wayanad, kerala handbook
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Tourism, geography, social sciences, Kerala, Travel, culture, society, wildlife, Forest, landscape studies WayanadTRANSCRIPT
Di stri ct H andbooks of Kerala
WAYANAD
District Handbooks
of Kerala
WAYANAD
Department of Information & Public Relations
Government of Kerala
Di stri ct H andbooks
of Kerala
WAYANAD
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
Publ ished by the Direc tor , Depar tment of Informat ion and Publ ic Rela t ions , Government of Kera la .
Printed at. KSAVRC Press, Thiruvananthapuram.
Copies. 15,000
Price : Rs. 10
Every care has been taken to ensure the authenticity of the facts given in this book . However, the Informa tion and P ublic Relations Departme nt, Governmen t o f
Kerala should not be held responsible for errors , if any.
Contents
1. Introduction ............................................ ................................5
2. History ........................................... .........................................5
3. Salient Features ....................................... ...............................7
4. Topography ............................................ ................................8
5. Climate............ ............................................... ........................ 10
6. Rivers ............................................ ........................................ 10
7. Flora and Fauna ....................................... ............................. 11
8. Populat ion ............................................... .............................. 12
9. Religion and Custom ......................................... ................... 13
10. Administration ....................................... ............................. 14
11. Distric t Panchayat .......................................... .................... 16
12. Important Towns ............................................ .................... 17
13. Agriculture ............................................ .............................. 17
14. Irrigation........................................ ...................................... 19
15. Animal Husbandry .......................................... .................... 20
16. Co-operation ........................................... ............................. 21
17. Education ............................................... .............................. 22
18. Employment ........................................... .............................. 24
19. Health ............................................ ....................................... 25
20. Industry ......................................... ....................................... 26
21. Transport ............................................... .............................. 26
22. Important Institutions ............................................. ........... 27
23. Mass Media ........................................... ............................. 30
24. Centres of Worship .......................................... ................... 30
25. Places of Tourist Importance ............................................. .33
26. Barefacts ........................................ ...................................... 40
Distric t Handbooks of Kerala
WAYANAD
Department of Information and Public Relations
March 2003
Edito r - in - Chief
G.Rajasekharan . I A S.
Director & Secretary
Compiled by
P. P.Chandran
District Information Officer,
Wayanad
Editor
K. Santhosh Kumar
(Information Officer)
Assistants
N. Radakrishna Pillai
Ajitha Das
(Translators)
Type setting and layout
Karma
FOREWORD
Reference books have always been in great demand in Kerala
and the educated public approach the Information and Public RelationsDepartment, Government of Kerala, for authentic information on our state
and districts. It is in this context that District Handbooks used to be pub-
lished. To be abreast of times, the Department has launched a website,www.prd.kerala.gov.in and maintains the State Government web portal
www.kerala.gov.in. It has been our sincere endeavour to update these
on a day-to-day basis and popularise the use of computers through outthe state to enable information and services to reach the needy. However
the Department feels that the time is not ripe for a complete switch over
from the print media and hence a new series of District Handbooks isnow published.
I hope that this book would cater to the requirements of the tour-
ists as well as the general public who seek a handy booklet containingrelevant information about the district. Suggestions for improvement of
the publication/the contents of the website/portals are welcome.
G.Rajasekharan, I.A.S.
Director & Secretary
Information & Public Relations
Thiruvananthapuram,
18th March 2003.
N
INTRODUCTION
estled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, lies Wayanad,
one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. This green paradise,
located at a distance of 76 kms. from the seashores of Kozhikode, lies at
a height of 700-2100 m. above sea level, on the northeastern part of the
State. The name, Wayanad , is believed to have been derived from the
word, Vayal nadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present district
of Wayanad was carved out, from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur
districts and came into being on the first November 1980 as the 12th
district of Kerala. This backward district is, perhaps one of the biggest
foreign exchange earners of the state, thanks to its cash crops of pepper,
cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.
Most of the reserve forests in the State are in this district. The loamy
soil generally show wide variation in depth and texture with a very high
content of organic matter. A large percentage of the population in this
region are tribals. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like
Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyars, Ooralis, Kattunaickens, etc.
HISTORY
Comprising an area of 2126 sq. kms, Wayanad has a powerfulhistory. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in
5
these parts, at least ten centuries before the Christ. Countless evidences
about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the hills of Wayanad.
The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and
Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writings,
speak volumes of the bygone era and civilization.
Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century.
In ancient times, this land was ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. In
later days, Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajas of
Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore,
he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway. 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 Raja of
Kottayam. When the Raja was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he
organized the war, like people's militia with the help of Kurichye tribals
and engaged the British in several guerrilla type encounters. In the end,
the British could get only the dead body of the Raja, who killed himself
somewhere in the interior of the forest.
Thus Wayanad fell into the hands of British and with it came a
new turn in the history of this area. 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 forestlands proved a verietable goldmine with incredible yields of
cash crops.
When the state of Kerala came into being in November 1956,
Wayanad was part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added
to Kozhikode district. In order to fulfill the aspirations of the people of
Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and south Wayanad were
carved out and joined together to form the present district of Wayanad.
SALIENT FEATURES
The total geographical area and population of Wayanad are
2126sq.kms, (2,12,560 hects.) and 6,72,128 respectively, which account
for 5.48 per cent and 2.31 per cent of the state total. The male and female
population are 3,41,958 and 3,30,170 respectively. The female-male sex
ratio is 966 per 1000 males. The density of population is 315 per sq.km.
(1991 census) against 260 in 1981, showing an increase of 21 per cent.
The literacy in the region is 85.54 per cent Male literacy ratio is
90.28 and female literacy ratio is 80.80.
Its geographical position is peculiar and unique . The difference in
altitudes of each locality within the district presents a variation of climatic
conditions. Nature has blessed this part of the country beautifully with
mist- clad mountains and sylvan valleys. The idyllic nature of Wayanad,
its nearness to Udagamandalam (Ooty) and Mysore with well-laid roads
to these centers, offer tremendous tourist potentialities.
