Ever Green Nature

Wayanad is situated at the height varying from 700-2100m above mean sea level in Kozhikode district. The highest altitude occurs in the hills of Vythiri Taluk. Wayanad has the rocky terrain with the road from Kozhikode rises up to Wayanad plateau in a series of high bends and curves. Wayanad is located in an elevated picturesque mountainous highland .Wayanad of Kerala is blessed with a unique geographical position. lavish plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are strewn all over the hills of Wayanad The Tours To Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an natural reserve and is an extension to Nagerhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and forms a core part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Rich variety of flora and fauna is found here

How to reach

The nearest airport is Calicut.The district is well connected by a railway network.Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Calicut. Air: Karipur International Airport , is 63 km away at Kozhikode
Rail: Kozhikode
Road: Good road network from Kozhikode, Kannur , Ooty

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:The discriminating tourist can have an insight into the ethnic culture evocative of earlier centuries. Trekking is also undertaken by travelers. Wildlife enthusiasts and natural world lovers would be awed by the wildlife sanctuaries of Wayanad. The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary at Muthanga was established in 1973. The sanctuary is an integral part of the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve', established for conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is about 344 sq.km in extent. One part is at Tholpetty near Manathavady, which is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka. The other is Muthanga Bathery Kurichiat range, which is nearer to Sulthan Bathery bordering Mudumalai forests of Tamilnadu and Bandipur of Karnataka.Muthanga has numerous watering holes and houses a large population of pachyderms. It has been declared as a 'Project Elephant' site. Jungle cats, panthers, civet cat, monkeys, wild dogs, deer, spotted bears, bison, gaurs, cheetah, wild bears are seen here. The reserve is also a home to a small population of tigers. Wayanad is often called 'the land of spices'. Coffee, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, arecanut, tea, rubber, vanilla and other crops are grown here. Trees such as rosewood, Artocarpus, Erthrina, and several species of caussia are still preserved in the Wayanad region. These trees give shade to the coffee plants. The silver oak which is much suited to the cold climate grows quickly in this area and it gives support to pepper. Eucalyptus also grows in plenty in Wayanad hills. Tea is grown on commercial basis as an industry in large estates in Wayanad. There are also teak plantations in major reserve forests. The soil and climate of Wayanad is suitable for horticulture, which is also cultivated on commercial basis. Vegetables and orchards are also being raised. Amidst the fertile flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.

Thirunelli Temple:Thirunelli Festival is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.(32 km northeast of Mananthavady): Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture.
The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.

The Glass Temple of Kottamunda:The Glass Temple of Kottamunda: This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha God of the Jain faith. The mirrors found on the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum

Thrissilery Shiva Temple:Thrissilery Shiva Temple: This temple is an outstanding example of perfect architectural proportions. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also has a shrine of Jala Durga believed to be installed by the legendary Parasurama.

Lakkidi :Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Haughty peaks, splashing streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station of kerala. One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghats 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 ghats road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.Lakkidi is also known as one of the highest rainy area in Kerala

Vythiri:Vythiri is a beautiful place located in the dense thickets of the hilly ranges of Kerala. Popular for its refreshing and pollution free air, this place is a must visit as an excursion from Wayanad.

Valliyoorkkavu Temple:Valliyoorkkavu temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is worshipped among the tribal communities. It is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from Mananthavadi and is popular for the 10 day-long annual festival that is celebrated in the month of April Thusharagiri Waterfalls:Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri.Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water

Banasura Dam:15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot in Kerala. 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. 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 Kalpetta:This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

Sentinel Rockfall:Near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.
Pazhassi tomb :(32 km northeast of Kalpetta): The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady.The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.The Glass Temple of Kottamunda (20 km away from Kalpetta): This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

Boys town:(15 km north of Mananthavady): Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.

Pakshipathalam:(10 km from Thirunelly): This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam, seventeen kms 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 permissions have to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicles, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on here. This scenic bird watching spot is located 1740 meters above sea level. It is an ideal place for trekking and bird watching. The undulating hills look absolutely gorgeous with steep sides, streams and unexplored forests
Kuruvadweep:The Kuruva Island, 950 acres of evergreen forest on the tributary of east following river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the trouble of city life. The island is unoccupied. 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 It is a perfect picnic spot on an uninhabited island on eastern part of Kabani river.

