Wayanad, Kerala

       Wayanad stands asone of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. It is at a height of 700m to 2100 m above sea level. Wayanad's climate and geography make it ideal for the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber. Its pretty image not withstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing about this quaint little hill station is its large tribal population and their fascinating lifestyles. Including revered monarchs of barely fifty-strong tribes. Not surprisingly, based on evidences still found on these hills, historians contend that civilization existed in these parts at least a thousand years before Christ.  Trekkers would like to head for the Chembra peak which is highest peak in Wayanad at 2100 m above sea level. It is 14 km west of Kalpetta.

       With lofty mountain peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant vegetation besides the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south with its winding roads, almost thick forests, Lakkadi is one of the tourist spots in Wayanad. The beautiful natural fresh water Pookkot Lake, 3 km from Lakkadi, is wide and deep and is surrounded by evergreen hills and meadows. Boating facilities and Children's Park are managed by the District Tourism promotion council.

Accomodations:

• Hotel Haritha Giri,
  Emily Road, Kalpetta,
  Tel: 04936-2673
• Arun Tourist Home,
  Near municipal Bus Station,
  Tel : 04936-2039.

How to reach there:
The nearest airport is Calicut. Wayanad's headquarters Kalpetta is well connected by roads to Calicut, Ooty and Mysore.

What to see:
Edakkal Caves:
        The two rock caves at Ambukuthy Hills, 12 kms south of Sultan's Battery (travel time: 20min), contain ancient carvings and pictorial writings with human and animal figures in peculiar headdresses along with geometric forms and symbols. They speak of a highly civilized people at an early centre of human habitation.

Thirunelly:
        Sometimes called "Kasi of the south", is just 32 kms from Mananthavady (travel time: 1 hour). The eye-catching backdrop of Brahma-giri hills lend an idyllic charm to Thirunelly. One would marvel at the magnitude of the labour involved in the construction of the shrine shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground paved with huge square shaped granites. Near the temple is the "Papanasini", whose waters, according to religious belief can wash one's sins.

Muthanga wildlife sanctuary:is 16 km east of Sultan Battery is located very near to Karnataka border.

Glass Temple of Koottamunda:is 20 km from Kalpetta. Located on a slope of the Vellarimala hill, this temple is dedicated to Paraswanatha swami of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect in thousands of beautiful pattern the images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.

Mananthavady:
        Historically important as the last resting place of Pazhassirajah who fought a guerilla war against the British.

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