WAYANAD : NATURE'S ABODE
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. The district was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. About 885.92 sq.km of area of the district is under forest.[6] Wayanad has three municipal towns—Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery. Regarding geographical location, Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges and rugged terrain interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys. The place also enjoys a strategic location as the leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur are situated around this region.
Wayanad enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. The mean average rain fall in this district is 2322 m.m. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. Annual rain fall in these high rain fall areas ranges from 3,000 to 4,000m.m. High velocity winds are common during the south west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. At Ambalavayal in Wayanad, the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29oC and 18oC respectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity which goes even up to 95 percent during the south west monsoon period. Generally, the year is classifed into four seasons, namely, cold weather (December-February), hot weather (March-May), south west monsoon (June-September) and north east monsoon(October-November). The dale Lakkidi, nestled among the hills of Vythiri taluk, has the highest average rainfall in Kerala.
CLIMATE :
Wayanad enjoys a salubrious climate throughout the year. The mean average rain fall in this district is 2322 m.m. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. Annual rain fall in these high rain fall areas ranges from 3,000 to 4,000m.m. High velocity winds are common during the south west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. At Ambalavayal in Wayanad, the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29oC and 18oC respectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity which goes even up to 95 percent during the south west monsoon period. Generally, the year is classifed into four seasons, namely, cold weather (December-February), hot weather (March-May), south west monsoon (June-September) and north east monsoon(October-November). The dale Lakkidi, nestled among the hills of Vythiri taluk, has the highest average rainfall in Kerala.
PLACES TO VISIT :
- Banasura Sagar Dam :
At a distance of 22 km from Kalpetta, 21 km from Mananthavady, 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Wayanad and often represented in the promotion of Wayanad Tourism. About 1 km walk from the dam entrance will lead to the boating area which offers speed boating facility in the breathtaking backwaters of the dam. There are also Jeeps available that charge Rs. 100 per person to take visitors from entrance to the boating area. There is a small garden and children play area near the dam. This place is also famous for fish spa. Many people visit the place to go trekking at the Banasura Hill.
The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is from November to May. The dam is a place of great natural beauty. The dam is near Aruval, which is connected by few buses with Kalpetta.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Boating Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 60 for Adults, Rs. 30 for Children, Rs. 40 for Camera & Rs. 40 for Parking
Boating Fee: Rs. 900 for 5 persons (Speed Boat)
Soochipara Waterfalls or Sentinel Rock Waterfalls :
The Sentinel Rock, a huge rock which is about 200 meters in height, is ideal place for rock climbing. The route between Meppadi and Soochipara is lined up with beautiful tea estates with a breathtaking backdrop of Chembra Peak. The drive to Soochipara itself is a wonderful experience. There are few tree-top accommodation facilities provided by the forest department. One can have a spectacular view of the valleys of the Western Ghats from the tree-top hut.
Best time to visit Soochipara waterfall is during monsoon season as you can see the waterfall at its fullest. The waterfall would be mostly dry in summer season and usually closed for visitors from March to June.
Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 80 for Person & Rs. 50 for Camera.
Best time to visit Soochipara waterfall is during monsoon season as you can see the waterfall at its fullest. The waterfall would be mostly dry in summer season and usually closed for visitors from March to June.
Timings: 9 AM to 4.30 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 80 for Person & Rs. 50 for Camera.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :
Entry to the sanctuary is only permitted as part of a jeep safari. The forest department has arranged one hour jeep safari into the sanctuary from the entrance at Muthanga. This is an excellent option to remain safe as well as increase the chances of animal sighting. The tickets for Safari are issued at Forest office situated on main road. There is no advance booking for safari and the tickets are issued on first come first serve basis. Ensure you reach booking counter at least 30 minutes in advance.
The safaris are arranged in the morning and evening and only limited number of approved jeeps are allowed into the park. Only 40 jeeps in the morning and 20 jeeps in the evening are allowed for safari. After taking the entry fee for the sanctuary, jeep cost has to be paid outside while starting the safari. The jeeps run through a fixed trail in the forest and exit into the main road at different points. Elephants, Deers, Sambar, Mongoose & Peacocks are common wildlife spotted in the sanctuary while rare animals like Tiger are frequently sighted in the early morning safari.
The forest department maintains rest houses in the vicinity of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Sulthan Bathery is considered as the base for Muthanga Sanctuary and several accommodation options are available here.
The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from March to May.
