HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

Wayanad is situated in the Kerala border at a distance of about 15 km from Calicut in Kerala.Wayanad, the most verdant place is fully covered with green growth and is enriched with plantations, forests and wildlife.Wayanad, uncorrupted by civilization and pollution has lot to talk about its history and cutlure.It is an integral part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and was established in the year 1973.

Wayanad is also rich in elephant population and it got the famous title pf Project Elephant site of India in the year 1992.It is a wonderful place where you can experience the rich bio-diversity of the region. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of deciduous forest. The term Wayanad literally means 'land of swamps'. It attracts a lot of tourists every year for it is rich in scenic beauty and the variety of flora and fauna.

RIENTATION

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of about 18 km east of Sultan Bathery.This sanctuary extends into two regions of Kerala namely Cannanore in the north and Calicut in the South.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit Wayand Wildlife sanctuary is between the months of June to October.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

The Flora

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is dominated more by lush moist deciduous forests and a portion of a small area here and there with semi evergreen forests. The sanctuary has more of teak forests and marshes with thick bamboo groves and other tall grasses. The other floral occupants of this forest are Maruthu, Karimarithi, Rosewood, Venteak, Vengal, Chadachi, Mazukanjirarn to Veteria indica, Lagerstroemia, Lanceolta, Terminalia Paniculata.

Reptiles

Among reptiles snakes of different species and Monitor Lizards are quite common in this area.

Birds

It gives an innumerable pleasure to watch the sight of beautiful birds like Peacock, Babblers, Cuckoos, Owl, Woodpecker and Jungle Fowl.

Fauna

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to a number of wild animals like Asian Elephants, Leopards, Tigers, Guar (Indian Bison), Giant Squirrels, Jungle Cats, Civet Cat, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Dogs, Deer etc.The sight of a tiger is quite common in the Bio-reserve areas of Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla.The view of these gigantic huge elephants is great is great and splendid for the tourists coming here.

Edakkal caves

Findings from the archeology department say that Edakkal cave has took part in various stages of history. This place which is situated in Ambukuthi mala at an altitude of about 1000 mts is 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery.The walls of these caves shows evidences of civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.

Chembra peak

A trek to the Chembra peak is quite thrilling and very adventourous.This is the highest point in Wayand at about 2100m.high above mean sea level. It takes almost a day to trek up this peak and it is not possible to return back immediately. Though there are no hotels over here for accommodation, the tourism department arranges for temporary camps with sleeping bags, canvass huts trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists. The moment you are up in this peak it takes of all your tiredness. There is a small lake here in this peak which is always blessed with water even in peak summers. Also all through your way up to the peak you are accompanied by the whispering of the flowing spring which sprouts from the top of the hill. It you are lucky you might also come across some wild animals like leopard.

The Glass Temple

The Glass Temple at a distance of about 45 km from Wayanad is situated in Koottamunda and the presiding deity here is Parswanatha Swami. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple are reflected in a thousand beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls.

Jeep Safari

Jeep safaris are undertaken during the early morning hours till evening. A forest department guide is always their with the visitors on these jeep trips taken inside the park. There is a fixed entry and exit time into the forest. The Jeep Safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary takes you through the open grasslands, ruins of Wilderness and other forested areas where you can spot wild animals near these places.

Shopping

On your visit to Wayanad never fail to buy the spices for which the state is famous.Wayanad is also known craft items made of specially coconut shells, ivory, canes, wood and metals. Cane furniture is noted in this region. The handicraft and handloom products of this city are a good bought that one can get as a memorandum for visiting the city. Above all never miss to buy the Kathakali mask.

Eat outs

1.Hotel Pankaj and Haritagiri - Malabar Food
2.Green Gates
3.New Form Restaurant – Malabar style Biryani
4.Kuruva Restaurant – Traditional Malabar Food
5.Rain County – Authentic Keralite Cuisine.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Kozhikode airport is located at a distance of about 25 km from the centre of the city. Kozhikode is well connected by air to Mumbai, Bangalore, Coimbatore,Goa, Madurai and Chennai.

By Trains

The Kozhikode railway station is located south of the Manachira Square. The city is well connected by train to important places like Mangalore, Ernakulam,Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa and Mumbai.

By Road

Kozhikode is well linked with various destinations in Kerala and beyond. National Highway 17 links Kozhikode with the rest of the cities in Kerala and neighboring states.