incredible wayanad

Incredible Wayanad

Wayanad district stands in the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau bordered by the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges interspersed with dense forest and deep valleys. The name evolved from Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'.

It is the least populous district in Kerala. There is no town or village named same as the district. A large area is covered by forest and characterised by its indigenous tribal population.

Wayanad is one of the exquisite hill stations of Kerala and shelters endangered species as it has an amazing range of flora and fauna.

Wayanad is the only district in Kerala that shares border with both the neighboring states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wayanad shares border with Kozhikode, Kannur, and Malappuram districts in Kerala; Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu; and Chamarajanagar, Mysore, and Kodagu (Coorg) districts in Karnataka (7 districts altogether). Was a strategic location atop Western Ghats for many rulers throughout history.

Mountains

Chembra Peak (2,100 metres (6,890 ft)), Banasura Peak(2,073 metres (6,801 ft)), Brahmagiri   (1,608 metres (5,276 ft)) are some of the important mountains in the district. Other minor peaks exist.

Rivers

Kabini (one of the only three rivers flowing eastwards from Kerala) and its tributaries flow through the entire district and joins River Kaveri near Srirangapatana in Karnataka.

Climate

The higher elevation and forest cover creates a comfortable and a cool climate. Temperature ranges between very comfortable 20-29 degrees. Records second highest average annual-rainfall in India, after Cherrapunjee.

Economy

Wayanad is 3.79% urbanised. Agriculture is the main stay of the economy. Rice, Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Cardamom, Pepper, Ginger, Plantain and recently introduced Vanilla are the main crops.

Superior aroma and yield of the spices in this region had a far-reaching effect on the history of India.

Tourism is the major non-agricultural income earner for the district. Wayanad is one of the exquisite hill stations of Kerala. The Western Ghats mountain ranges coupled with several water bodies and wildlife reserves makes it an attractive leisure tourism destination.

There are no medium or large scale industries functioning in Wayanad.

The only professional college is govt.engineering college started in the year 2000.

There are no Medical colleges either in pvt or govt sector.

Recent Environmental Commissions set up be govt. restricts certain industries and large constructions in this region.

Roads

The district is connected by many ghat-roads and forest roads. Most of the roads are originally made to facilitate canon movements from Mysore to Malabar. A section of the most important NH-212 connecting Kozhikode to Mysore is closed for traffic during night as it passes through Bandipur National Park. From Bangalore, it is not necessary to travel through any ghat roads.

Railway

The land which supplied railway sleepers (Teak wood) for the original railway lines is still not connected by railways due to difficult terrain and environmental considerations.

Culture

Wayanad has highest number of tribals in Kerala. In Thirunelly area, tribals live in forest, their livelihood almost entirely derived from forests. Wayanad tribals use eco-friendly artifacts made out of bamboos. The native "Adivasis" (tribals) mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans to name a few. This is the land where tribes live in thatched roof, mud, bamboo and brick houses set in swampy valleys and plateaus.

Tribals have indigenous streams of holistic herbal medicine which is getting increasing attention in recent years. The adivasis also have a rich legacy of arts and crafts. This includes music, dances, ornamentation and handicraft that draw inspiration from natural themes, motifs and materials. The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Raja who engaged the British forces in several battles.

Their battles to safeguard the mother land almost half-century prior to India’s first Freedom Struggle of 1857 are very significant. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers.

Currently the native tribal population is only 10% of the total population (~10 lakh) of the district.  Wayanad has a large settler population. There are people from almost all parts of Kerala who migrated to this fertile land for building up their lives. Wayanad has a small Jain community who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. One fourth population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians. Muslims constitute another one fourth population and rest of the population belongs to Hindus. Their hard work and sacrifice helped them to prosper. On the other hand, the last few decades have seen the complete marginalisation of the indigenous people. Many welfare measures by the governments like population project, education programs etc only adversely affected them.

There were many activisms like naxalism for safeguarding the interests of the native tribals.
Of-late leaders of their own have risen to successfully represent their causes.