Entry Fee: Rs. 110 for Adults, Rs. 40 for Children, Rs.300 for Foreigners, Rs. 38 for Camera & Rs. 225 for Video Cam,
Jeep Cost (1 hour): Rs. 600 for a maximum of 7 persons.
Safari Timings: 7 AM - 10 AM (40 Jeeps) and 3 PM - 5 PM (20 Jeeps)
- Chembra Peak :
The safaris are arranged in the morning and evening and only limited number of approved jeeps are allowed into the park. Only 40 jeeps in the morning and 20 jeeps in the evening are allowed for safari. After taking the entry fee for the sanctuary, jeep cost has to be paid outside while starting the safari. The jeeps run through a fixed trail in the forest and exit into the main road at different points. Elephants, Deers, Sambar, Mongoose & Peacocks are common wildlife spotted in the sanctuary while rare animals like Tiger are frequently sighted in the early morning safari.
The forest department maintains rest houses in the vicinity of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Sulthan Bathery is considered as the base for Muthanga Sanctuary and several accommodation options are available here.
The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from March to May.
Entry Fee: Rs. 110 for Adults, Rs. 40 for Children, Rs.300 for Foreigners, Rs. 38 for Camera & Rs. 225 for Video Cam,
Jeep Cost (1 hour): Rs. 600 for a maximum of 7 persons.
Safari Timings: 7 AM - 10 AM (40 Jeeps) and 3 PM - 5 PM (20 Jeeps)
- Chembra Peak :
Trekking to the Chembra Peak is a moderately difficult task and recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness. There is a heart shaped lake on the way to the top of the peak, which is believed to have never dried up, is a major tourist attraction here. Earlier, the trek used to be till Chembra peak. But, now visitors can only trek till the heart shaped lake.
The actual trek starts from the watchtower at the foot hill of Chembra Peak which is about 7 km from Meppadi. The trek entry point can be reached by private vehicles (jeeps) from Meppadi town. Visitors can get the permission from the entry gate itself. The peak is about 4 km one way and takes about 2 hours to trek (one way). A forest guide will be provided for each group near the entry point. Camping is not allowed on the peak.
Best time to trek the Chembra Peak is during the post monsoon time of November to February. Monsoon period should be avoided as the path to the peak can get very slippery and reaching the top, as well as the descent, might be difficult.
Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM (should come back before 4 PM)
Entry Fee: Rs. 750 for a group of 10 Indians & 1500 for a group of 5 Foreigners
The actual trek starts from the watchtower at the foot hill of Chembra Peak which is about 7 km from Meppadi. The trek entry point can be reached by private vehicles (jeeps) from Meppadi town. Visitors can get the permission from the entry gate itself. The peak is about 4 km one way and takes about 2 hours to trek (one way). A forest guide will be provided for each group near the entry point. Camping is not allowed on the peak.
Best time to trek the Chembra Peak is during the post monsoon time of November to February. Monsoon period should be avoided as the path to the peak can get very slippery and reaching the top, as well as the descent, might be difficult.
Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM (should come back before 4 PM)
Entry Fee: Rs. 750 for a group of 10 Indians & 1500 for a group of 5 Foreigners
FESTIVALS:
Our festivals celebrate the traditions passed down by our ancestors. Be it Onam, Eid or Christmas, all of Kerala rejoices with one spirit to bring the entire coastal State to life. From seeing mystical figures come to life during Theyyam performances to strolling across various churches and mosques where the lights and displays are at their best during perunnals and memorials, every nook and cranny of our State has something to offer to each traveller. Onam is the State festival which is celebrated by every household across the land. According to mythology, Mahabali was an Asura (demon) king who brought about peace and prosperity in the land. He makes his yearly rounds to check on his loyal subjects during the harvest festival of Onam. Malayalis invite him into their houses with aplomb to celebrate his homecoming and show him that the prosperity and contentment of his reign continues even to this day. Onasadya or vegetarian feasts with up to 60 separate dishes that are served are a highlight of this festival.
From religious occasions to festivals for specific deities, Kerala is home to a great heritage of festivals. The festivals of Kerala personify the very spirit and essence of the land and these experiences will be forever etched in your heart.
From religious occasions to festivals for specific deities, Kerala is home to a great heritage of festivals. The festivals of Kerala personify the very spirit and essence of the land and these experiences will be forever etched in your heart.
Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. A great place to spot wild elephants, cool breeze, beautiful scenery, Wayanad is guaranteed to please your travel senses. Overall, a perfect weekend idea from cities of South India. Plan your perfect weekend getaway only with TRIPGYANI.
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