Wayanad Tourism

About Wayanad

2010-05-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

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. The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.

According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than three thousand years. Wayanad was originally ruled by Vedar kings. However, after a Kshatriya Prince (Raja of Kumbala), was captured and held hostage in Tirunelli by the Vedars, it was invaded and annexed by a combined force lead by the Raja of Kottayam and the Raja of Kurumbranad. The Vedar king (Arippan) was killed and most of his subjects were massacred. However, the Raja of Kumbala asked a Nair aristocrat, Nanthillath Nambiar to marry the daughter of the Vedar king, who had survived the massacre. Nambiar was appointed as the Moopil Nair of Veliyambam, where the surviving Vedars were resettled.

Stay at Wayanad

2010-05-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hotels/Resorts/Home stays in Wayanad

This page is under construction.

Is your buissness in wayanad.Get listed here Contact Us

Hospitals in Wayanad

2010-04-26T07:00:00.004-07:00

» Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital, Kalpetta, Wayanad : Directed by the husband and wife team of Dr. Sanjeevan Vasudevan and Dr. Ajitha, founders of the Pain Relief and Palliative Care Department at AIMS.
Site: http://www.aimshospital.org/journal/hospital/amritakripa-charitable-hospital.html

» Kakkodan Mammu Hajee Memorial Mission Hospital, Sulthan Bathery : Kakkodan Mammu Hajee Memorial Mission Hospital, established on February22, 1970

Site: http://www.meskerala.com/jit00-homes/hosp_way.htm

Address:
KAKKODAN MAMMU HAJEE MEMORIAL
MES MISSION HOSPITAL
SULTHAN BATHERY-673592
WAYANAD
PH:0493-620285

» Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission, Kalpetta(N), Wayanad : Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission started its activities opening a free dispensary at Muttil near Kalpetta in 1972.

Site: http://www.svmm.org/

Address:
Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission
Vivekananda Nagar
Muttil
PO-Kalpetta North
Dist.-WAYANAD,
KERALA- 673122.

Phone: 04936 202528, 204360
Fax: 04936 204360
E-mail: svmm_muttil@hotmail.com

Muthanga wildlife sanctuary

2010-04-26T07:00:00.003-07:00

Location : About 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery, Wayand district, north Kerala.

Best time to visit: June to October.

Attractions : Freely roaming elephants and tigers.

An ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of the Nagarhole National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the neighbouring State of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant.

Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station : Kozhikode, about 97 km by road from Sulthan Bathery.

Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, nearly 120 km from
Sulthan Bathery.

Meenmutty Falls

2010-04-26T07:00:00.001-07:00

Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome.but the waterfalls is worth it.

Anantnath Swami Temple

2010-04-26T06:59:00.004-07:00

Anantnath Swami Temple (also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple) is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala in India. It is dedicated to Ananthnath Swami, a Tirthankar of the Jain faith.

The outer entrance of the temple has a large pillar of carved granite in front of the main gate. The entrance doors contain intricately carved panels. Constructed in the traditional Dravidian style, the ornate carvings of the stupa are colorfully painted as they rise in a pyramid shape to the top where there is a carving of Mahavir. The small steps of the temple's main shrine are covered with many different Jain idols and symbols constructed of stone, brass and gold.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb

2010-04-26T06:59:00.003-07:00

Pazhassi Raja Tomb is the memorial where rests the mortal remains of Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, who organized the guerilla warfare against the British. It is located at Mananthavady in Wayanad District. There is also a park built in memory of Pazhassi Raja. The Pulpally Cave, where Pazhassi Raja took refuge, is nearby.

Mananthavady is 32 km north-east of Kalpetta.

Pazhassi Raja tomb 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.

A park is sited in memory of Pazhassi raja. He was a prominent figure as he was the earliest to revolt against British and adapted guerilla techniques.

Pookode Lake

2010-04-26T06:59:00.001-07:00

Pookode Lake is a scenic lake in Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed. Recent commercial modernisations have removed some of its wilderness charms.

