District Handbooks of Kerala
WAYANAD
District Handbooks of Kerala
WAYANAD
Department of Information & Public Relations Government of Kerala
District Handbooks of Kerala
WAYANAD
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATIONAND PUBLIC RELATIONS GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
District Handbooks of Kerala WAYANAD
Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................5
Department of Information and Public Relations March 2003
2. History ....................................................................................5 3. Salient Features ......................................................................7
Editor - in - Chief G.Rajasekharan . I A S. Director & Secretary
4. Topography ............................................................................8 5. Climate ...................................................................................10
Compiled by P. P.Chandran District Information Officer, Wayanad
6. Rivers ....................................................................................10 7. Flora and Fauna ....................................................................11 8. Population .............................................................................12 9. Religion and Custom............................................................ 13 10. Administration ....................................................................14 11. District Panchayat .............................................................. 16
Editor K. Santhosh Kumar (Information Officer)
12. Important Towns ................................................................17
Assistants N. Radakrishna Pillai Ajitha Das (Translators)
15. Animal Husbandry .............................................................. 20
Type setting and layout Karma
19. Health ...................................................................................25 20. Industry ................................................................................26
Published by the Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Kerala.
13. Agriculture ..........................................................................17 14. Irrigation ..............................................................................19 16. Co-operation ........................................................................21 17. Education .............................................................................22 18. Employment .........................................................................24
21. Transport .............................................................................26
Printed at. KSAVRC Press, Thiruvananthapuram. Copies. 15,000 Price : Rs. 10
22. Important Institutions ........................................................ 27 23. Mass Media ........................................................................30
Every care has been taken to ensure the authenticity of the facts given in this book. However, the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala should not be held responsible for errors , if any.
25. Places of Tourist Importance .............................................. 33 26. Barefacts ..............................................................................40
24. Centres of Worship ............................................................. 30
FOREWORD Reference books have always been in great demand in Kerala and the educated public approach the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala, for authentic information on our state and districts. It is in this context that District Handbooks used to be published. To be abreast of times, the Department has launched a website, www.prd.kerala.gov.in and maintains the State Government web portal www.kerala.gov.in. It has been our sincere endeavour to update these on a day-to-day basis and popularise the use of computers through out the state to enable information and services to reach the needy. However the Department feels that the time is not ripe for a complete switch over from the print media and hence a new series of District Handbooks is now published. I hope that this book would cater to the requirements of the tourists as well as the general public who seek a handy booklet containing relevant information about the district. Suggestions for improvement of the publication/the contents of the website/portals are welcome.
INTRODUCTION estled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, lies Wayanad, one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. This green paradise, located at a distance of 76 kms. from the seashores of Kozhikode, lies at a height of 700-2100 m. above sea level, on the northeastern part of the State. The name, Wayanad, is believed to have been derived from the word, Vayal nadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present district of Wayanad was carved out, from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts and came into being on the first November 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala. This backward district is, perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the state, thanks to its cash crops of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.
N
Most of the reserve forests in the State are in this district. The loamy soil generally show wide variation in depth and texture with a very high content of organic matter. A large percentage of the population in this region are tribals. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyars, Ooralis, Kattunaickens, etc.
G.Rajasekharan, I.A.S. Director & Secretary Information & Public Relations
Thiruvananthapuram, 18th March 2003.
HISTORY Comprising an area of 2126 sq. kms, Wayanad has a powerful history. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in 5
these parts, at least ten centuries before the Christ. Countless evidences about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilization. Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century. In ancient times, this land was ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. In later days, Wayanad came under the rule of the Pazhassi Rajas of Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway. In the days of Tipu, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu handed over the entire Malabar region to the British, after the Sreerangapattanam truce, he made with them. This was followed by fierce and internecine encounters between the British and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam. When the Raja was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he organized the war, like people's militia with the help of Kurichye tribals and engaged the British in several guerrilla type encounters. In the end, the British could get only the dead body of the Raja, who killed himself somewhere in the interior of the forest. Thus Wayanad fell into the hands of British and with it came a new turn in the history of this area. The British authorities opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad, from Kozhikode and Thalassery. These roads were extended to the cities of Mysore and Ooty through Gudalur. Through the roads poured in settlers from all parts of Kerala and the virgin forestlands proved a verietable goldmine with incredible yields of cash crops. When the state of Kerala came into being in November 1956, Wayanad was part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district. In order to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and south Wayanad were carved out and joined together to form the present district of Wayanad. 6
SALIENT FEATURES The total geographical area and population of Wayanad are 2126sq.kms, (2,12,560 hects.) and 6,72,128 respectively, which account for 5.48 per cent and 2.31 per cent of the state total. The male and female population are 3,41,958 and 3,30,170 respectively. The female-male sex ratio is 966 per 1000 males. The density of population is 315 per sq.km. (1991 census) against 260 in 1981, showing an increase of 21 per cent. The literacy in the region is 85.54 per cent Male literacy ratio is 90.28 and female literacy ratio is 80.80. Its geographical position is peculiar and unique . The difference in altitudes of each locality within the district presents a variation of climatic conditions. Nature has blessed this part of the country beautifully with mist- clad mountains and sylvan valleys. The idyllic nature of Wayanad, its nearness to Udagamandalam (Ooty) and Mysore with well-laid roads to these centers, offer tremendous tourist potentialities. A visitor may be impressed by the extensive paddy fields of the districts. Agriculture in Wayanad is equally divided between paddy and plantation crops, except coconut. The hills, which are deep blue in bright sunlight and lie mist-covered most of the time, juxtaposes with the green of these paddy fields. This, infact, is a splendid spectacle. The east flowing rivers of Wayanad are in striking contrast to the various rivers of the rest of Kerala. The river Kabani of Wayanad is a perennial source of water to Cauvery. The Panamaram rivulet, originating from Lakkidi and the Mananthavady rivulet originating from Thondarmudi Peak meet six kms. north of Panamaram town and after the confluence, the river is known as Kabani. Coffee is ubiquitous in Wayanad. It is cultivated in every panchayat, both in the form of large plantations and small holdings.Coffee is cultivated in an area of 75,057 hects.with Wayanad having the highest area of 66,999 hectares. Pepper is grown as an additional crop on trees that are 7
groomed to give shade to the coffee shrubs. In Pulpally area, there are exclusive pepper gardens. Tea is cultivated in large estates. Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 17.1 per cent of the total population of the district. The aborigines of Wayanad have a great political tradition. This area was originally reigned by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. Later, political authority came to the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty.
