Wayanad
The soul of nature
STD Code +91 4935, 4936
Access by Road only
Closest Airport
Calicut International Airport
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Tall trees rising up from hills, as if in a deep urge to
touch the clouds. Soul-filling natural beauty. The thick
green canopy of trees. Mist laced mountains. Deep
valleys where nature conjures up its magic. Forests
and wildlife. Wynad is truly the soul of Nature.
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The 12th district of Kerala, Wynad was in these parts for at least ten centuries Varma Kutumbiya Kulavardhanasya li..
formed in the year 1980. The region before Christ. Much evidence of New it..a..’. As per Hultzch, an epigraphist from
was known as Mayakshetra (The abode Stone Age civilisation can be seen in the department of epigraphy, Madras, it
of Maya) in the earliest records. It is the hills throughout the present day speaks of the glorious descendant of Ku-
believed that Mayakshetra evolved into Wayanad district. Recorded history of tumbiya clan, Kannada chieftain, Vishnu
Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. The this district is available from the 18th Varma, as one who killed many tigers
Folk etymology of the word says it is a century. In ancient times, this land was
combination of Vayal (paddy field) and ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. The Gangas:
Naad (land), making it ‘The Land of
The Kutumbiyas: The recorded history of this district exists
Paddy Fields’. True to this version of the
only from the 10th century onward. In
story, there are many indigenous rice va-
The two caves of Ampukuthimala 930 AD, emperor Ereyappa of Ganga
rieties here. It is set high on the Western
(Edakal Caves) in Sulthan Bathery, with Dynasty led his troops to the south west
Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to
pictures on their walls and pictorial of Mysore - an invasion to the prosperous
2100 m.
writings, speak volumes of a bygone kingdom he had heard of from traders
According to archaeological evidence, civilisation. At the foot of the Edakal Male and Jain monks. Mission accomplished
the Wayanad forests have been inhabit- (hill) caves, Kannada inscriptions belong- and he called the conquered kingdom
ed for more than 3,000 years. Historians ing to Kutumbiya clan of Mysore dating ‘Bayalnad’ meaning the land of swamps.
opinion that human settlement existed to c. 500 CE were discovered which read After Ereyappa, his sons Rachamalla and
- ‘Palapulitaanamtakaari’, ‘Sri Vishnu Battunga (or Butuga) fought each other
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for the new kingdom of their father’s by the treaty of 1792. Consequently, the
legacy. Rachamalla was killed and British troops withdrew from Wayanad
Battunga became the undisputed ruler conceding to Tipu’s rule. In 1799, after
of Bayalnad. the fall of Sultan, the British handed over
Wayanad by the treaty of 1799 to the
The Kadmabas: Raja of Mysore. But by a supplementary
treaty dated 29 December 1803 the East
In the 11th century AD, Gangas were
India Company repossessed Wayanad
dethroned from Bayalnad by Kadamba
and thereafter administrated by Col.
dynasty of North Canara. Wayanad was
Arthur Wellesley from Srirangapatna and
at that time divided into two portions
North Wayanad came under the rule of
- Bira Bayalnad and Chagi Bayalnad.
the Pazhassi Raja dynasty of ancient
One of the Mysore inscriptions, alluding
Kottayam.
perhaps to the treacherous beauty of the
country, compares the land with a wom- Pazhashi Raja:
an who ensnares, as the place was then
notorious for contagious diseases like In later days, Wayanad came under the
malaria. Kadamba Bayalnad emerged rule of the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam
as a rule in the 11th century under their royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became
chief Raviyammarasa with Kirttipura in the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad
Punnad their capital. Kanthirava (1090 and brought it under his sway. In the
CE) was described as ruling Chagi-Bayal- days of Tipu, Wayanad was restored to
nad. Iravi-Challamma (1108 CE) was the the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu
ruler of Bira-Bayalnad. handed over the entire Malabar region
to the British, after the Srirangapattana
The Hoysalas: truce. This was followed by fierce and in-
ternecine encounters between the British
In 1104 AD Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala
and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kot-
invaded Bayalnad followed by Vi-
tayam. When the Rajah was driven to the
jayanagara dynasty in the 14th century.
wilderness of Wayanad, he organised the
A Kadamba king, Mukkanna-Kadamba
war-like Kurichiya tribals into a sort of
ruled Bayal-nad in and around 1138 CE.
people’s militia and engaged the British
The Vijayanagara empire: in several guerrilla encounters.
