Nestled among the mountain of the Western Ghats, lies Wayanad, one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. This green paradise, located at a distance of about 76 km. from the seashores of Kozhikkod, lies at a height of 700 to 21000 m. above sea level, on the north eastern part of the state. The name, Wayanad, is believed to have been derived from the word, Vayalnadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present district of Wayanad was carved out, from the parts of Kozhikkod and Kannur districts. This backward district is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the state, thanks to its cash crops like pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.
Most of the reserve forests in the state are in this district. The loamy soil generally show wide variation in depth and texture with a very high content of organic matter. A large percentage of the population in this region is tribals. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans, etc.
Comprising an area of 2126 sq. km, Wayanad has a powerful history. Historians are of the view that organized 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 the 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. In the days of Tippu, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tippu handed over the entire Malabar region to the British, after the Sreenagapattanam truce he made with them. This was followed by fierce encounters between the British and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam. When the Rajah was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he organized the war - like Kurichya tribals into a sort of people’s militia and engaged the British in several guerrilla type encounters. In the end, the British could get only the dead body of the Rajah, who killed himself somewhere in the interior of the forest.
Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of the British and with it came a new turn in the history of this area. The British authorities opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayand, from Kozhikkod and Thalassery. These roads were extended to the cities of Mysore and Ootty through Gudallur. Through the roads poured in settlers from all parts of Kerala and the virgin forest lands proved a veritable gold mine with incredible yields of cash crops.
When the State of Kerala came into being in November 1956, Wayanad was part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added to Kozhikkod district. In order to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and south Wayanad were carved out and joined together to form the present district of Wayanad. This district came into being on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala.
The total geographical area and population of Wayanad are 2131 sq.km, and 7,86,627 respectively. The male and female population are 3,93,397 and 3,93,230 respectively. The female-male sex ratio is 1000 per 1000 males. The density of population is 369 per sq.km.(2001 census) against 315 in 1991.
The literacy rate in the region is 85.52 per cent. Male literacy rate is 90.28 and female literacy rate is 80.80.
Its geographical position is peculiar and unique. The difference in altitudes of each locality within the district presents a variation of climatic conditions. Nature has blessed this part of the country beautifully with mist-clad mountains and sylvan valleys. The idyllic nature of Wayanad, its nearness to Udagamandalam (Ootty) and Mysore with well-laid roads to these centres, offer tremendous tourist potentialities.
A visitor may be impressed by the extensive paddy fields of the district. Agriculture in Wayanad is equally divided between paddy and plantation crops, except coconut. The hills, which are deep blue in bright sunlight and mist-covered most of the time, juxtaposes with the green of these paddy fields. This infact, is a splendid spectacle.
The east flowing rivers of Wayanad are in striking contrast to the various rivers of the rest of Kerala. The river Kabani of Wayanad is a perennial source of water to Cauvery. The Penamaram rivulet, originating from Lakkidi and the Mananthavady rivulet originating from Thondarmudi peak, meet six kilometres north of Panamaram town and after the confluence, the river is known as Kabani.
Coffee is ubiquitous in Wayanad. It is cultivated in every panchayat, both in the form of large plantations and small holdings. The economy of Wayanad depends mainly on coffee. In Kerala, coffee is cultivated in an area of 75,057 hectors. With Wayanad district having the highest area of 66,999 hectares. Pepper is grown as an additional crop on trees that are groomed to give shade to the coffee shrubs. In Pulpally area, there are exclusive pepper gardens. Tea is cultivated in large estates.
Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 17.1% of the total population of the district. The aborigines of Wayanad have a great political tradition. This area was originally reigned by the Rajas of the Veda tribes. Later, political authority came to the Pazhassi Rajas of Kottayam royal dynasty.
The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who engaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibited recently, at various centres.
Wayanad has an agricultural economy and it has no major industry to boast of. Heavy industry will probably tilt the ecological and demographic balance adversely. The idyllic nature of this district, together with its colorful tribal life and brazing climate, willl make tourism pay rich dividends.
