'''Wayanad''' [http://wayanad.nic.in] is a district in northern Kerala, best known for its wildlife sanctuaries and natural beauty.
Cities
Kalpetta
Meppadi
Mananthavady
Meenangadi
Sultan Battery
Vythiri
Understand
Wayanad is the name of a District in northern Kerala. It comprises mainly of three towns:Kalpetta which is the District Headquarters, Sultan Battery and Mananthavady.
Wayanad is often called the Green Paradise in God's own country-Kerala. It's a hill station district in the northern part of Kerala, with mist claded peaks and green paddy fields. The place is famous for its scenic beauty, wildlife and traditional folk. The name "Wayanad" is derived from "Vayal nadu" Which means the country of paddy fields.
Wayanad lies between north latitude 11 degree 26_f28_f_f and 11 degree 48_f22_f_f and east longitude 75 degree 46_f38_f_f and 76 degree 26_f11_f_f. It lies in the altitude of 700 to 2100 metres above Mean Sea Level. This district is the meeting place of three southern states of India:Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
Wayanad gives a combination of plantation, wildlife [Muthanga, Tholpetty] and back waters [Kozhikode] tourism all within a distance of 100 km.
Climate
Wayanad has cool weather throughout the year (December and Jan are the coolest - averaging about 15 degree C) though March-April is hotter and dry winds blows.The relative humidity is between 74-95%
Get in
By air
Nearest Airport - Kozhikode/Calicut CCJ(90 km).
Nearest International Airport - Kozhikode/Calicut CCJ(90 km).
By train
Reach ''Kozhikode'' Calicut or Mysore by rail from major cities in India then by road to Wayanad.
By bus
You can also reach here by bus:
From Trivandrum - Cochin(280) - Calicut(90) - Wayanad.
From Bangalore(260) - Mysore(120) - Wayanad.
From Mangalore(270) - Kasargode - Cannanore - Tellicherry - Wayanad.
From Coimbatore - Ooty(110) - Gudalur - Wayanad.
from pandalam to wayanad- 410Km
By road
Wayanad is well connected to other cities Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai by road.
'''Route from Bangalore'''
Bangalore -> Bidadi -> Ramanagaram -> Channapatna -> Maddur -> Mandya -> Srirangapatna -> Mysore -> Nanjangud -> Gundlupet -> Sultan Battery -> Kalpetta
Total distance ~ 280km (Roads between Mysore and Nanjangud are bad.)
Another 'Route from Bangalore'
Bangalore -> Bidadi -> Ramanagaram -> Channapatna -> Maddur -> Mandya -> Srirangapatna -> Mysore -> HeggadadevanaKote-->Kabini-->Bavali-->Kattikulam-->Manandavadi
Roads are Good in this route.
Get around
'''Bus''' - Plenty of local bus services are available for transportation between the townships. But if you want to go to some tourist places you have to rely on a taxi.
'''Autorickshaw''' - Autorickshaws are cheaper compared to taxis and can be used to reach the interior places from the townships.
'''Taxi''' - Local taxis are also available at cheap rates (In Wayanad, the term Taxi is mostly in reference with Jeep).
'''Car''' - You can hire a car from most of the townships if you want to travel effortlessly.
'''Walk''' - Many places of attractions are nearby the towns so you could walk between them.
See
'''Begur Wildlife Sanctuary'''
'''Banasura Dam'''- Largest earth dam in India, situated 15 km north-west of Kalpetta. Closest big towns is Vythiri.
'''Chembra Peak''' - It is the highest peak in Wayanad and is 2100 m peak above sea level. It is 14 Km west of Kalpetta.
At 2100 meters, the spectacular Chembra peak located towards the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience.
'''Chain Tree ''' - Chain tree has a mysterious story behind it. The road up was built by a foreign Engineer, but the route was given to him by a Local Tribal youth and he was shot to death by the engineer. After the Road was built many accidents happend in the hair pin curve. Later the reason behind the accidents were discovered due to the spirit of the tribal youth. Its believed that his spirit is being chained to the Chain tree. Most of the driver pray and do offerings as they passby the tree to make their trip accident free.
