WAYANAD

Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state (India).Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state.Wayanad district is in the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau. Part of the Western Ghats is in the district. In the centre of the district hills are lower in height while the northern area has high hills.The eastern area is flat and open.According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. Historians are of the view that human settlement existed in these parts for at least ten centuries before Christ. Much evidence of New Stone Age civilisation can be seen in the hills throughout the present day Wayanad district.

One important characteristic feature of this district is the large adivasi population, consisting mainly of Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kadans,Kattunaikkans are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichyar is the most developed among them. They are small land owners, whereas the members of other tribes are mostly labourers. Wayanad district stands first in the case of adivasi population (about 36%) among other districts in the state.

Wayanad has a large settler population. There are people from almost all parts of Kerala who migrated to this fertile land for building up their lives. Wayanad has a small jain community consisting of Gowders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. One fourth population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians. Muslims constitute another one fourth population and rest of the population belongs to Hindus. Their hard work and sacrifice helped them to prosper.

VISA

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.

All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.

The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Regular Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.

The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.

HOW TO REACH WAYANAD

How to Reach Wayanad by Air: Calicut International Airport, located around 65 km and Mysore Airport located around 87 Km away serves as the nearest airport to Wayanad. Visitors can avail direct or stopover flights till Calicut from different parts of Kerala as well as rest of India, depending upon availability. On arrival at the airport, local taxis can be availed to travel till Wayanad.

How to Reach Wayanad by Road: A wide network of roads provide access to Wayanad from different parts of Kerala as well as Karnataka. Visitors can board KSRTC buses that run up to Kozhikode at frequent intervals from nearby cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Kochi, Chennai and Trivandrum. Buses till Wayanad are also available.

How to Reach Wayanad by Rail: Wayanad district is not connected directly by rail. Visitors can take a train till Kozhikode, the nearest railway station to Wayanad. Quite a number of trains connect Kozhikode with major towns and cities on a regular basis. After getting down at the station, taxis or buses can be boarded to travel to Wayanad.

HOTELS IN WAYANAD

LAKKIDI VILLAGE RESORT

Offering an indoor pool and a restaurant, Lakkidi Village Resort is located in Vythiri. Free WiFi access is available in this resort. It is 1.5 km from the scenic and famous Pookode Lake.

The accommodation will provide you with a balcony and a seating area. Complete with a refrigerator, the dining area also has an electric kettle and a dining table. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. You can enjoy mountain view from the room. Extras include a sofa, a desk and a safety deposit box.

At Lakkidi Village Resort you will find a tennis court. Other facilities offered at the property include a ticket service, a tour desk and luggage storage. The property offers free parking.

It is 1.5 km from Lakkidi View Point, 24 km from Chembra Peak and 26 km from Banasura Sagar Dam. The Lakkidi Bus Station is 4 km away, Calicut Railway Station is 58 km and the Calicut International Airport is 80 km away.

The in-house restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and continental delicacies. Room service is available for in-room dining comforts. 

Address:

Lakkidi, 

Near Veterinary College Vythiri, 

673576 Vythiri, India

THE WINDFLOWER RESORT & SPA

The Windflower Resort is located 80 km from Culicut Airport. Featuring a spa and outdoor pool, the resort also has a yoga room. Chargeable wired internet is offered at the business centre.

The Windflower Resort and Spa is 80 km from Calicut City. Mysore Railway Station is 150 km away. Spacious suites are fitted with a cable TV, electric kettle and personal safe. A bathrobe and hairdryer are provided.

Guests can relax with a massage or with a session in the sauna or steam room. Indoor and outdoor games are provided as recreation options. The resort has a travel desk. South Indian and international dishes are served in the restaurant. 

Address:

VI/108 A, Ammaro, 

Achooranam Village Pozhuthan 

Vythiri , Waynad District, 

673122 Vythiri, India

IMPERIAL HEIGHTS

Imperial Heights is a detached holiday home set in Vythiri in the Kerala Region and is 2 km from Pookode Lake. The holiday home is 5 km from Lakkidi Viewpoint.

There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. Towels and bed linen are available at Imperial Heights.

The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, 47 km from Imperial Heights. 

Address:

Thalamal Tea Factory Road, 

673576 Vythiri, India

VYTHIRI RESORT

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa and wellness centre, Vythiri Resort operates a 24-hour front desk to help guests. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

Vythiri Resort is 26 km from Banasura Sagar Dam and 45 km from Edakkal Caves. It is 5 km from Vythiri Bus Station, 65 km from Calicut Railway Station and 90 km from Calicut Airport.

The fan-cooled rooms come with a desk and wardrobe. The attached bathrooms include shower and free toiletries.

Guests can pamper themselves at the massage parlour. Services like luggage storage, safety deposit and laundry are provided. A meeting space and garden are available. Day trips can be organised at the tour desk.

