Places of Attraction
1. Chembra peak
Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, situated 2100 meters above sea level. This hilltop offers a splendid view of the surrounding hills, valleys and rivers. The place lies 17 kilometers west of Kalpetta. The peak is a part of the Wayanad hill ranges at the Western Ghatts. The peak is accessible only by trekking from ‘Meppady’ and prior permission needed for trekking. At the top of the peak there is a heart-shaped lake and its the major attraction here. The lake never dried.
2. Karalad lake The lake is spread over 7 acres, which is surrounded by dense bamboo forests, and it is an ideal place for people love tranquility. Boating is possible at the lake. There is also a hill near to the lake, which is suitable for trekking. The lake located in Thariode, which lies 16 kilometers from Kalpetta. Boating here is possible in between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. Pallikkunnu church, Mananthavady is near to this place and a good visiting spot.
3. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar (Ocean in the name of Demon Bana) Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia. The dam is located 21 kilometers from Kalpetta and near to the Karalad Lake. The dam is a part of the Banasura sagar project by the Indian government. The dam is across the Karamanathodu, which is a tributary of the Kabani River. The dam supports the Kakkayam hydroelectric project and irrigation of fresh water to the required regions.
4. Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary
The Sanctuary consists two discontinuous places. Muthanga in the south and Tholpetty in the north. It lies 18 kilometers north of Sulthan Bathery. The sanctuary covers an area of almost 350 square kilometer. December to May is the best time to visit the place. Nearly 100 square kilometer of this sanctuary is covered with Rosewood, Teak, Silver Oak and Eucalyptus. The sanctuary contains a variety of wild animals like Elephants, tiger, panther, Indian bison, deer etc. The sanctuary opens from 7.00a m to 5.00 pm and can enter the sanctuary under a cheap rate. The sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
5. Pookot lake
The lake located 3 kilometer from Vythiri. The lake will remind you about Ooty because of the boating and horse riding facilities here. A beautiful aquarium is here with the lake. Entrance fee here is cheap but separate charges are there for boating and horse riding.
6. Soochipara and Kanthampara falls
The Soochipara waterfall lies 20 kilometer from Vythiri and 22 kilometer from Kalpetta. The Soochippara sentinel rock fall is one of the most attractive falls in the district. Kanthampara fall lies near to this fall, which is also attractive.
7. Meenmutty falls
Meenmutty is the largest waterfall in Wayanad. The water here is drops from about 300 meter over three stages. The place located 2 kilometer from the Ooty main road leading to Vythiri and is 28 kilometer far from Sulthan Batheri.
8. Wayanad Heritage Museum
The Wayanad heritage Museum is located in Ambalavayal, which is 10 kilometer far from Sulthan Batheri. The Museum is well stored with artifacts and belongings of various tribes across the state. Its the best heritage museum in Kerala. The visiting time here is 10.00 am to 6.00 pm and having an interval of one hour in the noon. Entrance fee here is cheap.
9. Edakkal Caves
Edakkal caves are the evidence of the pre-historic civilization that existed in this region. The two caves here are located at a height of 1000 meter and is near to Ambalavayal. The caves wont be reached without a one kilometer trekking from Edakkal. Entry is permitted only up to 5.00 pm here.
10. Pakshipathalam
This is a very favorite spot for Trekkers and bird watchers. The place lies on the Brahmagiri hills and 7 kilometer far from Thirunelly and 36 kilometer from Mananthavady. Pakshipathalam is a good guesthouse for migratory birds across the world. It takes 3000 rupees for a 10-member group to visit here including transport, food, and entrance and guide fee. The name 'Pakshipathalam' in local language means 'Underworld of Birds'. 11. Pazhassi Museum
The Pazhassi museum lies one kilometer from the Mananthavady town. The museum is the memorial of Pazhassi Raja the first Kerala king to revolt against the British. The burial spot of this great king is at Pulpally, which is a few kilometers away from here. The museum is accessible from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm without any entrance fee.
12. Kuruva Dweep
Kuruva dweep is a protected river delta system on the Kabani River. The island is a good home for several rare species of birds, and plants. The island lies 17 kilometer from Mananthavady, 40 kilometer from Kalpetta nd 60 kilometer from Sulthan Batheri. The entrance here is between 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Its one of the main attractions in Wayanad. Boating is available here through the Manathavady side which worth only a 50 rupees.
13. Thirunelly Temple The thirunelly temple is located 30 kilometer north east of Mananthavady. The temple is surrounded by the three mountains Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga. The temple is a good example of Kerala style architecture and the main parts are shielded with granites. The river ‘Papanasini’ (sin destroyer) is running downhill to the temple. The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu and it is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage centers in the state. The entry time here is from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. The temple can easily reach by road.
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