WAYANAD

WAYANAD :THE GREEN PARADISE

Being one of the most beautiful place in Kerala,received it's name from it's paddy feilds.The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields,vayal meaning field and nadu meaning land. Wayanad shares its boundary with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.It is situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the sea level.About 885.92.sq.km of area is under forest.It is in the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau. Part of the Western Ghats is in this district. Kalpetta is the capital of Wayanad.The Revenue division is Mananthavady. It consists of 3 Taluks (1) Vythiri, (2) Manathavady, and (3) Sulthan Bathery and 49 Revenue villages.

AGRICULTURE

The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal oriented.The main occupation of people in wayanad is agriculture.It is rich in spices.Wayanad is famous for its pepper,turmeric,cardamam.

TOURISM

Wayanad is a famous tourist spot. Chembra peak,near Meppadi, paves a way for adventurous trekking.The scenic beauty of Wayanad is visible from the top of the hill.The heart lake draws attention.It depicts the creativity of nature.It is the highest hill in wayanad.Trekking to the top of peak takes almost one day.

Edakkal cave is yet another tourist attraction in Ambukuthy mountain.It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural process.The carvins found in this cave is of historical importance.

Waterfalls:

1.Soochipara

This waterfall is a real treat to eyes.It is located near Meppadi and provides facilities for water rafting and swimming.

2.Meenmutty

It is an interesting 2km treck of Meppadi and is one of the largest waterfalls of Wayanad.

3.Kanthanpara

Situated near Meppadi,it is an ideal picnic spot.

Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is located near Karnataka border.Elephant,spotted deer,bison,tiger,cheetah,wild bear ,etc are foumd here.Likewise is Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary.

Kuruva Island covers evergreen forest and is on the tributaries of Kabani.The island is uninhabited,There are many rare species of birds and animals.It is beleived that there is a lamp that lights forever.

Pookode Lake is a natural fresh water lake in the shape of geographical map of India.There is aquarium and a green house.Boating facilities are also available.

Banasurasagar Dam,Lakkidi,Karapuzha Dam,Sunrise Valley,Neelimala view point  Wayanad heritage museum,Pakshipathalam ,Pazhassi Tomb,etc are some of the important tourist spots of Wayanad.

The Sita Devi temple situated at Pulpally of Wayanad is a famous religious attraction.This was constucted under the initiative of the king Pazhassi.