Wayanad is a northern district of Kerala (Southernmost state of India), was formed on 1 Nov 1980 as the 12th district. Wayanad, the land of spices lies between North 11˚ 27΄ and 15˚ 58΄ and east 75˚ 47΄ and 70˚ 27΄ at an altitude of 700-2100 meters above MSL, with Karnataka and Tamilnadu states as its borders. Wayanad, blessed with beautiful landscapes, lake, waterfalls, historic places, wildlife and picturesque mountains, is on the Western Ghats in north Kerala. The district HQ of Wayanad is Kalpetta, which is 80 km away from Calicut city. Other major towns are Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady.
The name Wayanad is believed to be derived from ‘Vayal nadu’, which means ‘Paddy Fields’. Wayanad was ruled by Vedar Rajas in the ancient days and later it came under the rule of ‘Pazhassi Raja’ of Kottayam Royal Dynasty. Wayanad came into being on 01 Nov 1980 by merging North Wayanad, then a part of Cannanore district and South Wayanad, which was a part of Calicut district.
One of the indigenous characteristics of Wayanad is the adivasi population of Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans etc. Wayanad has the first position among the districts of Kerala, in terms of percentage of Adivasi population. Among the total inhabits of this beautiful land a major chunk is settlers came from different parts of Kerala and some parts of Karnataka. There is a fair representation of Hindu, Christian and Muslim religions, while there is a good percentage of Jain community as well.
Wayanad has a comfortable climate all throughout the year. The minimum and maximum temperature ranges from 18˚C to 34˚C. Wayanad climate has mainly four seasons:
Summer (Mar – May): The season is comparatively hotter, but most of the tourist places are very comfortable and cool with gentle breeze.
South West Monsoon (Jun to Mid Sep): Rainy season in Wayanad, however, monsoon activities in Wayanad like “Splash” brings in lot of tourists to Wayanad.
North East Monsoon (Mid Sep to Mid Nov): Regular rains are not experienced, but, unpredictable slight rains occur.
Mild Winter (Mid of Nov to Feb): Colder season of wayanad. Mornings and evenings are generally chilly. During day it becomes slightly warmer and comfortable. Best season for visiting Wayanad is from the mid of Sep to Mid of May.t Travelers come down to Wayanad even in Jun – Jul to experience the Monsoon of Wayanad. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi receive the highest rainfall in the district.
Reaching Wayanad is very easy by road from Calicut, in Kerala, Mysore in Karnataka and Ooty in Tamilnadu. All these cities are almost 100 km away from Wayanad.
Kozhikode (Calicut) international airport is located at a distance of about 100 km from Kalpetta (Wayanad dist HQ) and well connected with all cities in India and also operates many international flights. Mysore Airport, almost 115 km from Kalpetta is connected by domestic flights. Bangalore international airport is approximately 290 km from Kalpetta.
The Kozhikode (Calicut) railway station is 75 km away from Kalpetta. Mysore railway station is at a distance 110 km from Kalpetta. Tourists coming from Chennai have the option of coming to Calicut or Mysore and further move to Wayanad.
Reaching Wayanad by road has access from Calicut, Mysore and Ooty. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has services from Trivandrum, Eranakulam (Kochi), Calicut (Kozhikkode), Mysore and Bangalore. Karnataka Road Transport Corporation also has bus services plying through Wayanad. Buses from Bangalore/Mysore – Calicut/Eranakulam following the route Mysore – Gundlupet - Sulthan Bathery – Kalpetta goes through Wayanad. You can alight at Sulthan Bathery or Kalpetta depending upon the place of your accommodation.
There are couple of luxury buses in Bangalore – Calicut route, which would enable you to get down at Kalpetta, early morning. Tickets for these buses are available with us.
Tourists coming from Chennai to Wayanad can be picked up from Mysore or Calicut. They can reach both these places by Air/Train or Road. Karnataka SRTC and private luxury buses ply from Chennai to Mysore/Calicut during night.