Wayanad - Frequently Asked Questions
1 Given the recent landslide incident, is Wayanad safe for tourists?
Firstly Wayanad is not a small place, it's a large district. The landslide incident was affected by only 2 villages ( Chooralmala & Mundakai) among thousands of villages in Wayanad district, an affected area constituting less than 1% of the land mass of the district. Other than the small affected area, the rest of Wayanad is fully intact and back to normal business. The majority of Wayanad's population is tourism-dependent, and the administration is doing its best to reopen all the tourist places quickly and attract more tourists to support the livelihood of the affected people.
1a. Where is Wayanad City?
Wayanad is the name of one of the Northern Districts of Kerala State, India. Wayanad District has got 3 sub-administrative divisions ( Taluks) 1) Mananthavady, 2) Sultan Bathery, 3)Vythiri ( Kalpetta Town District HQ). There is no specific spot named as Wayanad or Wayanad City, the aforementioned 3 Taluks together constitute Wayanad, although many are being misled by Kalpetta the district HQ as Wayanad City.
2.What is the Specialty of Wayanad?
Wayanad is a beautiful place famous for its vast amount of trekking and camping trails, caves, flora, and fauna. Magnificent sights of waterfalls and bird-watching sights. It has been one of the favorite areas of tourists for so many years
3. Where is North Wayanad (Mananthavady Taluk)?
Mananthavady was known for its historical significance from ancient times, and it was one of the famous trading centers during the Medieval and English East India Company period. Present day it's a small town and transit place to various tourist attractions, and it is located North of Wayanad district of Kerala. It is famous for its beautiful Forests, Tea, Coffee, and spice plantations. Climate and Soil Conditions are best for growing exotic fruits like Mangosteen and Avacados, which is a major shift in inter-cropping culture.
4. Where is Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary located?
The Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 10 km from Manathavady town, Wayanad, Kerala, India. Serene perennial forests give shelter for a vast number of wild animals like elephants, deer, tigers, and Indian gaurs.
5. Where are special Wayanad items available?
You can easily find spices, coffee, tea, bamboo articles, honey, and native craft are easily found in the markets of Wayanad. The handloom and handicraft products like garments, textiles, and furniture of Wayanad markets are unique.
6. Why is Wayanad famous?
The area of Wayanad is famous for its colossal camping trails and trekking, impressive waterfalls, deep caves, greenery, forest, and breathtaking sights.
7. Which month is better to visit Wayanad?
Wayanad is a great place and all months are good to visit this place. But the months from October to May are best for visiting Wayanad. Many tourists love to visit Wayanad between December to February as it is much more relaxed at that time.
8. What should I wear in Wayanad?
You can wear trousers, shirts, and loose kurtas in Wayanad. The clothes which have full sleeves and dry quickly are the best choice.
9. What should I buy in Wayanad?
In Wayanad, you can shop for bamboo articles, honey, herbal plants, handicraft products, handloom products, coffee, tea, spices, and native art items.
10. What is the climate in Wayanad?
The temperature in Wayanad in the Summer season is between 22 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. In winter & Monsoon, the climate of Wayanad is crisp and chilly
11. Which airport is near Wayanad?
Kannur International Airport is the Nearest and best choice for Mananthavady & Whole Wayanad - Approximately 52km from the Airport to Mananthavady. Since few parts of the roads are in the mountain pass - it might take max 1.5 hrs. 2nd choice is Kozhikode (Calicut), which is also known as karipur airport, This airport is located 120 km away from Mananthavady, Wayanad.
12. How to reach Mananthavady, Wayanad from Bangalore/Mysore by road?
1st Option: Bangalore- Mysore- Handpost- Antharsantha – D B Kuppe- Bavali - Mananthavady -
2nd Option- Mysore- Nanjangud- Gundlupet- Mathunga check post- Sultan Bathery - Mananthavady.
13. Which are the Nearest Railway Stations for Mananthavady/Periya Access
The road distance between Periya Wayanad and Thalassery(Kannur District) Railway Station is about 60 km. Its 1.5 Hr Travel
14. Which is the best area to stay in, Wayanad?
For those who are traveling from Banglore/Mysore-Wayanad via Nagarhole, Manathavady is the best area where you can stay in Wayanad, you can easily hire a cab or rickshaw for to get to your final destination in case if you commuting by public transport.
15. Which is the best time to visit Wayanad?
The weather at the time between December to February is much cooler than in the other months and the temperature at this time is down for up to 12 degrees Celsius. Many people prefer to visit Wayanad in these months to enjoy the cold weather.
16. Which food is famous in Wayanad?
Fish moilee, appam, and chicken stew, payasam, Malabar biryani, and Chattipathiri are some famous foods in Wayanad.
17. How many days are enough for the Wayanad trip?
To reach the main tourist attractions of Wayanad, might require bit of trekking and walking. This means that 4 to 5 days are enough to cover all these beautiful attractions.
18. What is Wayanad special?
Wayanad is a unique tourist place which is situated on the mountainous plateau. The capped mountains, the beautiful green meadows of valleys, waterfalls, blue water lakes, and the wild forests are some of the beautiful nature of Wayanad.
19. What is NOWATO? - The NOrth WAyanad Tourism Organization. (www.nowato.org)
NOWATO is a non-governmental and non-profit organization formed by a collective of tourism operators. Our mission is to develop and promote tourism in North Wayanad, particularly in the Mananthavady Taluk. With a focus on the region's agrarian economy and its potential for growth, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for the local population and showcase the hidden treasures of this enchanting destination. NOWATO grievance committee, which mediates/helps in settling any dispute between the tourists and property operators.
20. Is Wayanad Part of Alcohol Prohibited Area.
Kerala is not a dry state, thus Wayanad is not. However, Alcohol brought from other states may not be allowed at the check-post. You may procure liquor legally at the government-authorized foreign liquor outlets ( BEVCO) in Mananthavady town & other parts of Wayanad and Kerala throughout.
