Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that have been able to retain its pristine nature. This green paradise is nestled among the mountains of western ghat and is located at a distance of 76 km from the nearest sea-shore of Kozhikode. The leading tourist centers of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg and Kannur are around this region.

Home to exotic legends, ancient ruins, mysterious mountain caves, aborigine tribes, hidden treasures, tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wild life, Kerala’s Wayanad district is the perfect setting for a hundred great adventures!

The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for exceptional adventure experiences. Mountains and forests intersperse to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and opportunities for other adventure sports. With vast areas still unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventurescape waiting to be discovered!

Reaching Wayanad

Wayanad by Road
Kalpetta, the district headquarters is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Kozhikode.

Wayanad by Rail
Reach Kozhikode Calicut or Mysore by rail from major cities in India then by road to Wayanad.

Wayanad by Air
The nearest airport is Calicut, 109 km from Kalpetta, district headquarters.

HERITAGE
Wayanad has the largest population of aborigine people in Kerala. They belong to different distinctive tribes, of which the principal ones are Adiyar, Kurichyar, Paniyar, Kurumar and Kattunaikar.Many of the tribes are traditionally forest dwellers, and as such have perfected ways of living in harmony with nature. Some tribes are also proficient in techniques of organized farming.Of particular mention are their indigenous streams of holistic herbal medicine which is getting increasing attention in recent years. The Adivasis also have a rich legacy of arts and crafts. This includes music, dances, ornamentation and handicraft that draw inspiration from natural themes, motifs and material.

Tourist destinations in Wayanad , Kerala

Sultan Bathery Jain Temple
This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of Jain ruins spread across the state of Kerala, 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 for centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s marching armies.
Distance: Kalpetta: 24 kms. Sultan Battery: 12 km. M: 41 kms.

Edakkal caves
An interesting trek up the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the fascinating neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.
An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed by the DTPC a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding places.
Distance: Kalpetta: 28 kms. Sulatan Battery: 12 kms. Mananthavadi: 45 kms. .

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, memorialize a bygone age of valiant warriors.
Adjoining the museum is a small theatre where you can watch a multimedia presentation on Wayanad.
Distance Kalpetta: 25 kms. Sultan Battery: 10 kms. Mananthavadi: 42 kms

Uravu
Uravu is an NGO that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology. They run a successful bamboo crafts design and production centre along with a bamboo nursery.
Uravu has a whole range of functional and decorative products created out of this wonderful material found so abundantly in Wayanad. You can view and shop for products at their sales outlets, one at Thrikkaipetta and another at Pookote Lake.
Distance:
Kalpetta: 12 kms. Sultan Battery: 23 km. Mananthavadi: 45 kms

Chain Tree
This large Ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes, an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul according to the legend constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree.
Distance: Kalpetta: 16 kms. Sultan Battery: 41 kms. Mananthavadi: 51 kms

Pallikkunnu 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 2 week Perunnal festival in early February draws large throngs of devotees from other parts of Kerala, as well as outside.
Distance: Kalpetta: 19 kms. Sultan Battery: 38 kms. Mananthavadi: 23 kms.

Korome Mosque
This nearly 300 year old mosque is built in traditional Kerala style with extensive wood carvings. Originally built by local Nair gentry, Korome Mosque to this day is seen as a sterling example of communal amity. The annual Uroos festivities draw participants from all religions.
Distance: Kalpetta: 47 kms. Sultan Battery: 52 kms. Mananthavadi: 23 kms.

Paingatteri Agraharam
This is a settlement of Tamil Brahmins organised in the classic architectural typology of row houses. Their ancestors are believed to have come from Thanjavur in Tamilnadu principally as cooks to the royal household of the Kottayam dynasty.
Distance: Kalpetta: 28 kms. Sultan Battery: 23 kms. Mananthavadi: 07 kms

Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb
Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam royal family was one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British over lordship in this part of India. Taking refuge in the Wayanad hills, he resorted to classic techniques of guerrilla warfare against superior British forces. He remained successful for a remarkably long period until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and Bombay. This Lion of Kerala 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.
Distance Kalpetta: 35 kms. Sultan Battery: 42 km. Mananthavadi: 01 kms.

Valliyoor Temple
This temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, manifest in the 3 principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga is an important place of worship for various tribal communities in Wayanad. Every year a 15 day festival is held in March/April.
Distance: Kalpetta: 24 kms. Sultan Battery: 31 kms. Mananthavadi: 5 kms.