Pookut Lake:Pookut Lake which is a natural freshwater lake . You will find evergreen trees with rolling topography here. Go on a boat cruise or shopping spree here. An aquarium with large number of fishes is added attraction. It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with evergreen mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot Lake tourist resort inVythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale 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

Chembra Peak:Situated at a height of 2100 meters above sea level near the lofty ranges of the Western Ghats, Chembra peak is a beautiful spot near Wayanad. The peak is an ideal spot for trekking and taking a walk along the undulating paths of the peakThe hills, rocks and valleys, which add to the very unique character of Wayanad, provide a lot of adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky climbing effort. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady(on the way ooty)town. Trekking to the top of the 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.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum:Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Wayanad. It is observed as one of the best heritage museums of Kerala. The museum has artifacts that date back to the 2nd century. These include artifacts like primitive weapons, bows and arrows and old clay idols and sculptures.

Edakkal Caves:This location is breath-taking beauty is three kilometers from Ambalavayal (situated Kozhikkode Bangalore road) which is 25 kms. 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 96 ft. long and 22 ft. wide in the rock'. It is a crack 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 section of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonns, 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 are and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole. The Edakkal Caves are considered to be one of the earliest spots of human dwelling. The caves have beautiful carvings that depict primitive lifestyle. The caves have been formed out of three huge rocks, one resting on two of them thus, making a hollow space in between.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:Muthanga, which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms. from the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; the biggest abode 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 and trekking to tourists he

Kanthanpura waterfalls:Kanthanpura waterfalls or Kanthapura waterfalls: This beautiful waterfall is about 30 mts in height.

Chethalayam Falls:Chethalayam Falls: This is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. The surrounding of this falls offer a number of vantage points for bird watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.

Soochippara Waterfall:The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi are 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 spring

Mananthavady:Mananthavady: This place lies 32 kms from Kalpetta and has a historic church which is of tourist interest. Designed in Kerala style with gabled roofs, there are some interesting tombstones in the church ground

Phantom Rock:Phantom Rock: This rock resembles a skull shape and is locally known as Cheengeri Mala.

Chain Tree:Chain Tree: This Ficus tree which is very large is bound by a prominent chain and it is approximately 15 kms from Kalpetta.

Place Distance from Kalpetta

Ambalavayal Farm 25 kms

Banasura Sagar Dam 21 kms

Banasura Sagar Hills 29 kms

Boys Town 45 kms

Begur wild life sanctuary 52 kms

Chain tree 15 kms

Cheengeri hills 23 kms

Cheeyambam waterfalls 37 kms

Chembra peak 15 kms

Edakkal cave 27 kms

Jain temple (Sulthan Bathery) 24 kms

Kanthanpara waterfalls 18 kms

Kappikalam waterfalls 24 kms

Karapuzha Dam Site 16 kms

Karland chira 15 kms

Kuruva island 35 kms

Mananthavady Pazhassi Tomb 34 kms

Meenmutti Waterfalls 29 kms

Meenangadi Church and temple 13 kms

Muthangadi 23 kms

Muthanga wild life sanctuary 39 kms

Pallikunnu church 14 kms

Pakshipathalam 72 kms

Pazhassi Tourist Resort 33 kms

Papanasini 66 kms

Ponkuzhi 41 kms

Pookot lake 13 kms

Puliyarmala 3 kms

Pulpally Sitadevi temple 34 kms

Soochippara waterfalls 22 kms

Tholpetty wild life sanctuary 52 kms

Thirunelli temple 65 kms

Trikaipatta temple 11 kms

Varampatta mosque 22 kms

Valliyoorkavu temple 31 kms

Distance to Major Tourist Centres from Kalpetta

Bangalore 282 kms

Udagamandalam (Ooty) 115 kms

Mysore 142 Kms

Coorg 80 kms

Kochi 282 kms

Thiruvananthapuram 497 kms

To Know more about wayanad Please go to

www.wyd.kerala.gov.in/

www.wayanad.com/

www.wayanad.org/

www.tourisminkerala.us/

www.wayanadtourism.net/

http://www.kerelatourism.com/wayanad.html

http://www.kerala-travel-tours.com/kerala_india_cities/wayanad_travel_tourism.html