Wayanad
Wayanad District, in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode District and Kannur District. Though the word Wayanad is believed by some to have originated from Vayal (paddy) and Naad (land), 'Land of Paddy Fields', some scholars disagree. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. The district is going through its worst agrarian crisis.
 
Basic information
Area: 2132 kmē
Population (2001 census) : 780,619
Density of Popn: 369 people/kmē
No. of Taluks: 3 (Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, Vayithiri)
No. of state Assembly Legislators: 3 (North Wayanad, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta) Lok Sabha Representation: North Wayanad Assembly Seat is in Kannur Lok Sabha Seat, the other two in Kozhikode.
District Headquarters: Kalpetta (Municipality, pop: 29,602 in 2001 census) Other Important Towns: Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady.
How to reach
The Kozhikode- Mysore National Highway No. 212 passes through Wayanad district. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, 67 km from Kalpetta. Kozhikode airport at Karippur is the nearest airport. There are good road connections to various parts of Kerala and other neighbouring states. Buses go frequently between important centres. While travelling from Mysore take the NH 212 . At a place called Gundlupet the road forks , one goes to Ooty and the other goes to Sultan Batheri , which is a small town of Wayanad .
 
This road passes through Bandipur forest and then through the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary which is the Kerala state border. The roads are good except for some sections inside the Bandipur Forest .While travelling at night please take care , this is an elephant country .Various destinations like Mananthavady , Vythiri etc are connected by good roads.

 

Kalpetta

It is the headquarters of Waynad district. Kalpetta is 72 km. north east of Kozhikode. The Jain temple dedicated to Vardhamana Mahaveera is one of the few Jain shrines in Kerala. There is also a cave very near to the temple. The town houses the famous Maidani Mosque.

Banasura sagar Dam

It is the largest earth dam in India, and is located 21 km from Kalpetta. Due to the undulating topography of the region, islands are formed  upstream  of the dam when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills provide a spectacular scenic view. :It is the largest earth dam in India, and is located 21 km from Kalpetta. Due to the undulating topography of the region, islands are formed  upstream of the dam when the dam is full. The islands in the backdrop of Banasura hills provide a spectacular scenic view.
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 an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.
Pookot Lake
It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with evergreen mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after 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 at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5 haq and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three km south of Vythiri.

Click here to see the photos taken during the trip