Wayanad is a beautiful place in northern Kerala with many historical references. It covers an area of 2132 Sq.km. At least 10 centuries before Christ, organised human life existed at this place. There are many pieces of evidence of Stone-age civilisation in some caves and forests of Wayanad. In the caves of Ambukuthimala, between Sultan Bathery and Ambalavayal, you can see many drawings and pictorial writings of an era before civilisation.
The History
There is available written history from 18th century onwards of Wayanad. This land was ruled by Rajas Veda tribes. After that, it was under Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam. Later, it becomes the part of Mysore’s King Hyder Ali.
Photo by The British Library
When Tippu took over the charge of Mysore, he handed over the whole Malabar region to British because of the Sreerangapatam truce with them. This made Pazhassi Raja angry and he had ferocious encounters with the British. He had good support from tribal settlements of Wayanad. They planned and executed many guerrilla-type wars against the British. Later the Raja killed himself somewhere inside the forest to avoid getting caught by Tippu’s army. After that, the place was under the British rule. They planted tea and other cash crops in this place. They made roads all across the Wayanad slopes. Roads extended to Ooty and Mysore through Gudalur. Earlier, some part of the Wayanad was with Kannur and some with Kozhikode. Later, on Nov 1st 1980, for its development, Kerala government made it into a single district.
Tourism in Wayanad
Photo by Sarath.kuchi 
Wayanad has become a popular tourist hub for Kerala. This is the only district in Kerala which shares borders with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Many tourists visit this place on weekend tours from these states. The only earth dam in India is situated in Wayanad which is the Banasura Dam. Kerala’s only pine forest in this place. The only mirror temple, which belongs to the Jains, is in Vythiri, near Wayanad. The only Lavkush temple in Kerala is placed at Pulpally here. Tholpetty, Muthanga, Sulthan Bathery and Kurichiat are the wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad. It has the largest population of Asian Elephants in the World. Wayanad has historical significance and abundance of nature’s beauty.
Here are some amazing tourist locations to visit on your Kerala holidays near Wayanad:
Chembra Peak
Photo by dhruvaraj
Chembra Peak is about 2100 metres above the sea level. It is near Meppadi, the southern part of Wayanad. Climbing this peak will test the physical power and stamina of a person. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and chilling climate of the area from its peak. You will have to spend a whole day to complete this trekking trail. If you can camp one night on top of Chembra Peak, you are guaranteed with unforgettable experience. Even if you cannot make it to the top, there’s another beauty located right in the middle of the trek, the love-lake! The love-lake which is an evergreen natural lake in the shape of a heart is very popular among the honeymoon couples who visit Wayanad.
Neelimala
This is located at Southern Part of Wayanad. Neelimala is the best place for trekkers and you have many options to reach the top of Neelimala, where you can see the Meenmutty Waterfalls nearby. It will be an astonishing scene to witness.
Meenmutty and Chethalayam Waterfalls
Photo by vishwaant
Meenmutty is the largest waterfalls in Wayanad. It is just 2km from the mainland and you can easily trek to reach the place. It has three stages of water falling from 300 metres, which really amaze everyone. Chethalayam waterfalls are smaller in size compared to Meenmuty. It is located at Suthan bathery. It is best for trekkers and bird watchers.
Pakshipathalam
Photo by suffering_socrates
Pakshipathalam is located deep inside the forest at Brahmagiri hills. You can see many different birds, animals and plants in the caves here. It is near to Manathavady town. You need to take permission from DFO to get in. It is a tough trek even for the regulars.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Photo by ashwin kumar
Banasura is the Largest Earth Dam in India. It is located in the south-western part of Wayanad district close to Karalad Lake. The Dam is also the starting point of trekking to Banasura Peak. A set of islands were formed when the reservoir submerged the adjoining areas.
Featured Photo by dhruvaraj