Placed on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau, its prime glory is the majestic Western Ghats with lofty ridges interspersed with magnificent forests, tangled jungles and deep valleys. In the centre of the district, hills are lower in height, while the northern area has high hills and they give a wild and mountainous appearance. Some of the major peaks are Vellarimala, Banasura, Brahmagiri, Chembra, etc. ranging from 1500 mts. to 2100 mts. height.
The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who engaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibitted recently, at various centres.
The eastern area is flat and open. Due to the peculiar terrain, there are east flowing and west flowing rivers. The low hills are full of plantations like tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom while the valleys have a predominance of paddy fields.
Wayanad has an agricultural economy and it has no major industry to boast of. Heavy industry will probably tilt the ecological and demographic balance adversely. The idyllic nature of this district, together with its colourful tribal life and brazing climate, will make tourism pay rich dividends. Development activities are bringing about a change in the poor man's quality of life. Through the co-operative sector, Adivasis are provided with a better deal in the economic life. A labour contract co-operative society for the benefit of Adivasis is also functioning here. A notable feature of life in Wayanad is that it is touched to its very roots by the operation of the nationalised, commercial and co-operative banks. The branches of these banks located in the remote areas of the district have a busy time during the marketing time of cash crops.
TOPOGRAPHY Wayanad lies between north latitude 110 27' and 150 58' and east longitude 750 47 ' and 700 27'. It is bounded on the east by Nilgiris and Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively, on the north by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram and on the west by Kozhikode and Kannur . 8
The altitude of Wayanad varies from 700 to 2100 meters from sea level. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk, through which the road from Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over mind-boggling bends and ridges, are the highest locations. From the highest altitude of the Western Ghats on the western boarder of the district, the plateau of Wayanad gradually slopes down eastward. Further from Mananthavady, it becomes a common plain of paddy fields with the swift flowing Kabani coursing through it. Elsewhere, Wayanad offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales, which are converted into paddy fields. The hills, which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea or cardamom. There is lushy luxuriant green all round. On a clear day from the river bed of Kabani, Wayanad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the blue sky and white vagrant wads of cottonwools like clouds amidst them. The soil of the Wayanad district is mainly of the forest type. It promotes a lushy luxuriant growth of vegetation, which makes Wayanad clothed in uniform greenery. The district has 787 ha. under forests . 9
CLIMATE Wayanad has a salubrious climate. The mean average rainfall in this district is 2322. mm Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. Annual rain falls in these high rainfall areas ranges from 3000 to 4000 m.m. High velocity winds are common during the southwest monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. In Wayanad (Ambalavayal) the mean maximum and minimum temperature for the last five years were 29°Cand 18°C respectively. This place experiences a high relative humidity, which goes even up to 95 per cent during the Southwest monsoon period. Monthly rainfall (mm) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr M a y Jun Rainfall 13.6 13.6
Jul
Aug
Sep Oct
Nov Dec
0.3 118.1 58.4 607.9 378.1 626.0 249.9 122.4 43.3
1
Generally the year is classified in four seasons, namely, cold whether (December-February), hot whether (March-May), Southwest monsoon (June-September) and Northeast monsoon (October-November). The dale, 'Lakkidi', nestled among the hills of Vythiri taluk has the highest average rainfall in Kerala. The average rainfall in Wayanad is 300 m.m. per year. There is a decreasing trend in rainfall in this area the average rainfall data shows that the lowest rainfall received from northeast monsoon, is in Wayanad district.
RIVERS Kabani river one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the river Cauvery. Kabani and its tributaries constitute a powerful river system in the landscape of Wayanad. Panamaram rivulet takes its origin from the Perennial Lake called, 'Pookkode Lake' it flows swiftly through mountain gorges and joined by other streams, tumbles down into Panamaram valley. Six kms. further from Panamaram, this river joins with the Mananthavady rivulet, originating from the lower regions of the peak 'Thondarmudi' from this confluence 10
onwards the river is known as Kabani, a mighty, perennial river which after entering Karnataka, joins with the river Cauvery. Almost entire Wayanad is drained by the Kabani River and its tributaries namely Panamaram Mananthavady and Thirunelli .
