| Kelpatta
Surrounded
by rolling hills and plantations,the district's capital
,Kalpetta is a quiet market town provides ample amenities
and excellent walking country. The facilities like hotels,
bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base
to visit this place. The main attractive points are ;
 Chembra
peak : The scenic beauty of Wayanad which
is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and
thrilling.Trekking to the Chembra peak is one of the risky
tourist endeavours and is the highest peak in Wayanad at
2100m. above mean sea level. It is 14 kms. west of Kalpetta.
Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists
can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in
temporary camps. The blue eyed water in the lake at the
top of the hill never dries up even in the peak of summer.
All along the steep and slippery way to the top of the hill,
the whispering of the flowing spring which sprouts from
the top of the hill accompanies the tourist. If he is fortunate
enough, on his way he may come across a passing wild beast,
may be a leopard who may instantly hide behind the bushes.
Camping in the night with camp fire and sleeping bags at
the top of the peak in shivering cold is everlasting experience
Meenmutty Water Fall:
Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall
in Wayanad.Water falls to a depth of more than 500m and
is 37 kms from Kalpetta . An interesting 2 km jungle trek
off the main Ooty road. A unique feature is that water drops
about 300 metres over three stages.
Neelimala
View Point:
Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of
stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great
view of the cascading Meenmutty falls and the beautiful
valley in its foreground.It is 27 Km from Kalpetta
 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 with a fantastic scenary provides
for white water rafting, swimming, bathing etc. The three
top huts at Soochippara will give unique view of the valleys
of Western Ghats. 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.
Kanthanpara waterfalls:
22 kms south east of Kalpetta , a beautiful waterfall
about 30 mts in height. Relatively smaller than Sentinel
Rock falls, and rather less frequented Kanthanpara and its
surroundings offer a very pleasant site. A easy hike away
from the main road, its perfect for picnics.
Banasura
sagar project:
This is the largest earth dam in India, and the second largest
in Asia is being built here. Its about 21 kms north east
of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. 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.
These Islands with the background of the Banasura hill provide
a hypnotizing sight to tourists
Varambetta
Mosque:
15 kms southeast of Kalpetta, near Padinjarathara: dating
back 300 years, the oldest mosque in Wayanad.
Jain
Temple at Puliyarmala:
4 kms north of Kalpetta. This old temple is dedicated to
Ananthanatha Swami, one of the most revered Jain Saint.
Glass
temple, 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.
Sultan Bathery :
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: The Edakkal Caves
are at Ambukutty Mala 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery. It is
a pre-historic rock shelter formed naturally out of a strange
disposition of three huge boulders making one to rest on
the other two with its bottom jutting out in between and
serving as the roof. Edakkal literally means a stone in
between. 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on
Ambukuthi mala. 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
17.00 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.
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.
Muniyaras-Excavations at various points around the foot
of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive series
of ancient burail vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants
of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars
are displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum.
 Muthanga
Wild Life Sanctuary: Muthanga, 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 Which
is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery. The Wayanad wild life
sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of
Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and
Muthumalai of TamilNadu on south-east. Wild forests covering
an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary;
the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. 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.
Elephant, spotted deer, etc. are found in this sanctuary
With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population
of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project Elephant
site. Also , bison, cheeta, wild bear, 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. The
reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers.Permitting
authority: Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary,
Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936 220454
Vythiri is a beautiful spot, 2600 ft. above mean sea level
which can be seen on a drive from Calicut to Kalpetta. .
Pookot
lake:
It is the natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green
mountains. 3 km south of Vythiri. The perennial fresh water
lake, nestled among wooded hills, is a only one of its kind
in Kerala. The thicks bushes and tall trees along the path
round the lake gives a calm spiritual atmosphere.
 Pakshipathalam:
Pakshipathalam in Bramha Giri hills at Thirunelly is a challenging
tourist spot. 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. To reach 'Pakshipathalam',
17 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.
 Tholpetty
wildlife Sanctuary:
Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad 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.
Kuruva
Dweep:
The Kuruva Island is 950 acres of evergreen forest surrounded
by east flowing river, Kabani an ideal picnic spot, far
away from the disturbances of city life. Rare species of
birds, orchids and herbs are sovereigns of this supernatural
kingdom. Occasionally, wild mammals can be observed by the
riverside.
Pazhassi
Tomb:
Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic
centre in north Wayanad, It is 32 kms north east of Kalpetta.
Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam Royal family was
one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against
British overlordship in this part of India. He remained
successful for a remarkably long period until finally the
English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and
Bombay.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. There is a good
aquarium and coin-operated toys for children and boating
facilities for tourists are available here.
Thirunelly
temple:
It is known as Kasi of the South. It is believed, that a
dip in the river Papanasini, running crystal clear down
hill, wipes one off all sins 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. The temple is 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 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. |
The hill district
of Wayanad is a quiet place where scenic beauty, wild life
and traditional matters are altogether. Wayanad hills are
forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about
in its most natural abode. Now the Land is famous for Black
Pepper, Coffee, Tea, Cardamom, Vanila and Ginger. Wayanad
is called as The Green Paradise of God"s own country.
