Wayanad District, in the north-east of Kerala , India , was formed on November 1 1980. The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'. It is bounded on the east by Nilgigris and Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively, on the north by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram and on the west by Kozhikode and Kannur.

Places of Interes :-

Chembra Peak: the highest hill in Wayanad at 2100 meters, is located 17 kms from Kalpetta and 42 kms from Sultan Bathery.The hills, rocks and valleys provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor. 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. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience.

Edakkal Cave: The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta and 12 Kms from Sultan Bathery.. is not a cave in the real sense. 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 tones, 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.

Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on one of 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.

Lakkidi: 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 gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level. The lofty mountain peaks, the gorging 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 Karnataka border is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. It is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103kms.) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123kms.)in Tamil Nadu. 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, cheetah, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.

Pakshipathalam: Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storied buildings. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometers have to be covered through wild forest. 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 Pakshipathalam.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb: is located 35 kms from Kalpetta and 42 kms from Sulthan Bathery. Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam royal family was one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British over lordship in this part of India. There is a good aquarium here. Coin-operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organized ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

Pookot Lake: is 15 kms from Kalpetta and 40 kms from Sultan Bathery. It is a natural fresh water lake, set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotizing and the nature, unspoiled. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three kms.south of Vythiri.

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls: is 23 kms from Kalpetta and 43 kms from Sultan Bathery located at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat . It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m. height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic is a distance of 22 kms from Kalpetta and 23 kms from Sultan Bethery.

Meenmutty Falls: is located 29 kms from Kalpetta and 28 kms from Sultan Bathery is an interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty Road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.

Soochippara Waterfalls: The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Banasura sagar Dam: is the largest earth dam in India, is located 24 kms from Kalpetta about 34 kms from Manathvadi.. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists.

Weather and Best Time to Visit :

Wayanad district in Kerala has a pleasant climate for most parts of the year. The maximum and minimum temperatures are generally 35º C and 18º C respectively. Wayanad can be visited round the year except during the monsoon JUN-SEP, June to September. Getting there:

Vythiri

When to visitThe best period to visit Vythiri is the rainy JUN-SEP as the place gives a splendorous look in the rainy JUN-SEP during May-September. It is drier and slightly cooler from October to March.

Vythiri is a very exotic and picturesque place located in the Sylvan Northern High Ranges of Kerala in Wayanad District .It is known for its comfortable, refreshing and pollution free environment. Vythiri is the only hill station resort of its kind in Kerala. Situated at an altitude of about 3750-4500 ft above sea level it spreads over an area of about 150 sq km, eco-friendly and designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style. Vythiri is world famous for its evergreen rain forests and plantations of coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper.

Tourist Activities

The main attraction for the tourists in Vythiri is undoubtedly its unique adventurous and kind of its own in the world are Tree Houses, houses built on trees above 90 ft from the ground in the tropical rainforest, to explore exceptional beauty of the region. The abundance of flora and fauna, which can be found amidst the landscape, is characterized by its great bio-diversity. As you enter into the forest following its natural pathways, you can find numerous beauty spots and a spectacular view of the valley below. You can spend a long time just sitting in your lounge on the balcony, experiencing one of the most privileged views in the rainforest, especially at sunset. You can also spot a Malabar squirrel, whistling thrush, or even a Nilgiri langur.

Other major attraction for the tourists is passing through the long Rope bridges hanging over streams.

Local Attractions

Tree Houses: The tree houses of Vythiri are a truly amazing place to stay. Here you can experience a memorable stay in wooden lodges high up about 90 ft on trees in the evergreen forests of Kerala. These houses of bring you closer to the pleasant natural environment of tropical. While staying in the tree houses in Vythiri, you wake up to the chirping of birds and exotic smell of nature. Mist capped mountains and breathtaking scenery dominate other tourist attractions.