A visitor may be impressed by the extensive paddy fields of the
districts. Agriculture in Wayanad is equally divided between paddy and
plantation crops, except coconut. The hills, which are deep blue in bright
sunlight and lie mist-covered most of the time, juxtaposes with the green
of these paddy fields. This, infact, is a splendid spectacle.
The east flowing rivers of Wayanad are in striking contrast to the
various rivers of the rest of Kerala. The river Kabani of Wayanad is a
perennial source of water to Cauvery. The Panamaram rivulet, originat-
ing from Lakkidi and the Mananthavady rivulet originating from
Thondarmudi Peak meet six kms. north of Panamaram town and after
the confluence, the river is known as Kabani.
Coffee is ubiquitous in Wayanad. It is cultivated in every panchayat,
both in the form of large plantations and small holdings.Coffee is culti-
vated in an area of 75,057 hects.with Wayanad having the highest area of
66,999 hectares. Pepper is grown as an additional crop on trees that are
6 7
groomed to give shade to the coffee shrubs. In Pulpally area, there are
exclusive pepper gardens. Tea is cultivated in large estates.
Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. Theyform 17.1 per cent of the total population of the district. The aborigines of
Wayanad have a great political tradition. This area was originally reigned
by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. Later, political authority came to the PazhassiRajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty.
The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. Theyconstituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who en-
gaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those
warriors are still expert archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibitted recently, at various centres.
Wayanad has an agricultural economy and it has no major indus-
try to boast of. Heavy industry will probably tilt the ecological and demo-graphic balance adversely. The idyllic nature of this district, together with
its colourful tribal life and brazing climate, will make tourism pay rich
dividends.
Development activities are bringing about a change in the poor
man's quality of life. Through the co-operative sector, Adivasis are pro-vided with a better deal in the economic life. A labour contract co-opera-
tive society for the benefit of Adivasis is also functioning here.
A notable feature of life in Wayanad is that it is touched to its
very roots by the operation of the nationalised, commercial and co-opera-
tive banks. The branches of these banks located in the remote areas of
the district have a busy time during the marketing time of cash crops.
TOPOGRAPHY
Wayanad lies between north latitude 110 27' and 150 58' and eastlongitude 750 47 ' and 700 27'. It is bounded on the east by Nilgiris and
Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively, on the north
by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram and on thewest by Kozhikode and Kannur .
Placed on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau, its prime glory
is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges interspersed with magnifi-
cent forests, tangled jungles and deep valleys. In the centre of the district,
hills are lower in height, while the northern area has high hills and they
give a wild and mountainous appearance. Some of the major peaks are
Vellarimala, Banasura, Brahmagiri, Chembra, etc. ranging from 1500 mts.
to 2100 mts. height.
The eastern area is flat and open. Due to the peculiar terrain,
there are east flowing and west flowing rivers. The low hills are full of
plantations like tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom while the valleys have
a predominance of paddy fields.
The altitude of Wayanad varies from 700 to 2100 meters from
sea level. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk, through which the road from
Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over mind-boggling bends and
ridges, are the highest locations. From the highest altitude of the Western
Ghats on the western boarder of the district, the plateau of Wayanad
gradually slopes down eastward. Further from Mananthavady, it becomes
a common plain of paddy fields with the swift flowing Kabani coursing
through it.
Elsewhere, Wayanad offers a panorama of undulating hills and
dales, which are converted into paddy fields. The hills, which might have
been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea or cardamom.
There is lushy luxuriant green all round. On a clear day from the river bed
of Kabani, Wayanad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue moun-
tains juxtaposed with the blue sky and white vagrant wads of cottonwools
like clouds amidst them.
The soil of the Wayanad district is mainly of the forest type. It
promotes a lushy luxuriant growth of vegetation, which makes Wayanad
clothed in uniform greenery. The district has 787 ha. under forests .
8 9
CLIMATE
Wayanad has a salubrious climate. The mean average rainfall in
this district is 2322. mm Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfallareas in Wayanad. Annual rain falls in these high rainfall areas ranges
from 3000 to 4000 m.m. High velocity winds are common during the south-west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions
experience severe cold. In Wayanad (Ambalavayal) the mean maximum
and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29°Cand 18°Crespectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity, which goes
even up to 95 per cent during the Southwest monsoon period.
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainfall 13 .6 13. 6 0. 3 1 18. 1 58. 4 60 7. 9 3 78. 1 62 6. 0 2 49. 9 1 22 .4 43. 3 1
Generally the year is classified in four seasons, namely, cold
whether (December-February), hot whether (March-May), Southwestmonsoon (June-September) and Northeast monsoon (October-November).
The dale, 'Lakkidi', nestled among the hills of Vythiri taluk has the
highest average rainfall in Kerala. The average rainfall in Wayanad is300 m.m. per year. There is a decreasing trend in rainfall in this area the
average rainfall data shows that the lowest rainfall received from north-east monsoon, is in Wayanad district.
RIVERS
Kabani river one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is animportant tributary of the river Cauvery. Kabani and its tributaries consti-tute a powerful river system in the landscape of Wayanad.
Panamaram rivulet takes its origin from the Perennial Lake called,'Pookkode Lake' it flows swiftly through mountain gorges and joined byother streams, tumbles down into Panamaram valley. Six kms. further from Panamaram, this river joins with the Mananthavady rivulet, originat-
ing from the lower regions of the peak 'Thondarmudi' from this confluence
onwards the river is known as Kabani, a mighty, perennial river whichafter entering Karnataka, joins with the river Cauvery. Almost entireWayanad is drained by the Kabani River and its tributaries namelyPanamaram Mananthavady and Thirunelli .