FLORA AND FAUNA The flora of Wayanad are characteristic of the Western Ghats and the plantation crops grown in the cool climate. A major portion of the district is covered by coffee. Trees of the wild type like rosewood, anjili (Artocarpus),mullumurikku ( Erthrina) and several species of caussia and many other non-descript varieties are still preserved here and there, to give shade to the coffee plants. These trees give a semblance of wilderness to the landscape of Wayanad. In a majority of coffee plantations, the age-old species are replaced by the silver-oak, which is suited to the cold climate. This tree grows quickly and its cultivation is widespread among coffee plantations for shade and for giving support to pepper. It is used for the plywood industry and thus is economical to the farmers. Eucalyptus grandis, a shorter variety of eucalyptus, whose fragrant smell suffuses the very air around it, is cultivated on a large scale in certain parts of the district. Eucalyptus oil is extracted on commercial basis from its leaves. Of the 20,864 hectares of reserve forest, the major portion is teak plantation. Arecanut palms and jack trees are also grown here. Tea is grown as an industry in large estates. The soil and climate of Wayanad are suitable for horticulture on commercial basis. For promoting the cultivation of vegetables and rising of orchards, the Kerala Agricultural University is running a Regional Agricultural Research Station at Ambalavayal. With the clearing of forests the diverse and buzzling animal life, characteristics of the forests of Western Ghats has vanished from Wayanad. One can still see the bonnet monkeys,loris, mongooses, jungle cats, squirrels, jackals, hares, etc. in the limited forest areas. Elephant, bear and other wild animals from the neighbouring wild life sanctuaries of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, stray into the Begur forest range and the forests around Muthanga, which is 20 kilometers away from the town of Sulthan Bathery. 11
POPULATION
RELIGION AND CUSTOM
Strictly speaking, there is no urban population in Wayanad. However life in Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady and Kalpetta is in the process of gaining urban status. The decadal growth in the population of Wayanad was 59.17 per cent in 1941-51, 62.60 per cent in 1951-61,50.35 per cent in 1961-71 and 33.71 per cent in 1971-81. In the first three decades of this century, the growth of population in Wayanad was less than ten per cent.
No religion can be said to be predominant in this district. The different religious groups of the state are more or less equally represented. A characteristic aspect of Wayanad is a large Adivasi population. Though they are in the Hindu fold, primitive forms of worship still prevail among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to propitiate the spirits of ancestors are still prevalent. Two deities commonly worshipped by the Adivasis are Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan.They also worship the Hindu gods of various temples in the district. Adivasis do not have any temple of there own. Paniyar, Adiyan, Kurichyar, Kurumar, Kattunaicker, Kadan and Oorali are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichyar the most developed among them. They are small land owners, whereas the members of other tribes are mostly labourers.
This shows that there was an influx of settlers to Wayanad after the Second World War. The economic slump, difficulties and miseries creeping as a result of war into the life of common people, compelled them to seek 'pastures anew' on the virgin soil of Wayanad from all parts of Kerala and Karnataka. In the first year of settlements, thousands succumbed to malaria and the attack of wild animals. Those who survived these and the cold conditions cleared the forests and transformed Wayanad into a paradise of prosperity.
Population* Wayanad District T R U Mananthavady T Taluk R U Sulthanbathery T Taluk R U Vythiri Taluk T R U
Person
Male
Female
786,627 757,025 29,602 241,989 241,989 298,335 298,335 246,303 216,701 29,602
393,397 378,547 14,850 121,779 121,779 149,319 149,319 122,299 107,449 14,850
393,230 96,625 14,752 120,210 120,210 149,016 149,016 124,004 109,252 14,752
T - TOTAL, R - RURAL, U - URBAN
*Census 2001
12
Some of the centuries old temples and their Brahmin settlements suggest the earliest attempts that were made to bring the Adivasis under the Hindu religious fold. The Thirunelli and Valliyoorkavu temples, which are known outside Wayanad as the temples of Adivasis, are in fact of run by Hindu settlers with the help of Brahmin priests. Adivasis are allowed to worship and participate in the festivals of these temples. More than anything else the myths woven around the temples including the one about Sita, Rama's consort and her two sons Leva and Kusa, have drawn the aboriginal mind to the Hindu system of belief. Wayanad has a small Jain community consisting of the Gounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. The Syrian Catholics have their Bishop's house at Sulthan Bathery and the Roman Catholics have their own at Mananthavady. The Bishop's house of the Jacobite Syrian Church is at Meenangadi. One forth of the population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians.They are the largest religious group in Wayanad. A Section of Kurichyas of Mananthavady has been converted to Christianity. 13
Muslims constitute another one forth of the population. They are Mappilas who came from Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. A large number of them are labourers. Muslim women labourers are usual sight here. Hindus of different castes like Nairs, Thiyyas, etc. who settled here from different parts of Kerala, form the rest of the population.
19.Kottathara 20.Kuppadithara 21.Padinjarethara 22.Chundel 23.Vengappally 24.Kavumandam 25.Pozhuthana 26.Kaniyampatta 27.Muttil North 28.Muttil South 29.Kottappadi 30.Kalpetta 31.Muppayinad 32.Vellarimala 33.Thrukkaipatta 34.Anchukunnu 35.Porunnannoor 36.Nalloornad 37.Mananthavady 38.Thirunelli 39.Thrissileri 40.Payyampalli 41.Cherukattoor 42.Panamaram 43.Perya 44.Thondarnad 45.Vellamunda 46.Thavinjal 47.Edavaka 48.Valad 49.Kanjirangad
ADMINISTRATION For the purpose of revenue administration, the district is divided into three taluks, namely, Sulthan Bathery, Vythiri and Mananthavady. There are six firkas and 49 villages under these taluks. There is one revenue division and that is Mananthavady.
