Wayanad, Kerala

1Natural beauty plus abundance of cash crops

Wayanad is a derivative of the term Vayal Nadu, where Vayal means paddy fields and Nadu the land; together they represent a land of paddy fields. Wayanad is explicitly beautiful with mist clad mountains, intense forests and fertile green plantations. The forests of Wayanad are cosmic landmasses for animals to enjoy their natural dwelling on Kerala packages in Wayanad.

Snuggled amidst the Western Ghats mountains, Wayanad is an exquisite hill station in Kerala. It is a revenue earning state due to foreign exchange possibilities of cash crops such as vanilla, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and many other condiments. Wayanad shelters endangered species as it has an amazing range of flora and fauna. Wildlife aficionados and nature lovers will find Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries as the right place of visit. The place enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Having an influential history, numerous evidences depicting new Stone Age civilization are seen on the Wayanad hills. Relics and edicts found in this place emphasize the prehistoric epoch. According to history, Wayanad was ruled by Vedic tribes. It was then taken over by Pazhassi Rajas, and later Hyder Ali conquered Wayanad. When Tipu took over, he handed it to the British. It was the British who introduced cash crops, laid roads and developed Wayanad significantly.2

The prominent festivals such as Onam, Maha Shivaratri and Vishu display eternal harmony. Rice, rasam, sambhar, poricha kootu, moru kootan, avvial, pal payasam, and many more items make their food a classy substance.

Tourist attractions

Edakkal Caves: Edakkal cave is 25 km from Kalpetta and just 3 km from Ambalavayal. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives the appearance of a cave to any observer.

Banasura Sagar Dam: Banasura Sagar Dam is approximately 21 km towards the north west of Kalpetta. It is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura Sagar Dam is an absolute beauty.

Chembra Peak: Chembra is the tallest peak in all of Wayanad district. It is at a staggering height of 2100 meters above sea level. This peak is especially popular with mountain climbers and trekkers.
Temporary camps are set up atop the peak so that anyone who has successfully climbed the peak can choose to easily stay there for a few days. The climb is rather intense, but the reward on the top is worth the sweat!

Kuruva Dweep: 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 one astonished. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island.

Meenmutty Falls: Meenmutty is the most impressive waterfall in Wayanad district. Gurgling down from a height of 300 meters, it falls in 3 separate tiers. Reaching the falls involves a 2 km trek, but the view of the falls makes it worth the effort. During the monsoons, this waterfall can be enjoyed only from a distance, due to the voluminous level of water.

Neelimala View Point: At a distance of 27 km from Kalpetta and 12 km from Sultha Battery, Neelimala View Point is a scenic spot that offers bird’s eye view of the Meenmutty falls and the valleys surrounding it. The route to the point is a good for trekking too.

Pookode Lake: The Pookode Lake is a breathtaking location. The water is clear and the foliage that surrounds it is beautiful and boating is a must indulgence. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride against a serene backdrop. An ideal picnic spot, this beautiful lake is the perfect spot to admire Mother Nature. The area surrounding the lake has handicraft and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium along with a children’s park.

Soochipara Falls: The Soochippara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is situated near Meppadi and is a nature’s treasured gift. The waterfall cascading from a height of 100 to 300 feet is a treat to the eyes.

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: Pakshipathalam is 7 km towards the north-east of Thirunelli Temple, in the Wayanad district. Perched 1740m above sea level, Pakshipathalam is a haven for passionate bird lovers. With moist deciduous forests traveling to Pakshipathalam is a venture. Steep hills, streamlets and trekking make this place an ideal picnic spot.

3Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Tholpetty is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. A memorable experience here is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. This gives a thrilling experience, as at night animals come to drink water. The sanctuary is abundant with flora and fauna. Animals like bison, jungle cats and elephants can be spotted here.

Wayanad / Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also referred to as the Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary, is located on 345 square kilometers of densely forested land. It is popular with birdwatchers. Birds such as peacocks, babblers, egrets, snipes, bulbuls, peafowl, and cormorants can be seen here.

Best time to visit: Wayanad has a salubrious climate all through the year. The best time to visit is from October to May.

How to reach
By Train: Nearest Railhead to Wayanad is Kozhikode railway station, which is nearly 110 km from Wayanad.

By Air: Nearest airport is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode, which is about 100 km away from Wayanad city. Karipur is connected to many cities in India.

By Bus: KSRTC buses connect Wayanad with all nearby cities. Public super fast buses connect Wayanad with Trivandrum, Mangalore and Kochi. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum up to Kozhikode.