If you are to relax and reorganise your thoughts, “Nature” is the one-stop solution. We all have known this and love to holiday in the Natural landscapes. From cold deserts in the Himalayas to the beautiful Beaches, India has different geographic regions to offer to a visitor. Wayanad is one among such, most sought-after destinations. There are several good things about this location and the most important one is that it is part of The Western Ghats, a Biodiversity Hotspot. Elevation varies between 700m to 2100m above the sea level in Wayanad. Let us take a quick look on things that can be done when you visit Wayanad.

 

1. Places to Visit

Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake, Chembra Peak, waterfalls at Meenmutty and Soochippara, Tirunelli Temple (inside the forest), Kuruva Islands and Banasura Dam are a few of the must visit places. Wayanad the district has Kalpetta as its headquarters. The above mentioned locations are approximately equidistant from Kalpetta. Road conditions are decent and the authorities facilitate Tourism at their best.

2. People

Like most hills stations Wayanad has a mix of natives and migrants who form the majority of the present population. Agriculture is the most important source of revenue. Tourism also contributes to the local economy. People generally extend a warm welcome and they expect visitors to respect their culture and practises like elsewhere.

 

A tribal hut power by solar energy

3. Nature in Focus 

Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers. It is part of the 1600km long stretch of Western Ghats that starts from Gurajat and ends in Tamil Nadu. Chembra Peak is the highest point of the Western Ghats in Wayanad and it is a popular trekking spot. However trekking is permitted only till half the height of the mountain to prevent the flora and fauna being disturbed by humans.

Sight of Chembra Peak in the evening

4. Water

Like most tourist destinations, drinking water is available in bottles. Boiled water will be available in any restaurant and will not be charged for. There are areas in Wayanad that go into draught during the months of April and May. Monsoon begins from June and rains leave the land by early December only.

5. Food

There are several restaurants in Wayanad and most of them vegetarian and non-vegetarian food prepared in South Indian style. Hotels and home stays provide north Indian meals to match the preference of guests. If you plan your visit well, local cuisine will be available in home stays and that will be an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.

6. Agriculture Practises and Harvest Seasons in Wayanad

The name Wayanad is supposed to have been derived from the Malayalam term Wayal (paddy) Nadu (country/region). Paddy is still cultivated in approximately 19308 hectares of land. Coffee is the main cash crop and is cultivated close to 70000 hectares. Tea, cardamom and pepper are other main spices grown in this place. Parameshwaran’s pepper, a favourite among food enthusiasts in the West hails from Wayanad. There are farms that grow fruits also. A few farmers are now switching to organic farming and are finding more market opportunities.