Wayanad
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 Ambukuthymala, 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.
Place to Visit
Kuruvadweep: (17 km east of Mananthavady, 45 km northwest of Sulthan Bathery) This 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani River is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Ph: 04936-203428
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: (25 km east of Mananthavady, 13 km from Thirunelly on the Kodagu Road. Open 07.00-09.00 hrs, 03.00-07.00 hrs) This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals, but visitors are restricted to the outer tourist zone. Permitting authority: Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty. Ph: 04935-250853
Chembra Peak: (18 km west of Kalpetta) Hike up the rugged terrains of the Chembra Peak located 2,100 metres above sea level on the southern part of Wayanad. Chembra is the tallest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking. With permission from the Forest Department, one day treks and two-day wildlife treks are possible. You can have group treks of up to ten people or hike on your own, accompanied by a guide.
Banasura Sagar Dam, Padinjarethara: (25 km northeast of Kalpetta) Considered to the largest earth dam in India, as well as the second largest in Asia, this is a mini hydel project. A park with ever flowering trees is a major tourist attraction. Boating facilities in the dam and trekking trails leading from here draw many outdoor enthusiasts.
Edakkal Caves: (12 km from Sulthan Bathery. Open 09.00-04.00 hrs) Located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukuthymala near Ambalavayal are the Edakkal Caves. Nature representations on these cave walls made by Neolithic Celts were first identified by a British man on a hunting trip. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls are evidence of the prehistoric civilization that existed in the regions and have the distinction of being the first specimen of abraded drawings found in India. Accessible only by a kilometre’s trek from Edakkal, the wall art found in these caves have caught the attention of archaeologists worldwide. You can see three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest dating back to over 3,000 years. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Mondays are holidays.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: (15 km from Sulthan Bathery) Established in 1973, the sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Other animals you can find here are the leopards, gaurs, sambars etc. The Reserve is also home to a small population of tigers, a profusion of birds, butterflies and insects. Permitting authority: Wildlife Warden, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936-271010
Pookot Lake: (15 km from Kalpetta) This perennial freshwater lake near Lakkidi is surrounded by lush evergreen forest. Kayaking, pedal and row boating, a freshwater aquarium, children’s park, a handicrafts and spices emporium are among the tourist facilities available here. A restaurant and café and to the charm of this place which is an ideal picnic spot for tourists.
Sentinel Rock Waterfall: (23 km from Kalpetta) Locally known as Soochipara (needle rock), the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. One of the most attractive falls in the district, the water hits the sharp spikes of granite at the base and hence the name.
Meenmutty Waterfall: (29 km from Kalpetta, on the Ooty main road) An interesting 2 km jungle trek will trek will lead to the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature of Meenmutty is that the water drops from nearly 1000 ft over three stages, presenting a triple-decker effect.
Special Attracrions
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum: (10 km from Sulthan Bathery) One of the best heritage museums in Kerala, it houses artefacts and belongings of the various tribes of the land.
Boys Town: (15 km north of Mananthavady) Established by the Wayanad Social Service Society, Boys Town has a herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit and permaculture centre. The Gene Park, also situated here, was developed as part of an Indo-Danish project to promote herbal gardening.
Chain Tree: (15 km from Kalpetta) This large Ficus tree, located near Lakkidi, towards the end of the Ghat road is bound by a heavy iron chain. It is said that a British engineer, with the aid of a tribal guide named Karinthandan, found the difficult mountain route into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer killed the guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travelers. It is believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree.
Chethalayam Falls: (12 km east of Sulthan Bathery) This is one of Wayanad’s lesser known seasonal waterfalls. Though it tends to dry up during summer, it is a lovely place to visit and trekking enthusiasts will have an enjoyable time climbing up the rocks to the waterfall.
Kanthanpara Waterfall: (22 km away from Kalpetta) Smaller than the Sentinel Rock, the nearby Kanthanpara Falls and its surroundings make for an ideal picnic spot.
Karalad Lake: (8 km from Vythiri) An unusually quiet retreat, facilities for angling and boating as well as a recreational park are available here. The trek to this lake is also quite exciting.
Lakkidi: (55 km east of Kozhikode, 5 km south of Vythiri) The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Tamarasseri Ghat Pass. Loftypeaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests and magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Karapuzha Dam: (13 km northeast of Kalpetta) Located near Kakkavayal town, this picturesque reservoir contains many small islands scattered around the vast area it occupies.
Pakshipathalam: (8 km from Thirunelly) This natural rock cave at the northern end of the Brahmagiri Hills is home to a wide variety of rare birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. However, the place can be accessed only by 7 km trek from Thirunelly, through a deep jungle, that will take about three hours. Special permission has to be obtained from the Forest Department to visit or camp at Pakshipathalam which literally means birds in the nether region. DTPC arranges package tours, complete with guides and camping equipment Ph: 04935-210377
Sunrise Valley: (20 km south of Sulthan Bathery) A great place to watch the rising and setting sun amidst a background of misty mountains and clouds, the Sunrise Valley at Kadasseri also offers a panoramic view of the valley below.
Other attractions in Waynad: Thrikkaipetta Village: (7 km east of Kalpetta) Panamaram Jain Temple: (23 km from Kalpetta) Pallikkunnu Church: (12 km north of Kalpetta) Kallianathum Pallickal Mosque: (10 km southwest of Mananthavady) Ambalavayal Agriculture Research Station: (15 km south of Sulthan Bathery) Kaduva Kuzhi at Ambalavayal: (15 km south of Sulthan Bathery) Neelimala View Point, Adventure Tourism Centres in Cheengeri hills, Ambalavayal and Kolagappara Adventure Tourism, Meenangadi.
Pazhassi Tomb: (32 km northeast of Kalpetta) The memorial of Veera Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organized guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally Cave was where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. A small structure houses a collection of memorabilia belonging to Pazhassi. Mondays are holidays.
Places of Worship
Bathery Jain Temple: One of the most important among the many Jain temples here, the Bathery Temple is believed to have been built during the 13th century. Its design is strongly influenced by the architectural style of the then reigning Vijayanagar Dynasty. Another unique feature is the rather checkered history of the temple which first served as a shrine, next as a centre of commercial trade and finally, as the ammunition store or battery of Tipu Sulthan’s army. The town derives its name from that use.
Korome Mosque: (23 km from Mananthavady) Constructed in the traditional Kerala style, this 300 year old mosque is noted for its extensive wood carvings. Originally built by the Nair community, the mosque is seen as an excellent example of communal harmony. In fact, the annual Uroos Festival conducted here draws participants from all communities.
Thirunelly Temple: (32 km northeast of Mananthavady) Surrounded by the Kambamala, Karimala and the Varadiga Peaks, the Thirunelly Temple embodies classical, traditional Kerala architecture. A famous pilgrim centre, this temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu- the god who maintains life, attracts hordes of devotees especially for performing ancestral rites. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. Snuggled among mountains and forests, this riverside temple is close to the mountain spring, Papanashini. A ritual dip in its crystal clear waters is believed to wash away one’s worldly sins.
Trissileri Temple: (15 km from Thirunelly. Open 0600-1300 hrs, 1700-2000 hrs) This architecturally pleasing Siva temple is so inextricably linked to the Thirunelly Temple that the performance of rites at the latter remain incomplete until it is followed by offerings at Trissileri. This shrine has recently been renovated and Mahasivarathri is celebrated here with much fanfare during March.
Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple: Located 8km east of Mananthavady Town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. The two-week-long festival in February/March is attended by hundreds of tribals.
