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Wayanad District is in the north-east of Kerala, India,
was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode
and Kannur districts. Though the etymology of the word Wayanad is popularly
known to be Vayal (paddy) NiCad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields', the scholars
disagree. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest
records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. 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. The district is going
through its worst agrarian crisis.
History :- The modern history of the district is associated with the
events that took place during the Mysorean invasion and the long spell of
the British rule stretching over a period of about two centuries. There was
fierce encounter between the British and Pazhassi Rajah. When the state of
Kerala came into being in 1956, Wayanad was a part of Cannanore district;
later in 1957 south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district and north
Wayanad remained with Cannanore district. By amalgamating the north Wayanad
and south Wayanad, the present Wayanad district came into being on the 1st
November 1980 comprising of three taluks; Vitrify, Mananthavady and Sulthan
Bathery.
Geography :- Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the
Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western ghats with lofty
ridges interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys, the
terrain is rugged. Quite a large area of the district is covered by forest
but the continued and indiscriminate exploitation of the natural resources
point towards an imminent environmental crisis.
Climate :- The distance from the mean sea level and surrounding
forest creates a salubrious climate. Generally the year is divided into four
seasons; cold weather (December to February) hot weather (March to May)
South West monsoons (June to September) and North East monsoon (October to
November). During the hot weather the temperature goes up to the maximum of
35 °C and during the cold weather the temperature goes down to 10 °C. The
more perceived temperature variation in habitational areas since last 5-6
years is in the range of 18-28 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is 2,500
mm per year.
LOCATION - Wayanad is located in the beautiful state of Kerala.
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HOW TO REACH
By Air - Kozhikode is the nearest airport, which is about 110
kilometres from Kalpetta.
By Rail - The nearest railhead is Kozhikode, which is connected by
rail link to other parts of the country.
By Road - Well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty (175 km
from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 km from Kalpetta).
WHEN TO GO
Best Time to travel Wayanad is between June To October.
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WHAT TO SEE
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Pookote Lake :- Pookote lake is located at an
altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The Pookkot Lake is the only
one of its kind in Kerala, and sports a fresh water aquarium with
numerous varieties of fish. At 2100 meters above sea level the Pookkot
Lake is a tourist's paradise. Boating facilities, a children's park and
a spices and handicrafts emporium add to the attraction of the
place. Pookkot has some of the highest hill ranges in Wayanad. |
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :- It is a must visit.
The sanctuary is part of the Wayanad plateu and is home to tigers,
leopards, elephants and a number of other animals. The Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary is located 16 kilometres east of Sultan's Battery and is also
known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is
adjacent to Bandipur National Park, which is in Karnataka and Mudumalai
Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is part
of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is rich in bio diversity. The
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of deciduous forest. Wayanad
Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of animals that include monkeys,
Elephant, Panther.
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Papanasini- Thirunelly Temple :- It is 64 kms away
from wayanad.It is known as the southern Kashi. A ritual dip here is
believed to wash one away of worldly sins. The Thirunelly Temple is a
fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. The crystal clear
waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment
of the place. |
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Chain Tree :- Chain Tree legend has it that an
Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding the British
Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to
take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his
guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted
subsequent travellers. It is believed that a priest chained the
troublesome spirit onto this tree and hence the name the Chain Tree.
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Chembra Peak :- Chembra Peak 18 Kms Away from
Wayanad. At 2100 metres, the spectacular Chembra Peak located towards
the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region.
Climbing this peak is a challenging endeavour and would take a full day.
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Kuruva Dweep :- The Kuruva Island with 950 acres
of evergreen forest lies on one of the tributaries of the River Kabini.
This calm and peaceful island is home to a variety of birds, butterflies
and orchids.
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Pazhassi Raja's tomb :- One of the earliest to
strike the banner of revolt against the British overlordship in this
part of India, Pazhassi Raja took refuge in the Wayanad hills, and
resorted to classic techniques of guerrilla warfare against the superior
British forces. He was downed in a ferocious encounter that took place
at Mavilanthode in 1805. Pazhassi's tomb marks the point where he was
cremated. |
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Jain Temple :- This temple is one of the most
important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala
that testify a period of strong Jain presence in this region. Believed
to have built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine and
eventually as an ammunition store for Tipu Sultan's marching armies.
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Meenmutti Waterfalls :- 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. |
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WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants in the city and you can also try the
restaurants at the luxury hotels
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