Taluk
Village
Sulthan Bathery
1.Nenmeni 2. Ambalavayal 3. Sulthan Bathery 4. Kidanganad 5. Noolpuzha 6. Thomattuchal 7. Kuppadi 8. Cheenal 9.Purakkadi 10.Poothadi 11.Pulpally 12.Padichira 13.Irulam 14.Krishnagiri 15.Nadavayal
Vythiri
Mananthavady
16.Kunnathidavaka 17.Achuranam 18.Thariyode 14
15
Kalpetta is the headquarters of the Wayanad district administration. The Collectorate functions at the Civil Station here.
DISTRICT PANCHAYAT The Wayanad District Panchayat office functions at the Civil Station Kalpetta. There are three block panchayats and 25 Grama panchayats.Their details are given below: Block Panchayat
Telephone No :
Grama Panchayat
Telephone No :
Mananthavady
540298
1.Mananthavady 2.Vellamunda 3. Thirunelli 4.Thondarnad 5. Edavaka 6.Thavinjal 7.Panamaram
540253 530325 550453 535235 540366 556236 520772
8.Meenangdi 9. Nenmeni 10.Ambalavayal 11.Poothadi 12.Sulthan Bathery 13.Noolpuzha 14.Mullankolli 15.Pulpally
647236 620310 660423 681522 620240 665635 640273 640221
16.Kottathara 17.Vengapally 18.Vythiri 19.Muttil 20.Pozhuthana 21.Thariyode 22.Padinjarethara 23.Meppadi 24. Kaniyampatta 25.Moopainad
686644 602481 655223 602418 655251 650435 693419 682422 686693
Sulthan Bathery
Kalpetta
620202
602265
16
687499
IMPORTANT TOWNS Kalpetta Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad, is the only Municipality in the district. It is 72kms.north east of Kozhikode and is well connected by roads to all important places like Mysore, Ooty, etc. A rest house and various hotels are there, in this town.
Sulthan Bathery Sulthan Bathery is one of the earliest settlements in Wayanad. It is located 25kms.north east of Kalpetta. The Guest house of the Department of Tourism and a Motel Aram of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation are the places available for halt.
Mananthavady Mananthavady, the revenue divisional and taluk headquarters, is situated 32kms.north east of Kalpetta. There is a forest bungalow here. This town is connected by roads to Mysore via Bavali, Coorg via Tholpetty, Thalassery via Periya and Kozhikode via Kalpetta.
Vythiri Vythiri, the taluk headquarters, is an important place on the Kozhikode -Mysore road. It is 11kms.south of Kalpetta.
Meppadi Meppadi, at a distance of 10kms. East of Kalpetta, is an important place on the Kozhikode-Ooty State highway.
AGRICULTURE This high altitude district is characterised by the cultivation of perennial plantation crops and spices. The major plantation crops include coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber. Coffee based farming system 17
is a notable feature of Wayanad. Coffee is grown both as pure crop and as a mixed crop along with pepper. Pepper is grown largely along with coffee in the northeastern parts of the district (70.150 ha), especially in Pulpally and Mullankolly areas. Coffee in Wayanad (70,150) ha. shares 33.65 per cent of the total cropped area in the district and 78 per cent of the coffee area in the state. Other major crops are coconut (8826 ha.), Are cunut (5722ha), Tea (5728 ha.) and Rubber (2954 ha.). Vanilla cultivation in assuming importance in the district. Paddy is cultivated in 19308 hectares. The rice fields of Wayanad are in the valleys formed by hillocks and in majority of paddy lands, only a single crop is harvested. Ginger cultivation in Wayanad has also substantially increased in recent times and the ginger produced is mainly marketed in the form of green ginger. Homestead farming assumes importance in this district. The average size of holdings are 0.68ha. A variety of crops including annuals and perennials are grown in these small holdings. The crops include coconut, arecanut, pepper, vegetables, tubercrops, drumstick, papaya, etc.and fruit trees like mango and jack. The crop patterns/crop combinations prevalent in this district are not based on any scientific norms. Therefore scientific cropping patterns suitable for the agro-ecological situation is to be recommended.
Marketing of agricultural produce The marketing of coffee was fully regulated by the Coffee Board till 1992 and the entire coffee grown in the district had to be pooled to the Board. But in the Coffee policy of 1995-96,the Government exempted small-scale growers possessing land less than 10 hectares from the obligation of pooling. Those growers with more than 10 hectares of coffee plantation were obliged to provide 60 per cent of their produces to the Coffee Board. But Government of India recently announced the abolition of the pooling system for coffee altogether from 14th September 1996 and coffee growers are now free to market either in the domestic market or export. 18
Pepper is marketed mainly as dried berries. The different agencies engaged in the marketing of the produce are hill produce merchants, marketing societies, commission agents and exporters. Being an export-oriented commodity, pepper prices show frequent fluctuations depending on the international prices prevailing for the commodity from time to time. Ginger is mainly marketed as green ginger. Cardamom is sold at auction centers. The traders are licensed by the Spices Board and they participate in the different marketing centers for auction. Rubber is a controlled commodity and is mainly marketed in the form of smoked rubber sheets. A large numbers of private dealers as well as the primary rubber marketing societies under the Rubber Marketing Federation, operate at the village level for the purchase and sale of the commodity. Wayanad has 25 agricultural units known as Krishi Bhavans. Each unit is under the charge of an Agricultural Officer and 2 or 3 Agricultural Assistants. There is also farm of the Tribal Development Department known as Cheengeri Extension Scheme,Ambalavayal and it is managed by the Agricultural Department. The office of the Agricultural Extension Schemes, Ambalavayal and it is managed by the Agricultural Department. The office of the Principal Agricultural Officer is located at Kalpetta which co-ordinates the schemes.
