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THE SYLVAN VALLEY
Wayanad,
One of the fourteen districts in Kerala (India) is situated in an elevated
picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. It lies between north
latitude 11degree 26'28'' and 11degree 48'22'' and east longitude 75
degree 46'38'' and 76 degree 26'11''.
Providing a panorama of undulating mist clad hills and dales, Wayanad is
blessed with a unique geographical position.
Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are
strewn all over the hills of Wayanad. Situated at a height of 700-2100 m
above sea level, it is bound on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore
districts of Tamilnadu
and Karnataka
respectively.
It shares the borders with Coorg district of
Karnataka on
the north, on the south with Malappuram
district and on the west with Calicut and Cannanore districts. The natural
scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several
opportunities for adventure tourism.
Located at the northeastern tip of Kerala, Wayanad was earlier a part of
Kannur district. Panorama, Manathavady and
Kabini, the fast flowing rivers lend a unique beauty to the whole region.
CAVES
Edakkal Caves: The
two rock caves at Ambukuthy Hills, 12 kms south of Sultan's Battery
contain ancient carvings and pictorial writings of the new stone age, with
human and animal figures in peculiar headdresses along with geometric
forms and symbols.
They speak of a highly civilized people at an early centre of human
habitation. These caves are world famous as one of the earliest centres of
human habitation. Situated on the Ambukuthi Hills, the caves can be
reached only after trekking 5 kms from Ambalavayal. more...
MOSQUE
Varambetta Moque: 15 kms south east of Kalpetta, this 300-year-old
mosque is the oldest in Wayanad.
MUSEUMS
Ambalavayal
Heritage Museum: 12 kms south of Sulthan Bathery, it is one of
the best heritage museums in Kerala. The exhibits here include rare 2nd
century artefacts such as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like
bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios. more...
LAKES
Pookot Lake: With
its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by
meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers. It
is located half way from Calicut half an hour ahead of Kalpetta. more...
CITIES
Kalpetta: This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District
are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous
Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.
Mananthavadi:
Historically important as the last resting place of Pazhassi Raja who
fought a guerilla war against the British. more...
WATERFALLS
Chethalayam
Waterfalls: 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main
Road, is located this astounding waterfall. For a glimpse of this lovely
waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam. more...
Kanthanpara Waterfalls: 12 kms southeast of Kalpetta, it's a small
yet scenic waterfall just about 30 m in height.
CITIES
Tusharagiri:
Famous for its trekking tracks, Tusharagiri is located near
Vythiri in Wayanad. more...
Vythiri:
Vythiri is a picturesque
place located in the sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in Wayanad
District. Exclusive, comfortable, refreshing, pollution free and
inspiring. more...
WILDLIFE
Pakshipathalam:
7 kms north east of Thirunelli, this picturesque bird watching centre is
located at a formidable height of 1740 m above sea level. With its steep
hills, virgin forests and rivulets, it is the habitat of a number of rare
species of birds.
It also offers challenging avenues for those interested in trekking. A
cave believed to have been used by ancient saints for meditation is a hub
of tourist interest. more...
WATERFALLS
Sentinel Rockfall: Near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of
Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from
a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.
Meenmutty Waterfalls: 12 kms east of Meppadi, it is a bewitching
waterfall cascading in three tiers, down a spectacular height of 500m.
Soochipara
Waterfalls: Soochipara Waterfalls is located 22 kms from Hotel
Green Gates. On alighting the vehicle, one can reach the waterfalls after
a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad. more...
TEMPLES
Valliyoorkkavu
Temple: 3 kms east of Mananthavadi, this temple, dedicated to
Goddess Durga is very popular among the tribal communities of the
district. The ten-day annual festival, which falls in April, is
celebration time for the tribals. more...
Thirunelli Temple:
Located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district,
Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away
in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling
River Papanasini. more...
OTHERS
Banasura
Dam: 15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth
dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills
on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot.
Kuruva Island: 17 kms east of Mananthavadi, it stretches over 950
acres of evergreen forests on the banks of Themkabani River. The island is
a repository of rare species of birds, animals, orchids and herbs.
Chembra Peak:
Chembra peak, which is the highest peak in Wayanad is located 14 kms west
of Kalpetta. Located amidst panoramic surroundings, the peak is at an
altitude of 2100 m above sea level. more...
Air: The nearest airport is Calicut.
Rail: The district is well connected by a railway network.
Road: Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other
towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Calicut.
Hotel Resort, Sulthan Bathery.
Dwaraka, Sulthan Bathery.
Green Gates, Kalpetta.
Woodland Tourist House, Kalpetta.
Elite Tourist Home, Mananthavady.
Hotel Reviera, Mananthavady.
Green Magic Nature Resort, Vythiri.
Divine Resorts, Vythiri.
Vythiri Resorts, Vythiri.
Thirunelli
Festival
Valliyoorkavu
Festival
Banks & Foreign Exchange: State Bank Of
Travancore, Canara Bank, Federal Bank, Catholic Syrian Church, Central
Bank.
Travel Agents: Fahita Agents, Sefiya Travels at Sulthan Bathery.
Tour Guide: Thomas EJ.
Kozhikode
(Calicut) (70 km)
Mysore (140 km)
Ooty (175 km)
Area: 2,132 sq.km.
Population: 671,195
Altitude: 700-2100 m above sea level
Climate: Tropical monsoon, seasonally excessive rainfall and hot
summer
Temperature:
Mean Min: 20°C
Mean Max: 35°C
Rainfall: 250 cms (annual)
Clothing: Tropical cottons
ISD Code: 493