FLORA AND FAUNA
The flora of Wayanad are characteristic of the Western Ghats andthe plantation crops grown in the cool climate. A major portion of thedistrict is covered by coffee. Trees of the wild type like rosewood, anjili(Artocarpus),mullumurikku ( Erthrina) and several species of caussia and
many other non-descript varieties are still preserved here and there, togive shade to the coffee plants. These trees give a semblance of wilder-ness to the landscape of Wayanad. In a majority of coffee plantations,
the age-old species are replaced by the silver-oak, which is suited to thecold climate. This tree grows quickly and its cultivation is widespreadamong coffee plantations for shade and for giving support to pepper. It isused for the plywood industry and thus is economical to the farmers.Eucalyptus grandis, a shorter variety of eucalyptus, whose fragrant smellsuffuses the very air around it, is cultivated on a large scale in certain parts of the district. Eucalyptus oil is extracted on commercial basis fromits leaves. Of the 20,864 hectares of reserve forest, the major portion is
teak plantation. Arecanut palms and jack trees are also grown here. Teais grown as an industry in large estates.
The soil and climate of Wayanad are suitable for horticulture oncommercial basis. For promoting the cultivation of vegetables and risingof orchards, the Kerala Agricultural University is running a RegionalAgricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal.
With the clearing of forests the diverse and buzzling animal life,characteristics of the forests of Western Ghats has vanished fromWayanad. One can still see the bonnet monkeys,loris, mongooses, jungle
cats, squirrels, jackals, hares, etc. in the limited forest areas.
Elephant, bear and other wild animals from the neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, stray into the Begur forestrange and the forests around Muthanga, which is 20 kilometers away
from the town of Sulthan Bathery.
10 11
POPULATION
Strictly speaking, there is no urban population in Wayanad. How-
ever life in Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady and Kalpetta is in the process
of gaining urban status. The decadal growth in the population of Wayanadwas 59.17 per cent in 1941-51, 62.60 per cent in 1951-61,50.35 per cent in
1961-71 and 33.71 per cent in 1971-81. In the first three decades of this
century, the growth of population in Wayanad was less than ten per cent.
This shows that there was an influx of settlers to Wayanad after
the Second World War. The economic slump, difficulties and miseries
creeping as a result of war into the life of common people, compelled
them to seek 'pastures anew' on the virgin soil of Wayanad from all parts
of Kerala and Karnataka. In the first year of settlements, thousands suc-
cumbed to malaria and the attack of wild animals. Those who survived
these and the cold conditions cleared the forests and transformed Wayanad
into a paradise of prosperity.
Population*
Person Male Female
Wayanad District T 786,627 393,397 393,230
R 757,025 378,547 96,625
U 29,602 14,850 14,752
Mananthavady T 241,989 121,779 120,210
Taluk R 241,989 121,779 120,210
U - - -
Sulthanbathery T 298,335 149,319 149,016
Taluk R 298,335 149,319 149,016
U - - -
Vythiri Taluk T 246,303 122,299 124,004
R 216,701 107,449 109,252
U 29,602 14,850 14,752
T - TOTAL, R - RURAL, U - URBAN *Census 2001
12 13
RELIGION AND CUSTOM
No religion can be said to be predominant in this district. The dif-
ferent religious groups of the state are more or less equally represented.
A characteristic aspect of Wayanad is a large Adivasi population. Though
they are in the Hindu fold, primitive forms of worship still prevail among
them. Ancestral worship and offerings to propitiate the spirits of ances-
tors are still prevalent. Two deities commonly worshipped by the Adivasis
are Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan.They also worship the Hindu
gods of various temples in the district. Adivasis do not have any temple of
there own. Paniyar, Adiyan, Kurichyar, Kurumar, Kattunaicker, Kadan
and Oorali are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichyar
the most developed among them. They are small land owners, whereas
the members of other tribes are mostly labourers.
Some of the centuries old temples and their Brahmin settlements
suggest the earliest attempts that were made to bring the Adivasis under
the Hindu religious fold. The Thirunelli and Valliyoorkavu temples, which
are known outside Wayanad as the temples of Adivasis, are in fact of run
by Hindu settlers with the help of Brahmin priests. Adivasis are allowed
to worship and participate in the festivals of these temples. More than
anything else the myths woven around the temples including the one about
Sita, Rama's consort and her two sons Leva and Kusa, have drawn the
aboriginal mind to the Hindu system of belief.
Wayanad has a small Jain community consisting of the Gounders
who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the
district.
Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. The Syrian
Catholics have their Bishop's house at Sulthan Bathery and the Roman
Catholics have their own at Mananthavady. The Bishop's house of the
Jacobite Syrian Church is at Meenangadi. One forth of the population of
Wayanad is constituted by Christians.They are the largest religious group
in Wayanad. A Section of Kurichyas of Mananthavady has been con-
verted to Christianity.
Muslims constitute another one forth of the population. They are
Mappilas who came from Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. A large
number of them are labourers. Muslim women labourers are usual sight
here. Hindus of different castes like Nairs, Thiyyas, etc. who settled here
from different parts of Kerala, form the rest of the population.
ADMINISTRATION
For the purpose of revenue administration, the district is
divided into three taluks, namely, Sulthan Bathery, Vythiri and
Mananthavady. There are six firkas and 49 villages under these taluks.There is one revenue division and that is Mananthavady.
Taluk Village
Sulthan Bathery 1.Nenmeni
2. Ambalavayal
3. Sulthan Bathery
4. Kidanganad
5. Noolpuzha
6. Thomattuchal
7. Kuppadi
8. Cheenal
9.Purakkadi
10.Poothadi
11.Pulpally
12.Padichira
13.Irulam
14.Krishnagiri
15.Nadavayal
Vythiri 16.Kunnathidavaka
17.Achuranam
18.Thariyode
19.Kottathara
20.Kuppadithara
21.Padinjarethara
22.Chundel
23.Vengappally
24.Kavumandam
25.Pozhuthana
26.Kaniyampatta
27.Muttil North
28.Muttil South
29.Kottappadi
30.Kalpetta
31.Muppayinad
32.Vellarimala
33.Thrukkaipatta
Mananthavady 34.Anchukunnu
35.Porunnannoor
36.Nalloornad
37.Mananthavady
38.Thirunelli
39.Thrissileri
40.Payyampalli
41.Cherukattoor
42.Panamaram
43.Perya
44.Thondarnad
45.Vellamunda
46.Thavinjal
47.Edavaka
48.Valad
49.Kanjirangad
14 15
Kalpetta is the headquarters of the Wayanad district administra-
tion. The Collectorate functions at the Civil Station here.