IRRIGATION There is no major irrigation project in this district.
Karapuzha Project Karapuzha Project is the First Irrigation project taken up inWayanad District. Wayanad with an average elevation of 780 m above sea level, lying on the eastern slope of Western Ghats is inhabited by several hill tribes and settlers from different parts of the State. Bulk of the population is in rural and is engaged in agricultural activities. With a view to irrigate more and more area under paddy cultivation to overcome the deficiency in food grain production, the possiblities of implementing a few major irrigat 19
Livestock Population*
ion projects had been investigated in Wayanad area, out of which the Karapuzha Project was found to be the most feasible one and was taken up for execution during the 5th five Year Plan. The project is to construct an Earth Dam at Vazhavatta in Vythiri Taluk. This is purely an Irrigation Project, which envisages the construction of storage reservoir and canal system to irrigate a net ayacut of 5221 hectares for two crops. An independent division called "Karapuzha Project Division" stated functioning from Feburary 1977, onwards with headquarters at Kalpetta for the execution of the project. The partial commissioning of the project was to take place in 1984-85. This was not materialised in view of meagre placement of funds from 1980-1981 onwards. The target fixed for the commissioning of the project is March 2004, provided adequate provision for fund is made available. In addition to the originally envisaged scope of the Project, new proposal for 0.5 to 0.75 MW of Power Generation and drinking water supply for adjoining towns like Kalpetta and for tourism are under consideration of the concerned departments, for which preliminary investigation has already been conducted. The revised project report by incorporating all the update design changes and by adopting the 1999 Schedule of the rate has been prepared for an amount of Rs. 253/- crores.
Category
Nos.
Buffaloes Cattle Ducks Fowls Goats Pigs Sheep
5,307 1,09,257 3,037 3,11,332 33,258 2,770 447 *Live stock Census 2001.
The district has a District Veterinary Center, two Veterinary Poly Clinics, one Regional Artificial Insemination Center, six Veterinary Hospitals, seventeen Veterinary Dispensaries and 74 I.C.D.P Sub Centers.
Dairy The dairy industry is well fledged in Wayanad. Climate and Tropical features were boosted the total development of the milk farmers. There are 51 milk co-operative societies in this district, out of which 34 are functioning as Anand Pattern. 10 milk societies are computerised. The Production of milk in Wayanad for 2001 - 2002 is 2,22,56,207 ltrs. Poothadi panchayat produces the maximum milk. Then come Ambalavayal and Mullankolly. Pozhuthana panchayat produces the least.
CO-OPERATION ANIMAL HUSBANDRY Animal husbandry has considerable scope for development in this district. Though its potential has not been properly exploited, it is one of the sectors capable of gringing about speedy economic and social transfor mation in the rural areas. The predominance of forests and grasslands is congenial for the development of cattle wealth. Commercial poultry rearing as a subsidiary occupation has immense scope for increasing the farm income of the rural people. 20
The co-operative movement is giving a fillip to development in the district. There are 327 co-operative institutions. There is a District Cooperative Bank, 3 Co-operative Urban Banks, 29 Primary Agricultural Service Banks and a Land Mortgage Bank. There is one Farmers' Cooperative Bank at Mananthavady. There are 25 SC-ST Co-operative Societies and 39 Agricultural Marketing Societies. There are eight Co-operative Housing Societies, three Co-operative Collective Farms, 43 Labour Contract Societies and nine21
teen Consumer Stores. 21 Employees' Co-operative Societies and 78 School / College Societies are there in the district. There are also 17 Consumer Stores, nine Poultry farming Co-operative Societies, 3 Co-operative Hospitals, 4 Co-operative Colleges and 12 Women Co-operative Societies.
The only Polytechnic is at Meenangadi. The Ambalavayal Research Centre is a notable institution under the Kerala Agricultural University. The B.Ed Centers at Kaniampatta,Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are also feathers in the cap of the educational sector of this district.
Mananthavady Tribal Plantations Co-operative Ltd. (Priyadarsini Tea Estate), which is engaged in tea production and marketing, South Wayanad Joint Farming Co-operative Society (Sugandhagiri Cardamom Project) which is concentrated in cardamom production and distribution and Wayanad Coffee Marketing Co-operative Society (coffee marketing) are the three successful institutions in the co-operative sector.
Tribal education
EDUCATION There are at present 294 schools (150 Lower Primary, 77 Upper Primary and 67 High Schools) in Wayanad district. Six Vocational Higher Secondary Schools,24 Higher Secondary Schools and three Teacher Training Institutes are there under the Department of Education. There are a Residential Upper Primary School for Scheduled Castes at Muthanga , a Residential High School at Nallurnad,Ambedkar Memorial Residential H.S at Kalpetta and Rajiv Gandhi Model Residential School at Lakkidi. In Wayanad total student strength is 1,30,352.66,482 boys and 63,870 girls.Among this 7321 belongs to scheduled cast and 21544 belongs to scheduled tribe.. Wayanad is a single education district with one Deputy Director, one District Educational officer and three Assistant Educational Officers. It has also a District Institute of Education and Training, located at Sulthan Bathery. In order to improve the quality of education, the district has been brought under the special scheme of District Primary Education Project, funded by World Bank.
