Wayanad Tour: Hill Station

Banasura Sagar Dam: (24 km from Kalpetta and 34 km from Mananthavady)

Considered to be India's largest earthen dam, the premise of the Banasura project is an ideal starting point for the trek to the Banasura peak. An exciting feature is a group of islands formed when the reservoir flooded the surrounding areas.

Chain Tree: (16 km from Kalpetta, 41 km from Sultan Bathery).
This large ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain, is the source of a dramatic local legend. The story states that a young tribal named Karintandan was instrumental in guiding a British engineer through the rugged mountains to Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose spirit, according to legend, has always haunted subsequent travelers. It is believed a priest chained the troublesome spirit to this tree later

​Edakkal caves: (28 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery, and 45 km from Mananthavady)
A trek up Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town leads to Edakkal, a fascinating Neolithic cave site. The etchings discovered on the walls of these caves have attracted the attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.

Chethalayam Falls: (37 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery, and 54 km from Mananthavady)
Chethalayam is a smaller waterfall in Wayanad. The surrounding area provides several opportunities for birdwatching.

Kanthanpara Falls: (22 km from Kalpetta, 23 km from Sultan Bathery, and 57 km from Mananthavady)
Despite its smaller size and less popularity, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are pleasant.

​Karlad Lake: (16 km from Kalpetta, 41 km from Sultan Bathery, and 25 km from Mananthavady).

This 7-acre lake, surrounded by a charming grove, is now being developed into a recreational park that offers boating and fishing opportunities.

​Karapuzha Dam: (16 km from Kalpetta, 16 km from Sultan Bathery, and 46 km from Mananthavadi).

This extensive irrigation-based dam site is set amidst picturesque surroundings. It is an excellent place for picnics.

​Chembra Peak: (17 km from Kalpetta and 42 km from Sultan Bathery).

At 2100 meters, the spectacular Chembra Peak located in the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region.

​Koroma Mosque:

(47 km from Kalpetta, 52 km from Sultan Bathery, and 23 km from Mananthavady)

This nearly 300-year-old mosque is built in traditional Kerala style with extensive wood carvings. Built originally by local Nair Gentry, Korome Mosque is seen to this day as a sterling example of communal amity.

​Phantom Rock: (26 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery, and 43 km from Mananthavady)
Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock, named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri hill.

Meenmutty Falls: (29 km from Kalpetta and 28 km from Sultan Bathery)

An impressive 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty Road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.

​Muniyara: (27 km from Kalpetta, 11 km from Sultan Bathery, and 44 km from Mananthavady).
A distinct series of ancient burial vaults, known as Muniyaras, have been found at various locations at the foot of Mount Ambukuthi. Stone Age tools and pottery found inside this vault are on display at the Wayanad Heritage Museum. 

​Neelimala View Point: (27 km from Kalpetta and 26 km from Sultan Bathery).
Nilimala is the perfect venue for trekking through several stimulating trails. The peak of this hill offers a beautiful view of the Meenmutti falls and the beautiful valley in front of it.

Paingatteri Agraharam: (28 km from Kalpetta, 23 km from Sultan Bathery, and 7 km from Mananthavady).
It is a settlement of Tamil Brahmins arranged according to the classic architectural typology of row houses. Their ancestors are believed to have come from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu mainly as chefs to the royal family of the Kottayam dynasty.

​Pakshipathalam: (71 km from Kalpetta, 78 km from Sultan Bathery, and 36 km from Mananthavady).
Located in the Brahmagiri Hills at an altitude of over 1700 meters within the forest, the bird sanctuary is a large rock formation, some as tall as two-story buildings. Many birds, animals, and plants inhabit the deep caves here.

​Pallikkunnu Church: (19 km from Kalpetta, 38 km from Sultan Bathery, and 23 km from Mananthavady).
Pallikunnu Church dedicated to Lourdes Matha was built in 1905 by a French missionary Fr. Geoffrey. An exciting aspect of this church is that it has many customs and rituals similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples.

Papanasini, Thirunelli: (64 km from Kalpetta, 71 km from Sultan Bathery, and 29 km from Mananthavady).
A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away from all worldly sins.