DISTRICT PANCHAYAT
The Wayanad District Panchayat office functions at the CivilStation Kalpetta. There are three block panchayats and 25 Grama
panchayats.Their details are given below:
Block Telephone Grama TelephonePanchayat No : Panchayat No :
Mananthavady 540298 1.Mananthavady 5402532.Vellamunda 5303253. Thirunelli 550453
4.Thondarnad 5352355. Edavaka 5403666.Thavinjal 556236
7.Panamaram 520772
Sulthan Bathery 620202 8.Meenangdi 6472369. Nenmeni 62031010.Ambalavayal 660423
11.Poothadi 68152212.Sulthan Bathery 62024013.Noolpuzha 665635
14.Mullankolli 64027315.Pulpally 640221
Kalpetta 602265 16.Kottathara 68664417.Vengapally 602481
18.Vythiri 65522319.Muttil 60241820.Pozhuthana 655251
21.Thariyode 65043522.Padinjarethara 69341923.Meppadi 682422
24. Kaniyampatta 686693
25.Moopainad 687499
IMPORTANT TOWNS
Kalpetta
Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad, is the only Municipality in
the district. It is 72kms.north east of Kozhikode and is well connected by
roads to all important places like Mysore, Ooty, etc. A rest house and
various hotels are there, in this town.
Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery is one of the earliest settlements in Wayanad. It is
located 25kms.north east of Kalpetta. The Guest house of the Depart-
ment of Tourism and a Motel Aram of the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation are the places available for halt.
Mananthavady
Mananthavady, the revenue divisional and taluk headquarters, is
situated 32kms.north east of Kalpetta. There is a forest bungalow here.
This town is connected by roads to Mysore via Bavali, Coorg via Tholpetty,
Thalassery via Periya and Kozhikode via Kalpetta.
Vythiri
Vythiri, the taluk headquarters, is an important place on the
Kozhikode -Mysore road. It is 11kms.south of Kalpetta.
Meppadi
Meppadi, at a distance of 10kms. East of Kalpetta, is an important
place on the Kozhikode-Ooty State highway.
AGRICULTURE
This high altitude district is characterised by the cultivation of pe-
rennial plantation crops and spices. The major plantation crops include
coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber. Coffee based farming system
16 17
is a notable feature of Wayanad. Coffee is grown both as pure crop and
as a mixed crop along with pepper. Pepper is grown largely along with
coffee in the northeastern parts of the district (70.150 ha), especially in
Pulpally and Mullankolly areas. Coffee in Wayanad (70,150) ha. shares
33.65 per cent of the total cropped a rea in the district and 78 per cent of
the coffee area in the state. Other major crops are coconut (8826 ha.),
Are cunut (5722ha), Tea (5728 ha.) and Rubber (2954 ha.). Vanilla culti-
vation in assuming importance in the district.
Paddy is cultivated in 19308 hectares. The rice fields of Wayanad
are in the valleys formed by hillocks and in majority of paddy lands, only a
single crop is harvested. Ginger cultivation in Wayanad has also substan-
tially increased in recent times and the ginger produced is mainly mar-
keted in the form of green ginger. Homestead farming assumes impor-
tance in this district. The average size of holdings are 0.68ha. A variety of
crops including annuals and perennials are grown in these small holdings.
The crops include coconut, arecanut, pepper, vegetables, tubercrops, drum-
stick, papaya, etc.and fruit trees like mango and jack.
The crop patterns/crop combinations prevalent in this district are
not based on any scientific norms. Therefore scientific cropping patterns
suitable for the agro-ecological situation is to be recommended.
Marketing of agricultural produce
The marketing of coffee was fully regulated by the Coffee Board
till 1992 and the entire coffee grown in the district had to be pooled to the
Board. But in the Coffee policy of 1995-96,the Government exempted
small-scale growers possessing land less than 10 hectares from the obli-
gation of pooling. Those growers with more than 10 hectares of coffee
plantation were obliged to provide 60 per cent of their produces to the
Coffee Board. But Government of India recently announced the abolition
of the pooling system for coffee altogether from 14th September 1996
and coffee growers are now free to market either in the domestic market
or export.
Pepper is marketed mainly as dried berries. The different agencies
engaged in the marketing of the produce are hill produce merchants, mar-
keting societies, commission agents and exporters. Being an export-ori-
ented commodity, pepper prices show frequent fluctuations depending on
the international prices prevailing for the commodity from time to time.
Ginger is mainly marketed as green ginger. Cardamom is sold at auction
centers. The traders are licensed by the Spices Board and they partici-
pate in the different marketing centers for auction. Rubber is a controlled
commodity and is mainly marketed in the form of smoked rubber sheets.
A large numbers of private dealers as well as the primary rubber market-
ing societies under the Rubber Marketing Federation, operate at the vil-
lage level for the purchase and sale of the commodity.
Wayanad has 25 agricultural units known as Krishi Bhavans. Each
unit is under the charge of an Agricultural Officer and 2 or 3 Agricultural
Assistants. There is also farm of the Tribal Development Department
known as Cheengeri Extension Scheme,Ambalavayal and it is managed
by the Agricultural Department. The office of the Agricultural Extension
Schemes, Ambalavayal and it is managed by the Agricultural Depart-
ment. The office of the Principal Agricultural Officer is located at Kalpetta
which co-ordinates the schemes.
IRRIGATION
There is no major irrigation project in this district.
Karapuzha Project
Karapuzha Project is the First Irrigation project taken up inWayanad
District. Wayanad with an average elevation of 780 m above sea level,
lying on the eastern slope of Western Ghats is inhabited by several hill
tribes and settlers from different parts of the State. Bulk of the population
is in rural and is engaged in agricultural activities. With a view to irrigate
more and more area under paddy cultivation to overcome the deficiency
in food grain production, the possiblities of implementing a few major irrigat
18 19
ion projects had been investigated in Wayanad area, out of which the
Karapuzha Project was found to be the most feasible one and was taken
up for execution during the 5th five Year Plan.