Post school education Out of the six colleges in the district, only one has the status of a first grade college with post graduate courses and science subjects. The proposed graduate program in Tourism at Pazhassi Raja college, Pulpally, is the only one of its kind in the state. 22
The education of tribals is still a big problem. In spite of a lot of efforts, they have not yet been brought to the main stream. Many are admitted to schools, but they do not remain. The only consolation is the two schools - Rajiv Gandhi Residential School at Muthanga and Dr. Ambedkar Residential School at Nallornad, near Mananthavady - set apart for the education of tribal children. Both these have better facilities and are well run.
Educational institutions * Category 1. LP Schools 2. UP Schools 3. High Schools 4. Higher Secondary Schools 5.Vocational Higher Secondary Schools 6. ITI 7. Polytechnic 8. Technical High Schools 9. Colleges 10. B.Ed. Centres 11. TTI 12. DIET 13. Anganvadis
Govt.
Govt.aided
Private
Total
91 34 40
53 39 23
5 3 4
149 76 67
13
11
-
24
4 1 1
2 -
-
6 1 1
2 3 2 2 1 516
4 1 -
-
2 7 2 3 1 516
* During 2001 - 2002 23
Literacy The literacy in Wayanad is 70.61 per cent as per 1991 census and was only 57.33 in 1981. Thus there is an appreciable growth in the literacy rate in a decade. This is still below the state average of 89.81 per cent. Among the panchayath and municipality, Mullankolly has the highest rate of 77.11 followed by Vythiri, 75.71 per cent and Edavaka 73.7 per cent.
Literates * District/ Taluk Wayanad District
Mananthavady Taluk
Sulthanbathery Taluk
Vythiri Taluk
Total/ Rural Urban
Literates Person
Male
Female
T R U
587,030 564,260 22,770
308,831 296821 12,010
278,199 267,439 10,760
T R U
177,973 177,973 -
94,424 94,424 -
83,549 83,549 -
T R U T R U
255,425 225,425 183,632 160,862 22,770
117,959 117,959 96,448 84,438 12,010
107,466 107,466 87,184 76,424 10,760
86,489 candidates have registered as on March 2002 of these 44,276 are women,4348 are belonging to sc communities ,7,700 are belonging to ST communities and 774 are under the category of phisically handicapped.
HEALTH Wayanad district administration is aware of the varied health problems of the people, especially of Adivasis. With the support of various governmental agencies, including tribal and health departments, a health action plan has already been implemented. As a result, the Wayanad Health Project, situated at Nallurnad with a speciality hospital, has been providing facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of major tribal diseases. In addition a district hospital and a T.B. centre at Mananthavady are also giving special attention to the patients suffering from tuberculosis. As per the proposal of 'KIRTADS', the State Government has started a centre for tribal medicine at the hamlet of Valat.
Health institutes Institution Allopathy
District Hospital Taluk Hospital. T.B. Centre P. H. Centres. Community Health Centres 6. Private Hospitals
1 1 1 25
Ayurveda (ISM)
1. Hospitals 2. Dispensaries
3 21
Homoeopathy
1. Hospital 2. Dispensaries
1 19
* Census 2001
EMPLOYMENT The Wayanad district employment exchange functions at Kalpetta. Two town employment exchanges also are functioning at Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery .A mobile employment exchange functions under the Integrated Tribal Development Project, specially for the scheduled tribes. Districts employment exchange has a unit for career guidance and another for self-employment schemes. 24
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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6 76
INDUSTRY In Wayanad district so far 4370 small scale industrial units have been registered. Of these 1829 are in Sulthan Bathery Block, 1332 in Kalpetta Block and the remaining 1219 are in Mananthavady Block. There are 803 agro based industries, 276 timber based industries, 1649 garment making units, 757 engineering units and 144 building material units in the district. In addition to the above about 1017 small scale industries in various sectors including photostat , leather bag, rexin products, bio-fertilizers, etc., are also registered. In Wayanad most of the industries are located in Kalpetta Municipality and Sulthan Bathery, Meenangadi and Mananthavadi Grama panchayats. 79 Industrial Co-operative societies are registered in the district. Out of it 41 come under the category of SC/ST and 12 are of women enterprises. The district industreis centre functions at Muttil .Taluk industries offices are fuctioning in Vythiri and Mananthavady Taluks. An SSI wing has started functioning at the Sulthan Bathery branch of Canara Bank. In Sulthan Bathery a mini industrial estate having 14 sheds is functioning under the control of SIDCO. A raw meterial unit is also operating there. Land has been purchased to start industrial estates in Edavaka, Mananthavady, Kaniyambetta and Poothady under the project of District panchayat. Construction works are in progress at Chundale for an industrial park by KINFRA.
state highway, Kozhikode-Vythiri-Gudalur, passing through Wayanad. The Kozhikode-Mysore frontier road and Thalassery-Bavali road are two important district roads.
IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS Ambedkar Memorial Rural Institute For Development (AMRID) Ambedkar Memorial Rural Institute for Development (AMRID) is a charitable origanisation meant for the educational needs and employment opportunities of students of Wayanad district, especially of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, registered under the Societies Act. This institute started functioning in July 1990 at Puliyarmala, Kalpetta, in the centenary year of Dr.B.R Ambedkar. The Institute is functioning in the newly constructed building from 18th May 1998 in Muttil Village by the side of Kalpetta - Sulthan Bathery Road. AMRID has got a variety of activities aiming to achieve its social and educational objectives.
Activities 1. Printing Press - two letter presses and one Mini Auto Print Offset press (training and job works) 2. Handicraft work in coffee stump and coconut shell (Training cum Production Centre) 3. Typewriting institute 4. Tailoring Institute 5. Training in 3-wheeler driving.
