Wayanad- Green paradise of Kerala
Wayanad: Kerala’s Lush Green Wonderland
Tucked away in the north-eastern part of Kerala, Wayanad is a captivating district known for its mist-covered hills, dense forests, sprawling spice plantations, and tribal heritage. Located in the Western Ghats at altitudes ranging from 700 to 2,100 meters above sea level, Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The name "Wayanad" is believed to have originated from the words Vayal Nadu, meaning land of paddy fields. True to its name, the district is blessed with fertile valleys, crystal-clear streams, and lush greenery that stretch across every direction.
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| Bison, Wayanad , Kerala |
Wayanad: Kerala’s Enchanting Highlands of History and Nature
Perched high on the Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most alluring districts, rich in history, tribal culture, scenic beauty, and biodiversity. Spread across 2,132 square kilometers, Wayanad comprises three major taluks—Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, and Vythiri—with Kalpetta as the district headquarters. Established on November 1, 1980, by carving out parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts, Wayanad earned its name from the word 'Vayalnadu', meaning Land of Paddy Fields.
Perched high on the Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most alluring districts, rich in history, tribal culture, scenic beauty, and biodiversity. Spread across 2,132 square kilometers, Wayanad comprises three major taluks—Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, and Vythiri—with Kalpetta as the district headquarters. Established on November 1, 1980, by carving out parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts, Wayanad earned its name from the word 'Vayalnadu', meaning Land of Paddy Fields.
A Glimpse into Wayanad’s History
Wayanad’s hills and forests have been home to human settlements since the Neolithic Age, as evidenced by ancient rock engravings in the Edakkal Caves near Ambukuthimala. These caves contain mysterious pictographs and stone carvings believed to be over 6,000 years old.
In early times, the land was ruled by tribal kings of the Veda community. It later came under the dominion of the Pazhassi Rajahs of the Kottayam royal family. During the 18th century, Hyder Ali of Mysore annexed Wayanad, only for it to be briefly reclaimed by the local rulers during the rule of Tipu Sultan. Following British conquest, the region underwent significant changes—roads were constructed, and large-scale cultivation of tea, coffee, and spices was introduced.
Wayanad’s hills and forests have been home to human settlements since the Neolithic Age, as evidenced by ancient rock engravings in the Edakkal Caves near Ambukuthimala. These caves contain mysterious pictographs and stone carvings believed to be over 6,000 years old.
In early times, the land was ruled by tribal kings of the Veda community. It later came under the dominion of the Pazhassi Rajahs of the Kottayam royal family. During the 18th century, Hyder Ali of Mysore annexed Wayanad, only for it to be briefly reclaimed by the local rulers during the rule of Tipu Sultan. Following British conquest, the region underwent significant changes—roads were constructed, and large-scale cultivation of tea, coffee, and spices was introduced.
Culture and Festivals
Wayanad is known for its tribal heritage, with several communities like the Paniyas, Kurichiyans, and Adiyans contributing to the district's vibrant cultural fabric. The region comes alive during traditional festivals and tribal celebrations, especially between February and May. Grand festivals like Onam, Maha Shivaratri, and Vishu are celebrated across the district with enthusiasm.
Wayanad is known for its tribal heritage, with several communities like the Paniyas, Kurichiyans, and Adiyans contributing to the district's vibrant cultural fabric. The region comes alive during traditional festivals and tribal celebrations, especially between February and May. Grand festivals like Onam, Maha Shivaratri, and Vishu are celebrated across the district with enthusiasm.
Attractions and Things to Do
Nature and adventure lovers will find no shortage of attractions in Wayanad:
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Chembra Peak – the highest point in Wayanad, ideal for trekking.
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Edakkal Caves – prehistoric cave art and pictographs.
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Kuruva Island – a scenic river delta with lush vegetation.
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Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, home to elephants, tigers, and deer.
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Banasura Sagar Dam – India’s largest earthen dam, perfect for boating.
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Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Soochippara and Kanthanpara Waterfalls, and Pakshipathalam caves are other highlights.
The district is also dotted with spiritual landmarks like:
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Thirunelli Temple – an ancient Vishnu temple in the Brahmagiri Hills.