Developmental activities bringing about a change in the poor man’s quality of life, through the co-operative sector. Adivasis are provided with a better deal in the economic life. There are 324 cooperative institutions. Of this, 40 SC-ST service cooperative societies cater to their farm and market requirements. Besides, there are three cooperative collective farms including the famous Sugandhagiri Project. A labour contract cooperative society for the benefit of Adivasis is also functioning here.
A notable feature of life Wayanad is that it is touched to its very roots by the operation of the nationalized, commercial and cooperative banks. The branches of these banks located in the remote areas of the district have a busy time during the marketing time of cash crops.
Wayanad lies between north latitude 11° 27' and 15° 58' and east longitude 75° 47' and 70° 27'. It is bounded on the east by Nilgiris and Mysore district of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively, on the north by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram district and on the west by Kozhikkod and Kannur district.
Placed on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau, its prime glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges interspersed with magnificent forests, tangled jungles and deep valleys. In the centre of the district, hills are lower in height, while the northern area has high hills and they give a wild and mountainous appearance. Some of the major peaks are Vellarimala, Banasura, Brahmagiri, Chembra, etc. ranging from 1,500 mts. to 2,100 Mts. height.
The eastern area is flat and open. Due to the peculiar terrain, there are east flowing and west flowing rivers. The low hills are full of plantations like tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom while the valleys have a predominance of paddy fields. The soil of Wayanad district is mainly of the forest type. It promotes a lushy luxuriant growth of vegetation which makes Wayanad clothed in uniform greenery. This district has 787 ha. under forests.
The altitude of Wayanad varies from 700 to 2,100 metres from sea level. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk, through which the road from Kozhikkod ascends the Wayanad plateau over mind-boggling bends and ridges, are the highest locations. From the highest altitude of the Western Ghats on the western border of the district, the plateau of Wayanad gradually slopes down eastward. Further from Mananthavady, it becomes a common plain of paddy fields with the swift flowing Kabani coursing through it.
Elsewhere, Wayanad offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales which are converted into paddy fields. The hills which might have been thick forests once, are now plantations of coffee, tea or cardamom. There is a lushy luxuriant green all round. On a clear day from the river bed of Kabani, Wayanad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains, the less blue sky and the white fluffy clouds midst.
Wayanad has a salubrious climate. The mean average rainfall in this district is 2322 m.m. Lakkidy, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. Annual rain fall in these high rain fall areas ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 m.m. High velocity winds are common during the southwest monsoon and dry winds blow in March/April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. In Wayanad (Ambalavayal) the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29° C and 18° C respectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity which goes even up to 95 per cent during the southwest monsoon period.
Generally, the year is classified into four seasons, namely, cold weather (December-February), hot weather (March-May), southwest monsoon (June-September) and northeast monsoon (October-November).
The dale, ‘Lakkidi", nestled amongst the hills of Vythiri taluk has the highest average rainfall in Kerala. The average rain fall in Wayanad is 300 mm. per year. There is a decreasing trend in rainfall in this area. The average rainfall data shows that the lowest rain fall received from northeast monsoon, is in Wayanad district.
The flora of Wayanad are characteristic of the Western Ghats and the plantation crops grown in the cool climate. A major portion of the district is covered by coffee. Trees of the wild type like rose-wood, anjili (Artocarpus), mullumurikku (Erthrina), several species of caussia and many other nondescript varieties are still preserved here and there, to give shade to the coffee plants. These trees give a semblance of wilderness to the landscape of Wayanad, In a majority of coffee plantations, the age-old species are replaced by the silver-oak which is suited to the cold climate. This tree grows quickly and its cultivation is widespread among coffee plantations for shade and for giving support to pepper. It is used for the plywood industry and thus is economical to the farmers. Eucalyptus grandis, a shorter variety of eucalyptus, whose fragrant smell suffuses the very air around it, is cultivated on a large scale in certain parts of the district. Eucalyptus oil is extracted on c ommercial basis from its leaves. Of the 20,864 hectares of reserve forest, the major portion is teak plantation. Arecanut palms and jack trees also grown here. Tea is grown as an industry in large estates.
The soil and climate of Wayanad are suitable for horticulture on commercial basis. For promoting the cultivation of vegetables and raising of orchards, the Kerala Agricultural University is running a regional Agricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal.
