WELCOME TO THE LAND OF SPICY HILLS WAYANAD...........
Altitude: 700 - 2100 m above sea level
A bio-diverse region spread across 2,132 square kilometers on the lofty Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the few districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. And the very first prehistoric engravings in Kerala discovered in the foothills of Edakkal and around Ambukuthimala bear testimony to a pre-historic culture dating back to the Mesolithic Age. Strikingly scenic, it is known for its sub-tropical savannahs, picturesque hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. A holistic confluence of wilderness, history and culture, Wayanad is located on the southern tip of the magnificent Deccan plateau.
Vythiri Hill Station
Vythiri is a beautiful spot, 2600 ft. above sea level which can be seen on a drive from Calicut to Kalpetta.
Lakkidi-The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
3 km south of Vythiri. The perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is a only one of its kind in Kerala. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookot is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the NH-212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children's park, fresh water aquarium etc. It is a good setting for day outings with family.
Distances from: KPA-15 Km, SBY-40 Km, MDY-50 Km
Chain Tree-This large Ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain is an interesting excursion, approximately 15 kms. from Kalpetta. It is said that a British Engineer, with the aid of a tribal guide named Karinthandan, found the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take the credit for the discovery, the Engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travelers. It is believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree and hence name the Chain tree.
Distances from: KPA-15 Km, SBY-40 Km, MDY-50 Km
Kalpetta
Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad, is the only municipality in this hilly region. The town has hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base to visit this place while at the same time enjoying these facilities.
Chembra peak-At 2100 mts above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full dayThe scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. The surrounding areasoffer exceptional photo oppurtunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire.
Distances from: Kalpetta (KPA)-14 Km, Sulthan Bathery (SBY)-42 Km, Mananthavady (MDY)-52 Km
Distances from: Kalpetta (KPA)-14 Km, Sulthan Bathery (SBY)-42 Km, Mananthavady (MDY)-52 Km
Neelimala View Point-Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue fro trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-26 Km, MDY-62 Km
Meenmutty falls
An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.
Distances from: KPA-37 Km, SBY-12 Km, MDY-54 Km
Sentinal Rock Waterfalls-22 kms south of Kalpetta near Chooralmala. Locally known as Soochippara and is a very popular leisure destination. This is a three step waterfall more than 200 mts in height. Framed by enchanting scenery. A must to see site! This region is ideal for rock climbing. Soochipara can be reached by a scenic 2 kms. nature walk and deer and other wildlife can be seen near the waterfront.
Distances from: KPA-22 Km, SBY-43 Km, MDY-58 Km
Distances from: KPA-22 Km, SBY-43 Km, MDY-58 Km
Kanthanpara waterfalls-22 kms south east of Kalpetta and 8 kms east of Meppadi, a beautiful waterfall about 30 mts in height. Relatively smaller than Sentinel Rock falls, and rather less frequented Kanthanparaand its surroundings offer a very pleasant site. A easy hike away from the main road, its perfect for picnics.
Distances from: KPA-22 Km, SBY-23 Km, MDY-57 Km
Distances from: KPA-22 Km, SBY-23 Km, MDY-57 Km
Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. A quaint feature is a series of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
Distances from: KPA-21 Km, SBY-47 Km, MDY-34 Km
Distances from: KPA-21 Km, SBY-47 Km, MDY-34 Km
Varambetta Mosque-15 kms southeast of Kalpetta, near Padinjarathara: dating back 300 years, this is the oldest mosque in Wayanad.
Glasstemple, Koottamundu-This temple is located on the slopes of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parshwanatha Swami of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple wall reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.NB: Permission is restricted now a days.
Sultan Bathery, also known as Sulthan's Battery lies approximately 25 kms. from Kalpetta. Associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan's Bathery no longer has a fort. It is worth visiting for the Jain temple, which has some interesting stone carvings. Sulthan Bathery can be seen on a drive from Kalpetta to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga.
SULTHAN BATHERY
Sultan Bathery, also known as Sulthan's Battery lies approximately 25 kms. from Kalpetta. Associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan's Bathery no longer has a fort. It is worth visiting for the Jain temple, which has some interesting stone carvings. Sulthan Bathery can be seen on a drive from Kalpetta to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga.
Edakkal caves-12 kms from Sulthan Bathery. 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit these caves. Entry is permitted only upto 1700 hrs. An interesting trek up of the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to this fascinating neolithic cave site. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.
With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 3000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.
Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-12 Km, MDY-45 Km
Chethalayam Falls-Chethalayam is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.
Distances from: KPA-37 Km, SBY-12 Km, MDY-54 Km
Distances from: KPA-37 Km, SBY-12 Km, MDY-54 Km
Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-11 Km, MDY-44 Km
WAYANAD WILD LIFE SANCTUARY, MUTHANGA-ESTABLISHED IN 1973, THE WAYANAD WILD LIFE SANCTUARY IS CONTIGUOUS TO THE PROTECTED AREA NETWORK OF NAGARHOLE AND BANDIPUR OF KARNATAKA ON THE NORTH-EAST ANDMUTHUMALAI OF TAMILNADU ON SOUTH-EAST. RICH IN BIO-DIVERSITY, THE SANCTUARY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE, WHICH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF CONSERVING THE BIOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF THE REGION. THE SANCTUARY IS RICH IN FLORA AND FAUNA. THE MANAGEMENT LAYS EMPHASIS ON SCIENTIFIC CONSERVATION WITH DUE CONSIDERATION FOR THE GENERAL LIFE STYLES OF TRIBALS AND OTHERS WHO LIVE IN AND AROUND THE FOREST.