The project is to construct an Earth Dam at Vazhavatta in Vythiri
Taluk. This is purely an Irrigation Project, which envisages the construc-
tion of storage reservoir and canal system to irrigate a net ayacut of 5221
hectares for two crops. An independent division called "Karapuzha Project
Division" stated functioning from Feburary 1977, onwards with headquar-
ters at Kalpetta for the execution of the project. The partial commission-
ing of the project was to take place in 1984-85. This was not materialised
in view of meagre placement of funds from 1980-1981 onwards. The
target fixed for the commissioning of the project is March 2004, provided
adequate provision for fund is made available.
In addition to the originally envisaged scope of the Project, new
proposal for 0.5 to 0.75 MW of Power Generation and drinking water
supply for adjoining towns like Kalpetta and for tourism are under consid-
eration of the concerned departments, for which preliminary investigation
has already been conducted.
The revised project report by incorporating all the update design
changes and by adopting the 1999 Schedule of the rate has been prepared
for an amount of Rs. 253/- crores.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Animal husbandry has considerable scope for development in this
district. Though its potential has not been properly exploited, it is one of
the sectors capable of gringing about speedy economic and social transfor
mation in the rural areas. The predominance of forests and grasslands is
congenial for the development of cattle wealth. Commercial poultry rear-
ing as a subsidiary occupation has immense scope for increasing the farm
income of the rural people.
Livestock Population*
Category Nos.
Buffaloes 5,307Cattle 1,09,257Ducks 3,037Fowls 3,11,332Goats 33,258Pigs 2,770Sheep 447
*Live stock Census 2001.
The district has a District Veterinary Center, two Veterinary Poly
Clinics, one Regional Artificial Insemination Center, six Veterinary Hospi-
tals, seventeen Veterinary Dispensaries and 74 I.C.D.P Sub Centers.
Dairy
The dairy industry is well fledged in Wayanad. Climate and Tropi-
cal features were boosted the total development of the milk farmers. There
are 51 milk co-operative societies in this district, out of which 34 are
functioning as Anand Pattern. 10 milk societies are computerised. The
Production of milk in Wayanad for 2001 - 2002 is 2,22,56,207 ltrs. Poothadi
panchayat produces the maximum milk. Then come Ambalavayal and
Mullankolly. Pozhuthana panchayat produces the least.
CO-OPERATION
The co-operative movement is giving a fillip to development in the
district. There are 327 co-operative institutions. There is a District Co-
operative Bank, 3 Co-operative Urban Banks, 29 Primary Agricultural
Service Banks and a Land Mortgage Bank. There is one Farmers' Co-
operative Bank at Mananthavady.
There are 25 SC-ST Co-operative Societies and 39 Agricultural
Marketing Societies. There are eight Co-operative Housing Societies, three
Co-operative Collective Farms, 43 Labour Contract Societies and nine-
20 21
teen Consumer Stores. 21 Employees' Co-operative Societies and 78 School/ College Societies are there in the district. There are also 17 Consumer Stores, nine Poultry farming Co-operative Societies, 3 Co-operative Hos- pitals, 4 Co-operative Colleges and 12 Women Co-operative Societies.
Mananthavady Tribal Plantations Co-operative Ltd. (PriyadarsiniTea Estate), which is engaged in tea production and marketing, South
Wayanad Joint Farming Co-operative Society (Sugandhagiri CardamomProject) which is concentrated in cardamom production and distributionand Wayanad Coffee Marketing Co-operative Society (coffee market-ing) are the three successful institutions in the co-operative sector.
EDUCATION
There are at present 294 schools (150 Lower Primary, 77 Upper Primary and 67 High Schools) in Wayanad district. Six Vocational Higher Secondary Schools,24 Higher Secondary Schools and three Teacher Train-
ing Institutes are there under the Department of Education. There are aResidential Upper Primary School for Scheduled Castes at Muthanga , aResidential High School at Nallurnad,Ambedkar Memorial ResidentialH.S at Kalpetta and Rajiv Gandhi Model Residential School at Lakkidi.
In Wayanad total student strength is 1,30,352.66,482 boys and63,870 girls.Among this 7321 belongs to scheduled cast and 21544 belongs to scheduled tribe..
Wayanad is a single education district with one Deputy Director,one District Educational officer and three Assistant Educational Officers.It has also a District Institute of Education and Training, located at SulthanBathery. In order to improve the quality of education, the district has been
brought under the special scheme of District Primary Education Project,funded by World Bank.
Post school education
Out of the six colleges in the district, only one has the status of afirst grade college with post graduate courses and science subjects. The
proposed graduate program in Tourism at Pazhassi Raja college, Pulpally,
is the only one of its kind in the state.
The only Polytechnic is at Meenangadi. The Ambalavayal Research
Centre is a notable institution under the Kerala Agricultural University.
The B.Ed Centers at Kaniampatta,Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady
are also feathers in the cap of the educational sector of this district.
Tribal education
The education of tribals is still a big problem. In spite of a lot of
efforts, they have not yet been brought to the main stream. Many are
admitted to schools, but they do not remain. The only consolation is thetwo schools - Rajiv Gandhi Residential School at Muthanga and Dr.
Ambedkar Residential School at Nallornad, near Mananthavady - set apart
for the education of tribal children. Both these have better facilities andare well run.
Educational institutions *
Category Private TotalGovt. Govt.aided
1. LP Schools 91 53 5 149
2. UP Schools 34 39 3 763. High Schools 40 23 4 67
4. Higher Secon-
dary Schools 13 11 - 24
5.Vocational Higher
Secondary Schools 4 2 - 6
6. ITI 1 - - 17. Polytechnic 1 - - 1
8. Technical High
Schools 2 - - 2
9. Colleges 3 4 - 7
10. B.Ed. Centres 2 - - 211. TTI 2 1 - 3
12. DIET 1 - - 1
13. Anganvadis 516 - - 516
* During 2001 - 2002
22 23
86,489 candidates have registered as on March 2002 of these
44,276 are women,4348 are belonging to sc communities ,7,700 are be-longing to ST communities and 774 are under the category of phisically
handicapped.
