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.
Thirunelly temple (32
km northeast of Mananthavady): Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and
Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The
shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with
huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the
Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.
Pazhassi tomb (32
km northeast of Kalpetta): The
memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala' - Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised
the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated
at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until
he was captured by the British.
The Glass Temple of
Kottamunda (20 km away from
Kalpetta): This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is
dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the
temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple's sanctum
sanctorum.
Pakshipathalam
(10 km from Thirunelly):
This
place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be
sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Boys town
(15
km north of Mananthavady): Herbal garden, nature care centre,
sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad
Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for
promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.
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Kalpetta
Chembra peak
(14 km west of Kalpetta): At 2100 m above mean sea level, Chembra
is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.
Banasura Project,
Padinjarathara
(25 km northeast of Kalpetta): A mini hydel project with the
largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built
here. A sprawling sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees are major
tourist attractions.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
(20 km east of Mananthavady): This sanctuary has a wide variety
of animals.
Nagarhole Wildlife
Sanctuary (40 km from
Mananthavady): This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an
area of 643.39 sq km. The park houses diverse species of plant and
animal life. Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs.
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Sulthan
Bathery
Edakkal Caves
(12
km from Sulthan Bathery):
The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near
Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these
natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed
in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by
a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time
to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 hrs.
Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary: Established in 1973,
the Wayanad Wildlife 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, which
has been established with the specific objective of conserving the
biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora
and fauna. 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.
Permitting authority:
Wildlife
Warden, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery.
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Vythiri
Lakkidi
(55 km east of Kozhikode/ 5 km south of Vythiri): Lakkidi, the
gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest
of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and
luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this
hill station.
Pookot Lake:
This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only
one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, a children’s park, a
handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the
tourist facilities available here.
Ambalavayal Heritage
Museum: Near the Ambukuthi hill
region is this heritage museum housing artifacts and belongings of the
various tribes of the land. This is one of the best heritage museums in
Kerala.
Other attractions in
Wayanad: Kanthanpara Waterfall:
6 km east of Meppadi Meenmutty waterfall: 12 km east of Meppadi
Chethalayam waterfall: 12 km from Sulthan Bathery Sentinel rock
waterfall : 12 km southeast of Meppadi Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery
Puliyarmala Jain Temple: 4 km north of Kalpetta Panamaram Jain Temple:
29 km from Sulthan Bathery 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.
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