Welcome to Wayanad

Wayanad District, in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode District and Kannur District. Though the word Wayanad is believed by some to have originated from Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), 'Land of Paddy Fields', some scholars disagree. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. The district is going through its worst agrarian crisis. In ancient times the land was ruled by the Vedar Rajas. Later Wayanad came under the rule of Pazhassi Raja of Kurumbranadu Royal Dynasty of Kannur. The modern history of the district is associated with the events that took place during the Mysorean invasion and the long spell of the British rule stretching over a period of about two centuries. There was fierce encounter between the British and the Pazhassi Rajah. When the state of Kerala came into being in 1956, Wayanad was a part of Cannannore district; later in 1957 south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district and north Wayanad remained with Cannannore district. By amalgamating the north Wayanad and south Wayanad, the present Wayanad district came into being on the 1st November 1980 comprising of three taluks; Vythiry, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery.Even GUDALUR was a part of malabar.but the carelessness of the kerala government led to the encrochment of kerala territories.12 villages of kerala was being added to the boundaries of tamilnadu and the reorganisation was not proper.the paniyas and other tribals of this land have their inclination and intrest towards wayand...about 90% of the poPulation here is malayalees where they have been settled for generations,the history of gudalur& pandalur taluk reveals the culture and traditions of this land......even now the tribals consider onam and vishu as their main festivals and to conclude with gudalutaluk should have been a part of Wayanad. Both the govts" must think of this reorganisation immediately. One important characteristic feature of this district is the large adivasi population, consisting mainly of Paniyas, Adiyas, Kattunayakan and Kurichiyans. Wayanad district stands first in the case of adivasi population (about 36%) among other districts in the state. Wayanad has a large settler population. The jains from Karnataka came in the 13th century. The Nairs from Kottayam-Kurumbranadu (not the southern district of kottayam but pazhassi raja's kingdom of Kannur) made an entry in the 14th century and established their feudal life. They were followed by Muslims. There was large scale migrations from southern Kerala in the early 1940s. 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. Alienated from their land and victimized by the state, their status is a blot on the progressive ideals of Kerala society.Syrian Christians who came in the 1950s from Travancore, were well established as plantation owners until recently when the crash in the price of plantation crops.Chola Naickens,who used to be proud people, were very hospitable to early settlers are now the worst affected, under abject poverty.

Places of Interest.

Mountains
Chembra peak (2345 m), Vellairmala (2145 m), Banasuran mala (2061 m), Elembileri mala (1839 m), Brahmagiri (1608 m), Kunnelipadimala (1607 m), Thariode mala (1553 m) are some of the important mountains in the district.
Rivers
The Kabini River, one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the Kaveri River. Almost the entire Wayanad district is drained by Kabini and its three tributaries, the Panamaram River, Mananthavady River, and Kalindy River. The Banasura Sagar Dam crosses one of tributaries of the Kabini River.
There are various places of touristic, ecological, religious and historic importance in the district, including:
Thirunelli Temple is a very old temple on the foothills of Brahmagiri which is a Papa Nasini.
Edakkal Caves, 32 km from Kalpetta near Ambalavayal, is famous for its pre-historic carvings and paintings.
Muthanga is a wild life sanctuary. It is on the way from Mysore to Sulthan Bathery. Wild animals such as bison, elephant, deer, and tiger has been spotted. There are also quite a few wild birds in the sanctuary.
There is a famous Jain Temple near Koottamunda, the Ananthanatha Swami Temple.
Pallikunnu Church, 14 km from Kalpetta is a famous Pilgrim centre in north kerala. Pallikunnu Church celebrates the festival on February 10th and 12th every year.
Mazhuvannur Siva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple near Tharuvana.
Karat Siva Temple is a very old temple near Kommayad.
Sulthan Bathery is famous for its fort, which was built by Tipu Sultan.
The tomb of the chieftain Pazhassi Raja, who fought the British with the help of Kurichiya warriors, is in Mananthavady.
Valliyoorkav is a temple of great historic and social significance.
Lakkidi, the entry-point to Wayanad on the road from Kozhikode, receives one of the highest rainfalls in India.
Pookode lake nearby is a famous tourist centre as well.
Tea Estates A ride through the tea estate is also very beautiful.
For the adventorous the Chembra peak and Banasura, both over 2000 m high, provide tough challenges.
Kuruva Dweep (10 km from Mananthavady) is a unique and fragile delta system on the Kabini River.
An important and unusual pilgrim centre for sociologists and educationists is Kanavu a centre for alternative education which help the adivasis (tribals) to adapt to the challenges without losing their cultural moorings.
Ananthanatha Swami Temple, {also known as ParswanathaSwamy Jain Temple at Puliyarmala Jain Temple at Puliyarmala} is a beautiful Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta.
Pakshipathalam is a very popular trekking place [7.5 km oneway] in the Kerala-Karnataka border
Soochipara Falls - a lovely waterfall
Chembra peak - A trekking place which is the highest in the south india.