Elephant, bear and other wild animals from the neighbouring wild life sanctuaries of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, stray into the Begur forest range and the forests around Muthanga, which is 20 kilometres away from the town of Sultan Bathery.
The population of the district, according to 2001 census, is 1,86,627 of which male population is 3,93,397 and female 3,93,230. The density of population is 369 per sq. km.
Strictly speaking, there is no urban population in Wayanad. However, life in Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady and Kalpetta is in the process of gaining urban status.
This shows that there was an influx of settlers to Wayanad after the Second World War. The economic slump, difficulties and miseries creeping as a result of war into the life of common people, compelled them to seek ‘pastures anew’ on the virgin soil of Wayanad from all parts of Kerala and Karnataka. In the first year of settlement, thousands succumbed to malaria and the attack of wild animals. Those who survived these and the cold conditions, cleared the forests and transformed Wayanad into a paradise of prosperity.
No religion can be said to be predominant in this district. The different religious group of the state are more or less equally represented. A characteristic aspect of Wayanad is a large adivasi population. Though they are in the Hindu fold, primitive forms of worship still prevail among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to propitiate the spirits of ancestors are still prevalent. Two deities commonly worshipped by the Adivasis are Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan. They also worship by the Hindu Gods of various temples in the district. Adivasis do not have any temple of their own. Paniyar, Adiyan, Kurichyar, Kurumar, Kattunaikkar, Kadan and Oorali are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichyar are the most developed among them. They are small landowners, whereas the members of other tribes are mostly labourers.
Some of the centuries old temples and their Brahmin settlements suggest the earliest attempts that were made to bring the Adivasis under the Hindu religious fold. The Thiruvelli and Valliyoorkavu temples which are known outside Wayanad as the temples of Adivasis, are in fact run by Hindu settlers with the help of brahmin priests. Adivasis are allowed to workshop and participate in the festivals of these temples. More than anything else, the myths woven around the temples including the one about Sita (lord Sri Rama’s consort) and her two sons Leva and Kusa, have drawn the aboriginal mind to the Hindu system of belief.
Wayanad has small Jain community consisting of the Gounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district.
Almost all sections of Christianity are well-represented. The Syrian Catholics have their Bishop’s house at Sulthan Bathery and the Roman Catholics have their own at Mananthavady. The Bishop’s house of the Jacobite Syrian Church is at Meenangadi. One fourth of the population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians. They are the largest religious group in Wayanad. A section of Kurichyas of Mananthavady has been converted to Christianity.
Muslims constitute another one fourth of the population. They are the Moplas who came from Malappuram and Kozhikkod districts. A large number of them are labourers. Muslim women labourers are a usual sight here. Hindus of different castes like Nairs, Thiyyas, etc. who settled here from different parts of Kerala, form the rest of the population.
For the purpose of revenue administration, the district is divided into three taluks, namely, Sulthan Bathery, Vythiri and Mananthavady. There are 49 villages under these taluks. There is one revenue division and that is Mananthavady.
Wayanad has the largest population of aborigine people in Kerala. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans etc..This is the land where tribes live in thatched roof, mud, bamboo and brick houses set in swampy valleys and plateaus.
Of particular mention are thier indegenous streams of holistic herbal medicine which is getting increasing attention in recent years. The adivasis also have a rich legacy of arts and crafts. This includes music, dances, ornementation and handicraft that draw inspiration from natural themes, motifs and materials. The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Raja who engaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibited recently, at various centres.
Though Adivasis are in the Hindu fold, primitive forms of worship still prevail among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to propitiate the spirits of ancestors are still prevalent.
A vast majority of tribes in Kerala state hail from the Paniya tribal sect. Paniyas inhabit in the regions of Wayanad and the neighboring parts of Kannur and Malappuram.
As bond labourers, the Paniyas were once sold along with plantations by the landlords. They were also employed as professional coffee thieves by higher castes. The name 'Paniyaan' means 'worker' as they were supposed to have been the workers of non - tribes.
