Wayanad
Wayanad District in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records.The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area.
Chembra Peak:
The
hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character
of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra
peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill
in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak
takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of
the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council
provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements
on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of
Chambra, is very exhilerating.
Edakkal Cave:
This
location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal
which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy
mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India
Antiquary and quoted in the District Gazette,
Kozhikode, it is only'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the
rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the
main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and
the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is
the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock,
weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of
it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent
human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These
carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and
inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of
Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Kuruva Island:
The
Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of
east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the
disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of
birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It
is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan
Bathery.
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:
Muthanga,
Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the
Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the
Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in
Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc.
are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for
providing elephant rides to tourists, here.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:
Muthanga,
Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the
Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the
Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in
Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc.
are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for
providing elephant rides to tourists, here.