A feudatory chieftain of Sangama dynas- In the end, the British could get only
ty of Vijaynagar, Immadi Kadamba Raya the dead body of the Rajah, who killed
Vodeyayya of Bayalnad Kadambas, is himself somewhere inside the forest.
said to have ruled Bayalnad. Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of the
British and with it came a new turn in the
The Mysore Wodeyars and the Sultans: home of this area. The British authorities
opened up the plateau to the cultivation
In 1610 AD Udaiyar Raja Wadiyar of of tea and other cash crops by construct-
Mysore drove out Vijayanagara General ing roads across the dangerous slopes of
and became the ruler of Bayalnad and Wayanad, to Kozhikode and Thalassery.
the Nilgiris. Bayalnad is the present Later, they extended these new roads to
Wayanad. When Wayanad was under the cities of Mysore and Ooty through
Hyder Ali’s rule, the ghat route from Gudalur. Settlers emigrated from all parts
Vythiri to Thamarassery was discovered of Kerala and the fertile lands proved
and a road was constructed. Then goldmine with incredible yields of cash
the British rulers developed this route crops. Agriculture Cultivation started
which came to be known as Carter road. broadly after 1900 A.D onwards.
When Wayanad was under Tipu Sultan’s
rule British invasion started. Tussle and Wayanad eventually became part of Ker-
turbulent times followed. The British ala despite its geographical delimitations
claimed Wayanad under the 1792 treaty and political descent in 1956 on State’s
of Srirangapatna citing it was part of reorganisation. Even now there is a con-
Malabar. Tipu Sultan went in appeal siderable Kannada speaking population
before the Governor General. Consid- and the reminiscence of centuries old
ering his arguments, relying on the Karnataka rule is evident in Wayanad.
successive Karnataka rule for centuries in When the State of Kerala came into being
Wayanad and its geographical detach- in November 1956, Wayanad was part of
ment from Malabar, in 1798, Governor Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad
General Lord Mornington declared by was added to Kozhikode district. To fulfil
proclamation[16] that Wayanad had not the aspirations of the people of Wayanad
been ceded to the East India Company for development, North Wayanad and
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South Wayanad were carved out and
Places of interest the other portion of the large cleft, an
joined together to form the present dis-
enormous rock, weighing several tonnes,
trict of Wayanad. This district came into Edakkal Cave has fallen forming a roof over a large part
being on 1 November 1980 as one the
of it.
twelve districts of Kerala,[17]consisting Breathtakingly beautiful, Edakkal Caves
of three taluks; Vythiri, Mananthavady, is located about 3 kms from Ambalavay- The rock wall contains some interesting
and Sulthan Bathery. al, a village situated about 25 kms from carvings, which represent human and
the town of Kalpetta. Occupying the animal figures and objects of human use
Relishing Wynad scenic best of the Ambukuthy mountain, and symbols. These carvings speak of a
Wynad remains ensconced in the glori- highly civilized people who lived during
Edakkal isn’t exactly a cave, as the name
ous beauty of nature. Refreshing green- pre-historic age, a fact which inspires the
suggests. It is a cleft about 96ft. long and
ery, abounding wildlife, and the sedate archaeologists and historians to rewrite
22ft wide in the rock’. It is a fissure along
village life and the serenity make Wynad the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a
the corner of rock split off from the main
the best place for those who seek slow whole.
body due to some natural course. The
pace of life and tranquility. Majestic hills, depth of both the cleft and the fissure Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
rolling valleys, the heady fragrance of is about 30 ft. What makes a cave to
coffee flowers and spell-binding natural the ordinary observer is the fact that in The Sanctuary is located very near to
beauty make Wynad a haven for tourists.
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the Karnataka border. It consists of deep
forests spread along 354 sq.km. Muthan-
ga is about 16 kms. east of Sulthan
Bathery. Muthanga wild life sanctuary
is 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
provides elephant rides for tourists
Pakshipathalam
Situated in the Brahmagiri Hills of
Thirunelli, Pakshipathalm is a real chal-
lenge for those who seek adventure. To
reach Pakshipathalam one has to trek 17
kms through thick forests.The deep rock
caves, formed among the thick blocks
of rocks at the northern top end of the
Brahmagiri, are the abode of various
birds and wild beasts.
Special permission has to be obtained
from Forest Department to go to Pak-
shipathalam. District Tourism Promotion
Council arranges vehicle, guides, camp-
ing equipments, etc. to the tourists.
