WAYANAD

Comprising an area of 2126 sq. kilometers, Wayanad has a powerful history. Historians are of the view that organised human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ. Countless evidences about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sultan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilization. Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century. In ancient times, this land was ruled by Rajas of the Veda tribe. In later days Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kalpetta

Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad is famous for Ananthanathaswami Jain Temple in Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

Banasura Sagar Dam

This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists.

Chembra Peak

The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating.

Edakkal Cave

This location of breath taking beauty is three kilometers from Ambalavayal which is 25kms from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary and quoted in the district Gazetteer, Kozhikode, it is only 'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft. wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and fissure is 30ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tones, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Ambukuthi Hills

There are two historical Edakkal Caves which are considered as the earliest centre of human habitations by the Archaeologists. It is famous for its pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures and swastika forms and symbols.

Kuruva Island

The Kuruva island, 950 acre3s of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17kilometers east of Mananathavady and 40kms north west of Sulthan Bathery.

Glass Temple

The Glass Temple of Kottamunda is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the third Thirthankara of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect in thousands of beautiful images of the icons in the temple sanctum sanctorum.

Manantavadi

It is a historically important place. Where the Tomb of Pazhassi Raja and the park in his memory are situated here.

Lakkidi

One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58kms north east of Kozhikode and 5kms south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700m. above mean sea level.

Sultan Bathery

The place derives its present name from the Tippu Sultan of Mysore who built a fort in 18th century. The famous Pazhassi Raja Fort can be seen at Panamaram, 29km from here.

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. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.

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.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

It is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over 344 sq.km. area, forms part of Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Sanctuary in Karnataka. Elephants, spotted deer, gaur, sambar and varieties of birds can be seen here.

How to get there

Air: The nearest airport is at Kozhikode
Rail: The main Railway station is Kozhikode.
Road: Kalpetta, the district headquarters is connected by motorable roads to all cities of the state.

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