Wynad |
The least populous of Kerala's districts, Wynad has unique geographical features which are expressed in rugged mist-covered mountains and pastoral valleys. The place is known for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. |
| The famous Jain
temple at Kalpetta indicates that Wynad was once a stronghold of Jains. The ancient
carvings in the natural caves at Edakkal speak of highly civilized people, who had
inhabited this area in the prehistoric ages. Once ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe, Wynad later came under the control of the Pazahassi Rajas of the Kottaya royal dynasty. Before the British arrived, the area was under the reign of Tipu Sultan. ACCESS While the nearest airport is at Calicut, Wynad's headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala. EXCURSIONS Puliyarmala (Ananthanatha Jain Temple, 6 km), Vellarimala (Glass Temple of Koottamunda, 20 km), Chemba Peak (18 km), Padinharathara (Banasura Sagar Dam, 18 km), Meenmutty (Water fall, 40 km), Lakkadi (Pookote Lake, 3 km), Mananthavady (Thirunelly temple, 32 km), Pakshipathalam (Bird watching centre, 32 km), Kuruva Islands (48 km), Sultan's Battery (Tipu Sultan's fort built in 18th century, 98 km from Calicut), and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Rockey Rosya (2-star), Wynad. Woodlands Tourist Home (1-star), Wynad. It also has a few Rest Houses and Tourist Bungalows. |