Wayanad: The Land of Paddies

Wayanad is the north-east district of Kerala which was formed in 1980 from Kozhikhode and Kannur District. The literal meaning of Wayanad is "Land of Paddy Field.' Situated on the majestic Western Ghats, the place lies in an altitude of 700-1200 metres above the sea level.

How to reach Wayanad?

By Air: The nearest airport is at Calicut. Wayanad is just100 kilometers from Calicut. You can hire a taxi or take a bus of Kerala Transport Corporation to Wayanad from this place.

By Road: The district Wayanad is well connected by roads from nearby districts and the nearby state Tamil Nadu. National Highways and state highways connect the district from all corners of the state and neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

By Rail: There is no railway terminus in Wayanad. If you want to take train journey, you have to get down at Khozikhode or Calicut railway station and than take a bus or hire a taxi to the place.

Major Attractions of Wayanad

Pookode Lake: This is one of top sites of the district which draws thousands of tourists every month due to its beautiful valley, green spread forests, wooded hills, and wonderful hillocks. The natural lake is just few kilometres from National Highway 212. the Lake has some wonderful recreation centres with children's parks, shopping venues, fresh water aquarium and café and restaurants.

Lakkidi Hills: This hill-station is the entryway to Wayanad wildlife sanctuary. The hill station is situated 700 meters above the sea-level. The murmuring water streams, elevated peaks and opaque forest cover with plantations around make this hill station a paradise for those who wish tranquillity and peace.

Edakkal Cave: There are two caves at Wayanad which are located almost at the height of 1000 metres on a place called Ambukutty Mala. You can see the new Stone Age pictorial inscriptions on the walls of the caves which are evidence of a civilization in prehistoric times in Kerala. You have to trek just one kilometre to reach the Edakkal caves. Entry is permitted up to 1700 hours only. So you should start early and reach there early to come down soon.

Kuruva Island: The 950 acres of evergreen forest is situated on the tributary of the river Kabani. The island also houses several migratory birds and has a unique eco diversity which creates a great interest to visitors. The island is uninhabited and there are rare species of herbs, orchids and birds in this island.

Valliyoor Kavu Temple: The famous temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess who is manifest in three forms Bhadrakali, Vana Durga and Jala Durga. A festival is organized for two weeks in the months February and March where thousands of people attend from different corners of the world.

Chembra Peak: The highest peak in Wayanad is 2100 metres above sea level. It is 14 kilometres from Kalpetta. A wonderful site for adventure sports lovers. Trekking takes almost one day to the top of the peak. You can stay there for one or two days in temporary camps. The District Tourism provides trekking implements, tents/canvass, sleeping bags, guides and other necessary equipments required for trekking. The scenic beauty of Wayanad while you climb the Chembra peak is indescribable. A lake at the top of the peak has blue eyed water which never dries.