SeethaLavaKusha Temple
This is the only known 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.
Distance: Kalpetta: 50 kms. Sultan Battery: 25 kms. Mananthavadi: 41 kms

Thrissilery Shiva Temple
This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelli. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelli 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 a person than the legendary warrior Parasurama. There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!
Distance: Kalpetta: 50 kms. Sultan Battery: 25 kms. Mananthavadi: 41 kms

Thirunelli Temple
Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. Legend has it that this temple was dedicated by the Creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idol is in the form of Chathurbhuja. This temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. The two main festivals here are in April and August/September.
Distance: Kalpetta: 64 kms. Sultan Battery: 71 kms. Mananthavadi: 29 kms.

Papanasini, Thirunelli
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.
Distance: Kalpetta: 64 kms. Sultan Battery: 71 kms. Mananthavadi: 29 kms.

LEISURE
A convenient hop away from cities like Bangalore, Calicut and Cochin, Wayanad is the perfect weekend getaway. Still uncrowded, clean and friendly, the district offers a host of options for those looking to just relax away from the stress and bustle of city life.

Pookote Lake
Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.
Distance: Kalpetta: 15 kms. Sultan Battery: 40 kms. Mananthavadi: 50 kms

Sentinal Rock Falls
Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.
Distance: Kalpetta: 23kms. Sultan Battery:43 kms. Mananthavadi: 58 kms

Kanthanpara Falls
Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock, and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and it’s surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it’s perfect for picnics.
Distance: Kalpetta: 22 kms. Sultan Battery: 23 kms. Mananthavadi: 57 kms

Sunrise Valley
As the name indicates, Sunrise Valley is a great place to watch the rising and setting sun set amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The place also offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath with the River Chaliyar meandering along.
Distance: Kalpetta: 22 kms. Sultan Battery: 20 kms. Mananthavadi: 57 kms

RARS
The Regional Agricultural Research Station located in Ambalavayal town is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. This station conducts research on spices, tropical and sub tropical fruits, vegetables and hill paddy. RARS also has a nursery with a large collection of rare roses and ornamental plants. Visitors can purchase seeds and saplings the Sales Counter.
Distance: Kalpetta: 25 kms. Sultan Battery: 10 kms. Mananthavadi: 42 kms

Phantom Rock
Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock; named so because of it’s skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities.
Distance: Kalpetta: 26 kms. Sultan Battery:12 kms. Mananthavadi: 43 kms

Karapuzha Dam
This large irrigation based dam site is set amidst picturesque surroundings. It is a great place for picnics.
Distance: Kalpetta: 40 kms. Sultan Battery: 58 kms. Mananthavadi: 17 kms

Pazhassi Park
A recreational project, Pazhassi Park comprises of a children’s play area and boating facilities on the Mananthavady river.
Distance: Kalpetta: 33 kms. Sultan Battery:40 kms. Mananthavadi: 02 kms

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: Kalpetta: 40kms. Sultan Battery: 58 kms. Mananthavadi: 17 kms

Karalad Lake
A 7 acre lake with a charming grove surrounding it, Karalad is now being developed as a recreational park with facilities for boating and angling.
Distance: Kalpetta: 16 kms. Sultan Battery: 41 kms. Mananthavadi: 25 kms

OUTDOOR

Chembra Peak
At 2100 metres, the spectacular Chembra Peak located towards the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day.
The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is a unforgettable experience.
Distance:
Kalpetta:17kms. Sultan Bathery:42kms

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 it’s foreground.
Distance:
Kalpetta:27kms.Sultan Bathery:26kms.

Meenmutty Falls
A 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.
Distance
Kalpetta:29kms. Sultan Bathery:28kms

Chethalayam Falls
Chethalayam is one of Wayanad’s smaller waterfalls. It’s surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts
Distance:
Kalpetta:37kms. Sulthan Bathery:12kms. Mananthavadi : 54 kms.

Pakshipathalam
Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey 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 Thirunelli. (Special permission required from DFO- North Wayanad at Mananthavady).
Distance:
Kalpetta:71 kms. Sulthan Bathery : 78 kms. Mananthavadi:36 kms.

Banasura Sagar Dam
Considered to be the largest earth dam in India, the Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
Distance:
Kalpetta: 24 kms. Manathavadi: 34 km

WILDLIFE
With 26% forest cover, far greater than any other district in Kerala, Wayanad is home to two major wildlife reserves: Muthanga and Tholpetty. Taken together, these two sanctuaries are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. As part of the Western Ghats, they constitute an important swathe of the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers Wayanad’s wildlife sanctuaries are must visit destinations!

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga
Spread over a vast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. Located 18 kms East of Sultan Bathery, it is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103kms.) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123kms.) in Tamil Nadu.

The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with smaller stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. With such profuse 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 a Project Elephant site.

Other animals’ species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheeta, Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur and Slender Loris. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. In addition, there is also a bewildering variety of birds, butterflies and insects.
Distance: Kalpetta:42kms. Sultan Bathery:17kms

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.

Distance: Kalpetta: 59kms.Mananthavadi:24 kms