HEALTH
Wayanad district administration is aware of the varied health prob-lems of the people, especially of Adivasis. With the support of variousgovernmental agencies, including tribal and health departments, a health
action plan has already been implemented. As a result, the Wayanad Health
Project, situated at Nallurnad with a speciality hospital, has been provid-
ing facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of major tribal diseases. Inaddition a district hospital and a T.B. centre at Mananthavady are also
giving special attention to the patients suffering from tuberculosis. As per the proposal of 'KIRTADS', the State Government has started a centrefor tribal medicine at the hamlet of Valat.
Health institutes
Institution
Allopathy 1. District Hospital 1
2. Taluk Hospital. 1
3. T.B. Centre 1
4. P. H. Centres. 25
5. Community
Health Centres 6
6. Private Hospitals 76
Ayurveda (ISM) 1. Hospitals 3
2. Dispensaries 21
Homoeopathy 1. Hospital 1
2. Dispensaries 19
24 25
Literacy
The literacy in Wayanad is 70.61 per cent as per 1991 census and
was only 57.33 in 1981. Thus there is an appreciable growth in the lit-
eracy rate in a decade. This is still below the state average of 89.81 per
cent. Among the panchayath and municipality, Mullankolly has the high-
est rate of 77.11 followed by Vythiri, 75.71 per cent and Edavaka 73.7
per cent.
Li terates *
Total/ LiteratesDistrict/ Rural
Taluk Urban Person Male Female
WayanadDistrict T 587,030 308,831 278,199
R 564,260 296821 267,439U 22,770 12,010 10,760
MananthavadyTaluk T 177,973 94,424 83,549
R 177,973 94,424 83,549U - - -
SulthanbatheryTaluk T 255,425 117,959 107,466
R 225,425 117,959 107,466U - - -
Vythiri Taluk T 183,632 96,448 87,184R 160,862 84,438 76,424U 22,770 12,010 10,760
* Census 2001
EMPLOYMENT
The Wayanad district employment exchange functions at Kalpetta.
Two town employment exchanges also are functioning at Mananthavadyand Sulthan Bathery .A mobile employment exchange functions under
the Integrated Tribal Development Project, specially for the scheduledtribes. Districts employment exchange has a unit for career guidance andanother for self-employment schemes.
INDUSTRY
In Wayanad district so far 4370 small scale industrial units have
been registered. Of these 1829 are in Sulthan Bathery Block, 1332 in
Kalpetta Block and the remaining 1219 are in Mananthavady Block.
There are 803 agro based industries, 276 timber based industries,
1649 garment making units, 757 engineering units and 144 building mate-
rial units in the district. In addition to the above about 1017 small scale
industries in various sectors including photostat , leather bag, rexin prod-
ucts, bio-fertilizers, etc., are also registered.
In Wayanad most of the industries are located in Kalpetta Munici-
pality and Sulthan Bathery, Meenangadi and Mananthavadi Grama
panchayats. 79 Industrial Co-operative societies are registered in the
district. Out of it 41 come under the category of SC/ST and 12 are of
women enterprises.
The district industreis centre functions at Muttil .Taluk industries
offices are fuctioning in Vythiri and Mananthavady Taluks. An SSI wing
has started functioning at the Sulthan Bathery branch of Canara Bank. In
Sulthan Bathery a mini industrial estate having 14 sheds is functioning
under the control of SIDCO. A raw meterial unit is also operating there.
Land has been purchased to start industrial estates in Edavaka,
Mananthavady, Kaniyambetta and Poothady under the project of District
panchayat. Construction works are in progress at Chundale for an indus-
trial park by KINFRA.
TRANSPORT
Railway facility is not available at Wayanad. The nearest railway
station is at Kozhikode, about 70 kms. from Kalpetta. The only mode of
transport of goods and commuters within the district is roadways. Bus
services are available in all panchayats. Though there is no national high-
way touching Wayanad, the district has a network of roads. There is a
state highway, Kozhikode-Vythiri-Gudalur, passing through Wayanad. The
Kozhikode-Mysore frontier road and Thalassery-Bavali road are two im-
portant district roads.
IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS
Ambedkar Memorial Rural Institute For Development (AMRID)
Ambedkar Memorial Rural Institute for Development (AMRID) is
a charitable origanisation meant for the educational needs and employ-
ment opportunities of students of Wayanad district, especially of sched-
uled castes and scheduled tribes, registered under the Societies Act. This
institute started functioning in July 1990 at Puliyarmala, Kalpetta, in the
centenary year of Dr.B.R Ambedkar. The Institute is functioning in the
newly constructed building from 18th May 1998 in Muttil Village by the
side of Kalpetta - Sulthan Bathery Road. AMRID has got a variety of
activities aiming to achieve its social and educational objectives.
Activities
1. Printing Press - two letter presses and one Mini Auto Print Offset
press (training and job works)
2. Handicraft work in coffee stump and coconut shell (Training cum Pro-
duction Centre)
3. Typewriting institute
4. Tailoring Institute
5. Training in 3-wheeler driving.
6. Plastic welding unit (Production Centre)
7. Computer Course
The activities are implemented with the funds allotted by the Tribal
Development Department, District Industries Centre, District Panchayat,
and other implementing departments under various schemes and also with
the limited income from various units of the institute.
26 27
Typewriting, Tailoring, S.S.L.C (Failed Batch), Autorikshaw
Driving, Composing, Binding, Printing, Plastic Welding, Handicraft work
in Coffee Stump, Bamboo craft, P.D.C., Wood carving, Coconut shell
Handicraft, Electric Embroidery, Computer Courses are conducting in the
institute.
COFFEE BOARD
Coffee Board operates its two wings in this district.
