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Wayanad District

The word Wynad has been derived from the expression 'Wayalnadu' which means the land of paddy fields. Kalpetta is the head quarters of Wynad district.

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of his land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for its pictureque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.

The leading centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are aroung this region. Wayanad offers the climate of the hill station to that of Oottacamand and a panorama of undulating hills and dales. Esconced in the North Eastern tip of Kerala, Wayanad is renowned for of Coffee, tea, caradamom, pepper and rubber plantations.

Places of Interest

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 15 km away from Sulthanbathery, it is also known as Muthanga Wild LifeSanctuary. The second largest sanctuary in the Kerala, it occupies anarea of 344 sq km. Neighboring the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in TamilNadu and the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, it boasts ofelephants, spotted deers, gaurs, sambars and sloth bears along with alarge avian and reptilian population. The best time to visit here isbetween June and October.

The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration to the general ife-style of the tribals and otheres who live on the fringes of the forest. These forests also have a historical importance as it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought the British.

Goods roads and rails connect the sanctuary with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ooty - all within a 110km radius. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Sulthan Bathery, Tholpetty and Muthanga are important centers of the Sanctuary.

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.

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. 

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.

The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the birds eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12kms long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary Muthanga, which is 16kms east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka boarder. Wild forests covering an area of 345sq. kms form the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; the biggest aboad of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, 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.

Pazhassi Tourist Resort
Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourist are available here. Pazhassi raja, the lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British east India company, was cremated here in 1805.

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.

Sentinel Rock Water Fall
This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi Panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m. in height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Soochippara Waterfall
The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the Valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli is situated 29kms north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmagiri hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelli is often called 'Thekkan Kasi'. It is believed that a bath in the holly water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelli is a place of scenic beauty. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7kms away from the temple.

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