One of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for picturesque mist-clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centers of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region.

Location :

It is well connected both through rail and road. The nearest airport is at Calicut Road.
Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Kozhikode.

Access :

Air : Nearest Airport : Kozhikode.
Rail : Nearest Railway Station : Kozhikode.
Road :Well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Kannur, Mysore & Ooty.

History :

Thrissur, the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock top. Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as it presiding deity.

Climate:

Temperatures vary from 13*C to 35*C. Rainfall increases from east to west and has reported an annual range of 1524-2540mm. February is generally the driest month and July the wettest. Most visitors prefer to visit Wayanad between August and May.

Established in 1973, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Madumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located 16 kilometers east of Sulthaan Bathery. Here one can find freely roaming elephants and tigers. The best time to visit is between June and October.

Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber stretch over the hills of Wayanad as far as the eye can see., With the fast-flowing rivers- Panamaram, Mananthavady and kabini- cutting across the undulating panorama and lending picture-postcard look to the whole region.

The north eastern tip of Kerala. Its pretty image notwithstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing abnout this quaint little hill station is ilts large tribal population and their fascinating lilferstuyles.

Including revered monarchs of barely fifty -strong tribes. An in -vogue barter system. And ancient rituals. Not surprisingly, based on evidences still found ofn these hills, historians contend that civilization existed in these parts at least a thousand years before Christ.

The major tribal arts performed in Wayanad are Vattakkali and Kooliyattam of the Paniyar tribe, Gadhika of the Adiyar tribe, Kolkali of the Kurumars and Nellukuttu pattu of the Kurichias.

Valllyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple {Febrary-March)
Thlrunelly/Temple (August)
Seethadevi Temple (January)
Pallikkunnu Church (February)
Nadavayal St. Thomas Church (January)
Varambatta Mosque (March) o Maidoni Mosque (March -April).

Seethadevi Temple, Pulpally – January 1st week.
Nadavayal St. Thomas Church – January 1st week.
Pallikkunnu Church – February 2nd week.
Varampatta Mosque. – March 1st week.
Valliyoorkavu Temple - – March 14-28.
Maidani Mosque, Kalpetta – March – April.
Thirunelli – Karkidaka Vavu – August.

Sulthan bathery
Edakkal caves (12 km from sulthan bathery): The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Deakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
Lakkidi: Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Pookat lake: A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children's park, and a shopping center for handicrafts and spices.

Mananthavady
Kuruvadweep : 17 kms east of mananthavady / 45 km northwest of sulthan bathery : this 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound kabani river is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.

Thirunelly temple : 32 km northeast of mananthavady: surrounded by kambamala, karimala and varadiga, the thirunelly temple is a marvel 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.

Waterfalls :

Kanthanpara waterfalls-22 kms south east of Kalpetta and 8 kms east of Meppadi, a beautiful waterfall about 30 mts in height. Relatively smaller than Sentinel Rock falls, and rather less frequented Kanthanpara and its surroundings offer a very pleasant site. A easy hike away from the main road, its perfect for picnics.

Meenmutty falls -An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.