Lakkidi

2010-04-26T06:58:00.004-07:00

Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad district of Kerala state, south India. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is situated 700 m above mean sea level, atop Thamarassery ghat pass. Vythiri is the nearest town, just 5 km from Lakkidi. Chain tree, Pookot Lake, Sight seeing point on ghat road and number of tourist resorts are within 5 km from Lakkidi. It is about 58 km north east of Kozhikode district

The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging (sicsic) stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. Three km from Lakkidi is the Pookot Lake, the natural fresh water Lake, very wide and deep, one of the rare reservoirs of water in Wayanad. Surrounded on all sides by meadows and hills, it has become a favorite picnic spot.

Thovarimala Ezhuthupara

2010-04-26T06:58:00.003-07:00

Thovarimala Ezhuthupara is a remotely located cave in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India.The rare historic treasure at Thovarimala near here,throwing light into human habitation.Pre-historic stone age pictorial writings dating from around 8,000 BC and after had been discovered here at a height of 500 mts on Thovarimala.One can see the new stone age pictorial Writings on the walls of these natural cave.and pretty of nature from top of Thovarimala.The rare historic treasure at Thovarimala throwing light into human habitation in the Wayanad area since ancient times, is yet to receive the protection of agencies like Archaeology Department, which preserves the Edakkal caves just five km away.The carvings, found on the upper side of the cave, depict circular and squarish figures, and one carving closely resembles a bird.

Edakkal Caves

2010-04-26T06:58:00.001-07:00

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats. They lie on an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the Malabar coast ports. Inside the caves are pictorical writings believed to be from neolithic man, evidence of the presence of a prehistoric civilisation existing in this region. Such stone age carvings are very rare and these are the only known examples in southern India.

These are not technically caves but rather a cleft or rift approximately 96 feet by 22 feet, a 30 foot deep fissure caused by a piece of rock splitting away from the main body. On one side of the cleft a rock weighing several tons has fallen over the fissure forming a roof. The carvings are of human and animal figures, as well as of tools used by humans and symbols, suggesting they were created by a highly civilised prehistoric people.

The petroglyphs inside the cave are of at least three distinct types. The oldest may date back over 8000 years ago. Evidence indicates that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at several different times in history.

The caves were accidentally discovered by Fred Fawcett in 1890 who immediately understood their anthropological and historical importance. He subsequently wrote an article about them, attracting the attention of scholars.

To reach the Edakkal caves from Tellicherry take the following shortest bus route: Tellicherry>Koothuparamba>Mananthavady>Get down at Beenachi on the way to Sultanbathery>Take Ambalavayal route>Get down at Ayiramkolli> Take bus to Edakkal caves.

Approximate time required to climb till top of the hill and down: 3-4 hours.

Entry to the hill closes by 4 PM.

Departmental jeeps can be hired to travel the initial few km till the foot of the hill. A jeep can carry up to six passengers and there are separate rates for one way and return journeys.

Other nearby places - Soojippara water falls, Sultan Bathery, Mutanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thirunelli Temple

2010-04-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is situated 32 km away from Manathavady its nearest town.

History

No proper records of the exact dates of establishment of temple exist, though it is beyond dispute that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim center in the middle of inaccessible jungled valley surrounded on four sides by mountains. There also exists documentary proof that Thirunelli at the time of Chola king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) was an important town and pilgrim center in south India. In the dense jungles surrounding temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found. Also recent excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded period coins of 9th and 10th century. Noted historian V. R Parameswaran Pillai in his book "Thirunelli Documents" clearly states that this temple was once an integral part of the early history of North Kerala.

Tourist Spots of Wayanad

2010-04-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. Read More

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats.

Valliyoorkav is a Hindu Temple in Wayanad district of Kerala state in south India. This Temple is only 3 km from Mananthavady town. Valliyoorkav Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad.

Pookode Lake is a scenic lake in Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed. Read More

Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad district of Kerala state, south India. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. Read More

Thovarimala Ezhuthupara is a remotely located cave in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India. Read More

Pazhassi Raja Tomb is the memorial where rests the mortal remains of Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, who organized the guerilla warfare against the British.

Kuruvadweep is a 950-acre protected river delta on the Kabini River in the Wayanad district, India.

Anantnath Swami Temple (also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple) is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala in India. Read More

Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. Read More

Muthanga, An ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants. Read More

Banasura Sagar Dam :It is the largest earth dam in India and is located 21km from Kalpetta.Due to the undulating topography of the region; islands are formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills provide a spectacular scenic view.

