ABOUT WAYANAD

The Enchanting Wilderness of Wayanad

Nestled in the lush embrace of Kerala’s Western Ghats, Wayanad stands as a stunning testimony to nature's splendour and cultural richness. This paradise, home to the Vythiri Resort, offers visitors a mesmerising escape into a world where verdant rainforests, misty hills, and gushing waterfalls converge. As part of the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the region teems with exotic flora and fauna. With ancient tribes, vibrant festivals, and historic sites like the Edakkal Caves, Wayanad provides a perfect blend of serenity and adventure, all accessible from the comfort of Vythiri Resort.

A Tropical Rainforest

The Vythiri rainforest, a core part of Wayanad’s enchanting landscape, offers a dense, mysterious, and magical environment that stands as one of the Earth's oldest living ecosystems. Producing about a third of the planet's oxygen, these rainforests are vital to global health and are home to an awe-inspiring diversity of life. From amphibians to majestic eagles, this vibrant ecosystem is a continuous display of nature's bounty. Characterised by high rainfall, these forests cover significant portions of the Earth's surface and are estimated to house between 40% to 75% of all biotic species.

Within these mystical woods, the towering broad-leaved evergreens create a dense canopy that soars almost 200 feet above the forest floor, forming an intricate maze of leaves and branches. This upper canopy is a bustling hub for numerous animals such as monkeys, bats, and butterflies, thriving in abundance due to the rich availability of food. Beneath this layer, in the less sunlit understory, creatures like snakes, toucans, and tree frogs inhabit a quieter, dimly lit world, thriving amidst the giant leaves adapted to capture sparse sunlight.

At ground level, the forest floor is a place of rapid decay and renewal, where life forms quickly decompose, adding to the rich, fertile undergrowth. Here, the biodiversity is immense yet less visible, dominated by a thick layer of decomposing leaves and the constant activity of soil-enriching organisms. Vythiri Resort offers guided expeditions into these rainforests, enabling guests to experience the ecological complexity and raw beauty of these habitats firsthand, providing a unique insight into one of the planet’s most vital and vibrant ecosystems.

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Encompassing part of the extensive Western Ghat range, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a testament to the ecological richness of South India. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the lush landscapes surrounding Vythiri Resort, is an ecological haven boasting an astounding variety of biological species. The reserve hosts over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, around 39 species of fish, 31 amphibians, over 3,300 species of flowering plants, and 316 species of butterflies, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

This incredible natural treasure supports majestic tigers and towering elephants, alongside the elusive lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri Tahrs, creating a mosaic of life that is both rich and rare. Vythiri Resort utilises this proximity to nature by offering wildlife safaris and bird-watching tours that bring guests face-to-face with these wonders. The resort’s commitment to conservation and eco-tourism makes it an ideal base for exploring this vast reserve, providing educational and engaging experiences that highlight the importance of preserving such unique environments.

Vythiri,Wayanad

Vythiri, nestled within the higher slopes of the Nilgiri Biosphere at the southern fringe of the Deccan Plateau, represents the quintessence of Wayanad’s ecological and cultural splendour. This secluded hill station, with its rich biodiversity and lush, undisturbed natural settings, offers a perfect retreat for those seeking solace and adventure in the lap of nature. The area around Vythiri Resort is particularly notable for its extensive variety of flowering plant species—constituting about eighty percent of the species found across the entire mountain range of the Western Ghats.

The landscape around Vythiri is dramatically rugged yet breathtakingly beautiful, featuring lofty ridges interspersed with dense tropical forests, deep valleys, and spectacular waterfalls. The region is crisscrossed with numerous trails and trekking routes, making it a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. Vythiri Resort taps into this natural bounty by offering its guests tailored excursions that explore the surrounding wilderness, from tranquil walks through paddy fields to challenging treks across mountainous terrain, all while ensuring a deep connection with the natural and cultural heritage of Wayanad.

History

The historical narrative of Wayanad is as rich and varied as its landscapes, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation dating back more than 3,000 years. The prehistoric and historic dynamism of Wayanad can be explored through its remarkable sites like the Ambukuthimala (Edakkal Caves) in Sultan Bathery, which feature Neolithic carvings and serve as a testament to ancient human ingenuity. These caves offer not just a peek into early human life but also highlight the area's significance during various historical epochs.

In more recent history, Wayanad has seen the reigns of the Rajas of the Veda tribe, followed by the dominion of the Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty. The tales of resistance against Hyder Ali of Mysore and his son Tipu Sultan, and later against the British, add layers of valour and resilience to the local lore. The British era introduced tea and other cash crops, transforming the landscape and economy of Wayanad. Vythiri Resort captures this historical richness in its architecture and the curated cultural experiences it offers, allowing guests to delve into Wayanad’s storied past while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.

People

The indigenous tribal communities of Wayanad, including the Paniya, Adiya, Kattunayakan, Kurichiyan, Kuruma, Oorali, and Uraali Kuruma, embody the soul of the region. These tribes have coexisted with the dense forests of Wayanad for centuries, developing unique cultures deeply intertwined with nature. At Vythiri Resort, we embrace and highlight this intrinsic connection through various community engagement initiatives. These include employing local tribal people in various operational roles at the resort and integrating their traditional crafts into our decor, thereby helping preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

This approach not only supports the local economy but also provides our guests with an authentic insight into the traditional ways of life, enhancing their experience by connecting them more deeply with the community and its enduring practices.

