India Travel Planner - Our passion is to bring the exciting world of India travel to you. We are please to present new opportunities for you to explore India, interact with the Culture, Heritage, People, Nature , and immerse yourself in an exclusive experience unavailable to other travelers. Some of our Special Departures are unique, some are new opportunities and some are classical Luxury Tours where we can be assured our standards will be met.Explore Now.....
Home > Kerala Travel > Kerala Travel Guide > Wayanad Travel Guide
Wayanad Travel Guide
The name Wayanad derived from ‘Wayalnadu’ means land of paddy fields.
The
picturesque plateau, having the largest concentration of tribal population in
the state, was once known as Africa in Kerala. Kalpetta, the only municipal
town in the district, is district headquarters. Tourists were late to find this unsung paradise which is Kerala's answer to Tamilnadu's Ootty or Karnataka's Madikeri. In many fronts, the hilly-district stands unique. In monsoon days Wayanad is soaking wet. Colonial presence in the district in the second half of the 19 the century has transformed the district, then a vast reserve forest, into plantations of coffee and tea. Even then, the district is credited with 78787 hector reserve forest, the largest forest tract in a Kerala district. Wayanad is in fact cordoned off by six districts of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Several microscopic communities such as Jains and Kurichiyars are housed in the district. The district offers much for anthropologists and archeologists. The Kurichiyars, now a decadent group, have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Rajah who fought against the British forces in this part of the country. They still excel in archery. The district is the largest producer of pepper in the country.
Thirunelly temple (32 km northeast of Mananthavady): Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.
Pazhassi tomb (32 km northeast of Kalpetta): The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda (20 km away from Kalpetta): This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Pakshipathalam (10 km from Thirunelly): This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Boys town (15 km north of Mananthavady): Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.
Festivals :
Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple: Located 8 km east of Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. The two week long festival in February/March is attended by hundreds of tribals Thirunelly temple (August) Seethadevi Temple (January) Pallikkunnu Church (February) Nadavayal St. Thomas Church (January) Varambatta Mosque (March) Mardoni Mosque (March - April)