The on-site restaurant, Thinna serves Indian, Continental and local cuisines. 

Address:

Lakkidi , Wayanad, 

673576 Vythiri, India

THE SERAI KABINI RESORT

This 4-star resort sits on the banks of the Kabini River, 39 km from Sargur. It features an outdoor pool and a hot tub, and is well-located for wildlife watching.

The Serai Kabini offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms and villas which feature views of the Kabini River from either private or shared patios. The private bathrooms all include a hairdryer and free toiletries.

A free breakfast is served each day at the Wild Grass restaurant, which also serves Indian, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Room service is also available.

Guests can use the free weights or cardio equipment at the fitness centre, or relax at the resort’s spa with a massage treatment. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange tours or provide dry cleaning and laundry facilities.

The Mysore Railway Station is 77 km from The Serai Kabini. The Bangaluru International Airport is just over 260 km away. 

Address:

No, - 60/1, Nishana, 

Karapura Village, 

Antarasante Hobli,

571114 Begūr, India

PLACE TO VISIT IN WAYANAD

CHEMBRA PEAK - KALPETTA

If you are an admirer of soothing natural beauty and if you love to have an adventure trip, then Chembra Peak in Wayanad, will be a perfect stop for you. Eight kilometer south of Kalpetta, near to the town of Meppady, lays the highest peak in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak (2,100 m). Chembra peak adjoins Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu and Vallarimala in Kozhikode. From the town of Meppady you can reach the peak through walking.

The peak is visible from almost all parts of Wayanad. This place is an ideal destination for trekking activities. You have to take prior permission from the Meppady forest office before going for a trek at Chembra Peak. The forest office will be open on all days. Overnight camping is not allowed at Chembra peak as there is a threat from lurking wild animals.

It will take at least three hours to reach the top point of Chembra peak. On the way to this peak, you can sight a heart shaped lake, which is said to have never dried up. It is one of the topmost attractions of this peak. This lake is known as 'hridhayathadakam'.

From the top of the peak, you will get wondered by seeing the whole Wayanad. You can also sight Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts from here. You will get amazed with the enthralling beauty of the nature here. There are numerous peaks nearby Chambra peak. But it is difficult to climb into those, as they are covered with dense forests. The trekking charges for a group of 10 members to Chembra peak, is Rs.500 and for international tourists the amount is Rs.1000 for a group.

Chembra Peak is worth visiting all year around. But it might be good, if you avoid the place on rainy season, as the descent can be quite slippery during heavy monsoon seasons. There are lots of bus services, both government and private, to reach Chembra. You can get down at Kalpetta and from there to Chembra.

BANASURA SAGAR DAM - KALPETTA

Banasura Sagar dam across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, in Kalpetta, is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, which got its name from 'Banasura', the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that 'Banasura' undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats.

The dam here was constructed on behalf of the Banasurasagar project in 1979, to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric power project to meet the water demand for irrigation and drinking purposes. The dam, located around 21 km away from Kalpetta is a beautiful tourist destination in Wayanad. Banasura dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.

One of the beautiful sights here is the set of islands in the dam's reservoir, which was formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas during monsoon season. These islands with the Banasura hills in the background are a visual treat for those who visit the dam and its premises. Because of this peculiarity, tourists are attracted towards this destination. The dam is very close to Karalad Lake, another tourist hotspot in Wayanad.

At Banasura Sagar dam, you can engage yourself in trekking and boating. Trekking is one of the top attractions here. You can plan a trek to the dark forests of Banasura Peak. A boating trip in the lake and the dam is also a unique experience for the travellers. You can choose either speed boat or pedal boat. You can also plan a trip to the small nature park, very near to the boating place. This park with its traditional tree swings will provide cheerful moments for kids. The best season to be at Banasura Sagar dam is from November to May.

KURUVA ISLAND

Kuruva Dweep or Kuruva Island is a protected river delta, comprising a cluster of islands over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. The geographical peculiarity of this island makes this place evergreen with a serene ambience.

Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. The uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc. Coming so much closer to the nature, you might be feeling Kuruva Island as a nature's gift to Wayanad.

The island is surrounded by streams and you can have a boat ride or rafting through this stream enjoying the enchanting beauty of the island. The boats and rafts are provided by the Kerala Tourism Department and it will take few hours to cover each and every island. Tourists from different parts of the world enjoy the rafting here. The rafts are made up of bamboos providing you a thrilling and exciting journey through the streams.

The other thing you can do in this fabulous island is to have a calm and lazy nature walk. Partying and picnic are restricted here as the authorities are maintaining eco-tourism in Kuruva Island. Just enjoy the beauty without spoiling the pristine nature. You can also plan for a trekking in Kuruva Island.

Entry to this island is restricted during rainy seasons (from June to September). The island is opened during the months from October to May and there is a nominal entry fee to the island. The time schedule is from morning 9 to evening 5.