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Named after the great Pazhassi Raja, who
fought a long guerilla war against the
tyranny of the British and later became
a martyr. The tomb stands mute witness
and silently reminds the life of sacrifice
of the Raja, who fought for the rights and
freedom of the people of his land.
Pookot Lake
A natural fresh water lake, bordered with
ever green mountains which rise tall to
touch the clouds. The weather here is
cool. The scenic beauty of the unspoilt
nature is absolutely bewitching. Pookot
lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most
sought after tourist spot of Wayanad.
Boating facilities are also available.
Lakkidi
One of the highest locations in Wayanad,
Lakkidi entices a traveller with a pictur-
esque scenery. It is about 5 kms. south of
Vythiri., Lakkidi is known as the gate way
of Wayanad, and occupies the highest
spot of Thamarassery, a ghat road at an
elevation of 700 m. above sea level.
The mighty mountain peaks, the
babbling mountain streams, abundant
greenery make the place alluring for
tourists. The place gives a magnificent
view of the deep valley on the south,
with its winding roads, are breath taking.
The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram
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to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine Soochippara Waterfalls the glimmering shallow waters of the
hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a surrounding springs.
fascinating experience. The waterfalls at Soochippara near
Meppadi is virtually a magic conjured up Banasura sagar Dam
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls by of nature. The stretches of water-
falls ranging at places from 100 to 300 This is the largest earth dam in India.
This waterfall is at Vellarimala village feet height is a real feast the eyes. The The topography here is such that many
near Chooralmala in Meppadi pancha- pool below, provides for water rafting, islands will be formed in the upstream
yat. A picnic spot as well as a trekking swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top of the dam when the dam is full. These
centre, the sentinel rock, which is more huts at Soochippara give an unique view islands with the background of the Bana-
than 200 m.in height, is ideal for rock of the valleys of the Western Ghats and sura hill will provide a hypnotising sight
climbing. to tourists.
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Issac’s The Resort, Sultan Bathery, Wayanad – 673592.
Tel: +91 4936 220510 / 511, Email: issacstheresort@gmail.com
www.issacstheresort.com
Hotels & Resorts Karapuzha Village Resort, Pakkom, Wayanad – 673122
Tel: +91-4936-249557, Email: karapuzhavillageresort@gmail.com
www.karapuzhavillageresort.com
Adithya Nature Resort & Spa, Vythiri, Wayanad – 673576 Mount Xanadu, Ambalavayal, Wayanad – 673593. Tel: +91 8606310202,
Tel: +91 484 6999996, Email: reservations@adithyanature.com Email: info@mountxanadu.com www.mountxanadu.com
www.adithyanature.com
Orchard Holidays Resort, Lakkidi, Wayanad – 673576
Banasura Hill Resort, Manandhavadi, Wayanad – 670731 Tel: +91 9746458955, Email: info@orchardholidayresort.com
Tel: +91-484-2628803, Mob: +91-9539701353, Email: ask@banasura.com www.orchardholidayresort.com
www.banasura.com
Pepper Grove, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad – 673592
Banasura Island Resort, Padinjarathara, Wayanad – 673575 Tel: +91-4936-221900, Email: marketingmanager@ktdc.com
Tel: +91-9495553311, Email: info@banasuraisland.com www.ktdc.com
www.banasuraisland.com
Pepper Trail, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad - 673592. Tel: +91 9562277000.
Blue Ginger Resort, Vythri P O, Wayanad – 673576 Mob: + 91 9744777999, Email: reservations@peppertrail.in
Tel: +91-4936-329302, Email: sales@bluegingerresorts.com www.peppertrail.in
www.bluegingerresorts.com
Petals Resort , Pozhuthana Via, Wayanad – 673575
Crescent Residency, Sultan bathery, Wayanad – 673592. Tel: +91-4936-250319, Email: gm@petalsresorts.com
Tel: +91 4936 221800 / 265200, Email: mail@crescentresidency.com www.petalsresorts.com
www.crescentresidency.com
Planet Green Plantation Resort, Kalpetta Wayanad 673121.
Exodus Hotels, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673121. Tel: +91-4936-202838, Tel: +91 9632823133, Email: reservations@planetgreenresorts.com
Email: info@bestwesternplusekobarn.com www.planetgreenresorts.com
www.bestwesternplusekobarn.com
Rain Country Resorts, Lakkidi P.O., Wayanad – 673576
Edakkal Hermitage, Ambalavayal P.O., Wayanad – 673591 Tel: +91-495-2511997 – 9. Mob: +91-9946487771 – 4
Tel: Tel:+91-4936-260123. , Email: info@edakkal.com Email: resorts@raincountryresort.com www.raincountryresort.com
www.edakkal.com
Seagot Banasura Resort & Villas, Padinjarathara, Wayanad – 673575.