TRANSPORT Railway facility is not available at Wayanad. The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, about 70 kms. from Kalpetta. The only mode of transport of goods and commuters within the district is roadways. Bus services are available in all panchayats. Though there is no national highway touching Wayanad, the district has a network of roads. There is a 26
6. Plastic welding unit (Production Centre) 7. Computer Course The activities are implemented with the funds allotted by the Tribal Development Department, District Industries Centre, District Panchayat, and other implementing departments under various schemes and also with the limited income from various units of the institute. 27
Typewriting, Tailoring, S.S.L.C (Failed Batch), Autorikshaw Driving, Composing, Binding, Printing, Plastic Welding, Handicraft work in Coffee Stump, Bamboo craft, P.D.C., Wood carving, Coconut shell Handicraft, Electric Embroidery, Computer Courses are conducting in the institute.
COFFEE BOARD
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal A Regional Agricultural Research Station functions at Ambalavayal as a part of Kerala Agricultural University. This station caters to the research needs of agricultural sector of the high ranges. The station mainly concentrates on the research on spices, tropical and subtropical fruits, vegetables, especially cool season vegetables and hill paddy.
A Regional Coffee Research Station is functioning under the Research Department of Coffee Board at Perumthatta, Chundale to envolve location specific technology and to disseminate knowledge on scientific developments among coffee growers especially Robusta coffee growers.
A Krishi Vijnan Kendra, with the objective dissemination of latest technologies to the farmers, is also attached to this station. Recently, a plant Biotechnology Centre started functioning here for the large-scale production of tissue culture plants of high value crops. The nursery of the station has a large collection of roses and other ornamental plants. The station produces and distributes quality seeds and good planting materials to the farmers.
Extension Wing
Spices Board
Extension wing is headed by the Joint Director (Extension) with Head Quarters at Kalpetta.Under him there is one Deputy Director (Development) office at Kalpetta supported by three Senior Laison Officers at Kalpetta, Mananthvady and Sulthan Bathery and four Junior Laison officers stationed at Chundale, Meenangadi, Pulpally and Panamaram there are two Technologies Evaluation Centres functioning under the Extension wing located at Kalpetta and Kuzhinilam in Mananthavady.
The Spices Board has a field office at Kalpetta. The main functions of the Spices Board are the formulation and implementation of better production and quality improvement programs, systematic research and development, educating and training growers, processors, packers and exporters, selective registration and licensing. It also acts as a data bank and communication channel for importers and exporters of Indian spices.
Coffee is planned in an extent of 67479 hectares consisting of 125 ha. under Arabica and 67354 ha. of Robusta of which 67053 ha. are under bearing stage. The number of Coffee holdings in Wayanad consisting of 187 under Arabica and 58265 under Robusta. Consequent to the implementation of depooling system the activities of the marketing department ceased to exist.
The Board helps exporters in establishing contact with overseas buyers of spices. The Board also forwards trade enquiries received from abroad to competent registered Indian exporter and helps the International buyer procure the right quality spices from India. The board examines complaints received from importers for corrective and preventive action.
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29
Coffee Board operates its two wings in this district.
Research Wing
MASS MEDIA No major newspaper is being published from Wayanad. But important dailies like Mathrubhoomi, Malayala Monorama,Kerala Kaumudi, Deepika, Madhyamam, Deshabhimani, Siraj, Mangalam, Chandrika, Janmabhoomi, etc. have their bureau and correspondents at the headquarters. A Doordashan relay centre is functioning at Kalpetta and there are 36 cinema theatres in the district.
ARTS The major tribal arts performed in the district are Vattakali and Koodiyattam using thudi and kuzhal by Paniyas, Gadhika by Adiyas, Kolkali by Kurumas and Nellukuthu pattu by kurichias.
CENTRES OF WORSHIP Ananthanatha Swami Temple at Puliyarmala A beautiful Jain temple, devoted to Ananthanatha Swami, one of the saints of the Jaina faith, is located six kms. from Kalpetta.
The Glass temple at Koottamunda Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this temple dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith, is an exquisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls. It is twenty kms. from Kalpetta.
Maha Ganapathi Temple at Sulthan Bathery This temple is believed to have been built eight centuries ago. In the past, it was under the control of the Kottayam royal dynasty. Before the conquest by Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan Bathery was known as Ganapathivattam. The temple is devoted to Ganapathi. 30
Ponkili Temple This is an ancient temple associated with the myth of Sita Devi. It is located on the Karnataka border.
Santhinatha Temple at Venniyode This is another Jain temple devoted to Saint Santhinatha Swami and is situated 20 kms away from Kalpetta. The Chandranatha Swami Temple at Puthanangadi, Vrishabhadeva Swami Temple at Mananthavady and Parawanatha Swami temple at Palkunnu are the other important Jain temples in the district.
Sita Devi Temple at Pulpally This is centuries old temple, dedicated to Sita Devi. The icons of Leva and Kusa are also installed here.
Thirunelli temple Located in a valley beneath a hill called Brahmagiri in the reserve forest. This temple is often referred to as the 'Kasi of the South'. The temple is dedicated by Brahma to Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. A little away from this temple is the mountain spring called Papanasini, which literally means destroyer of all sins. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is seven kms. away from this temple. Puthari, Chuttuvilakku, Navarathri, Sivarathri and Sreekrishnajayanthi are the festivals conducted in this temple. The location of this temple has an enchanting natural beauty. Thirunelli is 66 kms away from Kalpetta.
Thirunelli temple
31
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple This temple is located about three kms. east of Mananthavady town. It is devoted to goddess Durga. Every year, Festival that lasts for 10 days, is celebrated in March-April. Adivasis from all over the district attend this festival.
