Wayanad

Located 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.
Population : 780,619
Area          : 2131 km2
Wayanad is relatively less touristy, unexplored and unexploited area of Kerala. This lies high in the Western Ghats, and is home to a few wildlife sanctuaries, tall hills and tea estates. Kalpetta is the largest town and district headquarters of Wayanad. There are many places to see and activities to do. Directions and tourist information is easily available once you reach there, so don't worry much about the homework and just arrive here to explore more.According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than three thousand yearsThe Kabini River, one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the Kaveri River. Almost the entire Wayanad district is drained by Kabini and its three tributaries, the Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Kalindy rivers. The Banasura Sagar Dam is built on one of tributaries of the Kabini River.Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that have been able to retain its pristine nature. This green paradise is nestled among the mountains of western ghat and is located at a distance of 76 km from the nearest seashore of Kozhikode.The district is very susceptible to an agrarian crisis, due to the high dependence of the population on agricultural income.

                                           Eco places in Wayanad                                     

Edakkal caves

Edakkal caves :

12 kms from Sulthan Bathery. 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit these caves. Entry is permitted only upto 1700 hrs. An interesting trek up of the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to this fascinating neolithic cave site. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 3000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.

Distances from: Kalpetta-27 Km, Sulthan Bathery-12 Km, Mananthavady-45 Km

Chembra peak :

At 2100 mts above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full dayThe scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo oppurtunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire.

Distances from: Kalpetta .-14 Km, Sulthan Bathery -42 Km, Mananthavady -52 Km

Sunrise Valley

Sunrise Valley :

As the name indicates, Sunrise Valley is a great place to watch the rising and setting sun set amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The place also offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath with the River Chaliyar meandering along.Sunrise Valley provides some excellent trekking opportunities in Wayanad. Sunrise Point, which overlooks the valley, is located near by kanthampara falls 22 kms far from sulthan bathery and 22 kms from kialpetta.

Neelimala View Point :

Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue fro trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.

Distances from: Kalpetta-27 Km, Sulthan Bathery-26 Km, Mananthavady-62 Km

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.

Distances from: Kalpetta-37 Km, Sulthan Bathery-12 Km, Mananthavady-54 Km

Soochippara waterfall

Sentinal Rock Waterfalls:

22 kms south of Kalpetta near Chooralmala. Locally known as Soochippara and is a very popular leisure destination. This is a three step waterfall more than 200 mts in height. Framed by enchanting scenery. A must to see site! This region is ideal for rock climbing. Soochipara can be reached by a scenic 2 kms. nature walk and deer and other wildlife can be seen near the waterfront.

Distances from: Kalpetta-22 Km, Sulthan Bathery-43 Km, Mananthavady-58 Km

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.

Distances from: Kalpetta-22 Km, Sulthan Bathery-23 Km, Mananthavady-57 Km

Banasura sagar dam

Banasura sagar project :

This is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.Situated at Padinjarathara  21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara.  The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. A quaint feature is a series of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.

Distances from: Kalpetta-21 Km, Sulthan Bathery-47 Km, Mananthavady-34 Km 

Chethalayam Falls :

Chethalayam is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.

Distances from: Kalpetta-37 Km, Sulthan Bathery-12 Km, Mananthavady-54 Km

wild life sanctuary, Muthanga

Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga :

Established in 1973, the Wayanad wild life sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Muthumalai of TamilNadu on south-east. 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 rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general life styles of tribals and others who live in and around the forest.

The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. Amidst such fertile and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.

With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Also Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos etc.. can be seen here. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department. Click here for more...

Reaching Wayanad

By Air

The nearest airport from Wayanad is the Karipur airport of Kozhikode. It is situated at a distance of around 100 kilometers from the city. There are regular flights from the airport to other states in India, like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa and even international destinations like Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat. You can also access Wayanad from the Cochin International Airport, which is at a distance of around 300 kilometers.

By Rail

The nearest railway station from Wayanad is at Calicut, at a distance of around 110 kilometers from this place. It is well connected by a good network of railways. There are a number of local as well as inter-state trains that halt at the Calicut station and connect it with the other major cities of India. From the station, you can take a bus or hire a can for going to Wayanad.

By Roads

Wayanad is well connected by a wide network of roads and this place can be easily accessed from anywhere in Kerala as well as from neighboring states. For reaching Wayanad by road, NH212 and SH17 are the highways that you need to follow. Otherwise, you can take a bus or hire a cab. Deluxe buses are available for Wayanad, from Bangalore’s Majestic Bus Stand, from 9 am to 10 pm.