Wayanad

Overview:

The district of Wayanad, in the north-east of Kerala, was founded on the 1st of November, 1980. The Folk etymology of Wayanad is derived from a combination of ‘Vayal’ meaning paddy field and ‘Naad’ meaning land, and it literally translates to the ‘Land of Paddy Fields’. According to the earliest records found, the region was called Mayakshetra which gradually evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. The least populous district of Kerala, Wayanad became the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The municipal of Kalpetta is the district headquarters. It is the only municipal as well as town in Wayanad. The region is home to numerous indigenous tribes. It is nestled in the Western Ghats, with the average elevations ranging from 700 to 2100 meters above sea-level. This pristine and enchanting land with a rich culture and history is located on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau. It is famous for its lofty ridges, deep valleys and dense forests. Wayanad enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the country, who come here to revel in the beauty of this picturesque land. Most of the tourists use taxi cabs or cars as a means of transport in and around the place. Wayanad displays countless evidences of Stone Age civilization. The land had been under the rule of the Veda tribes, Kottayam dynasty, and Haider Ali. The plateau was opened for the cultivation of cash crops when it came under the British rule. The British also laid out roads on its dangerous slopes to make transportation fast and easy. Wayanad is also known as the ‘Land of Spicy Hills’. Wayanad displays numerous evidences of Stone Age civilization. But apart from a rich cultural and historical background, the hill station is also known for its dense forests, deep valleys and lofty ridges. While vacationing in Bangalore, many visitors also plan a short trip to Wayanad. The distance between Bangalore and Wayanad is of around 276 kilometers, and the trip from Bangalore to Wayanad by car takes about 7 hours. A majority of tourists prefer hiring cabs in Bangalore for their travel to Wayanad. Bangalore cab services, apart from offering a comfortable ride also allow the travelers to travel at their own pace. Tourists prefer to retain their rented cars or cabs from Bangalore to Wayanad for visiting the various places of interest in and around the place.

Place of interest:

Wayanad has a number of places of tourist interest, one of the most famous among them being the Edakkal Caves. The Edakkal Caves, discovered by Fred Fawcett, are a pre-historical rock shelter. Technically speaking, it is a rift caused by the splitting of a rock away from its main body. It has carvings of animals and human figures that signify pre-historic settlement. There are three types of petroglyphs inside, suggesting that cave has been occupied by different people at different points of time in the past.

The Chembra Peak is the tallest in Wayanad. It is very popular among trekkers. Although the trek is quite difficult, the breath-taking view of Wayanad from the peak is worth the effort. There is also a beautiful mountain lake at the top. One of the other major tourist attractions in Wayanad is the Meenmutty Falls. The roaring water cascades down from a height of 300 meters in three tiers. It’s a 2-kilometre trek through the woods from the road.

Kuruva Dweep is yet another wonderful place to visit. Situated in a tributary of the Kabana River, it is a very popular picnic spot. It has a soothing ambience that is both refreshing and invigorating. Located just 17 kilometers from Wayanad and 3 kilometers before Vythiri is the picture-perfect Pookot Lake. Situated in a beautiful valley amidst evergreen forests and wooded hills, this natural lake is a popular spot with tourists, it has well-maintained gardens, playground, a cafeteria and a host of row boats for hire.

The Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad is believed to be 3000 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is made with thirty granite columns. To the south of the temple is a holy pond called the Panchatheertha.

Wayanad also has a bird sanctuary and a wildlife sanctuary apart from other places of interest. Tourists prefer to rent cars or taxis to go about the place so they can take their time enjoying all that the ‘Land of Spicy Hills’ has to offer.

Other places to visit in Wayanad include KuruvaDweep, BanasuraSagar Dam, Thirunelli Temple and Neelimala View Point.

Things to do:

Wayanad is a haven for avid bird watchers as it homes a huge variety of bird species such as the king vulture, nightjars crested serpent eagles and red-wattled lapwings. While visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Park, visitors can undertake a jeep safari and explore the sanctuary. The early hours of the morning or in the evening right before sunset is the best time to spot wildlife. However, a permission from the Forest Department to visit the park must be obtained. Taking a local guide is mandatory. Elephants, wild pigs deer, leopard, tiger and gaurs and can easily be spotted here.

Wayanad is renowned for its pure honey, spices and handicrafts. Shopping in Wayanad includes buying honey and spices especially Pepper. Another popular item among the local people is gooseberry dipped in honey. Apart from the edibles, artifacts, antiques, Munnar tea, coffee and handicraft items also prove to be quite a purchase. The handicraft and handloom items sold here can be purchased as souvenirs. Most of the crafts are made using materials such as ivory, coconut shells, woods, metal and canes. Furniture and garments are sold at quiet reasonable prices.

The Pokot Lake is surrounded by a dense forest creating a majestic green backdrop. Tourists and visitors can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the clear water of the lake. The row boats can be hired for Rs. 30 to 50 for 20 minutes. The banks of the lane are swarmed by tourists and visitors on weekends, although it is quite peaceful and serene during the weekdays.

Some of the major festivals of Wayanad are Onam, Vishu, Mahashivratri, Asthami Rohini, Christmas, Easter and Bakri Id. People belonging to various cultures and religions celebrate all the festivals with great pomp, gaiety and festive spirit of the place.

The ten day festival of Onam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare in Wayanad. The festival is celebrated in August-September in honor of the mythological king- Mahabali; who ruled over the ancient Kerala. It is also celebrated to venerate the Vamana avatar of Vishnu. During Onam, the famous Kereala boat races, feasts, singing and dancing along with other cultural shows are organized.

Apart from Onam the other festivals that are celebrated in Wayanad include: Vishu which is celebrated in April, dedicated to Lord Shiva Mahashivratri is celebrated in February-March, Easter is another prominent festival which is celebrated between March 22 and April 25. Karthigai a festival of lights is chiefly celebrated in Malayali house in the months of November-December. Christmas is celebrated with carols, gift exchanging and special holy Mass’s are conducted by churches in the month of December. Asthami Rohini  and Bakri Id are the other festivals which are also celebrated in Wayanad.