Wayanad Tourism - Land of Paddy fields
Wayanad district is the green jewel in the crown of Kerala state which is strikingly scenic and known for its sub tropical savannahs, picturesque hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. In the earlier days, Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajas of Kottayam royal dynasty. Wayanad is the conglomeration of two local words, ‘Vayal' meaning ‘paddy field’ and 'Naad' meaning ‘land’ meaning 'Land of Paddy fields’. Kalpetta is the district headquarters while Sultan Bathery and Mananthavady are the major towns. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and annexed it under his way.
In the days of Tipu Sultan, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu handed over the entire Malabar to the British. This was followed by fierce encounters between the British and Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam. Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of British eventually. They were the first to open up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. When the state of Kerala was formed in 1956, this district was formed out of the hilly terrains of Calicut and Kannur. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad from Calicut and Thalassery. These roads were extended to the city of Mysore and to Ooty. Road facilities provided opportunities for the people of outside Wayanad to flow and settle to these jungle regions.
Wayanad climate ranges from 19 to 32 degree Celsius and also some of the highest rainfall levels in the country. The rainy seasons from September to November are the best time to visit Wayanad. Animal sightings tend to be better in summer owing to many animals migrating to the forests from other reserves, in search of better water resources and prey. Wayanad forests are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the 20 reserves in UNESCO’S World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It was also the first biosphere reserve to be established in India. With famous cities like Ooty, Mysore, Kozhikode and Coorg around, Wayanad is easily accessible through the road.