Wayanad
Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state, India with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. The district was formed in 1980 and has three municipal towns Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery.
Places to See
Banasura Sagar Dam
This is designed for hydro-electric use. It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. It is located 21km from Kalpetta.
Pookode Lake
Lying 3 km south of Vythiri town, the lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad. Boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here. It is 15km from Kalpetta.
Karapuzha Dam
One of the biggest earth dams in India. Located 16km from Kalpetta. The State Tourism Board has developed various resorts, homestays and tourist information centers all around Wayanad.
Chembra Peak
The highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,050 m above sea level.Chembra is located near the town of Meppadi and is 8 km south of Kalpetta. A pass has to be obtained from the tourist office to climb the peak. Services of a guide may also be obtained. The trek to the top takes about 3 hours. From the top, the whole of Wayanad can be seen.
Wayanad Adventure Camp
14 Camps (10 Swiss tents and 4 deluxe cottages) Each Swiss camp has attached washroom with running water facility and deluxe cottage have attached washrooms. We provide 24hrs. supply of electricity with an adequate back up facility. Especially suitable for corporate groups.
Phantom Rock
The Phantom Rock is a beautiful archeological site located in Wayanad district. Popularly known for its skull shaped rock, which is unique in its own way, it regularly draws a large influx of tourists and curious onlookers. This piece of natural art which has a skull shaped rock over a small boulder is formed out of huge metamorphic rocks
Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by Deciduous, Evergreen and Montane forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara ("Soochi" meaning "Needle" and "Para" meaning "Rock"), the 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.
Temples
Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli, about 30 km from Mananthavady, is a small village situated at the base of the Brahmagiri Hills, which is part of Sahyadri Ranges bordering Karnataka. The village is known as a pilgrim centre, thanks to the presence of an age-old Vishnu temple (Thirunelli temple) and the nearby stream Papanashini. The proximity to the dense forests makes the place more endearing to the visitors. The village is also known as an ornithologists’ and trekkers’ paradise.
Valliyoorkkavu Temple
Located 3 kilometers from Mananthavady town of Wayanad district. The temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy or Durga.
Seetha Lava Kusha Temple
This is one of the few temples in India devoted to Sita Devi. The icons of Lava and Kusa, children of Sita, are also installed here. The temple and surrounding area are believed to be places key in the Ramayana.
Festivals
Valliyoorkkavu Temple
Held in March for 14 days. This is the biggest festival in Wayanad and attracts thousands of people. It is very important to the tribal people of the region. On the final day, folk art forms are presented. The music is a major attraction to the festival.
Seetha Lava Kusha Temple
The temple festival which is celebrated annually in the month of January is famous and it attracts people from various parts of Wayanad
Splash
It is an annual calendar event in July, to showcase the numerous Tourist attractions & activities in Wayanad District.
Poopoli National Agri Fiest
Nearly 250 stalls that sell garden plants and garden tools and pavilions under the Kerala Agriculture University (KAU). At Ambalavayal in January.
Other Festivals in Wayanad
Travel Information
By Air
Kozhikode International Airport at Karipur is the nearest airport, 95 km from Kalpetta.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Calicut (85km) and Mysore (131km).
By Bus
Various private bus operators (long distance) serve the Wayanad district.
By Car
The Kozhikode–Mysore National Highway 212 (NH 212) passes through Wayanad district. On the stretch through Bandipur National Park night driving is banned. Leave NH212 at Kalpetta and proceed to Mysore through Mananthavady.
Climate
Generally, the year is classified into four seasons, namely, cold weather (December-February), hot weather (March-May), south west monsoon (June-September) and north east monsoon(October-November). In the Ambalavayal area of Wayanad, the mean temperature ranges between 18 degree Celsius and 29 degree Celsius. The rainfall (during monsoon) is amongst the highest in the country. Winds are very strong, especially at high altitudes.