The Vibrant Culture of Wayanad

Wayanad’s culture is a lively fusion of ancient customs and contemporary life, where every festival and market bursts with local tradition and colour. The area's tribes celebrate with dances like Kurumthodi and Puliyattam, which are not only forms of artistic expression but also vital parts of communal bonding and spiritual practice. These cultural nuances are embraced where guests can experience local festivals and culinary traditions firsthand, enhancing their understanding of this unique cultural landscape.

Moreover, the spice cultivation that dominates the local agriculture lends itself to the rich culinary traditions that guests can explore at the resort, from tasting freshly prepared local dishes to participating in cooking classes that use spices grown in the surrounding hills.

Explore the Best of Wayanad

Embark on a journey through the ancient and natural wonders of Wayanad, starting at the Edakkal Caves. These Neolithic caves, with their fascinating petroglyphs, provide a window into the early human history of the region. Located in a scenic landscape perfect for hiking, they are an ideal starting point for exploring the ancient human connections to this land. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an essential visit. Part of the expansive Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this sanctuary is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and the rare lion-tailed macaque. Guests of Vythiri Resort can enjoy guided safaris or treks, designed to showcase the rich biodiversity of the area.

For a tranquil retreat, visit Pookode Lake, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by lush forests. Here, you can engage in boating or simply unwind in the peaceful natural setting. Nearby, the Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, offer a breathtaking backdrop for both nature lovers and photographers. Adventure seekers will find Chembra Peak irresistible for trekking, known for its panoramic views and the heart-shaped lake en route, adding a romantic allure to the challenging climb. Additionally, the ancient tribal village of Meghalaya provides a deep dive into the region’s indigenous culture and traditions, giving visitors a truly authentic experience. Vythiri Resort facilitates these explorations with tailored tours, making it easy for guests to experience the very best of Wayanad’s natural and cultural heritage.

Spices of Kerala

Kerala, celebrated as the 'Spice Garden of India', has been at the crossroads of the global spice trade for centuries, with Wayanad and the quaint hamlet of Vythiri lying at its heart. The region's cool, mist-laden climate, fertile soil, and ample rainfall create the perfect conditions for cultivating a wide array of spices that have influenced culinary traditions worldwide. As you stroll through the spice plantations surrounding Vythiri Resort, the air fills with the robust aromas of black pepper, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. These spices are not only culinary delights but also possess therapeutic properties, integral to the practices of Ayurveda.

Vythiri Resort offers its guests unique insights into the spice cultivation process through guided plantation tours. Here, you can learn about the traditional methods of spice farming and the modern techniques that enhance their quality and flavour. The local spice markets, a short journey from the resort, are vibrant marketplaces where guests can interact with local farmers and purchase freshly harvested spices, taking a piece of Kerala’s rich botanical heritage home with them.

Agriculture Beyond Spices

While the aromatic spices of Kerala command widespread acclaim, Wayanad’s agricultural bounty extends well beyond them. The name 'Wayanad' itself translates to 'Land of Paddy Fields,' reflecting the vast stretches of lush paddy fields that are a staple of the region's landscape. These fields, often nestled between dense forests and rolling hills, are not just a source of sustenance but also a core part of the local culture and economy.

The agricultural richness of the area is further enhanced by extensive coffee and tea plantations that adorn the higher slopes of the Nilgiri Biosphere. The bold aroma of coffee and the vibrant green of tea gardens offer sensory delights to visitors, with Vythiri Resort providing organised tours to these plantations. Additionally, rubber cultivation plays a significant role in Wayanad’s agrarian landscape, contributing to the local economy and the livelihoods of many families. The integration of paddy, spice, coffee, tea, and rubber cultivation showcases a multifaceted agricultural system that visitors can explore during their stay at Vythiri Resort.

Weather

The weather in Wayanad is as dynamic and captivating as its landscapes, characterised by four distinct seasons that each bring their unique charm and set of activities. During the cool months from December to February, the region experiences a refreshing chill that envelops the area in a misty, magical ambience, perfect for cosy stays at Vythiri Resort. As spring arrives and stretches into May, temperatures warm up to 35°C (95°F), creating ideal conditions for exploring the shaded spice plantations and verdant forest trails.

The arrival of the South-West Monsoon from June to September transforms Wayanad into a lush, vibrant green paradise, offering a spectacular display of nature’s revitalisation, while the North-East Monsoon from October to November ensures that the forests and valleys remain nourished and verdant. With an average annual rainfall of 2,500 millimetres (98 inches), the rain-kissed landscapes of Wayanad become particularly enchanting, with cascading waterfalls and mist-cloaked valleys beckoning nature lovers. Vythiri Resort, nestled in this ever-changing meteorological tapestry, provides guests with opportunities to enjoy each season's unique offerings, making every visit memorable.