Wayanad

Wayanad is set lofty on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 Metres. The topography of Wayanad ensures that at Wayanad, you will get to experience sub-tropical savannahs, evergreen forests and spice plantations. Apart from the natural beauty, Wayanad is also famous for pre historic engravings found at Edakkal caves.

As Wayanad is easily accessible from Bangalore, it has become a popular weekend destination (Bangalore to Wayanad)

Tourist attractions in Wayanad

Banasura Sagar Dam: This is the largest earth dam in India.. The reservoir is dotted by a cluster of small, green islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. Do not miss the boat trip at Banasura Sagar Dam. More adventurous tourists can trek to Banasura Peak

Distance: 21 Kms from Kalpetta, 24 Kms from Vythiri

Meenmutty Waterfalls: Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. . A two km simple trek is required to be undertaken to reach this waterfall. The water here falls from a great height of 1000 m and exhibits a triple decker effect. It is spectacular just after monsoons. Please be careful while reaching the falls as the grounds could be slippery

Distance:29 Kms from Kalpetta

Edakkal Caves:Edakkal Caves houses prehistoric wall art (rock etchings)of Neolitic age. To reach Edakkal caves, one has to climb uphill for a Kilometre. The view from the top makes the effort of reaching Edakkal caves worthwhile.

Distance: 27 Kms from Kalpetta, 40 Kms from Vythiri

Chembra peak : Chembra peak ,the highest hill in Wayanad is a popular trekking destination. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating and camping on the peak is a unforgettable experience. District Tourism Promotion Council ( 04936-602134,602712) provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. Trek and overnight camping at Chembra peak is definitely recommended for those seeking a bit of adventure

Distance: 15 Kms from Kalpetta

Lakkidi: Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience in itself.

Distance: 3 Kms from Vythiri

Pookot Lake: With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is referred to as heaven on earth. Boating at Pookat lake is memorable. Near the lake are the aquarium and green house.

Distance: 2 Kms from Vythiri, 15 Kms from Kalpetta

Chain Tree: As legend goes, this is an interesting spot. As per the local legend, a British Engineer took the assistance of a local tribal to find the way into Wayand. However, the Britisher to take the credit of the discovery killed the tribal. The ghost of the tribal haunted travellers who travelled by the way . After some time the ghost was reportedly Chained by a Priest to a tree . The Chain tree is the place where the ghost was chained to a tree and you can still find the chain tied to the tree.

Distance: 3 Kms from Vythiri, 15 Kms from Kalpetta

Soochipura Waterfalls: It is also referred as Sentinel Rock Falls. One can reach the falls after a 2 Km trek thru rugged terrain. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding spring. Close to Soochipura falls is the Kanthampara waterfalls. Together, they offer best picnic spots at Wayanad.

Distance: 20 Kms from Kalpetta, 4 Kms from Vythiri

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists.

Timings : 7 am to 8:30 am, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Season: December to May

Distance: 39 Kms from Kalpetta, 18 Kms from Sultan Battery

Kuruva island: 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom

Distance: 40 Kms from Sultan Battery

Jain Temples: Close to Kalpetta are two important Jain temples. 4 kms north of Kalpetta one will find the ancient jain temple is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, one of the most revered Jain Saint. At 15 Kms from Kalpetta is the Glass Temple, dedicated to the Jain Paraswanatha swami and known for its mirrors reflecting the thousands of beautiful sanctum icons

Wayanad Heritage Museum: The objet d'arts dated back to between the Neolithic ages and the 16th century has been neatly showcased at the Museum. The rare and exquisite collections from various parts of the district have been exhibited at four blocks of the Museum, namely, Veerasmruthi, Gothrasmruthi, Devasmruthi and Jeevanasmruthi.

Accommodation

Accommodation options at Wayanad region are centred around three towns:

1. Kalpetta

2. Vythiri

3. Sultan Battery

Kalpetta

Kalpetta is the district headquarters and is essentially a trading town. From tourism point of view, it is the hub from where one can move around to many tourist attractions that dot Kalpetta.

Popular resorts at Kalpetta :Popular resorts at Kalpetta : Wynberg Resort ; Green Gates Hotel , Haritagiri Hotel and homestays at Kalepetta

Vythiri

In many ways Vythiri with its hills, plantations and mountain streams captures the spirit of Wayanad. Vythiri houses popular resorts like Vythiri Resort, Rain Country , Jungle Park and homestays at Vythiri

Sulthan Battery

Sultan Battery was earlier known as Ganapathivattam. Tipu Sultan dumped his ammunition at a Jain temple and renamed the town as Sultan Battery. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is best explored by staying at Sultan Battery. Homestays at Sultan Battery

Planning for the trip

Before, we get to the information that will help you plan a trip to Wayanad, let us get to understand that Wayanad is the name of a district in North Kerala and in no way represents a town or hill station. Key attractions of Wayanad are centered around Kalpetta/ Vythiri (Estates, Waterfalls, Scenery) and Sultan Battery (Wayanad wildlife sanctuary. It is almost impossible to cover all the attractions at Wayanad in one week. It is suggested that you plan atleast two weekend outing to Wayanad. Ideally, Vythiri circuit just after monsoons and wildlife circuit in early or late summer (December to May). One need to be prepared to walk to most of the attractions at Wayanad and hence peak summer is not the best of the time to reach Wayanad.

How to reach 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 Road: 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.