Wayanad - “ The land of spice and hills”

Wayanad - “ The land of spice and hills”

Wayanad district was formed on Nov.1 /1980 by the bifurcation of the northern most district Kannur-formerly known as Cannanore (The land of Sri.Krishna). The name Wayand was derived fron “wayal” meaning paddy field and “nadu” meaning land.

Wayand is the last abode of nature in the almost fully urbanized state of Kerala. Situated at the north-eastern part of kerala state whole of Wayanad is hilly and remote barring certain town ships. This district is sub divided in to three taluks. Vythiri, Mananthavady and Sulthanbattery.

Wayanad has an area of 2126sq.kms and a population of eight lakhs (eight hundred thousands). As considerable portion of the district being forests. Population of this land consists of a number of tribals who lead a life of penury. Haunted by illiteracy and superstitions they are a most exploited lot. The hefty amounts the state spend from its kitty go waste as corrupt bureaucracy form lesion with government contractors and squander the allocated money for their whims and fancy. The government officials posted to help the tribals often do just the reverse as there are innumerable cases of these officials molesting tribal women with impunity giving them false promises of marriage and leaving them to the cruel fate. There are cases of officials drugging tribals and get stamp papers signed to snatch away their meager land holdings. Lack of activists with a national vision is the real problem this vacuum is being filled by extremists who lead the innocent tribals to commit crime worsening their already filled cup of woes;

Wayanad has a rich history. There are proofs that human inhabitations existed here about centuries earlier than Christ. The inscriptions of the cave Edakkal at ambalavayal about 25kms From Kalpetta are still riddles before the archeologists.
Recorded history exists only from 18th century Wayanad was ruled by the Pazhashi Rajas of Kottayam dynasty Later Hyderali invaded wayanad and captured it the kingdom by succession came to Tippusultan who also was a great conqueror. Then came the British , In a truce between Tippu and the British signed at Sri ranga Pattanam wayanad was handed over to the British. The great guerilla war the late Pazhassi king fought against the British is a very thrilling portion of Kerala history. However it was the British who improved the condition of this piece of land. They built good roads between wayanad ,Kozhikode and Thalassery and this road was further extended to Ooty and Mysore. Thus under their expertise changed the entire topography by establishing numerous tea, coffee, cardamom plantations which gave modern job opportunities to the people. Many schools and churches were also built for their own as well as the convenience of the people.

Wayanad is a paradise as well as tourist is concerned. There are ever so many destination for them to visit. virgin forests give a dreamy background to the destinations here. Chambra peak is the tallest mountain here is a favorite place for trekkers .the tourism department offers all amenities like place to stay etc. for the trekkers. The edakkal cave where centuries old inscriptions are recorded is a place for those who have nose for archeology. This cave is 96 feet in length and 22feet in width. Kurava dweep (kurava islands) is perhaps the most enchanting place. It is cluster of islets in one of tributaries of the Kabani River. The islets are filled with lush evergreen forests and abode of a lot exclusive birds which alone are the only breakers of the silence engulfing the serene place which are uninhabited. Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Soochipara water falls, Pakshi pathalam Sentinel rock waterfalls etc are very important tourist attractions. Thirunelli temple is a will known pilgrim centre in wayanad.

wayanad is a tribal’s own country and any tourist who has a respect for old values will naturally respect the fact that tribals though impoverished at present are the owners of a rich culture and are the original inhabitants of this land. They have no where else to go once their land is alienated and divested of the rich forest that is the abode of his everything. Visitor has a duty to respect his old traditions he can only see and feel but has to leave it un touched. Any spark can create a wild fire that may destroy the immense wealth nature has bestowed to this heaven. Let the forest live for ever. Let the tribal feel he is rich a visitor is his admirer.

Author: Sasi Kumar

Source: Naturemagics.com - website on Kerala Tourism

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