Wayanad – Kerala

Wayanad is the 12th District in Kerala was formed on 1 November 1980 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 field) and Naad (land), making it ‘The Land of Paddy Fields’. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala.

Wayanad district is bordered by Karnataka (Kodagu and Mysore districts) to north and north-east, Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris district) to the south-east, Malappuram to south, Kozhikode to the south-west and Kannur to the north-west. The misty environs of Wayanad offer a wide range of trekking opportunities, plantation visits and wildlife tours.

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudimalai of Tamil Nadu on the south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Which has been established with the specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region. Consisting entirely of notified reserve, the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora. The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration to the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live on the fringes of the forest.

Attractions in Wayanad:

• Kalpetta:

It is the district headquarters of Wayanad, is the only municipality in this hilly region. The town has hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base to visit this place while at the same time enjoying these facilities.

• Pookot Lake:

Pookode Lake in Wayanad is a freshwater lake near Kalpetta resembling the map of India. Nestled between evergreen forests, surrounded by the Western Ghats, this breathtaking lake captivates every tourist who comes to Wayanad.

Pookode Lake (or Pookot Lake), a natural freshwater lake is located in Wayanad district at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is the highest altitude freshwater lake in Kerala, and with an area of 5 hectares, it is the smallest too. Pookode Lake is also the point of origination for the Panamaram River, that flows through the valley to join Kabini River.

• Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India’s Western Ghats. They lie 1,200 m above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, near an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast.

• Pakshipathalam:

Pakshipathalam in Wayanad district is among the finest trekking spots in the entire country. At Pakshipathalam, one gets to walk through a thick evergreen forest that provides a safe haven to some of the rarest avian species. Ornithologists consider it a location of great interest and value. At 1,700 m above sea level, it is among the most frequented locations in the State.

People who seek a challenging yet enriching trek shall find their wishes fulfilled at Paskshipathalam. A local tribal guide leads you on an exceptional trip that canvasses this unique forest area. The deep caves at the northern end give one a great view of the biodiversity of the locality. The range of bird species found here is unmatched. Herds of gaurs can be occasionally seen passing through the place while Giant Malabar Squirrels greet all who pass by.  It is a wonderful way to spend a day in Wayanad while being embraced by nature from all sides.

• Lakkidi:

The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above 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. (5 km south of Vythiri)

• Sulthan Bathery:

This Place is situated at about 930 meters above mean sea level. One can find beautiful folded hills across the horizon. This town was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got its name because the presence of the Kidangans the tribes. Later, it came to be known as Sultan Bathery, the Malayalam version of its name.

• Banasura Sagar Dam:

This project is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary It is spread over 344 km² & It is Situated on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery in Wayanad, Kerala.Wild animals such as Indian Bison, Elephant, Deer and Tiger can be spotted here.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. This is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.

• Neelimala View Point:

Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.

• Meenmutty falls:

An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.

How to Reach:

By Air:

Kozhikode airport is located at a distance of about 25 km from the centre of the city. Kozhikode is well connected by air to Mumbai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Goa, Madurai and Chennai.

By Rail:

The Kozhikode railway station is located south of the Manachira Square. The city is well connected by train to important places like Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa and Mumbai.

By Road:

Kozhikode is well linked with various destinations in Kerala and beyond. National Highway 17 links Kozhikode with the rest of the cities in Kerala and neighboring states.