Located in the Northern High Ranges of Kerala, near Pookot Lake in the district of Wayanad, Vythiri is a unique hill station resort at a height of 2600 feet above the Mean Sea Level. 150 acres of lush greenery interspersed with perennial streams and rolling hills greet the visitor. Vythiri is an undertaking of Primeland Holdings Pvt Ltd and is designed in the traditional Kerala architectural style.
History:
The history of Vythiri is interlinked with the history of the entire district of Wayanad. Historians believe that organized human life existed in these parts at least ten centuries Before Christ. Evidence to support this claim is found in two caves of Ampukuthimala between Sultan Battery and Ambalavayal. There are pictures as well as pictorial writing on the walls of these caves, which speak volumes of a bygone era and civilization.
Recorded history of this area is available from the 18th century onwards. In ancient times, this land was governed by the Ruler of Mysore after he invaded it and brought it under his sway. Tipu Sultan restored Wayanad to the royal dynasty of Kottayam. Later, it came into the hands of the British who set up the tea estates and plantations on a large scale.
Best For:
Evergreen rain forests, plantations of coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper, pollution –free surroundings are the highlights of Vythiri as are the tree houses built 90 feet above the ground. Long rope bridges hang across the rivers and streams, inviting visitors to walk across as they sway under their weight. Wildlife in the form of the Malabar Squirrel, Whistling Thrush and the Nilgiri Langur (monkey) can be easily spotted in the abundance of flora and fauna.
Since it is a hill station, the weather at Vythiri is cool and pleasant throughout the year. The monsoons of Kerala enhances the beauty of the Western Ghats and the best time to visit is from the month of May to September.The monsoon rains can act as a deterrent if you are one who does not enjoy rains In that case plan a trip between October and March. t is cooler and drier from October to March.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the three international airports of Kerala, namely Thiruvanantapuram, Cochin and Calicut. Some of the home stays and hotels of Vythiri also offer this service.
Vythiri can be reached by road from the city of Calicut, which is 60 kms away. Calicut International Airport is at a distance of 85 kms and the Calicut railway station is 110 kms away. From here one can hire a taxi to Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad, which is just 10 kms away from Vythiri.
Domestic Flights
The airports of Kerala are well connected to the major cities of India, with most domestic carriers plying daily. Calicut airport is located at a distance of 85 kms.
International Flight:
Flights from most of the cities around the world operate to Thiruvantapuram, Cochin and Calicut, the three international airports of Kerala. Flights from some Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, operate on a daily basis. Emirates Airline follows the UK- Dubai- Kerala route while Air Sri Lanka flies UK- Colombo- Kerala.
Road Travel
Vythiri is well connected to all the major cities of India as well as Kerala through a good network of roads.
Train Travel
The nearest railhead is at Calicut, 110 kms away from Vythiri.
Edakkal Caves – located 12 kms from Sultan Battery, 3 kms from Ambalavayal and 25 kms from Kalpetta, these caves are accessible only by a one km trekking trail. They are natural caves formed by giant stones resting on each other. A cleft about 96 feet long and 22 feet wide can be seen in a rock fissure made by a corner of one rock splitting off from the main body. New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls are evidence of the pre-historic civilization that existed here. They are 53 kms from Vythiri, and can be reached after a picturesque drive of one and a half hour.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 300 sq kms and this sanctuary is a haven for many species of birds and animals. Elephants and deer can be seen frequently while one can get an occasional sighting of tigers and panthers. The sanctuary is bisected into two distinct parts by a tract of cultivated land. One part falls in the Kozhikode district, while the other in the district of Kannur. The sanctuary has moist deciduous teak forests and marshes dominated by bamboo and other grass.
Pookot Lake located just 4 kms away, is a comfortable half hour drive. This is a perennial fresh water lake nestled amongst the hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for boating. Spices and handicraft items are available on sale near the lake.
Chain Tree is located 9 kms away and can be reached after a 20 minutes drive. Even today, a chain still hangs from a banyan tree to mark the spot where a British colonialist had murdered an Adivasi tribesman. People visit the place to pay their respects.
Chembara Peak at 2100 metres above the sea-level, is the tallest peak in the range that winds its way through Wayanad. The peak is an exhilarating four-hour trek from the base of the mountain. It is also possible to stay at the top for one or two days in temporary camps or halt midway. The District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvas tents and trekking implements on hire. It is 27 kms from Vythiri.
Kuruva Island This is a breathtaking 950 acre wooded island wrapped around by rivulets and is ideal for camping and peaceful nature trails. It is uninhabited and has rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. It is 17 kms east of Mananthavady and 40 kms northwest of Sultan Battery.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located 16 kms east of Sultan Battery, near the Karnataka border, is the biggest abode of wild animals in the Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah and wild bear can be seen here amidst their natural habitat and visitors can also enjoy an elephant ride.
Where To Eat:
The resorts at Vythiri offer good regional cuisine and can also turn out meals of tourists choice on prior notice. There are good eating options throughout the district of Wayanad. Local food such as appams and fish curry forms the staple diet and can be savoured at any restaurant.
Where To Stay:
Vythiri Nature Resort is situated 2600 feet above Mean Sea Level and 60 kms from Calicut airport, in the heart of Wayanad district. It is set amidst lush tropical rain forests, providing an escape into the lap of nature. T
Green Magic Tree House Resort is located 80 kms or two and a half hours from Calicut Airport. It is one of the most popular resorts consisting of eco-lodges built 90 to 100 feet above the ground. They can be reached by an ingenious cane lift, adding to the sense of adventure.
Spices such as cloves, pepper, cardamom as well as nuts and coffee and handicraft items are available and can be purchased at any place in Vythiri. It is better to take the help of your hotel staff or guide if you wish to make large purchases.
The Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary is 70 kms away while the Bandipur National Park is 75 kms away from Vythiri. Amongst the numerous temples found near Vythiri, in Wayanad, the Thirunelli Temple, located 64 kms from Kalpetta is revered as the ‘Dakshin Kashi’, or Benares of the South. It is believed to have been dedicated by Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu, in the form of ‘Chaturbhuja’ and draws pilgrims from all over the country.
Recommended Circuits:
Vythiri can be visited enroute while travelling from Calicut to Bangalore, or by covering a distance of 150 kms from Calicut to Mysore on the National Highway 212.
Vythiri is a unique hill station resort where the philosophy revolves around undying love for nature. No trees are harmed or cut, rocks and boulders are left undisturbed and animals are protected. There is a minimal use of concrete as natural building materials such as mud and bamboo is preferred. Bearing all this in mind, a visit to Vythiri is definitely an eye-opener to those accustomed to living mechanical lives in a concrete jungle. The all pervading, spice-infused air and serenity transports you to another world where everything co-exists in perfect harmony.