The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. Amidst such fertile and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.
With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared aProject Elephant site. Also Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos etc.. can be seen here. Thekoos etc is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department.
Permitting authority:
Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936 220454
Distances from: KPA-42 Km, SBY-17 Km, MDY-59 Km
MANANTHAVADY
Mananthavady lies 32 kms. from Kalpetta and has a historic church, which is interestingly designed in the traditional Kerala style, with gabled roofs. There are some interesting tombstones in the church grounds. Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, met his end at Mananthavady and his memorial is termed Pazhassi Tomb
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Pakshipathalam-10 kms from Thirunelly and is situated 1740 mtr above the sea level. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storeyed buildings. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7 km trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelly.Distances from: KPA-71 Km, SBY-78 Km, MDY-36 Km
Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary-Tholpetty-Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of Karnataka), Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between November and May. The Wildlife Sanctuary,Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka state. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life.
Visiting time: 0600-0800 hrs and 1500-1730 hrs. Ph: 04935 240233.
Distances from: KPA-59 Km, SBY-66 Km, MDY-24 Km
Boys Town-15 kms north of Mananthavady. A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.
Kuruva Island-17 kms east of Mananthavady, calm and peaceful. This 950 acres of uninhabited, evergreen forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The wooded land is a home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Occasionally, wild mammals can be observed by the riverside.
The memorial of Veera Pazhassi Raja known as the Lion of Kerala- who organised guerilla warfare against British East India company is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave near by is where the Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. He was downed in a ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode in the last days of 1805. Pazhassi's tomb marks the point where he was cremated. Pazhassi museum is located nearby where a sword, which is believed to be of Pazhassi's era is kept.
Distances from: KPA-32 Km, SBY-37 Km, MDY-1 Km
Ambalavayal
Wayanad Heritage Museum-Located in the town of Ambalavayal, 27 kms from Kalpetta. This Museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad region. This is one of the best-maintained museums of Kerala's Malabar region. The museum has a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artefacts, which include jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc.. Ancient terra cottas, stone weapons, and local art are also on display at the museum. There are various exhibits on display here, amongst which are sculptures and the figure of Nandi and other dieties, which were collected from parts of the region that date back to the 14th to the 16th centuries AD. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memoralise a bygone age of valiant warriors.There is a fine figure of the Goddess of fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Remnants of Stone age tools and pottery found within the Muniyaras are displayed here.Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km
Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km
Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km
Religious
Distances from: KPA-24 Km, SBY-1 Km, MDY-41 Km
Apart from Sulthan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples atPunchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a particular air of mystery.
Thrissilery Shiva Temple-This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelly. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelly remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less than the legendary Parasurama.Distances from: KPA-50Km, SBY-25 Km, MDY-41 Km
Distances from: KPA-50Km, SBY-25 Km, MDY-41 Km
ManikavuTemple - This is the temple of Lord Shiva, near Choothupara, Meenangadi. The Shivling, seen here is Swayambhoo and the speciality is that water is poured continuously over Shivling through a stream. The amount of water remains the same even in rainy season.
Religious
Thirunelly temple-32 kms north east of Mananthavady and 66 kms from Kalpetta. Nestled amidst mountains and forests, this ancient riverside temple is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. It is Known asThekkan Kashi/Dakshina Kashi (Kasi of the South) and surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga.Legend is that this temple was dedicated by the Creator,Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idols is in the form of Chathurbhuja.
The Shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear water of the Papanashini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place. This temple draws pilgrims from allover, primarily for ancestral rites.
A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is about 10 kms away from here.
Distances from: KPA-66 Km, SBY-71 Km, MDY-32 Km
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple-8 kms east of Mananthavady. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess manifest in the three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga.The two week long festival in February/March is a major event attended by thousands of people.Distances from: KPA-24 Km, SBY-31 Km, MDY-5 Km
ACCESSIBILITY
Telephone access code: + 91 4936
Air: Nearest airport: Kozhikode
Rail: Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Major towns in the district and distance from the nearest railway station: Kalpetta: 72 km from Kozhikode, Mananthavady: 80 km from Thalassery and 106 km from Kozhikode, Sulthan Bathery: 97 km from Kozhikode, Vythiri: 60 km from Kozhikode.
Road: Well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty (175 km from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 km from Kalpetta).
Tourist information offices: District Tourism Promotion Council, Kalpetta Telefax: 202134 Pookot Ph: 255207 Email: info@dtpcwayanad.com www.dtpcwayanad.com, Tourist Information Centre, Collectorate Ph: + 91 4936 204441, Govt. Guest House, Sulthan Bathery Ph: + 91 4936 220225
