This northern district, with it's rugged landscape and pastoral valleys, pose a delightful challenge for hikers and nature lovers. The least populous of Kerala's districts, it is relatively backward and development has not appreciably improved the lives of the tribes ( called Adi-vasis) who comprise a sizeable section of the population. Wynad's climate and geography make it ideal for the cultivation of coffee, tea, pepper and rubber.  
Once ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe, it came under the control  of the Pazhassi Rajas of the Kottayam Royal Dynasty. Before the British arrived, it was under the reign of Tipu Sultan. 

Landmarks

Six km from Kalpetta, the district headquarters, is the famous Ananthanatha Jain Temple at Puliyarmala. The Glass Temple at Koottamunda, 20km from Kalpetta is a place worth visiting. The Thirunelly Temple, sometimes called the 'Kasi of the south' is 32 km from Mananthavady. Near the temple is the Papanasini, whose waters, the religions believe, can wash away one's sins. The Valliyurkavu Bhagwathi Temple of Goddess Durga, is known for the two week long festival attended by hundreds of tribals. Eco-tourists will love the Kuruva Islands (16km from Mananthavady) as well as Pakshipathalam . 

Sultan's battery - pronounced as (sul-than-ba-theri) in malayalam, 98km from Kozhikode, derives it's name from Tipu Sultan of Mysore who built a fort here. The two Edakkal caves on the Ambukuthi Hills are of immense archaeological significance, and is known as one of the earliest centres of human habitation. It has several carvings and pictorial inscriptions on it's walls.The Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary is located situated about 15km from Sultan's Battery. 

Details 

District Area - 2131 sqkm 
Climate - Tropical monsoon, seasonally excessive rainfall, Hot summer. 
Temperature - Mean Min - 20deg C 
Mean Max - 35 deg C 
Clothing - Tropical cottons 
Tourist Season - August to March 

Tourist Info 

The nearest airport is at Kozhikode. Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Kozhikode. Though there are hotels in kalpetta, the jungles do not have any accommodation facilities except Government guest houses, meant for it's officials, but rooms are available for a day or two. Facilities are very basic and do not expect any fancy frills.