The island is situated 15 km away from Mananthavady, 58 kilometres from Sultanbathery and 40 kms from Kalpetta. There are frequent buses from Manathavady to Kuruva Island.

POOKODE LAKE

The beautiful freshwater lake in Wayanad, Pookode Lake lays 15 kilometre away from Kalpetta. Nestled between evergreen forest and Western Ghats, the lake is spread over 13 acre and is 40 m deep. This is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Wayanad.

While reaching at this gorgeous lake, you will be experiencing a calm and peaceful environment around. The lake is surrounded by forest and you will see green and green all around, making this place an ideal location for photographers and nature lovers. One of the main tributary of Kabini River, the Panamaram rivulet originates from here.

The perennial freshwater lake has the shape of an Indian map. You can sight blue lotus and numerous fresh water fishes. Blue water lilies also can be seen scattered here and there in the water. The sight of wild animals and birds in the surrounding forest of the lake is another attraction of this destination. Plenty of monkeys are also seen here. Pethia Pookodensis is a species of cyprind fish, which is said to be found here only.

There are boating facilities for the tourist in the Pookode Lake. Pedal boats are available. Boating in the lake, viewing the stunning beauty of the lake is a unique experience. You can also make a visit to the nearby freshwater aquarium, children's park and shopping centre exclusively for handiwork and spices. The shopping centres are owned by District Tourism Promotion Council. You can get plenty of things made up of bamboo and coconut husk at this shopping centre.

A visit to this lake at the time of dawn or dusk is always recommended. The lake is maintained by the South Wayanad forest division. There are frequent bus services to this place. The timing is from 9 am to 5 pm.

Charges:

Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children

For Boat pedaling – Rs 30 for two persons and Rs 50 for 5 persons.

MUTHANGA WILDLIFE SANCTURY

Located around 16 km away from Sulthan Bathery, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, popularly known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a rainforest wich connects Nagarhole and Bandipur parks in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 345 sq km, the sanctuary is an abode of rich flora and fauna.

Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973, the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary was brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. It is considered to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and bio-geographically one of the richest tracts of peninsular India. Here you can see semi-evergreen, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.

The moist deciduous forest of Muthanga is blessed with varieties of trees and other plants. You can sight here maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal etc. Go and get excited with the sight of wild animal like elephant, tiger, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs etc. The sanctuary is also blessed with its endless population of birds like peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls etc.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary consist of four ranges – Sulthan bathery, Kurichyad, Muthanga and Tholpetty, of which Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges are mostly targeted by the tourists’ to Wayanad. They are separated by plantations. These are two eco-tourism centres in Wayanad wildlife sanctuary. The eco-tourism in these places helps to create conservation awareness in the minds of the travellers and to well maintain the sanctuary and its premises. The eco-tourism programmes consist of elephant camp visit, jeep safari, trekking, bird watching, tribal folklore etc.

You can make a visit to this wildlife sanctuary from June to October. Frequent buses are available to reach this destination. The other destinations near to Wayanad wildlife sanctuary are Bandipur National park, Mudumalai Elephant Park and Nagarhole Willife Sanctuary.

Entry Fee:

Indians: Rs. 10 per person

Children below 12 years and bonafide students on tour: Rs. 5 per head

Foreigners: Rs.100 per person

EDAKKAL CAVES

Twenty five kilometers away from Kalpetta lays two caves which showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture. These caves are located 1,200 m above the sea level on Ambukutty Mala. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. Here you can see a cave formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock.

Many legends are there behind the formation of Edakkal caves. One of the stories is that, these caves are said to be formed with the arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Sri Rama. Another one is associated with Kutti Chathan and the Goddess Mudiampilly. The local people used to have a pilgrimage trip to this place to honour the Goddess.

The caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890, during his hunting trip to Wayanad. He discovered the Edakkal rock-shelter, situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. To his surprise, he identified the place as a habitat of Neolothic people.

Edakkal caves are famous for its pictorial paintings (cave paintings), which are considered to be of 6000 B C. To reach the caves, one has to trek through the Ambukutty Mala. It will take around 45 minutes to climb the hill and you will never get disappointed in your trip to these historic caves.

Inside the cave, you can see two chambers. The lower chamber is 18 ft long, 12 ft wide and 10 ft high and the upper chamber is 96 ft long, 22 ft wide and 18 ft high. You can sight carvings of human, animal figures and objects used by humans, on the walls of the caves. These carvings give great evidence for a highly civilized society who lived in the pre-historic age. Edakkal caves have drawn great attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.

Edakkal is the only known place in India with Stone Age carvings. You can see here carvings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic age. The human figures of these caves have raised hair and some have masks. They all have archeological significance and are interesting too. Along with these pictorial carvings, you can also watch Tamil and Brahmi Script in Edakkal caves.

