Kalpetta

Kalpetta (Malayalam: കല്പറ്റ) is a city and a municipality in the Wayanad district in the Indian state of Kerala. A small town surrounded by dense coffee plantations and mountains, it is the headquarters of the Wayanad district. It lies on the Kozhikode-Mysore National Highway (NH 212) at an altitude of about 780 metres above sea level.



Understand
Being a rural town, Kalpetta is a very small and friendly place. The prices are the lowest in Kerala state.

Get in
Kalpetta is easily accessible by bus from Mysore, Ooty and Kozhikode. Rail link is not available. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. National Highway 212 connects Kalpetta with Mysore and Kozhikode. State highways connect the city with Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Coorg in Karnataka state. Night traffic is banned on the Mysore road.

Main routes

 * Bangalore-Mysore-Gundalpet-MuthangaForest-Sultanbattery-Kalpetta.285 km (The best roads are in this route)
 * Sultan Battery-Kolagappara-Kakkavayal-Muttil-Kalpetta-Chundale-Vythiri. 35 km (Main Wayanad Road)
 * Kozhikode-Thamarassery-Vythiri-Kalpetta. 70 km.
 * Vadakara-Kuttiady-Kanhirangad-Vellamunda-Tharuvana-Padincharethara- Kalpetta. 88 km
 * Mananthavady-Nalammile-Panamaram-Kambalakkad-Kalpetta. 37 km
 * Malappuram-Nilambur-Nadukani-Devala-Vaduvanchal-Meppadi-Kalpetta. 131 km

Get around
Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per kilometre, and buses are even cheaper at only ₹7 for 3 km.

Cars can be rented for as cheap as ₹1800 a day with a driver. The rate is even cheaper if you rent without a driver.

See

 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.

Buy
Tribal curiosities and souvenirs are available at cheap rates.



Eat
Kerala food is available in restaurants. European food is available in resorts and home stays only.

Bamboo rice (called Mulayari by locals) can be found in Wayanad. These are seeds of the Bamboo plant, richer in protein than rice and wheat, but tasting like rice. Bamboo rice payasam stalls can be spotted near Edakkal caves walkway. Bamboo is said to yield seeds after a long span, so it is said that harvesting bamboo rice is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

Home-made chocolates and local Wayanad spices, tea and coffee are also sold in many places. Shops near Edakkal caves offer many options such as spiced versions.



Budget

 * ArunTourist Home. near KSRTC
 * By the Way Dormitory. near New Bus Stand. 09387411731, 04936208705 ₹200.00
 * Hotel Wayanad Empire. KSRTC Kalpetta. 04936206633
 * Megha Lodge. Near Old Busstand., 04936202584 ₹400 upwards.
 * Megha Lodge. Near Old Busstand., 04936202584 ₹400 upwards.
 * Megha Lodge. Near Old Busstand., 04936202584 ₹400 upwards.
 * Megha Lodge. Near Old Busstand., 04936202584 ₹400 upwards.

Mid-range

 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
 * Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.

Stay safe

 * The eastern hills of Kerala are vulnerable to attacks from an Indian communist group called Maoists. They once attacked the ticket counter of Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali. As the Maoists are armed and dangerous, be careful when you trek in lonely areas.
 * Leeches are common in the hills. Carry some table salt to dislodge the leeches.
 * Monkeys can be a nuisance, especially at places like Lakkidi viewpoint. Be careful and keep your car windows closed, and food items hidden.

Go next

 * Mananthavady
 * Meppadi
 * Sultan Bathery

Wildlife sanctuaries

 * Bandipur National Park, 104 km, famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and protected sandalwood trees
 * Mudumalai National Park, 76 km, offers a variety of flora and fauna plus the opportunity to go on an elephant safari
 * Nagarhole National Park, 72 km, an exclusive hunting reserve it is a well managed park with tiger, gaur and elephants