Tourist Spot

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. It is 12Km from Meepadi. It involves a good trek through some inhospitable terrain, but the end result is breath-taking.

Distances from: KPA-37 Km, SBY-12 Km, MDY-54 Km

Sentinal Rock Waterfalls (Soochippara)

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

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 and Muthumalai 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 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.

Vythiri/Lakkidi

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.

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

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

Permitting authority: Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936 220454 Distances from: KPA-42 Km, SBY-17 Km, MDY-59 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

National Parks

This unspoilt expanse of virgin rainforests in the Western Ghats in northeastern Kerala, (south of Coorg) is bordered by the Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai. The misty environs of Wayanad offer a wide range of trekking opportunities, plantation visits and wildlife tours

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 Kanthanpara and 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.

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

Pazhassi Tomb

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.

Distances from: KPA-32 Km, SBY-37 Km, MDY-1 Km

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

Regional Agricultural Research Station (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 have a nursery with a large collection of rare roses and ornamental plants. Visitors can purchase seeds and saplings at the sales counter.

Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km

Phantom Rock

Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo oppurtunities.

Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 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.

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

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.

Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-11 Km, MDY-44 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

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

Apart from Sulthan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal 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.

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

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

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

Manikavu Temple

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.

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.

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.