WILDLIFE TRAIL
Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga: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. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants. With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project 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. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department.
Distances from: Kalpetta(KPA) -42 Km, Sulthan Bathery (SBY)-17 Km,Mananthavady (MDY)-59 Km
Timing: 7 am to 9.30 am - 3 pm to 5 pm
Entrance Fee: Rs.10,Jeep Rent : Rs.250 up to 8 people, Vehicle entrance fee :Rs.50 , Guide Fee: Rs.100
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Tholpetty:Tholpetty reserve is situated along the northern ridge of the district bordering Coorg in Karnataka. In terms of flora and fauna, Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga.The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is from November to May.
Distances from: KPA-59 Km, SBY-66 Km, MDY-24 Km
Timing:7 am to 9.30 am - 3 pm to 5 pm
Entrance Fee: Rs.10,Jeep Rent : Rs.300 up to 8 people, Vehicle entrance fee :Rs.50 , Guide Fee: Rs.100
OUTDOOR TRAIL
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 day. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience.
Distances from: (KPA)-14 Km,(SBY)-42 Km, (MDY)-52 Km
Timing: 7am to 5 pm, Entrance Fee:Rs.20
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
Timing: 8 am to 5 pm , No Fees
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
DTPC (District Tourism Promotion Council) arranges vehicle, guides, camping apparatus etc. to the tourists on request
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
Entrance Fee : Rs.10 ,Jeep Shuttle Service: Rs.50 for 8 people, Speed Boat: Rs.250 for 5 people 15min
Timing:9 am to 5pm
Karapuzha Dam-Karapuzha Project is the First Irrigation project taken up in Wayanad District with an average elevation of 780 m above sea level. The reservoir with partially submerged hills forming green islands makes an ideal place for aquatic birds. The waterscape against the backdrop of verdant mountains makes the spot picturesquely beautiful.
Distances from: KPA-18 Km, SBY-17 Km, MDY-45 Km
HERITAGE TRAIL
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
Timing: 9 am To 5 pm
Entrance Fee: Rs.10, Jeep Shuttle Service: Rs.70 up to 8 people
Still Camera: Rs.10 Video Camera: Rs.100
Wayanad Heritage Museum-Located in the town of Ambalavayal, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region. These include headgear, weapons pottery, and objects associated with tribal life. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memorialise a bygone age of valiant warriors.
Adjoining the museum is a small theatre where you can watch a multimedia presentation on Wayanad.
Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km
Pazhassi tomb-The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
Distances from: KPA-32 Km, SBY-37 Km, MDY-1 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
Jain Temple - Generally known as Tippu's Fort, this temple is situated in town which got its name from the historic fact that Tippu used this temple as his Battery (ammunition store) in the region. Hence the name "Sulthan's Battery". This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a Battery.
Distances from: KPA-24 Km, SBY-1 Km, MDY-41 Km
LEISURE TRAIL
Kuruva Island-The Kuruva Island with 950 acres of evergreen forest lies on one of the tributaries of the Kabini. The island is home to various species of rare birds, orchids and herbs.
Distance:KPA: 40kms. SBY: 58 kms. MDY: 17 kms
Timing: 9 am To 5 pm
Entrance Fee Per Head: Rs.10 ,Boat Service: Rs.10, Ferry Service Rs.5 per Head
Soochippara Waterfalls(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. Frame by enchanting scenery. 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
Timing: 8 am To 5 pm Entrance Fee: Rs.20
Pookot lake-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
Timing: 9 am To 5 pm
Entrance Fee Per Head: Rs.10
PILGRIM TRAIL
Thirunelly temple-It is known as "Thekkan Kasi" of Kerala.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
Timings : 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pallikunnu Church-Dedicated to the Lourdes Matha, Pallikkunnu Church was established in 1905 at the initiative of a French Missionary Fr. Jeffrine. An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual two week "Perunnal" festival in early February draws large number of devotees from other parts of Kerala, as well as outside. T
Distances from: KPA-12 Km, SBY-21 Km, MDY-23 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
Varambetta Mosque-15 kms southeast of Kalpetta, near Padinjarathara: dating back 300 years, this is 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.
Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.
Distances from: KPA-50Km, SBY-25 Km, MDY-41 Km
