Wayanad Tourism

Located on the southern tip of Deccan Plateau, at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2,100 metres above sea level, Wayanad Kerala is packed with scenic beauty. There are sub-tropical savannahs, thickly wooded hills, evergreen forests, rolling paddy fields in the valleys and verdant spice plantations in the hills. The striking variation in topography is reflected in the skies that shift from an azure blue to burnt yellow to indigo within hours. As for the climate the deluge in the hills stands in sharp contrast to the salutary climes of the meadows. This is a land that is as fascinating as it is mercurial.

Blasted by winds, lashed by rains, Wayanad Kerala spreads across 2,132 sq kms of the lofty Western Ghats and is recognized as a bio-diverse region. The region lies among the mountains, about 75 kms from the western coast. This idyllic land where the sovereign elements are rain, rocks and trees has a history as striking as the land itself.

Best time to visit

Salubrious throughout the year. February to Decenber is chilly with temperature dipping to 11°C. Peak summer temperature hover around 25°C. Annual rainfall averages 2300 mm. Southwest monsoon stretches for June to September and the northwest from October to November. Lakkidi receives the second highest rainfall in the country.

November to March is the best time to make a trip to Wayanad. May to September can be very wet months.

Getting There

By Air
The nearest airport to Kalpetta (headquarters of Wayanad district) is Calicut International Airport at Karipur, in Kozhikode about 88 km away.

By Rail
The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, 63 km away.

By Road
Wayanad in Kerala is on NH 212 that connects Kozhikode to Mysore. Buses from Kozhikode bus stand go via Vythiri to the nearest KSRTC stand in Kalpetta.

Sights and Attractions

Kalpetta

Headquarters of the district, Kalpetta is essentially a trading town. Coffee, banana, pepper and ginger find their way out of the district through Kalpetta’s bazaars, shops and establishment jostle for space in the heart of the town. Trade and commerce and, of late, tourists give the town a lively, purposeful air. Kalpetta tourists attractions are drawn from the areas around. The Banasurasagar Dam considered the largest earth dam in India and built next to the Banasura Peak is 21 kms from Kalpett. Trekking trails that led from here draw the outdoor types while the scenic panorama, with many small islands dotting the reservoir, is a big hit with photographers and is a must see when out on a tour to Kerala. The Meenmutty waterfall, 29 kms away, is considered the largest in the district. Karalad Lake spread over seven acres and surrounded by a dense groves of bamboo, lies 16 kms to the north of Kalpetta. The recreational park and facilities for boating and angling here draw visitors.

Vythiri

If you are driving up from Kozhikode, Vythiri forms the gateway to Wayanad. It is the first destination you’ll encounter as you climb up twisting NH 212 into this realm of gurgling streams, hills and valleys. This is a place that offers a true taste of Wayanad if on Kerala tours. Lakes, gorges and ravines; dreamy dawns and misty evenings; verdant hills that nudge the clouds are standard fare in Vythiri.

There are plenty of natural attractions scattered around Vythiri. The charming Pookot Lake is only a kms away, towards Lakkidi. The tallest summit in the district, Chembra Park, looming 6, 890 feet above sea level, is nearest from Vythiri. Waterfalls at Kanthampara and Sentinel Rock lie to the south.

Thirunelly

Ask someone what they associated with Thirunelly and the answer would be ‘Vishnu Temple’, then papanansini or pinnapara, the first translating into extinguisher of sins and the second as the rock where offerings for the emancipation of the dead are made. It embodies the spiritual essence that is Thirunelly.

Thirunelly temple, literally meaning the temple with the scared gooseberry (nelli) tree, nestles in a valley amid the south Brahmagiri peaks. A visit and prayer at the temple would wash away all sins, therefore one should never miss an opportunity to visit this shrine when on a tour to Kerala.

Meenmutty Falls

On reaching the spot, as you gaze at the frothing sheets of water cascading nearly 300 metres down a cliff in three district stages you’ll tend to agree. The drive from Vythiri itself sets the tone. The Ooty road branches off towards the south from the NH 212 near Chundel and goes past the charming Meppadi village before reaching Vaduvanchal.

Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompasses an area of 344, 44 sq kms, is made of two discontinuous pockets- Muthunga in the south and Tholpetty in the north is a must see place when out on trip to Wayanad. Notified in 1973, this sanctuary, headquartered in Sulthan Bathery, forms part of the Project Elephants. Earlier, elephants safaris were a regular feature. From 1993, this was discontinued in keeping with conservative measures.

The sanctuary gets a lot of visitors. The year 2004 saw more than 50, 000 visitors taking the usual jeep safari of about 25 kms along jungle treks.

The sanctuary boosts a rich fauna. Elephants and deer sightings are most common. The big cats, tiger and panther, are sighted rather frequently. Watch towers erected near waterholes that make for ideal viewing spots.

Activities

River Trails

In a span of one to three days explore the hundreds of little islands that dot the river Kabini, and while rafting, get to see some of the most untouched parts of the district, all of which runs through a wildlife sanctuary. Rafting routes are fairly flexible and you can stop near a village ferries and talk to people.

Rainforest trekking

See elephants, taste fresh honey, observe coffee cultivation, swing on creepers, jump on carpets of dried leaves and enjoy the ever changing terrain as you trek across the rainforests in Wayanad when out on a Kerala tours. Cross rivers, ponds and streams with professional trackers and guides who will take you through the forests and introduce you to a wide range of flora and fauna.

Wildlife Safari

Spot a wide range of animals from the Malabar Squirrel to a leopard to an elephant. The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary provides the very best of nature lovers, form giant watering holes where animals gather, to grazing patches for spotted deer and wild gaur.

Spice tours

From cardamom to cinnamon, pepper to ginger and even vanilla, you will see abundance of spices here. Enroll in a spice plantation tour when you make a trip to Wayanad and let yourself be led through acres of spice gardens.

Heritage and Legend Trails

Ranging from the prehistoric cave paintings of Edakkai, to the scared Thirunelly temple to the legendary chain tree, Wayanad Kerala is a home to many legends and folklore.

Camping

Pitch your tents in the middle of the thick forests along with traditional wildlife volunteers and experience real adventure. Listen to master storytellers talk about traditions and mysteries and cozy up near a campfire.

What to buy

Varities of spices like pepper, cardamom, nutmeg etc, are must buys; also tea, coffee, honey, bamboo products and native crafts. Visit Uruvu Eco Shop to check out over two dozen varieties of bamboo products made by the tribal women. The shop also sells pickles, spices and honey. When on a tour to Kerala visit Factory, en route Soochipara falls. Mini tables, tea coasters and other interesting products are designed here. Vinay Handicrafts has excellent carvings made from coffee wood.

Where to eat

Most hotels and resorts here have kitchens that serve multi cuisines food. However, if you are in search of authentic Malabar food, try Hotel Pankaj in Kalpetta. Haritagiri also offers fairly decent Malabar food while New Form offers Keralalite as well as Chinese, continental and North Indian food. In Sulthan Bathery. Hotel Prince is multi cuisines family restaurants while the Jubilee restaurant on Main Road sells the famed Broast chicken, very popular in Malappuram; its other USP is tandoori chicken.