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

*****