Another story goes like this, that when the British first came to Wayanad the locals helped them and it was the Adivasi Mahouts who took them to the top the mountains. As the Portuguese were close behind them, they did not want the Mahouts to go back and get the Portuguese. Hence they killed the mahout and soon after that, there were many accident in the area and the mahouts spirit was believe to be the reason. A local priest contained the spirit to a tree and hung a chain over it so that the spirit wouldn't escape. Hence the name Chain Tree.aor.
'''Edakkal Caves''' - This location of breathtaking beauty is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary, it is only 'a cleft about 96 ft long and 22 ft wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main Entrance to Edkal Cavesbody due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole. The caves accessible only by a 1 Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Closest big town is Ambalavayal.
'''Jain Temple''' at Panamaram- It is 5 km north-east of Panamaram.
'''Kalpetta''' - Kapetta can be used as a Hub to visit Wayanad. Its has some good hotels where people can stay and is equidistant from most of the tourist spots.
'''Kuruva Dweep''' - The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabini, 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. It is 17 km east of Mananthavady and 40 km north west of Sultan Bathery. As a precaution don't stay on this island after dusk.
'''Kanthapara Waterfalls'''- A 30m high water-fall situated 12 km south-east of Kalpetta.
'''Lakkidi''' - hill station situated 700 m above sea level, at Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Winding roads, Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests. Telephones Microwave station, Hotel Management College and couple of resorts are situate here.
'''Mananthavady'''
'''Meenmutty waterfalls'''- It is 12 km from Meppadi. It involves a good trek through some inhospitable terrain, but the end result is breath-taking. One have to trek inside the jungle for approx 4 km to get a view of waterfalls. It passes through coffee and tea plantation.
'''Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary''' - Spread over a vast area, Muthanga is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere region. It is a rain forest reserve connected to two major sanctuaries - Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamilnadu. Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project Elephant Site. The reserve is also home to a small population of tigers. In addition there is also a profusion of birds, butterflies and insects.
'''Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries''' - This sanctuary extends to Karnataka State.
'''Padinjarathara''' - Famous for Bansura mini hydro project with the largest earth dam in India, and with a sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees.
'''Pakshipathalam''' - It is a bird sanctuary accessible only be trekking. It is 7 km north-east of Thirunelly temple. To visit this place, special permission needs to be obtained from the forest department.
'''Papanasini''' - See Thirunelly Temple in the list below
'''Pazhassi Raja Tomb''' - Memorial of the '''''Lion of Kerala''''' Veera ''Pazhassi Raja'', who organized a guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company.
'''Pookote Lake''' - It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookode lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookode. The lake has an area of 8.5 ha and the maximum water depth is 6.5 m. This lake is three km south of Vythiri
'''Soochipara Waterfalls''' - It is famous waterfalls in Wayanad district. One can go on and take bath under the falls. This seems bit crowdy. The force of water is quite good. Closest big town in Meppadi
'''Sultan Battery Jain Temple''' - Also known as Tippu's Fort.
'''Thirunelly Temple''' - Thirunelly is situated 29 km north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmarigi hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelly is often called 'Thekkan Kasi' It is believed that a bath in the holy water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelly is a place of scenic beauty. Its Famous for its architecture, the shrine is shielded with 30 granite on the bank of Papanasini river. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7 km away from the temple.
'''Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctury''' - Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km east of Mananthavady): This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals. Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs. Permitting authority Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty Tel: 04935-250853
'''Sun Rise Valley''' - As the name suggests, Sunrise Valley is a great place to watch the rising and setting sun amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The place also offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath with the river Chaliyar meandering gracefully. this place is near to vaduvanchal.
Do
This is the ideal place for trekking. Go around the hills and stay overnight camping. For those who love adventure tourism, wayanad will be a paradise.Fire camp is one of the favorite activity.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
The best tree top houses of Southern India are nestled in Wayanad.There are a very good variety of resorts offering a different experience along the stay. There are also few hotels and guest house are available in Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta.But best is book the hotel in advance if you are going on weekends or some public holidays.