Edakkal is said to have some links with Indus Valley Civilization too. Around 400 signs were discovered recently, which had shown its relationship with the ancient civilization. The prominent among them was ‘a man with a jar cup’.

The visiting time to Edakkal caves is from morning 9:30 to evening 4:30. You can reach the lower part of the Ambukutty hills via bus or car and from there you have to climb the hills. Till mid way of the hills, you can make use of the jeeps arranged by the DTPC. To enter the caves, you have to give a reasonable entry fee.

LAKKIDI VIEW POINT

Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad as it is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass. There are nine hairpin curves from Adivaram (Downhill) to Lakkidi through steep mountains and a journey through the serpentine ghat pass is worth an experience.  It is about 2296 ft (700 m) above the sea level and the major town nearby is Vythiri which lies five km away.

The lush greenery of the hills, gorges and streams seen on both sides of the passage up the hill are sure to linger in the visitors’ mind for a long time. Tourists often stop by Lakkidi View Point, the vantage point which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys.

Lakkidi has also emerged as a popular hill destination with many expensive resorts and plantation stays providing stay facility for foreigners and other affluent tourists. 

Chain tree: You can see monkeys frolicking through the roadside and once you start travelling through the road to Vythiri, you will see a ficus tree on the left side. You will also notice a heavy chain anchored to the ground and tied around the stout branches of the tree.

There is a legend associated with the chain bound ficus tree.  It is said that a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided him in making the route. The engineer was reluctant to share the glory and hence he killed Karinthandan. Local people believe that later the soul of the tribal youth started haunting the travellers on this way and at last a priest chained the spirit to the tree. 

MEPPADI AND VADUVANCHAL

Meppadi is situated about 10 km from Kalpetta and it is an important destination in the Kozhikode – Ooty road. A drive from Vythiri to this route will provide you a feel of Wayanad district. The charming Meppadi village with woods, verdant hillsides and coffee, tea, rubber and vanilla plantations are sure to capture your imagination. Vaduvanchal, another breathtakingly beautiful place nearby, too carries all the characteristics of the regions lying in the high ranges of Western Ghats. If you are visiting these places during spring, you may be confronted by an explosion of colours, thanks to the blooming flora of the region. 

Vaduvanchal is ideal for trekking and it also offers activities like mountain climbing and angling. A trek through the forests here will lead to Meenmutty falls. Other interesting sites from here are Chembra Peak and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary.

MAJOR WATERFALL TOUR

Soochipara Waterfall: Soochipara Falls is located 23 kilometres from Kalpetta and a 30-minutes drive from Meppady through the winding roads amidst tea plantations and natural forests will take you to this breathtaking waterfall.  Situated near Vellarimala village near Chooralmala, the location of waterfall offers a scenic view of the tea estates of Wayanad. The waterfall and the surrounding area are covered by thick forests. The water falls from about 650 ft height and this three-pronged waterfall and the surrounding location provides the right ambience for trekking. The longest, but the easier trek is till you reach the first level of the waterfall. Climbing up to the second and third ranges is rather risky.

Soochipara means needle-like-rock in Malayalam and as the name indicates water falls on needle like sharp spikes of the rocks at the base. There is a natural pool created below the falls and it entices the visitors with cool clear water to take a dip in it. Tree-top huts too can be seen in this location within dense forests and a view from them is spectacular with greenery around and sparkling silver lining of streams in between. 

Kanthampara Waterfalls: Kanthampara is a relatively small waterfall near Soochipara waterfalls. Compared to its adjacent waterfall, it lacks grandeur and is less frequented. But this is a very pleasant destination and an easy hike away from the main road will help you reach here. 

Meenmutty waterfalls: Meenmutty waterfalls, the three-tiered waterfall which is situated about 29 km from Kalpetta is the most spectacular and the largest waterfall in the district.  This is also the second largest waterfall in the state and the water nose-diving from about 1000 ft is sure to evoke awe in you.

Ambience:

It takes a 2 km hike through lush moist deciduous forests to reach the waterfalls. Separate treks are needed to reach each stage of the waterfall.

But the pristine natural ambience at the place coupled with the gentle sound of water gurgling over rocks will sure by wipe away all the fatigue of the trek.  You can hear this luring natural music of water as you near the waterfalls through the jungle and it will surely rejuvenate your spirits. Climbing over hillocks and struggling through the dense foliage of the forests to reach the waterfalls can be a rare, thrilling experience to many of you, who are fed up with the monotony of the daily chores. 

You can spend hours enjoying the cool waters here. With prior permission from the local forest officials, you can camp here overnight. 

Chethalayam Falls: Chethalayam falls is situated about 12-km from Sulthan Bathery. These falls dry up during summer, but a trek to this place is an enchanting experience for adventure travellers. Though not a popular destination, the place offers a breathtaking view of nature.