Monogamy appears to be the general rule among the Paniyas. In marriage bride price is practiced like many other tribal communities. Widow remarriage is allowed. They do not practice pre-puberty marriage.They have only a crude idea of religion. Their major deity, is called 'Kali'. They also worship Banyan tree. They hesitate to cut such trees and if anyone attempts to cut such trees, they fall sick.
Due to the various tribal welfare programmes by the government, a change has set in the lives of Paniyas.
The Adiyas are known as 'Ravulayar' traditionally. The Adiya, like the Paniya, is one of the slave sects in Kerala. In the nuclear Adiya tribal family the husband is the head of the house. Bride price is given to the parents of the bride by the groom. Divorce, widow marriage etc., are permitted. Polygamy is also practiced.
No punitive measure (like ostracizing of the sex offender, as one can see among Kurichias) is prevalent among the Adiyas for sex offences. Even if their woman commits such offences they are allowed to undergo purificatory ceremony known as 'Kalachu Veypu' to join their community back.
The Kattunayakan community is found in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. They are also called Cholanaickan, in the interior forests of Nilambur area of Malappuram, and Pathinaickans, in the plains of Malappuram districts.
As their name denote, the Kattunayakan were the kings of the jungle regions engaged in the collection and gathering of forest produces. They are known as Ten Kurumar since they collect honey from the forest. They have all the physical features of a hilltribe. Their language is a mixture of all Dravidian languages.
They worship animals, birds, trees, rock hillocks and snakes. They are firm believers in black magic and sorcery. They also worship their ancestors, along with worshipping Hindu deities.
The Kurichiyans are an agricultural tribal community. Up to some decades ago untouchability had been fairly and widely practiced by these tribals.
They have clean food habits and keep their houses, premises and dress always clean. They are matrilineal and live in joint families, under the control of their chieftain called 'Pittan'. The members of the extended family work together and put their earnings in the same purse. The Kurichiyans prefer cross-cousin marriage to any other marriage alliances. They do not practice polyandry.
Their social control mechanism was most efficient, offenders being excommunicated. Many of the excommunicated Kurichians are now educationally and economically better compared to the traditional Kurichians.
Uralikuruma, the most versatile and colourful tribal people, is one of the rarest artisan tribes in Kerala. They are mostly found in the Wayan region. Uralikuruma is one of the three subdivisions of 'Kurumba' and the two others being 'Mulla' & ' Jen Kuruma' tribals.
Uralikurumas herald themselves as the followers of ancient 'Kurumba' or 'Pallava' which were once so powerful through southern India. Uralikurumas are also called Bet Kurumas. While Bet Kurumas, found now in the Mysore district of Karnataka speak Kannada, these tribals in Wayanad speak a mixture of Kanada and Malayalam languages. Amongst the Kuruma tribals in Wayanad The Mulla Kurumas consider themselves superior to the other Kuruma sects.
The Uralikurumas choose their life partners from their tribe itself. When a person dies they believe that the soul of the good become gods and that of the bad become devils. They worship deities as 'Bettu Chikkamma' and 'Bamadu' and also demons and ancestral spirits.
They play the flute and drum during their festival occasions festivals. The "Uch-alkali" is played in the month of February. Some men dance while some beat the drums and read the flute. An old man in the group performs rites to their deity 'Bettu Chikkamma'. Woman are not allowed to participate in theses ceremonies.They are also skilled potters with their women folk chiefly involved in this task. Baskets and mats of various types with reeds and bamboo and hand made pots are manufactured by them. But it has been seen that the younger generation now prefer working for non tribal landlords in plantation and paddy fields for an earning without much discomfort.
Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga-Established in 1973, the Wayanad wild life sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Muthumalai of TamilNadu on 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 conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general life styles of tribals and others who live in and around the forest.
The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. Amidst such fertile and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.
With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Also Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos etc.. can be seen here. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department. Click here for more...
Permitting authority:
Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936 220454
Distances from: Kalpetta-42 Km, Sulthan Bathery-17 Km, Manamthavady-59 Km
Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary-Tholpetty-Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of Karnataka), Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between November and May. The Wildlife Sanctuary,Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka state. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. Click here for more...
Visiting time: 0600-0800 hrs and 1500-1730 hrs. Ph: 04935 240233.