Greenex Farms, Chundale , Wayanad . 673123. Tel: +91 9645091512, Tel: +91-4936-317858. Mob: +91-944707001, Email: seagot@gmail.com
Email: contact@greenexfarms.com www.greenexfarms.com www.seagotbanasura.com
Green Gates Hotel, Kalpetta North, Wayanad – 673122 Silverwoods Resorts, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673575
Tel: +91-4936-202001-04, Email: info@greengateshotel.com Tel: +91-4936-273310-12, Email: bookings@wayanadsilverwoods.com
www.greengateshotel.com www.wayanadsilverwoods.com
Haritagiri Hotel & Ayuvedic Village, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673121 Sunrise Valley Resort, Vaduvanchal P.O., Wayanad – 673581
Tel: +91-4936-203145 – 48, Email: info@hotelharitagiri.com Tel: +91-4936-217270, Email: info@sunrisevalleywayanad.com
www.hotelharitagiri.com www.sunrisevalleywayanad.com
Hiliya Resort, Near Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Tel: +91 4936 277575, Tamarind KTDC Easy Hotel, Thirunelly Temple P O, Wayanad - 670646.
Email: info@hiliyaresort.com www.hiliyaresort.com Tel: +91-471-2721243, 2721245, Email: marketingmanager@ktdc.com
www.ktdc.com
Hotel Great Jubliee, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad – 673592.
Tel: +91-4936-222008 ; 223008, Email: info@hotelgreatjubilee.in The Hill District Club, Meenangadi PO Wayanad - 673 591
www.hotelgreatjubilee.in Tel: +91 04936224399. Mob: +91 99463 83732
Email: info@hilldistrictclub.com www.hilldistrictclub.com
Hotel Issac’s Regency, Sultan Bathery, Wayanad – 673592
Tel: +91-4936-220512, 320055, Email: issacshotelregency@gmail.com The Kallat Hotel, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673122. Tel: +91 4936 203333.
www.issacsregency.com Mob: +91 9544 203333, Email: reservations@kallatresorts.com
www.thekallathotel.com
Hotel Mint Flower, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
Tel: +91-4936-227181/182, Email: info@hotelmintflower.com The Meenmutty Heights, Chellangodu P.O, Wayanad – 673581
www.hotelmintflower.com Tel: +91-9349892255, 9656056215, Email: meenmutty@gmail.com
www.meenmuttyheights.com
Hotel Mount Avenue, Ambalavayal, Wayanad – 673593
Tel: +91 4936 260855, Email: info@hotelmountavenue.com The Morning Mist, Mananthawadi, Wayanad. Tel: +91 4935 256000,
www.hotelmountavenue.com Email: info@themorningmist.com www.themorningmist.com
Hotel Sheelisach Inn, Sultan Bathery, Wayanad. Tel: +91 4936 223655 / The Windflower Resort & Spa, Vythiri Taluk, Wayanad Dst. – 673575.
224655, Email: reservations@sheelisach.com www.sheelisach.com Tel: +91-9895226611, Email: fom.vythiri@thewindflower.com
www.thewindflower.com
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The Woods Resort, Wayanad. Tel: +91 9446053040 / 80 Glenora Homestay, Vaduvanchal P.O, Wayanad – 673581
Email: info@breakouthotels.com www.breakouthotels.com Tel: +91-4936-217550, 217450, Email: mail@glenorahomestay.com
www.glenorahomestay.com
Upavan Resort, Lakkidi, Wayanad – 673576. Tel: +91-4936-255272,
255372, Email: info@upavanresort.com www.upavanresort.com Homestay Misty, Ammayippalam, Sulthan Bathery
Vistara Resort, Ambalavayal, Wayanad – 673591. Tel: +91-9072111299, Kallat Hotels & Resorts, Kalpetta North, Wayanad – 673121
9447204654, Email: vistararesort@gmail.com www.vistararesort.com Tel: +91-4936-203333, Email: reservations@kallatresorts.com
www.kallatresorts.com
Vythiri Resort, Lakkidi P.O, Wayanad – 673576. Tel: +91-4936- 256800/
255366, Email: vythiri@lezeldor.com www.vythiriresort.com Koroth Homestay, Malamkolly Road P O Vaduvanchal
Vythiri Village, Vythiri P.O., Wayanad – 673576. Tel: +91-4936-256716, Kudajadri Drizzle, Kaniyambetta – 673122. Tel: +91 4936 286840
Email: info@vythirivillage.com www.vythirivillage.com Mob: +91 9946354511, Email: kudajadri@ymail.com
Wayanad Cliff, Kalpetta, Wayanad. Tel: +91 9446053040 / 80 Love Nest Homestay, Vazhappilly Vaduvanchal
Email: info@breakouthotels.com www.breakouthotels.com
Misty Mount, Payyampally P. O.- 670646. Tel: +91 4635 215679
Wayanad gate Resort, Kattikkulam, Wayanad. Tel: +91 4935 250005 / 7, Email: countypep@gmail.com www.mistymount.com
Email: mail@wayanadgateresort.com www.wayanadgateresort.com
Mountain Dew Homestay, Karuna, PO Eachome, Velambukandam
Well Being Resorts, Vythiri, Wayanad – 673575. Tel: +91 9810775190, Tel: +91 4936 230433. Mob: +91 9495338008
Email: gm@wellbeingresorts.net www.wellbeingresorts.net Email: sanjukbhargav@gmail.com
Wynberg Resorts, Meppadi Via, Wayanad – 673121 Namaha Homestay, Rippon P.O.