Research Wing
A Regional Coffee Research Station is functioning under the Re-
search Department of Coffee Board at Perumthatta, Chundale to envolve
location specific technology and to disseminate knowledge on scientific
developments among coffee growers especially Robusta coffee growers.
Extension Wing
Extension wing is headed by the Joint Director (Extension) with
Head Quarters at Kalpetta.Under him there is one Deputy Director (De-
velopment) office at Kalpetta supported by three Senior Laison Officers
at Kalpetta, Mananthvady and Sulthan Bathery and four Junior Laison
officers stationed at Chundale, Meenangadi, Pulpally and Panamaram
there are two Technologies Evaluation Centres functioning under the
Extension wing located at Kalpetta and Kuzhinilam in Mananthavady.
Coffee is planned in an extent of 67479 hectares consisting of 125
ha. under Arabica and 67354 ha. of Robusta of which 67053 ha. are
under bearing stage. The number of Coffee holdings in Wayanad consist-
ing of 187 under Arabica and 58265 under Robusta.
Consequent to the implementation of depooling system the activi-
ties of the marketing department ceased to exist.
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal
A Regional Agricultural Research Station functions at Ambalavayal
as a part of Kerala Agricultural University. This station caters to the
research needs of agricultural sector of the high ranges. The station mainly
concentrates on the research on spices, tropical and subtropical fruits,
vegetables, especially cool season vegetables and hill paddy.
A Krishi Vijnan Kendra, with the objective dissemination of latest
technologies to the farmers, is also attached to this station. Recently, a
plant Biotechnology Centre started functioning here for the large-scale
production of tissue culture plants of high value crops. The nursery of the
station has a large collection of roses and other ornamental plants. The
station produces and distributes quality seeds and good planting materials
to the farmers.
Spices Board
The Spices Board has a field office at Kalpetta. The main func-
tions of the Spices Board are the formulation and implementation of bet-
ter production and quality improvement programs, systematic research
and development, educating and training growers, processors, packers
and exporters, selective registration and licensing. It also acts as a data
bank and communication channel for importers and exporters of Indian
spices.
The Board helps exporters in establishing contact with overseas
buyers of spices. The Board also forwards trade enquiries received from
abroad to competent registered Indian exporter and helps the Interna-
tional buyer procure the right quality spices from India. The board exam-
ines complaints received from importers for corrective and preventive
action.
28 29
MASS MEDIA
No major newspaper is being published from Wayanad. But impor-
tant dailies like Mathrubhoomi, Malayala Monorama,Kerala Kaumudi,
Deepika, Madhyamam, Deshabhimani, Siraj, Mangalam, Chandrika,
Janmabhoomi, etc. have their bureau and correspondents at the head-
quarters.
A Doordashan relay centre is functioning at Kalpetta and there are
36 cinema theatres in the district.
ARTS
The major tribal arts performed in the district are Vattakali and
Koodiyattam using thudi and kuzhal by Paniyas, Gadhika by Adiyas,
Kolkali by Kurumas and Nellukuthu pattu by kurichias.
CENTRES OF WORSHIP
Ananthanatha Swami Temple at Puliyarmala
A beautiful Jain temple, devoted to Ananthanatha Swami, one of
the saints of the Jaina faith, is located six kms. from Kalpetta.
The Glass temple at Koottamunda
Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this temple dedicated to
Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith, is an ex-
quisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and
Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple have thousand reflec-
tions in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the
temple walls. It is twenty kms. from Kalpetta.
Maha Ganapathi Temple at Sulthan Bathery
This temple is believed to have been built eight centuries ago. In
the past, it was under the control of the Kottayam royal dynasty. Before
the conquest by Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan Bathery was known as
Ganapathivattam. The temple is devoted to Ganapathi.
Ponkili Temple
This is an ancient temple associated with the myth of Sita Devi. It
is located on the Karnataka border.
Santhinatha Temple at Venniyode
This is another Jain temple devoted to Saint Santhinatha Swami
and is situated 20 kms away from Kalpetta.
The Chandranatha Swami Temple at Puthanangadi, Vrishabhadeva
Swami Temple at Mananthavady and Parawanatha Swami temple at
Palkunnu are the other important Jain temples in the district.
Sita Devi Temple at Pulpally
This is centuries old temple, dedicated to Sita Devi. The icons of
Leva and Kusa are also installed here.
Thirunelli temple
Located in a valley beneath a hill called Brahmagiri in the reserve
forest. This temple is often referred to as the 'Kasi of the South'. The
temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja.
A little away from this temple is the mountain spring called Papanasini,
which literally means destroyer of all sins. Pakshipathalam, an interesting
trekking centre, is seven kms. away from this temple.
Puthari, Chuttu-
vilakku, Navarathri,
Sivarathriand Sreekris-
hnajayanthi are the fes-
tivals conducted in this
temple. The location of
this temple has an en-
chanting natural beauty.
Thirunelli is 66 kms
away from Kalpetta.
30 31
Thirunelli temple
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple
This temple is located about three kms. east of Mananthavady town.
It is devoted to goddess Durga. Every year, Festival that lasts for 10 days,
is celebrated in March-April. Adivasis from all over the district attend this
festival.
The Maidani Mosque
This is an important mosque located at Kalpetta.
Varampatta Mosque
This important mosque is located at Padinjarethara.
Church at Sulthan Bathery
This is an important church of the Jacobite Christians
Lourd Church at Paallikkunnu
This is a Roman Catholic Church.
St. Peter's Church at Meenangadi
This is an important church of Jacobite Syrian Christians.
Important Festivals
The following is a table of major festivals and the dates in which
they are celebrated.
1. Seethadevi Temple, Pulpally - January first week.
2. Nadavayal St. Thomas Church - January first week
3. Pallikkunnu Church - February second week.
4. Varampatta Mosque - March first week.
5. Valliyoorkavu temple - March -14-28
6. Maidani Mosque, Kalpetta - March - April
7. Thirunelli - Karkidaka vavu - August.
PLACES OF TOURIST IMPORTANCE
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.