Distances from: Kalpetta-59 Km, Sulthan Bathery-66 Km, Manamthavady-24 Km
Generally known as Tippu's Fort, this temple is situated in town which got its name from the historic fact that Tippu used this temple as his Battery (ammunition store) in the region. Hence the name "Sulthan's Battery". This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a Battery.
Distances from: Kalpetta-24 Km, Sulthan Bathery-1 Km, Manamthavady-41 Km
Apart from Sulthan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a particular air of mystery.
This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelly. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelly remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less than the legendary Parasurama.
Distances from: Kalpetta-50 Km, Sulthan Bathery-25 Km, Manamthavady-41 km.
This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.
Distances from: Kalpetta-50 Km, Sulthan Bathery-25 Km, Manamthavady-41 km.
This is the temple of Lord Shiva, near Choothupara, Meenangadi. The Shivling, seen here is Swayambhoo and the speciality is that water is poured continuously over Shivling through a stream. The amount of water remains the same even in rainy season.
32 kms north east of Mananthavady and 66 kms from Kalpetta. Nestled amidst mountains and forests, this ancient riverside temple is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. It is Known as Thekkan Kashi/Dakshina Kashi (Kasi of the South) and surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga. Legend is that this temple was dedicated by the Creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idols is in the form of Chathurbhuja.
The Shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear water of the Papanashini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place. This temple draws pilgrims from allover, primarily for ancestral rites.
A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is about 10 kms away from here.
Distances from: Kalpetta-66 Km, Sulthan Bathery-71 Km, Manamthavady-32 km.
This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess, mainfest in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga is an important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad. The annual 15 day festival is in March/April. The temple is 24 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 31 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 5 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
This temple is located on the slopes of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parshwanatha Swami of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple wall reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Dedicated to the Lourdes Matha, Pallikkunnu Church was established in 1905 at the initiative of a French Missionary Fr. Jeffrine. An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual two week "Perunnal" festival in early February draws large number of devotees from other parts of Kerala, as well as outside. The temple is 19 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 38 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 23 Kms. away from Mananthavady.
15 kms southeast of Kalpetta, near Padinjarathara: dating back 300 years, this is the oldest mosque in Wayanad.
Located in the town of Ambalavayal, 27 kms from Kalpetta. This Museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad region. This is one of the best-maintained museums of Kerala's Malabar region. The museum has a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artefacts, which include jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc.. Ancient terra cottas, stone weapons, and local art are also on display at the museum. There are various exhibits on display here, amongst which are sculptures and the figure of Nandi and other dieties, which were collected from parts of the region that date back to the 14th to the 16th centuries AD. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memoralise a bygone age of valiant warriors.There is a fine figure of the Goddess of fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Remnants of Stone age tools and pottery found within the Muniyaras are displayed h ere.
Distances from: Kalpetta-25 Km, Sulthan Bathery-10 Km, Manamthavady-42 km.
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 200 m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic
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 is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.
Kalpetta, 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.
Sultan Bathery, also known as Sulthan's Battery lies approximately 25 kms. from Kalpetta. Associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan's Bathery no longer has a fort. It is worth visiting for the Jain temple, which has some interesting stone carvings. Sulthan Bathery can be seen on a drive from Kalpetta to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga.
Vythiri is a beautiful spot, 2600 ft. above sea level which can be seen on a drive from Calicut to Kalpetta
Mananthavady lies 32 kms. from Kalpetta and has a historic church, which is interestingly designed in the traditional Kerala style, with gabled roofs. There are some interesting tombstones in the church grounds. Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, met his end at Mananthavady and his memorial is termed Pazhassi Tomb.
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 endeavour. 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 Chambra, is very exhilerating.
This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary (Vol.XXX, page - 410) and quoted in the District Gazette, 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 the fissure is 30 ft. 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 tonnes, 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 archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Keral a as a whole.
The Kuruva island, 950 acres 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 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo oppurtunities.
Distances from: Kalpetta-25 Km, sulthan Bathery-10 Km, Mananthavady-42 Km.
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the 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 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 tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.
It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three kms.south of Vythiri.
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 hypnotising sight to tourists.