Wayanad Guide
Wayanad
the green paradise - the border world of the greener part of
Kerala. Situated not far from Calicut or the city of Zamorins,
Wayanad is a world apart from Kerala’s agricultural and
industrial epicenters. It is a quiet place where scenic beauty,
wild life and tradition matter, simplicity is a virtue and
beauty still blossoms from the mountainous horizon and from the
green glaze of alluring vegetation.
A virgin terrain marked by
extensive streches of sub – tropical savannahs, picturesque
hill stations and sprawling spice plantations, Wayanad captures
all that is wild and wonderful. Clean and pristine, enchanting
and hypnotizing, this land has a history and mystery, culture
and social epistemology yet to be discovered.
Places to Visit in Wayanad
Manathavady
Kuruva Island: The Kuruva Island is uninhabited and is
950 acres of evergreen forest on the tributaries of east
following river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from
the disturbance of city life. Rare spicies 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 Sulthan Bathery.
Pakshipathalam: To reach Pakshipathalam, seventeen kms
have to be covered through wild forest. Pakshipathalam is in the
Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli is a challenging tourist spot for
any adventure seeking tourist. The deep rock caves, formed among
the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the
Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort: Pazhassi Tourist Resort at
Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad having a
good aquarium. 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.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife Sanctuary is
20kms. east of Manathavady. This Sanctuary has a wide variety of
animals.
Kalpetta
Chembra Peak: Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad,
is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of the peak takes
almost a day. The hills, rocks and valleys, which contribute to
the very unique character of Wayanad, provide a lot of adventure
tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering
Endeavour. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from
the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating.
Banasura Sagar Dam: This Dam is the largest earth dam in
India. The topography here is such that many islands will be
formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These
islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a
hypnotizing sight to tourists.
Menumutty Waterfalls: This waterfall is 29kms. from
Kalpetta on the Ooty Main Road. An interesting 2kms. jungle trek
will lead to the largest and most spectacular waterfall in
Wayand. Water drops from nearly 1000 ft. over three stages,
presenting a triple decker effect.
Soochippara Waterfall: The waterfalls at Soochippara
near Meppadi are really a treasure of nature, yet to be
discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from
100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below
provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top
huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the
Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the
surrounding spring.
Sulthan Bathery
Edakkal Caves: These Caves are a fissure made by a
corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some
natural causes. This location is breath-taking beauty is three
kilometers from Ambalavayal which is 25 kms. from Kalpetta. The
rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent
human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols.
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.
Chethalayam Falls: This Waterfall is 12kms. from Sulthan
Bathery. A lovely place to visit, trekking enthusiast are sure
to enjoy the climb up the Rocks to the waterfall
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: This Sanctuary is 16 kms.
east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka
border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms. from
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; 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.
Vythiri
Lakkidi: Lakkidi is about 58 kms. north east of
Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. One of the highest
locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery.
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, 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 12kms. long journey
from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghats road with nine hairpin
bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
Pookot Lake: This Lake is a natural fresh water lake,
brimmed with evergreen mountains. The weather here is salacious;
the scenic beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot
Lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist
spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here.
Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft
items are also arranged for sale Pookot. The lake has an area of
8.5ha.and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs.This lake is three
kms. south of Vythiri.
Sentinel Rock Waterfall: This waterfall is at
Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is
both picnic spot as well as trekking centre. The sentinel rock,
a rock of more than 200m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
Karalad Lake: This Lake is just 8kms. from Vythiri. A
recreational Park as well as facilities for angling &
boating is provided here. One of the exciting features of this
Lake is Tekking.
Quick Facts
Location: Wayanad is located in the North-eastern part
of Kerala, Wayanad is a land-locked district bordered by Coorg,
Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Wayanad is at a
distance of about 67 km from Kozhikode.
Climate: It is advisable to avoid visiting during the
monsoon season unless you are particular about seeing the place
in its wettest and greenest best.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Wayanad is
between August and March.
Shopping: Wayanad is being the fabled land of spice
plantations; all sorts of fresh exotic spices are available at
reasonable rates. There is a small area near Pookote Lake that
has shops selling spices and handicraft artifacts. Look out for
artifacts made of coconut shells, ivory, cane, wood and metal.
Exquisite lampshades made of Bamboo are also a specialty of
Wayanad.
Things to Do:
- In the months of monsoon (in rains!!) from 3rd July
to 11th July 09 one can have activities like
Rafting/biking/trekking/slush football. Crab catching, paddy
transplantation in slush etc to name a few.
- One can watch Indoor events like local folk arts, Gazals,
cinematic dances, songs, Kathakali, Kalaripayuttu and many
others .The artists of the events will be professionals. The
indoor venue will also feature 30 shops that sell local
artifacts, spices etc. This besides will also feature food
court and tribal food counter.
How to Reach Wayanad?
By Air: The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, Calicut and
is at a distance of around 100 kilometers from Wayanad. One can
also access this place from the Cochin International Airport,
which is at a distance of around 300 kilometers from this place.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Calicut and
is at a distance of around 110 kilometers from this place.
Wayanad is well connected by a good network of railways and a
number of trains frequent this place.
By Roads: Wayanad is well connected by a wide network of
roads and this place can be easily accessed from anywhere in
Kerala and from neighboring states.
Click here for Wayanad Map