TRIBES

Flora and Fauna

The flora of Wayanad are characteristic of the Western Ghats and the plantation crops grown in the cool climate. A major portion of the district is covered by coffee, which is slowly reducing. Trees of the wild type like rose-wood, anjili (Artocarpus), mullumurikku (Erthrina), several species of caussia and many other nondescript varieties are still preserved in plantations to give shade to the coffee plants. These trees give a semblance of wilderness to the landscape of Wayanad. In many coffee plantations, the age-old species are replaced by the silver-oak which is suited to the cold climate. This tree grows quickly and its cultivation is widespread among coffee plantations for shade and for giving support to pepper. It is also used for the plywood industry and thus is economical to the farmers.

The major portion of reserve forest is teak plantation. Arecanut palms and jack trees are also grown here. Tea is grown as an industry in large estates. The soil and climate of Wayanad are suitable for horticulture on commercial basis. The Kerala Agricultural University has a Regional Agricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal for promoting the cultivation of vegetables and raising of orchards.

There are Bonnet Macaque, Slender Loris, Mongooses, Jungle Cats, Squirrels, Jackals, Hares, etc. in the limited forest areas. The world's largest venomous snake, the King Cobra is also found here. Here there is one of the largest concentrations of wild Asiatic Elephants in whole world. Tiger, Bison, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Boar, Leopard, Wild Dog and other large mammals are also present in fairly decent numbers.

A SHORT HISTORY

According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than 3,000 or even 6,000 years. Historians are of the view that organised human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ. Countless evidences about Neo-Stone-Age civilisation can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Edackal and Thovari located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilisation. The pictures are carved with stone-chisels characteristic of Neo-Stone-Age.

In ancient times, this land was ruled by the Rajas of Kudumbiyil and then by the Veta tribe. In 930 AD, emperor Erayappa of Ganga Dynasty led his troops to south west of Mysore - an invasion to the prosperous kingdom he had heard of from traders and Jain monks. From 12^th Century to 16^th Century, Wayanad has come under Kadamba, Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings.

 In later days, Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali becames the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under him. In the days of Tipu, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu handed over the entire Malabar region to the British, after the Sreerangapattanam truce, he made with them. This was followed by fierce and internecine encounters between the British and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam. When the Rajah was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he organised the warrior-like Kurichiya tribals into a sort of people's militia and engaged the British in several guerrilla type encounters. In the end, the British could get only the dead body of the Rajah, who killed himself somewhere in the interior of the forest. Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of the British (six years after the fall of Tipu Sultan).

The British authorities opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad, from Kozhikode and Thalassery. These roads were extended to the cities of Mysore and Ooty through Gudalur. Through the roads poured in settlers from all parts of Kerala and the virgin forest lands proved a veritable goldmine with incredible yields of cash crops.

IMPORTANT TOURSIT PLACES

Chembra Peak: The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering Endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating.

Edakkal Cave: This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. It is only a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the rock. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspire the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs can be spotted here. It is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.

Soochippara Waterfalls: The water-falls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height are a treat to the eyes. The pool below provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

Banasura sagar Dam: This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.

Lakkidi: One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 km north east of Kozhikode and five km south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 km long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests is a fascinating experience.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: Muthanga, Which is 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.km form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here. Muthanga boarders with Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Muthumala National Park in Tamilnadu.

Pakshipathalam: Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.

Pazhassi Raja Tomb: Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

Pookot Lake: It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three kms.south of Vythiri. Pookot Lake can be considered as one of the origin of river Cauvery(Kabini).

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls: This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m in height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic.

Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple : This Temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served later as a Hindu shrine, a very significant centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sulthan's marching armies. A fort of Tipu Sultan at Sultan Bathery is completely ruined.

Thirunelli Temple: Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala Temple Architecture. The temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of South), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. A short walk from Thirunely temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash away all the sins.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum: The archaeological museum in Wayanad has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios. The museum is situated about 12 km away from Sultan Bathery in Wayanad.

References:

Wayanad Rekhakal By O.K.Johny

www.keralatourism.org

www.wayanad.nic.in