The
name Wayanad is believed to be derived from the word Vayalnadu, which
means "the land of paddy fields". The present district of
Wayanad was carved out from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts
which came into being on 1st November 1980 as the 12th district of
Kerala. This district is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange
earners of the State, thanks to its cash crops of pepper, cardamom,
coffee, tea, vanilla, spices and other condiments.
On
a clear day from the river border of Kabini, Waynad will seem to be a
fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the less blue
sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds amidst them. Waynad Introduction
The name Waynad is derived from the expression 'Wayanadu' which means
land of paddy fields. Wayanad offers a climate of the hill station
similar to that of Oottacamand, offers a panorama of undulating hills
and dales. The hills which might have been thick forest once, are now
plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom.
There is luxuriant
greenery all around. On a clear day from the river border of Kabini,
Waynad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains
juxtaposed with the less blue sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds
amidst them. The most characteristic aspect about Waynad is a large
tribal population. Waynad has a small Jain Community consisting of the
Gounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all
over the district. The Kurichiyar of Waynad have a great martial
tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja
who fought against the British forces in several battles. The
descendants of those warriors are still expert archers.
The
splendid scenic spectacle, with hills appearing deep blue in bright
sunlight and mist covered most of the time, juxtaposing on the green of
the paddy fields is mesmerizing. The east flowing rivers of Waynad are
in striking contrast to the various rivers of the state. The Kabbani
river of Waynad is a perennial source of water to the Kaveri river. The
characteristic feature of the district is the presence of large numbers
of tribals or Adivasis (Aborigines). The district also has small Jain
community consisting of Gounders who came from Karnataka. The Jains have
built beautiful temples in the district.
Attractions
- Banasura Sagar Dam
It is the largest earth dam in
India, and is located 21 km from Kalpetta. Due to the undulating
topography of the region, islands are formed upstream of the dam
when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills
provide a spectacular scenic view.
- Kalpetta
It is the headquarters of Waynad district.
Kalpetta is 72 km. north east of Kozhikode. The Jain temple
dedicated to Vardhamana Mahaveera is one of the few Jain shrines in
Keralah. There is also a cave very near to the temple. The town
houses the famous Maidani Mosque.
- Edakkal Caves, Ambalavayal
The magnificent cave is 3
km. from Ambalavayal which is 25 km. from Kalpetta. The rock cave in
the Ambukuthy mountain is actually a cleft about 96 ft. long and
22ft. wide. The interesting pre-historic carvings on the rock wall
are an archaeologists and historians delight. Burial sights and urns
dating back to 2000 years and more have been found here.
- Ananthananthaswami Temple
There are many important
Jain temples around the town like the Ananthanathaswmi Temple at
Puliyarmala : The beautiful Jain temple is located six kilometre
from Kalpetta. It is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, the third
Tirthankara of the Jain faith.
Kerala backwaters provide the excellent opportunity to explore the
natural heritage and splendor for a visitor. For luxury boating and
exploring pristine backwaters of Kozhikode, houseboats can be availed.
The novel concept and excellent hospitality is worth enjoying with
family and friends. These are the first fully built houseboats of
Kerala, stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on
Ullery–Perambra road, 10 km from Calicut. The most important
festivals of the district are Pooram Festival (March/April), Memunda
(March/April), Vadakara (November/December), Kaliatta Mahotasavam
(March), and Shivratri (February/March).
How to reach
- Air
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur)
- Rail
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode [Rail
distances from major cities to Kozhikode are- New Delhi:2851 Km;
Mumbai: 1425 Km; Kolkata: 2331 Km; Ahmedabad: 1875 Km; Hyderabad:
1425 Km]
- Road
Well connected by roads from Kozhikode (Ghat-72
Km from Kalpetta), Kannur (Ghat), Ooty (120 Km from Kalpetta) and
Mysore (140 Km from Kalpetta). Please check the distance page.
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Vythiry
(Wyanad) Tour Guide