Kerala Tourism - Wayanad

Wayanad District is situated in the north-east of Kerala. It was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigeneous tribals in this area.

Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. It is a hilly district lying close to the Sahya ranges and with almost one forth of the total land area under forest cover, Wayanad district is also home to some of the oldest tribes in South India.

Wayanad of Kerala is blessed with a unique geographical position.Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are strewn all over the hills of Wayanad. Situated at a height of 700-2100 m above sea level, it is bound on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively. Panorama, Manathavady and Kabini, the fast flowing rivers lend a unique beauty to the whole region.








¤ Tourist Attractions of Wayanand

* Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.

* Thirunelli Temple
It is situated 29kms north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmagiri hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelli is often called 'Thekkan Kasi'. It is believed that a bath in the holly water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelli is a place of scenic beauty. 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.

* Lakkidi
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station of kerala.

* Valliyoorkavu Temple
Located high in the Wayanad Hills at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. Valliyoorkavu festival is a very famous festival.

* Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri.Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water.

* Banasura Dam
15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot in Kerala.Bansura dam is considered to be the largest earth dam in India. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura dam is an absolute beauty and is an exceptional dam.

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

* Jain temple
A striking Jain temple, dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami represents one of the saints belonging to the Jain faith is situated just six kms from Kalpetta. This temple is in the wayanad district and is commonly known as Tippu’s fort. This is prominent as Tippu’s fort because Tippu used this place for storing ammunition. Hence, it gains the name sultans battery.

* Sentinel Rockfall
Near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.

* The Chembra Peak
The Chembra Peak (2100 m) is situated around 14 km off Kalpetta and the highest point in this district. It is also a popular trekking destination.

* Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves are situated around 12 km off Sulthan Bathery at a height of 1000 metres. This is a pair of caves on top of the Ambukuthimala with historical importance. The walls of the caves are full with New Stone Age pictorial writings and throw light on the history of this region. 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.

* Glass Temple
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda is located around 22 km off Kalpetta and dedicated to Parsvanatha, the Jaina Tirthankara. The mirrors on the inner walls of the temple reflect the icons inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

* Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.

* Vythiri Resort
It is situated at the heart of a picturesque Wynad district on the Nilgiri hills in South India. 2600 ft above sea level. Miles away from the dust, grime and din. A magical, romantic getaway tucked away in a lush tropical rainforest.

* Kanthapara falls
It is located towards the south east of Kalpetta. Kanthapara falls is at a distance of 22 kms from Kalpetta and 8 kms from Meppadi east. This is another significant and charming waterfall at about 30 mts height. Comparatively it is smaller that the sentinel rock falls.

* Pazhassi Raja Tomb
It is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805 after the warfare against British east India Company.

* Pookot Lake
It 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 sort after tourist spot of Wayanad. The 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 maximum water depth is 6.5m. This lake is 3kms south of Vythiri.

* Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometers have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam.

* 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.

In addition to these, Wayanad offers a lot more. Wild life sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, fulgurous waterfalls, tranquil lakes, lush greenery of the evergreen forests and the pristine nature unveils a visual spectacle to anyone visiting Wayanad.

¤ Best Time To Visit
The climate of the region is very much influenced by the southwest monsoon that touches it in the months from June to September. There is good rainfall during the Northeast monsoon too in the months of October and November. July receives the highest rainfall while February is the driest month here. April and May are the hottest months here while coldest months are January and February.