Welcome to Kozhikode

Kozhikode also known as Calicut, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom, and later of the erstwhile Malabar District. Kozhikode has a population of 436,527 as of 2001 census, with an extended metropolitan population of about 0.9 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in Kerala. According to data compiled by economics research firm Indicus Analytics on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode ranked as the second best city in India to reside in. The word Calicut is the anglicized version of the Malayalam name Kozhikode derived from koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). Traditionally Calicut was a world famous port for trading and it has a long time relationship with the Arabian peninsula. The place surrounded by the fort was known as Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence the name of the place became Kozhikode. Foreigners called it by different names, for Arabs it was Kalikat, for Chinese it was Kalifo while the city is known to the outside world by its European name. Tipu Sultan, during the conquest of Malabar, unsuccessfully attempted to change the name of the city to Ferozabad. Calicut, is the most important coastal city of Malabar the north region of state of Kerala. It was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period. Ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, Calicut found a place in World History with the discovery of sea route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama. He landed at Kappad a coastal fishing village and history was changed with the political scanario of India ultimately ending with it's colonization by the British. It remained under the Madras Presidency till the formation of Kerala in 1956 after independence. The district has a generally humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The main rainy season is during the South West Monsoon, which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The North East Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November. Hindus constitute the majority of the population, followed by the Muslim and a few Christian communities respectively. Most of the Muslim population of Kozhikode District are known as Mappilas. Here we find a great tradition of Mappila cuisine developed over centuries. The famous "Malabar biriyani" is only one among them. Compared to other parts of Kerala , Calicut's cuisine is very tasty and unique. Local people are very nice and helping in nature. Auto drivers in the city are famous for their honesty. More than anything they love football. There are a number of fan clubs of Argentina and Brazil and all other major international teams are very much active in this small western coast city of India. There also exist a few hundred Gujaratis who are predominantly merchants and traders.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Kozhikode Beach
The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet exploited to develop it into a tourist center. Still people from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular retreat for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a speciality. Lion’s club, children’s park make the evenings pleasant for visiting families. Fishermen with their small rowing boats entering the sea, fighting the waves and returning with varieties of fish are worth watching.
Mananchira Square
Mananchira Square is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, an artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all, a musical fountain. No doubt, locals and tourists, seeking leisure and relief from the mad rush outside, find shelter here. Mananchira Square, named after the pond Mananchira, is about a square-kilometre in area and situated in the heart of the city. It is named after Manadevan, the erstwhile ruler of Zamoothiri Kingdom, known as Mana-devan's Chira (Pond) and later transformed to Mana-an-Chira.
Kappad Beach
On 27th May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad Beach with three vessels and 170 men. If you travel 16 km north of Kozhikode by Kannur road, a small road from Tiruvangoor will guide you to this beach of historical importance. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
Beypore
Beypore is a port city situated 10 km south of Calicut at the mouth of chaliyar river. Beypore is famous for its ancient shipbuilding industry, which constructed uru, the traditional trading vessels of Arabs. The place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally, an important trading centre. It is the major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man-made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for an outing. The 2 km break-water made of stone is another attraction.