Chembra Peak
The hills, rocks and valleys, which contribute to the very unique
character of Wayanad, provide a lot of 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 the
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 pro-
vides 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 exhilerating.
Edakkal Cave
This location is breath-taking beauty is
three kilometers from Ambalavayal which is
25 kms. from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in
the Ambukuthy Mountain is not a cave in the
real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary
(Vol.XXX, page - 410) and quoted in the Dis-
trict Gazetteer, Kozhikode, it is only 'a cleft
about 96 ft. long and 22 ft. wide in the rock'.
It is a fissure made by a corner of rock split-
ting off from the main body due to some natu-
ral 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
32 33
Ins cri pti ons in pal i li pion the caves-Edakkal
other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several
tonns, 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 are and inspires the archaeologists
and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Kuruva Island
The Kuruva Island,
950 acres of evergreen
forest on the tributaries of
east following river
Kabani, is an ideal picnic
spot, far away from the
disturbance of city life.
The island is uninhabited.
Rare spicies of birds, or-
chids and herbs are the
sovereigns of this super-
nal kingdom. It is 17 kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west
of Sulthan Bathery.
Lakkidi
One of the highest locations in Wayanad,
Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It
is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and
five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gateway
of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghats 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 kms. long journey from Adivaram
to Lakkidi through ghats road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests,
is a fascinating experience.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Muthanga, which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located
very near to the Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345
sq.kms. from the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; the biggest abode of
wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild
bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The Forest Department has facili-
ties for providing elephant rides to tourists here.
Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli is a challenging
tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam,
seventeen kms 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
permissions have to be obtained from Forest Department to go to
Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicles,
guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on here.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort
Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in
north Wayanad. There is a
good aquarium here. Coin -
operated toys for childrenand boating facilities for
tourists are available here.
Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organized gue-
rilla type warfare against
British East India Company,was cremated here in 1805.
34 35
Kur uva Isl and
Chain tree in Lakkidi Pa zha ss i To mb at Man ant hav ady
Pookot Lake
It is a natural
fresh water lake,
brimmed with ever-
green mountains. The
weather here is sala-
cious; the scenic
beauty, hypnotising
and the nature, un-
spoiled. Pookot Lake
tourist resort inVythiri
is the most sought af-
ter tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house
here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are
also arranged for sale 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.
Sentinel Rock Waterfall
This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in
Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as trekking centre. The
sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m.in height, is ideal for rock climb-
ing.
Soochippara Waterfall
The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi are 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 spring.
Important Tourist Centres
Place Distance fromKalpetta
Ambalavayal Farm 25 kms
Banasura Sagar Dam 21 kms
Banasura Sagar Hills 29 kms
Boys Town 45 kms
Begur wild life sanctuary 52 kms
Chain tree 15 kms
Cheengeri hills 23 kms
Cheeyambam waterfalls 37 kms
Chembra peak 15 kms
Edakkal cave 27 kms
Jain temple (Sulthan Bathery) 24 kms
Kanthanpara waterfalls 18 kms
Kappikalam waterfalls 24 kms
Karapuzha Dam Site 16 kms
Karland chira 15 kms
Kuruva island 35 kms
Mananthavady Pazhassi Tomb 34 kms
Meenmutti Waterfalls 29 kms
Meenangadi Church and temple 13 kms
Muthangadi 23 kms
Muthanga wild life sanctuary 39 kms
Pallikunnu church 14 kms
Pakshipathalam 72 kms
Pazhassi Tourist Resort 33 kms
Papanasini 66 kms
Ponkuzhi 41 kms
Pookot lake 13 kms
Puliyarmala 3 kms
Pulpally Sitadevi temple 34 kms
36 37
Po oko t Lak e
Soochippara waterfalls 22 kms
Tholpetty wild life sanctuary 52 kms
Thirunelli temple 65 kms
Trikaipatta temple 11 kms
Varampatta mosque 22 kms
Valliyoorkavu temple 31 kms
Distance to Major Tourist Centres from Kalpetta
Bangalore 282 kms
Udagamandalam (Ooty) 115 kms
Mysore 142 Kms
Coorg 80 kms
Kochi 282 kms
Thiruvananthapuram 497 kms
WHERE TO STAY
At Kalpetta Phone
PWD Rest House 04936 602241
Hotel Harithagiri 602073
PPS Tourist Home 603431
Hotel MGT International 602705
Woodlands Tourist Home 602547
At Sulthan Bathery
Govt. Guest House 620225
PWD Rest house
Motel Aram(KTDC)
Hotel Dwaraka 621397
The Resort 620512
At Pulpally
Kabani Resort 640529
Hotel Pearlmount 640397
At Mananthavady
PWD Rest House 540230Hotel Manasasaras 540236
At Meenangadi
Hotel Vanarani 647572
For more details, on tourism contact :
District Tourism Promotion Council, Kalpetta, North Wayanad.
Phone : 04936-602134,602712
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
President (District Panchayath) 647268
Secretary 602490
Kalpetta Municipality 602349
District Collector (Office) 602230
District Collector, (Residence) 602300
District Police Superintendent 602525
District Information Officer 602529
District Planning Officer 602626
District Supply Officer 602273
District Tourism Promotion Council 602134
" " 602714
DPEP Office 603338
PSC District Office 603202
SC/ST Development Corporation 602869
District Employment Office 602534
District Education Office 602264
KSRTC 602611
District Informatic Centre 602763
Field Publicity Office 602263
Govt. Hospital, Kalpetta 602037
Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Kalpetta 604053
Nearest Airport - Kozhikode 0495 - 766050
Nearest Railway Station -Kozhikode 0495 - 703822
38 39
40 41
BARE FACTS
Area (in sq.km) 2,131
Population 786,627
Male 393,397
Female 393,230
Sex ratio: Female/1000 1000
Density of population 369
Per Capita Income (in Rs.) 34123
Literacy rate 85.52%, Male 90.28%
Coastal line in km. Nil
Water bodied area in ha. 936
Forest area in ha. 78787
Assembly Constituencies 1. Kalpetta
2.North Wayanad
3. SulthanBatheri
*****