District Head Quarters Kalpetta
Area 2,131 Km
Population 12,31,577
Literacy 85.52 %
Geographical hints: - The district was formed in November 1,1980. Wyanad district located at the north Kerala's eatern frontier near the Sahya mountains. 544 Sq.Km area is the forest. Total forest land 78,787 Hectare.
Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean sea level has a predominant place in the tourist map of Kerala. A major centre of hill products the district is noted contributor of foreign exchange to the State. Apart from archaeological and anthropological uniqueness Wayanand has genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism promotion.
Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 1/5 of the total population of the district. It is the seat of Kurichiyas the valiant warriors of late King Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who engaged the mighty British Army in several battles. Their descendants are still expert archers. Tribals can be seen in their natural habitat in Wayanad. Reaping the benefits of modern education and social welfare schemes many of them have developed and became part of the main stream.
Enjoying a climate similar to Udhagamandalam alias Ooty Wayanad has prospects of developing several major hill stations in the district.
Lakkidi Nestled among the hills Lakkidi which is the gateway to Wayanad has the highest annual rain fall in Kerala. With mist formation in the atmosphere almost throughout the year the place has further scope for developing into a tourist centre.
Edakkal Caves These are two caves in the Ambukuthy mountain. The caves contain several paintings and pictorial writings of the New Stone Age Civilization. The location is 3 Kms away from Ambalavayal and 25 Kms from the district Headquarters, Kalpetta.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary The wild life sanctuary at Muthaga 20 Kms from Sultan Bathery is developing into a major centre of tourist attraction. Herds of elephants, bear, deer, wild pig etc can be seen here. It is near the Begur wild life sanctuary at Karnataka.
Thirunelli Temple Located in the valley beneath Brahmagiri hill, 66 Kms from Kalpetta, Thirunelli is referred as 'Kasi of the south' It is believed that Lord Brahma himself had installed the idol of Lord Vishnu the presiding deity of the temple. Situated among the reserve forests the location of the temple has an enchanting natural beauty.
The adjoining mountain spring called Papanasini is a major centre of pilgrimage. Papanasini means the destroyer of all sins. Thirunelli is a potential centre for eco tourism.
Glass Temple The Glass Temple of Kottamunda, located 20 Kms from Kalpetta, on the slope of Vellarimala, is a famous Jain family Temple in Wayanad. It is dedicated to Paraswanatha Swamy the third Thirthankara of the Jain faith. Icons of Parswanatha Swamy and this temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls.
Pookkode Lake Located between Lakkidi and Kalpetta Pookkode is a very attractive freshwater lake around 2000 metres above mean sea level. Contoured by lush green forests the lake has good prospects for boating facilities. It is one of the major centres of eco-tourism in Wayanad
Pallikkunnu Church Established in the year 1905 by a French Missionary Fr. Jeffrine, this is one of the unique churches in Kerala. The interesting aspect is that it follows some rituals that are similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual two week "Perunnal" festival celebrated in the month of February draws large visitors from different parts of the state. The temple is 19 kms. away from Kalpetta, 38 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery.
Chembra Peak Chembra peak is 14 kms southwest of Kalpetta and is good for trekking and bird watching. This is the highest hill of the district that measures District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilarating.
Banasura Sagar Dam Considered to be the largest earth dam in India, the Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
Valliyoorkavu Temple Tribal communities of Wayanad. A 15 day festival is held every year during March/April. The temple is 24 Kms. away from Kalpetta, 31 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls (19 kms) This is a beauthiful waterfall, which is falling from about 30 mtrs 0f height. Relatively smaller than Sentinel Rock Falls, and rather less frequented Kanthanpara and its surroundings offer a very pleasant site
Chain Tree(16 kms) Legend has it that an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding the British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent.