Chembra Peak :It is the highest peak in the District and is located near Meppady town, 15km from Kalpetta.The hill is a “trekker’s paradise”. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking to the Chembra Peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour.The breathtaking scenic beauty of Wayanad can be enjoyed from here.

The Glass Temple of Koottamunda – The magnificent temple is located 20km from Kalpetta on the slopes of Vellarimala.The beautiful temple is dedicated to Parswanaatha Swami, the third Tirthankara of the Jain faith. The icons of Parswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi, set in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls.

Santhiantha Temple at Venniyod :The temple is dedicated to the Jain Saint Santhinatha Swami. It is 20km.from Kalpetta.

Pakshipathalam :About 10km from Thirunelly, this is, as the name suggests, a centre for bird watching. The watch tower offers a better view of some rare species. Reaching the place on foot is the only means to get there.

Boys Town :This beautiful town is the outcome of the conscientious efforts of the Wayanad Social Service Society. It is 15km north of Mananthavady.Nature Care Centre, Herbal Garden, Sericulture Unit, Perma culture Centres etc. are the treasures of the town along with Jean Park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal garden.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :Abundant in flora and fauna the sanctuary with a variety of wildlife forms and integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and in making inroads in the conservation of the regional biological heritage, the purpose it is intended for. It is adjacent to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur on the northeast and the Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southwest. The life style of the tribals and others of the region has appropriately been taken into account by the management.

Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary :It is 40km from Mananthavady.There are no bus services to Nagarhole from Mananthavady; only jeeps and trucks are available.

Brahmagiri :A trekker’s paradise is a vast area of scenic wildland forming part of the Western Ghats.It is 11km trek from Tirunelli.Brahmagiri lies 1600m above sea level.Pakshipathalam and Munimala are other attractions. The Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, popularly called ‘Thenkasi’ or “Dakshin Gaya” nestles in the lap of Brahmagiri.

Sulthan Bathery :The hill station and historical centre is noted for a fort built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The famous Panamarram fort here played an important role during the Pazhassi Rebellion.

Chethalayam Waterfall :The beautiful falls amidst scenic surroundings are just 12kms from Sulthan Bathery.

Flora and Fauna of Wayanad

2010-04-26T06:55:00.001-07:00

The flora of Wayanad are characteristic of the Western Ghats and the plantation crops grown in the cool climate. A major portion of the district is covered by coffee. Trees of the wild type like rose-wood, anjili (Artocarpus), mullumurikku (Erthrina), several species of caussia and many other non-descrip varieties are still preserved here and there, to give shade to the coffee plants. These trees give a dembalance of wilderness to the landscape of Wayanad. In a majority of coffee plantations, the age-old species are replaced by the silver-oak which is suited to the cold climate. This tree grows quickly and its cultivation is widespread among coffee plantations for shade and for giving support to pepper. It is used for the plywood industry and thus is economical to the farmers. Eucalyptus grandis, a shorter variety of eucalyptus, whose fragrant smell suffuses the very air around it, is cultivated on a large scale in centain parts of the district. Eucalyptus oil is extracted on commercial basis from its leaves.

Of the 20,864 hectares of reserve forest, the major portion is teak plantation. Arecanut palms and jack trees are also grown here. Tea is grown as an industry in large estates. The soil and climate of Wayanad are suitable for horiculture on commercial basis. For promoting the cultivation of vegetables and raising of orchards, the Kerala Agricultural University is running a Regional Agricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal.

With the clearing of forests, the diverse and buzzling animal life, characteristic of the forests of Western Ghats, has vanished from Wayanad. One can still see the bonnet monkeys, loris, mongooses, jungle cats, squirrels, jackals, hares, etc, in the limited forest areas. The World's longest venomous snake, King Cobra is also found here. Elephant, bear and other wild animals from the neighbouring wild life sanctuaries of Karnadaka and Tamil Nadu, stray into the Begur forest range and the forests around Muthanga, which is 20 kilometres away from the town of Sulthan Bathery. Karapuzha dam near menangadi-10 km, Banasurasagar dam 20 km from vythri. Today large game is found only in region that border with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Here there is the one of the largest concentration of wild Asiatic elephants in whole world. Tiger, bison, sambhar, spotted deer, boar, leopard, wild dog and other large mammals are also present in fairly decent numbers.

Bathery.