Wayanad – Kerala Travel for a Green Holiday
Kerala Holidays, Ideal Adventure Travel & Green Travel Destinations
Nov 1, 2009
Wayanad, about 2100 sq km of undulating greenery, is a district in northern Kerala, India and the ideal destination for adventure travel or a green holiday. The picturesque landscape of this place offers the tourist the entire spectrum of green, from paddy fields and tea plantations to dark thick forests and exotic spice gardens.
Nestling among hills, at a height of 700 to 2100 metres above sea level, Wayanad is the perfect combination of enchanting sights and delightful weather throughout the year.
Wayanad – Must See in Kerala Travel
Kerala is a popular holiday destination in South India and has more than 15 hill stations, but Wayanad is unsurpassed when it comes to natural beauty.
The scenic district lies on the southern most part of the Deccan plateau and is home to many primitive tribes. There are 3 towns in Wayanad – Kalpetta, the district headquarters, Manthanvady and Sultan Batthery.
How to Reach Wayanad
The nearest international airport is at Kozhikode, about 95 away (from Kalpetta). The nearest railway stations are at Kannur and Kozhikode. Wayanad is well connected to the other parts of the state and the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu by roads.
From Kozhikode, the best way to reach Wayanad would be to take a bus or hire a car to Kalpetta. Once in Wayanad, one can hire a taxi to soak up the local sights.
Holiday Resorts and Homestays in Wayanad
While there are many hotels in the towns, there are a good number of holiday resorts in Wayanad, most of them located close to one or the other tourist spot. The discerning traveler can take his pick and stay on a hill, in a valley, close to a waterfall or in the midst of a plantation. The adventure traveler can choose to stay in jungle resorts or tree houses.
The other option is the “home stay”, very popular in these parts. Many of the residents here let out a portion of their house to tourists. Whichever the choice, advance booking is recommended.
Places of Interest in Wayanad
While Wayanad has misty mountains, velvet green valleys, plantations and waterfalls in abundance, it is also known for its rich cultural heritage. From the Edakkal caves with their Neolithic drawings and rock carvings to the tomb of Pazhassi Raja who fought against the British, there are many historical places of interest.
The Banasura Dam, India's largest earth dam (and second largest in the world) is in Wayanad. Wayanad is also home to many old temples like the 12th century Thirunelly temple and the Jain temple at Panamaram, built in the 13th century. Kuruva islands, Pookode lake and Pazhassi Raja park are popular tourist spots to visit with children.
Muthanga and Tholpetty are wildlife sanctuaries in this region. Elephants, leopards, deer and snakes can be spotted here. Places like Chembra peak and Pakshipathalam are the adventure traveler’s delight with treks through hills and forests.
The list of places to see is exhaustive. The district abounds with waterfalls, named and unnamed, and there is a viewpoint at literally every turn on the road. The best time to visit Wayanad is September through May.
Read more about homestays in Wayanad and their locations.
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