pm.
Gardens and Parks at Wayanad
Herbal garden, nature care
centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the
Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project
for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here. It is situated 15 km
north of Mananthavady.
Lake at Wayanad
Karlad Lake :
The lake spreads in an area of 7 acres and is a place where
you can be with yourself, more so because it is not a huge
tourist hotspot. The lake with all its beauty and facilities of
boating and angling is still to gain its share of popularity. It is
around 8 km from Vythiri.
Pookote Lake: It is a freshwater
lake surrounded by evergreen forests and hills. The lake is
crowded during holidays and it is difficult to find isolation.
Still if that is what you want then tread the walkaway around
the lake and you will experience much tranquility.
The other water falls near the Wayanad are
Kanthanpara Waterfall It is situated 6 km east of Meppadi. Meenmutty
waterfall It is situated 12 km east of Meppadi. Chethalayam waterfall
It is situated 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. Sentinel rock waterfall It
is situated 12 km southeast of Meppadi.
Wayanad Tips
Wayanad Travel Tips
- International Tourists are required to carry their original passport and visa on their vacation to Kerala. However, it is advisable to make many copies of these and other important documents and keep them separate from the originals.
- Also do carry some documents with you at all times. All the nationalized banks are open for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sundays. Many of the private banks provide transaction services between 8 am to 8 pm.
- Photography is restricted in many temples, museum and wildlife sanctuaries. Do obtain permissions or special tickets for using the camera where necessary.
- As it is a forest area it is must to carry some insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. Traffic moves on the left in India.
- Kerala is the first state in India to achieve 100% literacy and one can expect local people to speak and understand English very well. Kerala is the first state in India to achieve 100% literacy and one can expect local people to speak and understand English very well.
- We recommend carrying some toilet paper and hand sanitizer while on road.
Wayanad Tourist Offices
District Tourism Promotion Council,
Collectorate Office, Civil Station,
North Kalpetta, Wayanad.
Phone: (91) 04936-202134.
Collectorate Office, Civil Station,
North Kalpetta, Wayanad.
Phone: (91) 04936-202134.
Must do at Wayanad
Enjoy Jeep Safaris
- Tourists can explore the flora and fauna of the sanctuary on board a
jeep. This is an excellent option (and the only one) to remain safe as
well as increase the chances of animal sighting. However prior
permission is required to be taken from the Forest Department for this
purpose. You also need to take along a guide provided by the Forest
Department compulsorily. It is to be noted here that the elephants of
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are more violent than their brethrens in
other sanctuaries of Kerala. Hence, proper precaution needs to be
undertaken during your jeep safari.
Enjoy Bird Watching - Bird watching
is thoroughly enjoyable experience in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
given the number of species found here. Again, proper care and
precaution need to be taken while undertaking a bird watching trip.
Don't miss Tea and Cardamom Plantations, Picturesque Locations.
Not to do at Wayanad
As it is a forest area
should not tease or disturb animals at the time of safari. And while in
the location of tea or cardamom plantation do not pluck the leaves or
any flowers these are under restrictions.