Vadakara
This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as the municipality of that name. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of 'Thacholi Othenan', the hero of the ballads of north Malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal). Five km. South-East of Vadakara in Memunda amsom, is the Lokanarkavu which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of Othenan, whose birth place is Manikkoth near Meppayil. Vadakara (Vadakkekara) is so called because of its location just north (Vadakku) of Kotta river.
• Art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East Hill in Kozhikode
• Lalitha Kala Academy: An art gallery adjacent to the Kozhikode town hall
• Planetarium
• Thusharagiri: A waterfall situated about 55 km from Calicut Railway Station
• Kozhippara waterfalls is located at the eastern side of the district and offers a good trekking experience.
• Pavayil Cheerpu-a wonder land
• Peruvannamuzhi[1],Dam site, Boat service, Bird sanctuary and Crocodile sanctuary
• Kakkayam : Dam Site, Hydro-electrical Project, famous for trekking
• Purakkattiri, 10 km from city, famous for house boats

Major Temples in Kozhikode
• Tali Mahadeva Temple
• Sree Valayanad Devi Temple Govindapuram
• Sreekandeswara Temple
• Azhakodi Devi Temple
• Thiruvachira Temple, Thiruvachira, 6 Kilometers from City.
• Lokanar kaavu, Vadakara.
• Pishari kaavu, Quilandy.

Malappuram

Malappuram is a municipality and administrative headquarters of Malappuram district in the South Indian state of Kerala. Malappuram (literally a land atop hills) is situated 50 km southeast of Kozhikode. Bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east, the Arabian Sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south. Malappuram is situated on the Kozhikode (Calicut) - Chennai road (NH 213), 12 km southwest of Manjeri and 50 km southwest of Kozhikode. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history and preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days. It has a violent past with Zamorin's rule, Mamankam festival, Vellattiri’s revenge and the resultant Chaver Pada (suicidal squad), the British rule and indiscriminate oppression of the masses in connivance with exploiting landlords, the National and the Khilafat Movement and the Malabar Rebellion of 1921 which was suppressed by the Malabar Special Police. This place still has the ruins of an ancient fort built by Tipu Sultan. Malappuram was the headquarters of European and British troops and later it became the headquarters of the Malabar Special Police. The hill country has also contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. The temples and the mosques of this district are well-known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historic monuments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms add to its value as a destination worth visiting. The land of great poets and writers, political and religious leaders, this district has carved a place of it’s own in the history of Kerala. The Kings of Valluvanad, the Zamorins, the Kings of Perumpadappu Swarupam and the Kings of Vettathunadu, were the early rulers. The Portuguese, Mysore Sultans and the British had their sway over this place, partly or wholly. Nevertheless, the unique social and cultural heritage is preserved. The birth place of Thunchathtu Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language, now called Thunjan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand taken from that revered spot which was Ezhuthachan's home. The festival that the entire city anticipates with great enthusiasm is Onam, which marks Kerala's New Year and harvest season, and comes around in August-September. The district has a total forest area of 1,034.17 km². The major forest area is concentrated in Nilambur and Wandoor blocks and Melattur in the Western ghats. Of the forests, 80% is deciduous and the rest is evergreen. Teak, rosewood, venteak, choropin, mahogoni, etc. are the important trees. Other varieties like kulamavu and villapine are used in the plywood industry. Bamboo is extensively grown in all parts of the forest. The district has also several man made plantations, mainly of teak. A mammoth effort under the Nilgiri Biosphere Project is underway to protect and regenerate the natural forests. Afforestation is also being done under the Wasteland Development Program. The world's Teak Museum is situated near Nilambur and is operated by the Kerala Forest Research Institute. It is claimed that the world's tallest teak tree is found in Nilambur, although there are other claimants including one in Uttaradit province of Thailand. Elephants, deers, tigers, blue monkeys, boars, rabbits etc. are found in the forests along with a variety of birds and reptiles. Forests are the main source of raw material for a number of wood-based industrial units. Besides timber, firewood and green manure, forest produces like honey, medicinal herbs, spices etc. are collected. Minor forest produces are collected by the tribal population. A Girijan (tribal) Society functions for ensuring fair prices for collected items and for arranging supply of essential commodities to the tribal families. Bamboo for paper pulp factories is mainly supplied in bulk form Nilambur forests. The forests are protected by two forest divisions-Nilambur North and Nilambur South. The social forestry division promotes planting of trees outside forest lands, for protection of the forests.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KottakkunnuAt Kottakkunnu one can see traces of the first fort to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. This scenic table-top location is located at the crest of the Cantonment Hill near the district collectorate. Now it have changed as a top tourist place in malabar. More peoples are visiting here everyday.
Thirunavaya Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, this was one of the venues for Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once every 12 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766. Today, Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre. During karkidakavavu, people flock at the banks of Bharathapuzha here, to perform the pithrukriya for the departed souls. The site of Melpatthur Illam, the home of the great poet, Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri; author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from hereThali temple, Perinthalmanna: The temple, is located about 3 Km west of Angadipuram, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March/April attracts large gatherings of devotees.Thirumandhamkunnu temple, Angadipuram:Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual Pooram festival celebrated in March /April attracts large numbers of devotees.
he Jama-at Mosque, Malappuram: This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the Malappuram Shaheeds (martyrs) whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.
Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti (18 km east of Manjeri, on the way to Malappuram): The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 year old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February /March, is a local cultural event.