Kuruva Island: (40 km from Kalpetta, 58 km from Sultan Bathery, and 17 km from Mananthavady)

Kuruva Island, with 950 acres of evergreen forest, lies on one of the tributaries of the Kabini.

​Pazhassi Park: (33 km from Kalpetta, 40 km from Sultan Bathery, and 2 km from Mananthavady)
A recreational project, Pazhassi Park, comprises a children’s play area and boating facilities on the Mananthavady river.

Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb: (35 km from Kalpetta, 42 km from Sultan Bathery, and 1 km from Mananthavady).
The Kottayam royal family scion Pazhassi Raja was one of the first to revolt against British rule in this part of India. Taking refuge in the Wayanad hills, he resorted to classic guerrilla warfare tactics to defeat superior British forces. 

​Pookote Lake: (15 km from Kalpetta, 40 km from Sultan Bathery, and 50 km from Mananthavady)
One of Wayanad's top visitor attractions, Pookote Lake is nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills. A short distance off National Highway 212 lies this natural lake near Lakkidi.

​Sunrise Valley: (22 km from Kalpetta, 20 km from Sultan Bathery, and 57 km from Mananthavady).
Sunrise Valley offers spectacular views of mountain scenery as the sun rises and sets.

Puthenangadi Jain Temples: (20 km from Kalpetta, 18 km from Sultan Bathery, and 21 km from Mananthavady).
With the beautifully carved pillars now partially destroyed and the area widely deserted, these sites exude a certain aura of mystery.

Regional Agricultural Research Station: (25 km from Kalpetta, 10 km from Sultan Bathery, and 42 km from Mananthavady).

Ambalavayal town is the site of the Regional Agricultural Research Station operated by the Kerala Agricultural University. The station conducts research on spices, tropical and subtropical fruits, vegetables, and hill paddy.

Sultan Bathery Jain Temple: (24 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery, and 41 km from Mananthavady).

Several Jain ruins are scattered across Kerala, indicating a period of strong Jain influence in the region. Originally built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an influential commercial center, and eventually a battery for the armies of Tipu Sultan.

​Seetha LavaKusha Temple: (50 km from Kalpetta, 25 km from Sultan Bathery, and 41 km from Mananthavady)

The temple is dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Ramayana legends connect this region with many significant episodes.

Sentinal Rock Falls (Soochipara falls): (23 km from Kalpetta, 43 km from Sultan Bathery, and 58 km from Mananthavady).

Locally called Soochipara, this is a trendy leisure destination. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the scenery as well as playing in the pool formed at the foot of the fall.

Thirunelli Temple: (64 km from Kalpetta, 71 km from Sultan Bathery, and 29 km from Mananthavady).
Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classic Kerala temple architecture. Legend has it that the Creator, Lord Brahma, dedicated this temple to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu.

Thrissilery Siva Temple: (50 km from Kalpetta, 25 km from Sultan Bathery, and 41 km from Mananthavady).
With its perfect architectural proportions, this stunning temple is inextricably linked to Thirunelli's Vishnu temple. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelli remains unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple.

Uravu: (12 km from Kalpetta, 23 km from Sultan Bathery, and 45 km from Mananthavady)
URAVU is a non-profit organization that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology. As well as operating a bamboo nursery, they run a successful bamboo crafts design and production center.

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavaty Temple: (24 km from Kalpetta, 31 km from Sultan Bathery, and 5 km from Mananthavady)
In Wayanad, this temple is an essential place of worship for various tribal communities in worshipping Vana Durga, Bhadrakali, and Jala Durga, three manifestations of the Mother Goddess.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga: (42 km from Kalpetta and 17 km from Sultan Bathery).
The Nilgiri Biosphere Region includes Muthanga, which is spread over a vast area. The reserve is connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103 km) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123 km) in Tamil Nadu.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad: (59 km from Kalpetta and 24 km from Mananthavady).
The Tholpetty reserve lies along the northern ridge of the district bordering Coorg in Karnataka. Tholpetty's flora and fauna are similar to Muthanga's. November to May is the best time to visit both sanctuaries. 

Wayanad Heritage Museum: (25 km from Kalpetta, 10 km from Sultan Bathery, and 42 km from Mananthavady).
The museum in Ambalavayal houses an impressive collection of artifacts that shed light on Wayanad's history, culture, and heritage.