Wayanad

Wayanad forms the northern border of Kerala. It is a lush green area atop the Western Ghats and it makes a great location for walking trails, spice plantation visits, mild treks and getting close to some wild life.

The name Wayanad comes from 'Vayal' and 'Nadu' which means the land of paddy fields.

Some Tribal areas have been recognised in this region - Paniyar tribe, Kurumars and  Kurichiyas are the major tribes in Wayanad. The Pookote lake, Edakkal caves, Chembra Peak and the Chain tree are some sites where one is guided to once in Wayanad.

What to expect at Wayanad

Lush green colour wherever you look. Wayanad has rolling hills, tropical rainforests, paddy fields, wildlife sanctuaries, jungle resorts, winding roads and a lovely climate. It rains during the monsoon months of June, July, August and in October, November. The weather is consistently pleasant all through the year. 

Near the border, one can cross over to Karnataka from Kerala and can view the Kabini river nearby. It is pretty close to the Nagarhole forest, Kabini, and Mysore. There are many plantations here, cultivating coffee, tea, cardamom, rubber and pepper; several of these plantations have homestays attached to them.

Trekking in Wayanad is a great experience, but be prepared to fight the leeches. Carrying a torch, odomos and salt or toothpaste to ward off leeches is a great idea. If you are ok with it, you can even get rid of the leeches by lighting a match close to the leech. You can expect lots of animals and insects. Wild birds and insects will be chirping away at night. 

History of Wayanad

Long long back, the region was ruled by the Veda tribe. Later on the place came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajas of Kottayam Dynasty. It was at Mananthavady (35km N) that Lord Arthur Wellesley fought a guerilla war with the Pazhassi Raja and British supremacy marked the region for two centuries. Tipu Sultan had built a fort in the region known as Sultan Batheri. When Kerala was formed in 1956, Wayanad was under the Kannur district but later in 1980, it became a separate district. 

Things to do at Wayanad

• Edakkal Caves- it is formed by a split in a huge rock, and according to the local legend this split was formed by the arrows shot by Luv and Kush, the songs of Rama, the greatest hero from Ramayana. 
• Banasura Lake- its about 25kms from Kalpetta and there is an option of going boating here.
• Trekking to Chembra Peak which is the highest peak in Wayanad.
• Wildlife safari at Muthanga Game Sanctuary.
• Meenmutty Falls. You can get a great view of these falls from the Neelimala Viewpoint.
• Pookote Lake near Vythiri Resorts.
• A visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum
• Birdwatching at Pakshipathalam
• Dinner at Edakkal Hermitage where they serve dinner in a natural cave lit up by several candles.
• Jain Temple at Sultan Batheri.
• Papanasini- Thirunelli Temple where it is believed that a dip in the Papanasini river will wash away all sins.

Where to stay at Wayanad

Lakkidi, Edakkal and Vythiri are good areas to stay. Vythiri Resort, Jungle Retreat Resort (9742565333), Stream Valley Cottages are recommended. Marmalade Springs is an adventure holiday home away from Sultan Batheri (contact them at 04931 200538). 

Hotel Green Gates is also a good option. They have a Bamboo Tree House which is an excitement for many tourists, especially kids. 

Where to eat at Wayanad

There are many small shops and roadside thattukadas. Try the traditional puttu and kadala or parottas and delicious beef/ chicken curry. 

Hotel Affas serves south Indian food. Kalpetta restaurant and Kuruva restaurant are recommended. 

Most of the restaurants are attached to resorts. 

Getting to Wayanad

By Air: Kozhikode airport is the nearest, it is about 120 kms away, the location of the airport is known as Karipur.

By Rail: Kozhikode railway station is the nearest, about 97 kms from Sultan Batteri. You can also go to Wayanad from Mysore, the railway station is about 120 kms away. 

By Road: Wayanad is well connected by road to major towns in both Kerala and Karnataka. Driving down to Wayanad from Bangalore is a great idea for a weekend getaway- it is about 280 kms from Bangalore. The state transport corporations of both Kerala and Karnataka have regular services to Wayanad. 

The highway passing through the forests is closed from 6pm to 6 am (this information may be subject to change)