Wayanad is a bright green mountainous region in north-east Kerala, which stretches for over 2,000 square kilometers along the Western Ghats. It has a great deal of scenic appeal. Abundant coconut palms, thick forests, coffee and tea plantations, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. Due to the nature of its terrain, the area also has much to offer adventure enthusiasts. Wayanad is explicitly beautiful with mist clad mountains, intense forests and fertile green plantations.Wildlife aficionados and nature lovers will find Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries as the right place of visit. The place enjoys a pleasant climate the whole year.
The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. According to Folk etymology; Wayanad is a derivative of the term Vayal Nadu, where Vayal means Paddy fields and Nadu the land, comprising it to indicate a land of paddy fields. There are many indigenous tribals in this area.
HISTORY:
According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. Historians are of the view that human settlement existed in these parts for at least ten centuries before Christ. Much evidences of New Stone Age civilisation can be seen in the hills throughout the present day Wayanad district. The two caves of Ampukuthimala, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of a bygone civilisation. The recorded history of this district exists only from the 18th century onward. Agriculture Cultivation started broadly after 1900 A.D onwards.
According to the history, Wayanad was ruled by the Veda tribes, it was then taken by Pazhassi Rajas, and later Hyderali conquered Wayanad. When Tipu took over, he handed it to British. It was the British who introduced cash crops, laid roads and developed Wayanad significantly.
After the Independence of India, when the State of Kerala came into being in November 1956, Wayanad was part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district. To fulfil the aspirations of the people of Wayanad for development, North Wayanad and South Wayanad were carved out and joined together to form the present district of Wayanad. This district came into being on 1st November 1980 as one the twelve districts of Kerala, consisting of three taluks; Vythiri, Mananthavady, and Sulthan Bathery.
Snuggled amidst the Western Ghats Mountains, Wayanad is one of the exquisite hill stations of Kerala. It is a revenue state due to foreign exchange of cash crops such as vanilla, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and many other condiments. Wayanad shelters endangered species as it has an amazing range of flora and fauna. Other wildlife that roam the forests here include sambar and spotted dear, Indian bison, langur monkeys and, drumroll, occasionally tigers.
The prominent festivals such as Onam, Maha shivaratri and Vishu display eternal harmony.
WHAT TO SEE:
- Edakkal Caves,
- Kuruva Dweep,
- Soochipara Falls,
- Pookot Lake,
- Meenmutty Falls,
- Chembra Peak,
- Kalpetta,
- Neelimala View Point,
- Vythiri Hill Station,
- Banasura Sagar Dam.
GETTING HERE:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Kozhikode, 95 km from Kalpetta
By Rail:
The nearest major railway station is at Kozhikode, 75 km from Kalpetta. Other railway stations near to Wayanad are Thalassery (80 km from Mananthavadi), Kannur (93 km from Mananthavadi) and Mysore (110 km from Mananthavadi and 115 km from Sultan Bathery).
By Road:
Wayanad is well connected by road to various parts of Kerala and other neighbouring states. Buses are frequently available to Kozhikode, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Gonikoppal, etc.
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