State: Kerala
District: Wayanad
Famous for/as: Hill Station
Languages: Malayalam
Best Season: Oct - May
Weather: Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-32°C
Altitude: 2100 m
Pincode: 670xxx
STD code: 04936
Wayanad is a derivative of the term Vayal Nadu, where Vayal means Paddy fields and Nadu the land, comprising it to indicate a land of paddy fields. Wayanad is explicitly beautiful with mist clad mountains, intense forests and fertile green plantations. The forests of Wayanad are cosmic landmasses for animals to enjoy their natural dwelling.
Snuggled amidst the Western Ghats Mountains, Wayanad is one of the exquisite hill stations of Kerala. It is a revenue state due to foreign exchange of cash crops such as vanilla, tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and many other condiments. Wayanad shelters endangered species as it has an amazing range of flora and fauna. Wildlife aficionados and nature lovers will find Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries as the right place of visit. The place enjoys a pleasant climate the whole year.
Having an influential history, numerous evidences depicting new Stone Age civilization is seen on the Wayanad hills. Relicts and edicts are found in this place emphasizing the prehistoric epoch. According to the history, Wayanad was ruled by the Veda tribes, it was then taken by Pazhassi Rajas, and later Hyderali conquered Wayanad. When Tipu took over, he handed it to British. It was the British who introduced cash crops, laid roads and developed Wayanad significantly.
The prominent festivals such as Onam, Maha shivaratri and Vishu display eternal harmony. Rice, rasam, sambhar, poricha kootu, moru kootan, avvial, pal payasam, and many more items make their food a classy food.
by Afia Ahmad on Dec 24, 2010 Hill stations of Kerala are known for their cool climate, verdant tea and spice gardens and plethora of natural attractions. Take a hill station tours of Kerala &enjoy some of the exotic place that can be rightfully claimed to be nature's best kept secret
by Afia Ahmad on Dec 24, 2010 The beautiful state of Kerala is blessed with exotic jungles turned into wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that foster some of the best species in the world. Plan a wildlife tour of Kerala and explore some of the great wildlife hubs
by Afia Ahmad on Dec 23, 2010 Kerala is a beautiful state in India, very popular for its honeymoon destinations. All the newly married couple are invites to plan their honeymoon here and enjoy some of the most romantic honeymoon holidays take away the best of memories.
History
Wayanad, has been a powerful seat of the Vedic Tribes during the pre historic times. Historians claimed that the city has a long history that can be traced back to even ten centuries before Christ. Various evidences like the caves of Ampukuthimala, relate the city to have been present since the beginning of the New Age Civilization.
The recorded history of the city can be dated back to 18th century when the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty ruled the city. Then, the city fell into the hands of the erstwhile King, Hyder Ali. During the reign of Tipu Sultan, the city was handed back to Kottayam Royal dynasty.
After the truce of Srirangapatna, Tipu Sultan handed over the control of the Malabar region to the British. As a result, a fierce battle was fought between the British and the Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam. Though the king fled but he continued guerilla fights against the British, till his death.
The British hence ruled the city of Wayanad till India’s independence in 1947. After the formation of Kerala in 1956, Wayanad was declared to be a part of the Kannur district. Later, it was added in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. For proper development of the people and city, the northern and southern part of Wayanad were brought together and merged as the present district of Wayanad on 1st of November, 1980.
Travel within city
Wayanad has many local travel options that one can choose from. Like other parts of Kerala, government bus services are numerous in this city. Travelers can also opt for local auto rickshaws and cabs. The nearest airport as well as the railhead is at Kozhikode. Cab services from Kozhikode to Wayanad are also available.
Taxi
Many of the hotels in the city have arrangements with the local cabs and taxi services. These are usually mini vans or small cars. They may not be comfortable but they are cheap and quick way to get around the city. They cost approximately Rs 100 for short trips in the city center while for longer trips they may charge per km which is usually around Rs 13 per km. However, the rates can be negotiated and taxi drivers usually reduce the prices after bargaining.
Rented Cycle
Other local travel options include hiring cycles on an hourly basis. They are cheap and a good way to travel around the city. Cycles cost around Rs 50 per hour and the climate makes it an ideal way to travel around the city. However, they may not be available after dark and can be used only for short distances.
Food
Wayanad has decent options of eating as well. Most of the restaurants are located inside the resorts and remain open from morning till 11 in the night. The in-house resorts are mostly multi-cuisine and offer various vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options at a moderate price. Nice Cafe located on the highway to Kalapetta, offer quick snacks and drinks at a cheap price.
Shopping
This beautiful town also boasts of a few local shops selling variety of things. The most indispensable item tourists should not miss purchasing includes spices and handicrafts made from coconut shells, ivory, canes, wood and metals. Wayanad is equally popular for its handlooms. There are not many shops per say and most of the souvenirs can be bought from the local vendors who are lined up near the famous attractions of the region.
Planning to visit wyanad oon 28th april 12, Would like to hire a car and 1 night accomadation ...... would any one guide us through the location and charges .. mob 9632602768