'''Tree Top Houses and Varietal stay resorts'''
'''Planet green Plantation Resorts'''
" alt="Kalpetta" address="Manjilam Kolli Road, Chuzhali, Via KSRTC bus Depot, Kalpetta town" directions="3 Kms from Kalpetta bus stand" phone="9746728260" url="http://www.planetgreenresorts.com/to see website click" checkin="12.00" checkout="11.00 check out" price="Rs 3000 for deluxe cottage-4000 for premium suites per night for a couple, lat="" long=""> Planet Green Plantation Resorts can confidently claim to be located in the most beautiful location in Wayanad. Located inside a coffee plantation, surrounded by acres of tea estates, the resort provides you unmatched luxury in most pristine surroundings. All the rooms face the majestic Chembra Peak towering 2100 meters above MSL. Emerald hills surround this picturesque resort on all sides. Nestled in a valley of coffee, tea and pepper plantations and a gorgeous mountain stream snaking its serpentine course through the resort property, planet green will provide you an out of the world experience.
The resort is built in estate house style on pillars in a sloping hill. There are two blocks consisting of 5 rooms each with separate entry to each room to ensure complete privacy. Two rooms at the top floors of each block are premium rooms and three rooms of each block in the bottom floor are deluxe rooms.
Total rooms- 10 Nos
Premium Suites ? 4 nos
Area of 625 sq ft each, Kitchenette, Two balconies, drawing room, bedroom with attached bathrooms, Master bed of 7ft x 7 ft size, children beds 2 nos of 6 ft x 2.5 ft size, picture windows, Clear view of Mount Chembra.
Click to get view
Deluxe rooms ? 6 nos
Area of 300 sq ft each, balcony, master bed of 7 ft X 7 Ft in three rooms and 7 ft X 3.5 ft x 2 nos (separate beds) in three rooms, picture windows, Clear view of Mount Chembra, attached bathrooms.
Other facilities
1.Doctor on call
2.Tie up with Ayurvedic hospital for providing ayurvedic treatment
3.Hot water
4.Laundry
5.Guided tours
6.Taxi service
7.Plantation visits
8.Arrangements to visit other attractions of Wayanad
Activities
How to enjoy the stay in the resort
Take a River walk- our guide will take you for a one km walk through the mountain stream (except during monsoon months)
Take a bath in the stream
Coffee plantation morning walks
Tea plantation walks
Bird watch
Star watch
Cycling
Trekking
Dinner/lunch under coffee trees
Indoor games like caroms, chess, cards etc </sleep>
Jungle Park Resorts. ythiri. 495-6521163. ttp://www.jungleparkresorts.com/htm/home.htm. 500 to 8000rs. unglepark@rediffmail.com.
Eddakal Hermitage. ear eddakal caves. an be reached on the way to eddakal caves. 936 221860 & 91 4936 260123. ttp://www.edakkal.com/index.htm. 500 to 4000rs. nfo@edakkal.com.
Green Magic Nature Resort 2. eppadi.
Vythiri nature resort. akkidi P.O, Wayanad . 4936 255366/ 255367/ 255661/ 255662. ythiri@lezeldor.com. ttp://www.vythiriresort.com/. 500 to 6000 rs.
'''Budget Hotels'''
PPS Tourist home. alpetta. 1-4936-203732. rom Rs 250.
Haritagiri Ecotel. alpetta. 91-4936-203145 - 48. ttp://www.hotelharitagiri.com.
The Woodlands. ain road, Kalpetta. 91-4936-202547. ttp://www.thewoodlandshotel.com.
Chandragiri Inn. ain road, Kalpetta. 91-4936-203049. ttp://www.chandragiriinn.com.
Raincountry Resorts. akkidi. 447004369 / 9447245288 / 09287576617.
Affas Tourist home. ain road, Kalpetta. 91-4936-205185.
The Resort. ulthan Bathery. 91-4936-220512.
Dwaraka Tourist Home. ulthan Bathery. 91-4936-220358.
M.G.T International. ain road, Kalpetta. 91-4936-202705.
Hiliya Resort. enichira . 914936211575. ttp://www.khojbin.com/Hiliya-Resort_Wayanad_Kerala_hotel-overview/10/493612023
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'''Home Stay's'''
Annapara Home Stay. ythiri. 91 94430 23320. ttp://annaparawayanadkerala.wordpress.com/. INR4500 Per double bedroom and INR1200 extra for addl bed. Email : annapara1951@hotmail.com
Get out
Madikeri
Mysore
Ooty