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Vythiry (Wyanad) Travel Guide
The name Wayanad is believed to be derived from the word Vayalnadu, which
means "the land of paddy fields". The present district of Wayanad
was carved out from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts which came
into being on 1st November 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala. This district
is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State, thanks
to its cash crops of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, vanilla, spices and
other condiments. On a clear day from the river border of Kabini, Waynad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the less blue sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds amidst them. Waynad Introduction The name Waynad is derived from the expression 'Wayanadu' which means land of paddy fields. Wayanad offers a climate of the hill station similar to that of Oottacamand, offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales. The hills which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom.
There is luxuriant greenery all around. On a clear day from the river border of Kabini, Waynad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the less blue sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds amidst them. The most characteristic aspect about Waynad is a large tribal population. Waynad has a small Jain Community consisting of the Gounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. The Kurichiyar of Waynad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who fought against the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers.
The splendid scenic spectacle, with hills appearing deep blue in bright sunlight and mist covered most of the time, juxtaposing on the green of the paddy fields is mesmerizing. The east flowing rivers of Waynad are in striking contrast to the various rivers of the state. The Kabbani river of Waynad is a perennial source of water to the Kaveri river. The characteristic feature of the district is the presence of large numbers of tribals or Adivasis (Aborigines). The district also has small Jain community consisting of Gounders who came from Karnataka. The Jains have built beautiful temples in the district.
Attractions
· Banasura Sagar Dam
It is the largest earth dam in India, and is located 21 km from Kalpetta. Due to the undulating topography of the region, islands are formed upstream of the dam when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills provide a spectacular scenic view.
· Kalpetta
It is the headquarters of Waynad district. Kalpetta is 72 km. north east of Kozhikode. The Jain temple dedicated to Vardhamana Mahaveera is one of the few Jain shrines in Kerala. There is also a cave very near to the temple. The town houses the famous Maidani Mosque.
· Edakkal Caves, Ambalavayal
The magnificent cave is 3 km. from Ambalavayal which is 25 km. from Kalpetta. The rock cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is actually a cleft about 96 ft. long and 22ft. wide. The interesting pre-historic carvings on the rock wall are an archaeologists and historians delight. Burial sights and urns dating back to 2000 years and more have been found here.
· Ananthananthaswami TempleThere are many important Jain temples around the town like the Ananthanathaswmi Temple at Puliyarmala : The beautiful Jain temple is located six kilometre from Kalpetta. It is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami, the third Tirthankara of the Jain faith.
Kerala backwaters provide the excellent opportunity to explore the natural heritage and splendor for a visitor. For luxury boating and exploring pristine backwaters of Kozhikode, houseboats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality is worth enjoying with family and friends. These are the first fully built houseboats of Kerala, stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on Ullery-Perambra road, 10 km from Calicut. The most important festivals of the district are Pooram Festival (March/April), Memunda (March/April), Vadakara (November/December), Kaliatta Mahotasavam (March), and Shivratri (February/March).
How to reach
· Air
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur)
· Rail
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode [Rail distances from major cities to Kozhikode are- New Delhi:2851 Km; Mumbai: 1425 Km; Kolkata: 2331 Km; Ahmedabad: 1875 Km; Hyderabad: 1425 Km]
· Road
Well connected by roads from Kozhikode (Ghat-72 Km from Kalpetta), Kannur (Ghat), Ooty (120 Km from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 Km from Kalpetta). Please check the distance page.
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