Wayanad

If you haven't seen Wayanad through the eyes of a trekker, then take this, you have missed it all. Wayanad not only houses the wildlife reserve but the jaw-dropping sceneries of the Western Ghats and the lush green forests are equally delightful to watch. The most sought-after trek in Wayanad is the trek to Chembra Peak, which houses a natural heart-shaped lake, 'hridhayathadakam'. Further, treks to Lakkidi viewpoint, also known as Getaway to Wayanad, the ancient Edakkal Caves, and Neelimala viewpoint famous for the Meenmutty falls.

Wayanad is a place with greenery and favourable climate which facilitates the existence of flora and fauna here. This place is a home to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is also the haven of White-rumped Vultures. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur is one of the residences of Wayanad’s wildlife. Its rich fauna includes animals like jungle and civet cats, panthers, monitor lizards, peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, woodpeckers, wild dogs, tigers, bears, deer and vultures. The green sheet of thick forests with supporting flora proliferates the growth of fauna in that region. Protecting elephants is one of the principal motives of the forest department of Kerala. White-rumped vultures continue to persist in this area. Although, their number keeps on decreasing over the years.

Bee-eater
Blue beard bee-eater found in Wayanad is the largest bird eater in the world. These bee-eaters live in low lying forest areas and open hills. There are a total of 24 species of bee-eaters out of which six are found in India.

Wayanad antecedes to Paleolithic civilisation which is approximately 800 years old. Also, Edakkal caves in the district constitute 6000 years-old engravings from Neolithic civilisations. In addition to this, there is archaeological evidence which proves that forests of Wayanad are inhabited for more than 3000 years. Wayanad was ruled by rulers of several dynasties like the Kutumbiyas, Kadambas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara empire etc. Amongst all the important Rajas, Pazhassi Raja of ancient Kottayam was the most powerful ruler of Wayanad. He lost his kingdom to Tipu Sultan. During the rule of Tipu Sultan, the place flourished and grew. However, it did not last long as the British East India Company was mushrooming their control across the country. In the year 1799, the British took over Wayanad and encouraged wealthy crop production. Therefore, over the years, tea, coffee and spices were cultivated on the fertile soils of Wayanad. At the time of colonial rule, a lot of infrastructural development took place in Wayanad. Earlier, Wayanad was a part of both Kerala and Karnataka. Hence, a significant percentage of the population speaks Kannada. However, the principal languages spoken are Malayalam and English. Later in November 1980, it was declared as the 12th district of Kerala formed out of land cravings of Kannur and Kozhikode. From ancient times, the place is famous for its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna and picturesque views.

Part of a forest reserve, Wayanad is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The entire region is entirely green with hilly ranges and wildlife including Tholpetty in the North, Muthanga in the east bordering with Tamil Nadu, Kalpetta in the south, Mananthvadi in the north-west and Sultan Bathery (Sultan Battery) in the east.  

Day 1: Arrive at Calicut International Airport or Nilambur railway station. Leave for Wayanad in a private taxi. Arrive at Wayanad. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for the local sightseeing in Wayanad. Visit Wayanad wildlife reserve, sprawled over an area of 344 square km. Wayanad is a home to a rich variety of flora and fauna including Asian elephants, leopards, bears, monkey, guars, fishes, butterflies etc. Back to hotel in the evening. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Leave hotel early in the morning after breakfast. Trek to Chembra Peak- A short trek to the highest peak of Wayanad at an elevation of 2,100 m. The main attraction of this trek is the famous 'hridhayathadakam' lake- a heart shaped lake which never dries. Later go for a tea plantation tour in the tea gardens of Wayanad. Back to hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Trek to the Neelimala view point, famous for the Meenmutty waterfalls. The trek is famous for offering the beauty of the massive coffee and tea plantations of Wayanad along with the beauty of hills of Western Ghats. Later, visit the ancient Edakkal caves. The 8,000 years old caves hold a great value in the Hindu mythology. Back to Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. Reach the airport or railway station in a private taxi.

The top things to do in Wayanad are Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Stay in a Treehouse, Soochipara Falls. You can see all the places to visit in Wayanad here

The top places near to Wayanad are Ooty which is 73 km from Wayanad, Nagarhole which is located 37 km from Wayanad, Coorg which is located 88 km from Wayanad, Kalpetta which is located 14 km from Wayanad, Vythiri which is located 18 km from Wayanad

Kozhikode has the nearest airport and railhead 90 kms away. Good roadways also allow for a long drive or a bus trip from Kozhikode or a any other South Indian city. Numerous taxis take off the travel anxiety.
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A blend of influences from Arab, Brahmin, Zamorin, and Chirakkal food cultures makes Wayanad a flavorsome hot-pot. The North of Wayanad is also popular for its Konkani fares. Some of the must try dishes here are Dum Biryani, Malabar paratha, Pathiri or rice bread, and ghee and saffron rice. You will also find popular items such as Ghee Roast Dosa, Appams and Idlis as well as Toddy, a locally fermented alcohol beverage made from palm tree and coconut palms.
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The temperature in Wayanad remains more or less constant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Wayanad is between October and May. These months covers the winter and the beginning of the summer season. During the monsoons, the hill station receives the right amount of rainfall and the wet and humid weather might not be something tourists would be crazy for. So it is not always recommended except for those who wouldn't mind the rains only to be amidst the beautiful hill station covered with a green carpet of dense trees.
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Wayanad is a perfect getaway for nature and wildlife lovers. It is also considered as a weekend getaway from the nearby cities such as Bangalore, Munnar, and Coimbatore. Wayanad is also an ideal destination for family trips.

Wayanad does not have its own airport or railway station and the nearest major airport and railway station is located approximately 100 km away from Wayanad, which makes this place a bit difficult to access.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary houses a huge variety of flora and fauna. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year. Wayanad offers a lot of easy-graded treks.