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Wayanad - Outdoor Trail 1. 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 2. 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. 3. 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 4. 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. 5. 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 Wayanad – Wildlife Trail 1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga Spread over avast 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 andMudumalai 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 aProject Elephant site. Other animals species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, 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 1. 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. ------------------- Wayanad - Heritage Trail 1. 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: K: 24 kms. SB: 12 km. M: 41 kms. 2. 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 country. Distance: K: 28 kms. SB: 12 kms. M: 45 kms. . 3. 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. Distance K: 25 kms. SB: 10 kms. M: 42 kms 4. Muniyara Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive series of ancient burial vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars are now displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum. Distance: K: 27 kms. SB: 11 kms. M: 44 kms. 5. 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: K: 12 kms. SB: 23 km. M: 45 kms 6. 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: K: 16 kms. SB: 41 kms. M: 51 kms 7. 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: K: 19 kms. SB: 38 kms. M: 23 kms. 8. 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 draws participants from all religions. Distance: K: 47 kms. SB: 52 kms. M: 23 kms. 9. 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: K: 28 kms. SB: 23 kms. M: 07 kms 10. 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 overlordship 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 K: 35 kms. SB: 42 km. M: 01 kms. 11. 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: K: 24 kms. SB: 31 kms. M: 5 kms. 12. 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: K: 50 kms. SB: 25 kms. M: 41 kms 13. 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: K: 50 kms. SB: 25 kms. M: 41 kms 14. 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. Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi (the Kasi of the south), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites. The two main festivals here are in April and August/September. Distance: K: 64 kms. SB: 71 kms. M: 29 kms. 15. 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: K: 64 kms. SB: 71 kms. M: 29 kms. 16. Jain Temples (Ruined) Apart from the Sultan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar aura of mystery Distance: K: 20 kms. SB: 18 kms. M: 21 kms. K = Kalpetta , SB = Sultan Bathery, M = Mananthavadi Wayanad – Leisure Trail 1. 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: K: 15 kms. SB: 40 kms. M: 50 kms 2. 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: K: 23kms. SB:43 kms. M: 58 kms 3. 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: K: 22 kms. SB: 23 kms. M: 57 kms K = Kalpetta , SB = Sultan Bathery, M = Mananthavadi 4. 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: K: 22 kms. SB: 20 kms. M: 57 kms 5. 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. Visiors can purchase seeds and saplings the Sales Counter. Distance: K: 25 kms. SB:10 kms. M: 42 kms 6. 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: K: 26 kms. SB:12 kms. M: 43 kms 7. Karapuzha Dam This large irrigation based dam site is set amidst picturesque surroundings. It is a great place for picnics. Distance: K: 40 kms. SB: 58 kms. M: 17 kms 8. Pazhassi Park A recreational project, Pazhassi Park comprises of a children’s play area and boating facilities on the Mananthavady river. Distance: K: 33 kms. SB:40 kms. M: 02 kms 9. 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: K: 40kms. SB: 58 kms. M: 17 kms 10. 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: K: 16 kms. SB: 41 kms. M: 25 kms ---------------------