Wayanad
Nestled in the mountains of Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Wayanad is famous for its unending paths of greenery, hills, rocks and valleys. If you are an adventure person you will simply fall in love with this place because of its ample opportunities of trekking and rock climbing. Wayanad is one of the few districts of Kerala that has been able to retain the pure beauty of nature mostly because it is less frequented by tourists.
Location of Wayanad
Carved out of Kozhikode and Kannur districts, Wayanad lies to the north-east of Kerala. Wayanad literally means “Land of the Paddy fields” where Vayal means “paddy” and Naad means “land.” It is located on the Western Ghats with the height ranging from 700 to 2100 m above sea level.
What to see in Wayanad?
Chembra Peak: Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at a height of 2100m. It is a good trekking option for people visiting Wayanad but slightly risky as well. It would require mountaineering expertise to climb the peak which is a full day’s job. However, once at the top, the scenic beauty is an unforgettable experience and a photographer’s dream view. The water of the lake on the hill never dries up even in the scorching summer.
Edakkal Caves: 3kms fro Sulthan Bathery, Eddakkal Caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The rock wall contains carvings and images of tribal king, a queen, a child, a wild dog, an elephant and deer which can be easily distinguished. Some archeologists say that these caves belong to the Neolithic times and the people who inhabited the place were highly civilized.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary of Wayanad was established in 1973 and is rich in flora and fauna. Amidst rows of teak forests, bamboo and tall grass, you can find Panthers, Deer, Monkeys, Civet Cat Wild dogs, and Spotted Bears and a host of other wild animals.
Meenmutty Falls: Meenmutty is the largest and the most wonderful waterfall in Wayanad. An interesting feature of this waterfall is the drop of water at 300m over three stages.
Sentinal Rock Waterfalls: This is a popular picnic spot locate at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is also ideal for rock climbing.
Pakshipathalam: If you love adventure then you must visit Pakshipathalam in Brahmagiri Hills which has to be covered through wild forests. You can encounter birds and wild beasts in the deep rock caves formed at the northern end of the Brahmagiri.
Kanthapara Waterfalls: This waterfall is about 30mts in height lying 8km east of Meppadi. It offers a pleasant sight and is less visited by tourists compared to Sentinal Rock Falls.
Varambetta Mosque: This is the oldest mosque in Wayanad which dates back to 300 years.
Thirunelli Temple: The Thirunelli temple is nestled amidst mountains and forests and is a classic example of Kerala architecture. The temple is dedicated to Brahma and Vishnu in Chaturbhuja form and attracts pilgrims from all over India for ancestral rites.
Valliyoorkavu Temple: Dedicated to three main forms of Mother Goddess namely Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga, Valliyoorkavu Temple is a significant place of worship for the tribal people.
Thrissilery Shiva Temple: It is believed that ancestral rotes at Thirunelli is unfinished, if one doesn’t offer prayers at this temple. The temple tank in this complex never dries up and many myths are associated with it.
Jain Temple: This Jain temple at Sultha Bethary testifies a strong Jain presence in this region. It is believed to have been built around the 13th century which was later used by Tipu Sultan to store his ammunition.
Accomodation selection in Wayanad
Wayanad offers a variety of options which include resorts, homestays, and hotels. Green Gates Hotel, Hotel Haritagiri, Woodlands Hotel in Kalapetta, Issac’s Hotel Regency are some of the best hotels in Wayanad.
Best season to visit Wayanad
September to May is the best time to visit Wayanad
How to reach Wayanad
By Air: The nearest airport is Kozhikode.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode.
By Road: Deluxe buses from Bangalore which is 258km from Sulthan Bethary.