Tirur: The birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand taken from that revered spot which was Ezhuthachan's home.Tanur: The small coastal fishing town of Tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala.Kottakkal(12 km southwest of Malappuram) : This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala has branches all over the State as well as in Delhi and Madras. One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the State, the Arya Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. The chief physician can be consulted only by appointment made at least 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home include family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suites.
Kottappadi:Located near the renowned Ayurvedic centre at Kottakkal, one can see traces of an old fort at the base of the Cantonment Hill. The fort was the first to be built by the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Nearby are the Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva Temple with the famous murals of Malabar.Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary(19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port):The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A hillock which is 200 m above sea level provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.
Padinharekara Beach:At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharatha Puzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea.
Vallikunnu Beach:A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away.Kadampuzha(3 km north of Vettichira on the highway connecting Kozhikode and Trissur): Kadampuzha is famous for its Bhagavathy temple said to have been set up by Sree Sankaracharya, the philosopher.

Palakkad and its attractions

Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy fields. It is the chief granary of Kerala, often called the Gateway of Kerala. Palakkad lies at the foot of the gigantic Western ghats on the border of Kerala. This district with mountains, forests and fertile valleys, rivers and mountains streams are rich in flora and fauna. Palakkad is known for its historical background and the remnants of Tippu Sulthan’s Fort are still maintained. The famous tourist spot of Malampuzha is situated just 8km away from Palakkad Town.Its a place of tourist importance. Some of the picnic spots are Tippu’s Fort , Malampuzha - Garden, Snake park, Aquarium, Rope way, Rock garden and Fantasy park , Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park, Mayilladumpara - Cholanoor Peacock Sanctury, Kanhirapuzha dam, Mangalam Dam, Pothundy Dam, Seetharkundu water falls near Nelliyampathy, Meenkara dam, Parambikulam wild life sanctuary and boating, Chulliar dam, Killikurrussi Mangalam, Meenvallam, Siruvani, Silent Valley National Park and Attappady ghats.

Palakkad is also famous for its temples and celebrations. The Famous temples of Palakkad are Vadakkanthara Tirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple, Manappullikkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Nurani Saneeswaran Temple, the ancient Kalpathy Siva Temple, Kallekulangara Emoor Bhagavathy Temple, Kodumbu Subrahmanya Temple, Chittur Bhagavathy Temple, Mangote Bhagavathy Temple, the famous Jain Temple near Vadakkanthara is known as “Chandranatha Temple” etc. There are many Mosques and Churches also.

Chittur Kongan Pada, Nemmara-Vallengy Vela, Vadakkanthara Vela (once in 3 years), Manappullikkavu Vela, Kallekulangara Elephant race, Kalpathy Theru festival, Kavassery Pooram, Kannambra Vela, Chinakkathur Pooram, Puthunagaram Theruvath Palli Nercha, Pattambi Nercha are some of the famous celebrations.
Kalapoottu Malsaram, Kanniar Kali, Porattu Kali are some of the artistic culture of Palakkad. Chembai Bhagavather - Kottayi Agraharam, Nurani Agraharam, Kalpathy agraharam, Nellissery gramam are some of the age old brahmin agraharams. There are many ancient aristocratic Nair families and Namboodiri Illams also. Being on the border of Tamilnadu, there is a mingling of Tamil culture also.