It was at Mananthavady (35km N) that Lord Arthur Wellesley fought a guerilla war with the Pazhassi Raja and British supremacy marked the region for two centuries. The state of Kerala was created in 1956; the southern region of Wayanad which was part of Cannannore district was attached to Kozhikode district. In 1980 the Wayanad region was amalgamated out of the districts of Kannur and Kozhikode and comprised the three taluks of Manathavady, Sultan Bathery and Vythiry.
Kalpetta the region's district headquarters (15 km N), used to be a major Jain centre. Lakkidi, its gateway town, is popular for its plantation homestays. Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of Mysore who valiantly opposed the British, built a fort at Sultan Bathery 10 km away, in the 18th century.
Sightseeing Highlights:
Trekking to Chembra Peak (14 km SW) the highest point in Wayand and Pakshipathalam along the Kerala-Karnataka border is arranged by the DTPC. The freshwater Pookote Lake is a popular picnic spot and offers enjoyable boat rides. You can visit the ancient Jain shrines-the Anantnathaswami Temple and Koottamunda Glass Temple. Sultan Batthery (10 km E) which takes its name from Tipu Sultan, offers access to the Eddakal Caves with their prehistoric carvings.
The Muthanga (Wyanad) Wildlife Sanctuary, to the east, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Advanced trekkers can venture into the Ambukuthy range. The Vishnu Temple at Thirunelli (32km N) is a major pilgrimage point in the region. The Meenmutty Falls, at their very best after the monsoons, lie 30km away from Kalpetta which also offers quick access to the Suchipara and Kanthampara falls 22km away.
Other Activities:
Plan for a stay at one of the beautiful plantation homes around the region. It's best to eat at your place of stay as there aren't many exciting options in the townships. Make time for tours around the wildlife sanctuaries and parks bordering the region. The DTPC office arranges camping and guided tours in the region.
Trekking to Chembra Peak (14 km SW) the highest point in Wayand and Pakshipathalam along the Kerala-Karnataka border is arranged by the DTPC. The freshwater Pookote Lake is a popular picnic spot and offers enjoyable boat rides. You can visit the ancient Jain shrines-the Anantnathaswami Temple and Koottamunda Glass Temple. Sultan Batthery (10 km E) which takes its name from Tipu Sultan, offers access to the Eddakal Caves with their prehistoric carvings.
The Muthanga (Wyanad) Wildlife Sanctuary, to the east, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Advanced trekkers can venture into the Ambukuthy range. The Vishnu Temple at Thirunelli (32km N) is a major pilgrimage point in the region. The Meenmutty Falls, at their very best after the monsoons, lie 30km away from Kalpetta which also offers quick access to the Suchipara and Kanthampara falls 22km away.
Other Activities:
Plan for a stay at one of the beautiful plantation homes around the region. It's best to eat at your place of stay as there aren't many exciting options in the townships. Make time for tours around the wildlife sanctuaries and parks bordering the region. The DTPC office arranges camping and guided tours in the region.
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