Wayanad
Short Descr
The name Wayanad is said to have been derived from the word vayalnadu, which means the land of paddy fields. Wayanad was carved out from the parts of the districts of Kozhikode and Kannur. It came into existence on 1st November 1980 and was the 12th district of kerala. The district earns foreign exchange for producing spices like pepper, cardamom, spices, tea, coffee and seasonings.
Long Descr
Wayanad stands asone of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. It is at a height of 700m to 2100 m above sea level. Wayanad's climate and geography make it ideal for the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber. Its pretty image not withstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing about this quaint little hill station is its large tribal population and their fascinating lifestyles. Including revered monarchs of barely fifty-strong tribes. Not surprisingly, based on evidences still found on these hills, historians contend that civilization existed in these parts at least a thousand years before Christ. Trekkers would like to head for the Chembra peak which is highest peak in Wayanad at 2100 m above sea level. It is 14 km west of Kalpetta.
Wayanad 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. The vast stretches of mist - capped mountains green meadows of valleys; white water springs, blue water lakes and wild forest fabricate the splendid natural beauty of Wayanad. It is at a height of 700m to 2100 m above sea level.
With lofty mountain peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant vegetation besides the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south with its winding roads, almost thick forests, Lakkadi is one of the tourist spots in Wayanad. The beautiful natural fresh water Pookkot Lake, 3 km from Lakkadi, is wide and deep and is surrounded by evergreen hills and meadows. Boating facilities and Children's Park are managed by the District Tourism promotion council.
Elevation
Wayanad - 700m to 2100 m.
Location Details
The hill resort of Wayanad is situated in the northeastern part of Kerala, nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats. It is at the height of 700 to 2100 m above the sea level.
How to Reach There and Distances
By Air
The nearest airport to Wayanad is at Kozhikode.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is at Kozhikhode.
By Road
Kozhikhode is almost 100 km from Wayanad. It is well connected with other important towns of Kozhikhode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore by road.
Accommodation
There are several hotels, resorts and tourist lodges to suit the budgets of the tourists and is easily available. Tranquil Resort, Wayanad Resorts, Rain Country Resort, Vythiri Resort, Hotel Green Gates, Hotel Haritagiri
Best Season to Visit/Weather
The Wayanad experiences hot summers and tropical monsoons. The months of August to May are the beat season to visit Wayanad. The weather is tropical monsoon, seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer. Temperature records a minimum of 20°C and a maximum of 35°C.
To visit Nearby Places
Places to See
The two rock caves of Edakkal Caves are amongst the major tourist attraction in Wayand. The hills are famous for the ancient carvings and pictorial writings dating back to New Stone Age and are situated in the Ambukuthy hills. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is known for a wide range of flora and fauna. Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks are close by. Pookat Lake is place to spend lazy afternoons and can enjoy boating. There is a fresh water aquarium and the children's park near the Pookat Lake. You can shop for handicraft items and spices from here. The plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are interspersed the hills of Wayanad. The other places to visit at Wayanad are the Varambettas mosque and the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Excursions
The Kuruvadweep is an uninhabited island, which has the birds, orchids and herbs to look for. It is an excellent place for excursion from Wayanad. The Thirunelly Temple has a beautiful architecture and is located on the banks of the Papanasini River. You can trek from the Chembra Peak ,which is situated at an altitude of 2100 m. pakshipathalam is tourist spot located in the Brahma Giri Hills. It has a renowned bird sanctuary, which has some rare species of birds. The other wildlife sanctuaries for excursion are the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.