Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.
According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than three thousand years. Wayanad was originally ruled by Vedar kings. However, after a Kshatriya Prince (Raja of Kumbala), was captured and held hostage in Tirunelli by the Vedars, it was invaded and annexed by a combined force lead by the Raja of Kottayam and the Raja of Kurumbranad. The Vedar king (Arippan) was killed and most of his subjects were massacred. However, the Raja of Kumbala asked a Nair aristocrat, Nanthillath Nambiar to marry the daughter of the Vedar king, who had survived the massacre. Nambiar was appointed as the Moopil Nair of Veliyambam, where the surviving Vedars were resettled.
TOURIST PLACES OF WAYANAD :-
Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala.
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats.
Valliyoorkav is a Hindu Temple in Wayanad district of Kerala state in south India. This Temple is only 3 km from Mananthavady town. Valliyoorkav Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad.
Pookode Lake is a scenic lake in Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed.
Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad district of Kerala state, south India. It gets the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad.
Thovarimala Ezhuthupara is a remotely located cave in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India.
Pazhassi Raja Tomb is the memorial where rests the mortal remains of Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, who organized the guerilla warfare against the British.
Kuruvadweep is a 950-acre protected river delta on the Kabini River in the Wayanad district, India.
Anantnath Swami Temple (also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple) is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala in India.
Muthanga, An ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants.
Banasura Sagar Dam :It is the largest earth dam in India and is located 21km from Kalpetta.Due to the undulating topography of the region; islands are formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills provide a spectacular scenic view.
Chembra Peak :It is the highest peak in the District and is located near Meppady town, 15km from Kalpetta.The hill is a “trekker’s paradise”. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking to the Chembra Peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour.The breathtaking scenic beauty of Wayanad can be enjoyed from here.
The Glass Temple of Koottamunda – The magnificent temple is located 20km from Kalpetta on the slopes of Vellarimala.The beautiful temple is dedicated to Parswanaatha Swami, the third Tirthankara of the Jain faith. The icons of Parswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi, set in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls.
Santhiantha Temple at Venniyod :The temple is dedicated to the Jain Saint Santhinatha Swami. It is 20km.from Kalpetta.
Pakshipathalam :About 10km from Thirunelly, this is, as the name suggests, a centre for bird watching. The watch tower offers a better view of some rare species. Reaching the place on foot is the only means to get there.
Boys Town :This beautiful town is the outcome of the conscientious efforts of the Wayanad Social Service Society. It is 15km north of Mananthavady.Nature Care Centre, Herbal Garden, Sericulture Unit, Perma culture Centres etc. are the treasures of the town along with Jean Park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal garden.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :Abundant in flora and fauna the sanctuary with a variety of wildlife forms and integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and in making inroads in the conservation of the regional biological heritage, the purpose it is intended for. It is adjacent to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur on the northeast and the Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southwest. The life style of the tribals and others of the region has appropriately been taken into account by the management.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary :It is 40km from Mananthavady.There are no bus services to Nagarhole from Mananthavady; only jeeps and trucks are available.
Brahmagiri :A trekker’s paradise is a vast area of scenic wildland forming part of the Western Ghats.It is 11km trek from Tirunelli.Brahmagiri lies 1600m above sea level.Pakshipathalam and Munimala are other attractions. The Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, popularly called ‘Thenkasi’ or “Dakshin Gaya” nestles in the lap of Brahmagiri.
Sulthan Bathery :The hill station and historical centre is noted for a fort built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The famous Panamarram fort here played an important role during the Pazhassi Rebellion.
Soochippara Waterfall:-
The watterfalls at soochipara mepadi are really a treasure of nature,yet to be discovered.The stretches of watterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to eyes.he pool below provides for water rafting ,swimming ,bathing ,etc.The tree top huts at soochipara give a unique view of the valleys of the western ghats.
SAYS AT WAYANAD :-
At Kalpetta
�PWD Rest House ph:04936602241
Hotel Harithagiri ph: 602073
PPS Tourist Home
Hotel MGT International
Woodlands Tourist Home
At Sulthan Bathery
Govt. Guest House
PWD Rest house
Motel Aram(KTDC)
Hotel Dwaraka :The Resort
At Pulpally
Kabani Resort
Hotel Pearlmount
At Mananthavady
PWD Rest House
Hotel Manasasaras
At Meenangadi
Hotel Vanarani
For more details, on tourism contact :
District Tourism Promotion Council, Kalpetta, North Wayanad.
Phone : 04936-602134,602712
ITS A GOOD POST THAT IT TOUCHES ALL THE POINTS EXCEPT RESORTS IN WAYANAD
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