Tel: +91-4936-320630. Mob: +91-9744541203, Email: info@wynberg.in
www.wynberg.in Nest Homestay, Namattathil, Manjoora Thariyode
Olive Homestay, Kalpetta. Tel: +91 9447358118
Email: oliveshomestay@gmail.com www.oliveshomestay.com
Tour Operators Pepper Trail, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad – 673592. Tel: +91-9744777999,
Email: reservations@peppertrail.in www.peppertrail.in
Muddyboots Vacations India LLP, Wayanad – 673121. Pepper Villa, Near St. Catherin’s HSS, Payyampally – 670646
Tel: +91-9544201249, +44-7826728707, Email: info@muddyboots.in Tel: +91 9496658606, Email: peppervillahomestay@gmail.com
www.muddyboots.in www.peppervilla.com
Pragathi, Wayanad Coffee County, Chundale P O, Wayanad – 673123.
Tel: +91-4936-201444, +91-9605788775, 9447595900
Email: menon.mrg@gmail.com, www.wayanadcoffeecounty.com
Homestays Prakrithi Heights Homestay, Sree Vardha Karani P.O
Adithi Homestay, Panamaram P.O. Pranavam Homestays, Pozhuthana P.O, Wayanad – 673575
Tel: +91-9544201249, Email: pranavam@muddyboots.in
Amaryllis, Wayanad – 673593. Tel: +91-4936-260082 www.pranavamretreat.com
Mob: +91-9847865824, Email: info@amarylliskerala.com
www.amarylliskerala.com Sreepadam, Panamaram P. O. Tel: +91 9446255698
Annapara Home Stay, Vythiri, Wayanad - 673 576. Tel: +91 94430 Tranquil, Kolagappara P.O., Wayanad – 673591. Tel: +91-4936-220244,
23320 / +91 94430 69697, Email: annaparahomestay@gmail.com Email: tranquil@satyam.net.in www.tranquilresort.com
www.annaparahomestay.com
Valley View Avenue Homestay, Kanthanppara Rippon P O, Kalpetta
Aranyakam Homestay, Mepadi – 673577. Tel: +91-4936-280261 ; Tel: +91 4936 280550. Mob: +91 9349423910
Mob:+91-9447781203, Email: stay@aranyakam.com Email: valleyviewavenue2007@gmail.com
www.aranyakam.com www.valleyviewavenue.com
Best Homestay, Fathima Hospital Pinangode Road, Kalpetta Whispering Woods, Vaduvanchal P O - 673581
Cheeral Green Homestay, Cheeral P O Via. Sultan’s Bathery – 673595.
Tel: +91 493 6263111, Email: somanpwayanad@hotmail.com
www.cheeralgreenhomestay.com
Chinco Circle Hospitality, Meppadi, Wayanad – 673578
Ayurveda
Tel: +91-9847091222, Email: info@cwoods.in, www.cwoods.in
Ayurkendra, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673577. Tel: +91-4936-203953
County Pep Holiday Home, Muringappally Payyampally – 670646 Mob: +91-9447183953, 9446647747, Email: mail@ayurkendra.com
Tel: +91 9447494165 / 8606379383 www.ayurkendra.com
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