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Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple, Sita Lava-Kusha Temple, and Thrissilery Shiva Temple.
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Pallikkunnu Church, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, is a significant Christian pilgrimage site.
Nature and adventure lovers will find no shortage of attractions in Wayanad:
-
Chembra Peak – the highest point in Wayanad, ideal for trekking.
-
Edakkal Caves – prehistoric cave art and pictographs.
-
Kuruva Island – a scenic river delta with lush vegetation.
-
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, home to elephants, tigers, and deer.
-
Banasura Sagar Dam – India’s largest earthen dam, perfect for boating.
-
Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Soochippara and Kanthanpara Waterfalls, and Pakshipathalam caves are other highlights.
The district is also dotted with spiritual landmarks like:
-
Thirunelli Temple – an ancient Vishnu temple in the Brahmagiri Hills.
-
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple, Sita Lava-Kusha Temple, and Thrissilery Shiva Temple.
-
Pallikkunnu Church, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, is a significant Christian pilgrimage site.
Food and Local Specialties
Wayanad offers a delightful variety of Kerala cuisine. Traditional dishes like avial, moru curry, poricha kootu, and pal payasam are served in most homestays and restaurants. Travelers can also enjoy north Indian dishes, vegetarian meals, and even Jain food in some places.
The region is a paradise for spice lovers. Shops in Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, and Mananthavady sell locally sourced pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, along with handcrafted items made from bamboo, wood, coconut shells, cane, and metal. Wayanad-grown tea and coffee are also popular take-home items.
Wayanad offers a delightful variety of Kerala cuisine. Traditional dishes like avial, moru curry, poricha kootu, and pal payasam are served in most homestays and restaurants. Travelers can also enjoy north Indian dishes, vegetarian meals, and even Jain food in some places.
The region is a paradise for spice lovers. Shops in Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, and Mananthavady sell locally sourced pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, along with handcrafted items made from bamboo, wood, coconut shells, cane, and metal. Wayanad-grown tea and coffee are also popular take-home items.
Getting to Wayanad
Wayanad is well connected by road and accessible from nearby cities:
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Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode) – 98 km away.
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Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station.
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Buses and taxis are available from Kozhikode, Mysore, Kannur, and even long-distance cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
Wayanad is well connected by road and accessible from nearby cities:
-
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode) – 98 km away.
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Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station.
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Buses and taxis are available from Kozhikode, Mysore, Kannur, and even long-distance cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
Getting Around Wayanad
To explore the district, tourists can:
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Hire cabs (usually charged per km at ₹7–₹10/km).
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Use auto-rickshaws for short distances.
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Travel on state-run buses connecting major towns.
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Rent bicycles for eco-friendly local exploration (from ₹50/hour).
To explore the district, tourists can:
-
Hire cabs (usually charged per km at ₹7–₹10/km).
-
Use auto-rickshaws for short distances.
-
Travel on state-run buses connecting major towns.
-
Rent bicycles for eco-friendly local exploration (from ₹50/hour).
Best Time to Visit
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October to February: Ideal for sightseeing with cool weather.
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March to May: Warm but suitable for forest and nature exploration.
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June to September: Monsoon lovers will enjoy the lush greenery and cool mists.
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October to February: Ideal for sightseeing with cool weather.
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March to May: Warm but suitable for forest and nature exploration.
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June to September: Monsoon lovers will enjoy the lush greenery and cool mists.
Accommodation in Wayanad
Wayanad offers a variety of stay options, including:
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Luxury resorts and boutique hotels nestled in the hills.
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Traditional cottages and eco-lodges that reflect Kerala’s heritage.
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Tree houses, which offer a unique experience amid forest canopies.
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Budget homestays and guesthouses for backpackers and solo travelers.
Wayanad offers a variety of stay options, including:
-
Luxury resorts and boutique hotels nestled in the hills.
-
Traditional cottages and eco-lodges that reflect Kerala’s heritage.
-
Tree houses, which offer a unique experience amid forest canopies.
-
Budget homestays and guesthouses for backpackers and solo travelers.
Wayanad is where time slows down, and nature whispers stories of the past. With its misty mountains, lush forests, rich traditions, and welcoming people, this highland retreat offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveler.