The Maidani Mosque This is an important mosque located at Kalpetta.
Varampatta Mosque This important mosque is located at Padinjarethara.
Church at Sulthan Bathery This is an important church of the Jacobite Christians
Lourd Church at Paallikkunnu This is a Roman Catholic Church.
St. Peter's Church at Meenangadi This is an important church of Jacobite Syrian Christians.
Important Festivals The following is a table of major festivals and the dates in which they are celebrated. 1.
Seethadevi Temple, Pulpally - January first week.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Nadavayal St. Thomas Church - January first week Pallikkunnu Church - February second week. Varampatta Mosque - March first week. Valliyoorkavu temple - March -14-28 Maidani Mosque, Kalpetta - March - April Thirunelli - Karkidaka vavu - August. 32
PLACES OF TOURIST IMPORTANCE Banasura Sagar Dam This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.
Chembra Peak The hills, rocks and valleys, which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad, provide a lot of adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of the peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating.
Edakkal Cave This location is breath-taking beauty is three kilometers from Ambalavayal which is 25 kms. from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy Mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary (Vol.XXX, page - 410) and quoted in the District Gazetteer, Kozhikode, it is only 'a cleft about 96 ft. long and 22 ft. wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the 33
Inscriptions in pali lipi on the caves-Edakkal
other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonns, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic are and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Kuruva Island The Kuruva Island, 950 acres of evergreen forest on the tributaries of east following river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbance of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare spicies of birds, orchids and herbs are the Kuruva Island sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.
winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms. long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghats road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary Muthanga, which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnataka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms. from the Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The Forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists here.
Pakshipathalam Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam, seventeen kms have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permissions have to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicles, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on here.
Lakkidi
Pazhassi Tourist Resort
One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghats pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organized guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, Pazhassi Tomb at Mananthavady was cremated here in 1805.
The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its 34
Chain tree in Lakkidi
35
Pookot Lake
Important Tourist Centres
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 inVythiri Pookot Lake 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 Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha.and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs.This lake is three kms. south of Vythiri.
Sentinel Rock Waterfall This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
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 a unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding spring. 36
Place
Distance from Kalpetta
Ambalavayal Farm Banasura Sagar Dam Banasura Sagar Hills Boys Town Begur wild life sanctuary Chain tree Cheengeri hills Cheeyambam waterfalls Chembra peak Edakkal cave Jain temple (Sulthan Bathery) Kanthanpara waterfalls Kappikalam waterfalls Karapuzha Dam Site Karland chira Kuruva island Mananthavady Pazhassi Tomb Meenmutti Waterfalls Meenangadi Church and temple Muthangadi Muthanga wild life sanctuary Pallikunnu church Pakshipathalam Pazhassi Tourist Resort Papanasini Ponkuzhi Pookot lake Puliyarmala Pulpally Sitadevi temple
25 kms 21 kms 29 kms 45 kms 52 kms 15 kms 23 kms 37 kms 15 kms 27 kms 24 kms 18 kms 24 kms 16 kms 15 kms 35 kms 34 kms 29 kms 13 kms 23 kms 39 kms 14 kms 72 kms 33 kms 66 kms 41 kms 13 kms 3 kms 34 kms 37
Soochippara waterfalls Tholpetty wild life sanctuary Thirunelli temple Trikaipatta temple Varampatta mosque Valliyoorkavu temple
22 kms 52 kms 65 kms 11 kms 22 kms 31 kms
282 kms 115 kms 142 Kms 80 kms 282 kms 497 kms
WHERE TO STAY At Kalpetta
Phone
PWD Rest House Hotel Harithagiri PPS Tourist Home Hotel MGT International Woodlands Tourist Home
04936 602241 602073 603431 602705 602547
At Sulthan Bathery Govt. Guest House PWD Rest house Motel Aram(KTDC) Hotel Dwaraka The Resort
620225
621397 620512
At Pulpally Kabani Resort Hotel Pearlmount
640529 640397
38
PWD Rest House Hotel Manasasaras
540230 540236
At Meenangadi Hotel Vanarani
647572
For more details, on tourism contact :
Distance to Major Tourist Centres from Kalpetta Bangalore Udagamandalam (Ooty) Mysore Coorg Kochi Thiruvananthapuram
At Mananthavady
District Tourism Promotion Council, Kalpetta, North Wayanad. Phone : 04936-602134,602712 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
President (District Panchayath) Secretary Kalpetta Municipality District Collector (Office) District Collector, (Residence) District Police Superintendent District Information Officer District Planning Officer District Supply Officer District Tourism Promotion Council " " DPEP Office PSC District Office SC/ST Development Corporation District Employment Office District Education Office KSRTC District Informatic Centre Field Publicity Office Govt. Hospital, Kalpetta Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Kalpetta Nearest Airport - Kozhikode Nearest Railway Station -Kozhikode 39
647268 602490 602349 602230 602300 602525 602529 602626 602273 602134 602714 603338 603202 602869 602534 602264 602611 602763 602263 602037 604053 0495 - 766050 0495 - 703822
BARE FACTS Area (in sq.km) Population Male Female Sex ratio: Female/1000 Density of population Per Capita Income (in Rs.) Literacy rate Coastal line in km. Water bodied area in ha. Forest area in ha. Assembly Constituencies
2,131 786,627 393,397 393,230 1000 369 34123 85.52%, Male 90.28% Nil 936 78787 1. Kalpetta 2.North Wayanad 3. SulthanBatheri
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