About:

Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad.Wayanad has a large settler population. There are people from almost all parts of Kerala who migrated to this fertile land for building up their lives. Wayanad has a small jain community consisting of Gowders who came from Karnataka. The have built beautiful temples all over the district. Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. One fourth population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians. Muslims constitute another one fourth population and rest of the population belongs to Hindus.Their hard work and sacrifice helped them to prosper. On the other hand, the last few decades have seen the complete marginalisation of the indigeneous people.

Wayanad is situated in an elevated scenic mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. Wayanad lies between north latitude 11degree 26'28'' and 11degree 48'22'' and east longitude 75 degree 46'38'' and 76 degree 26'11''. Providing a panorama of undulating mist clad hills and a dale, Wayanad is blessed with an exclusive geographical position.Wayanad is well known for the luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber, which are strewn all over the hills. The Nilgiris and Mysore bind Wayanad on the east. Wayanad also shares the borders with Coorg district of Karnataka on the north, on the south with Malappuram district and on the west with Calicut and Cannanore districts. The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The Wayanad travel guide explores various travel destinations in and around the Wayanad district.

Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. It is located at an altitude of 700-2100 m above the sea level. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region. 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 civilisationThe leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur are around this region.The hills, rocks and valleys which give shape to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for exceptional adventure experiences. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Wayanad"s wildlife sanctuaries are must visit destinations.

The hill resorts in this city of Wayanad serve excellent delicious dishes to their clients. 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 is also 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 restaurants and hotels of the city also serve their clients with the best liquors of international quality. Varieties of Italian foods and Chinese foods are also served in the hotels of Wayanad.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, and Indian foxes besides the gaur, sambar, mongooses, jungle cats, squirrels, hares, etc are also found. It is also houses peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls are a few of the various types of birds seen here.Wayanad Travel Info, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. Tourists can go trekking to the Chembra Peak which is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m above sea level. Trekking to the peak takes almost a day, it is a very challenging task and tourists can stay on the peak in temporary camps for few days. The view from the hill top down the lake is breath taking.

Location info:

Climate/Weather of Wayanad Districts :

History of Wayanad Districts :

Comprising an area of 2,132 sq. kilometres, Wayanad has a powerful history.Countless evidences about New Stone Age civilisation can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilisation. Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century. In ancient times, this land was ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. In later days, Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty.

When Hyder Ali becames the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway. In the days of Tipu, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu handed over the entire Malabar region to the British, after the Sreerangapattanam truce, he made with them. This was followed by fierce and internecine encounters between the British and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam. When the Rajah was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he organised the war-like Kurichiya tribals into a sort of people's militia and engaged the British in several guerrilla type encounters. In the end, the British could get only the dead body of the Rajah, who killed himself somewhere in the interior of the forest. Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of the British and with it came a new turn in the Home of this area. The British authorities opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad, from Kozhikode and Thalassery. These roads were extended to the cities of Mysore and Ooty through Gudalur. Through the roads poured in settlers from all parts of Kerala and the virgin forest lands proved a veritable goldmine with incredible yields of cash crops.

When the State of Kerala came into being in November 1956, Wayanad was part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district. In order to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and South Wayanad were carved out and joined together to form the present district of Wayanad. This district came into being on November 1, 1980 as the 12 district of Kerala.

Educational Institutions of Wayanad Districts :

St Joseph's College Devagiri
Kozhikode, Kerala State 673008 - 0495 2355901

Chinmaya Institute of Technology, Chintech
Govindagiri, Chala, Kannur, Kerala, Govindagiri, Chala, Kannur, Kerala - 0497 2822923

CCSIT Muttil
Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala State - 04936 205902
Category: Education - Colleges & Universities

Don Bosco College
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala

St .Mary's College Boys Hostel
Wayanad, Kerala

Co-operative Arts College
Kerala

Nirmala Hospital And Nursing College
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala

Govt. Law College
NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala

Marymatha college
Mananthavady,Wayanad, Kerala

Pookote Veterinary College
Pookote Veterinary College Road, Wayanad, Kerala

Pookode Veterinary College
Wayanad, Kerala

WMO Arts and science college
Wayanad, Kerala

Pazhassiraja College
Pulpally, Kerala

St.Mary's College
Kerala

Sanskrit College
Wayanad, Kerala

KMCT College of Engineering
Kozhikode, Kerala - 0495 2295395

Dental College
SH 24, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala - 0495 2356781

KMO Arts & Science College
Koduvally, Koduvally Omassery Road, Kozhikode, Kerala

BEd College
Wayanad, Kerala

Calicut Medical College Canteen
Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala

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Culture:

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Tourist Attraction of Wayanad Districts

Thirunelly temple (32 km northeast of Mananthavady)
Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.

Sentinel Rock Waterfall
This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Muthanga
Wayanad wild life sanctuary is here. The sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees is a major tourist attraction. Muthanga and Tholpetty are ideal places to spot wild life.

Pookot Lake, Wayanad Tour GuidePookot Lake
It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising 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 at 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.

Deer, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Tour GuideMuthanga 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.

Chembra Peak, Wayanad Tour GuideChembra 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 exhilerating.

Edakkal Cave
A pair of caves on top of the Ambukuthimala with historical importance. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. Symbols of human beings, animals and ancient tools are visible here.

Pazhassi tomb (32 km northeast of Kalpetta)
The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. The Glass Temple of Kottamunda (20 km away from Kalpetta): This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

Banasura Sagar Dam
This 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 hypnotising sight to tourists.

Pakshipathalam(10 km from Thirunelly)
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. 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. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb
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 organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

Soochippara Waterfall
The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Thirunelly Temple
Thirunelly is situated 29 kms.north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmarigi hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelly is often called 'Thekkan Kasi' It is believed that a bath in the holy water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelly is a place of scenic beauty. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7 kms. away from the temple.

Boys town (15 km north of Mananthavady)
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.

Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Nestled cozily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri displays a distinctive kinship between the land and water.

Lakkidi
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat 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 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.

Valliyoorkavu Festival
The Valliyoorkavu Festival is a popular event at the Bhagavathy temple at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town. The idol of the temple is believed to be self- manifested and the annual festival is held here in the month of March.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore National parks of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.

Kalpetta
The headquarters of the Wayanad District are located at kalpetta. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

Kuruva Island, Wayanad Tour GuideKuruva 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 Sulthan Bathery.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Wayanad Districts :

Hotel Asma Tower
NH 17, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004 - 09847611275

Jungle Home Resort
12, Evergreen Street, 1st Main,, Bandipur, Chamarajnagar, Karnataka 560016 - 080 28516050

Haritagiri Hotel & Ayurvedic Village
Kalpetta,Waynad,Kerala,South India, Wayanad, Kerala 673576 - 022 66181940

Orchid Resorts
Wayanad, Kerala

The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Rated 3.4 out of 5.0 33
P.T.Usha Road Kerela, Jaipur, Rajasthan 673032 - 0495 2765354

Bandipur Resorts
bandipur resort outy higway, bandipur, Karnataka 560076 - 080 26483147

Fortune Hotel Calicut
Kannur Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan 673006 - 049 5276 8888

The Beach Orchid
Beach, Udaipur, 691001 - 0474 2769999

Jungle Retreat Wayanad Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 8
Thirunelli Tholpetty Road, Thirunelli, Wayanad, Kerala 682398 - 09620310449

Hotel Kadavu Resort 25
NH 17 Calicut Bye Pass Road, Post Office Feroke College, Calicut, 673 632 - 0483 2830023

Links

http://www.wyd.kerala.gov.in/home.htm

http://wayanad.nic.in/