Places to Visit in Wayand

Thriunelli temple has a unique mythological significance. This temple of Lord Vishnu is said to have been created by Lord Brahma after he was drawn to the adjacent hills of Brahmagiri. It is believed that Lord Brahma found an idol on an Indian Gooseberry (Amla) tree and inferred it as the statue of Lord Vishnu, thus constructing this temple for him with the help of other Indian gods. Indian Gooseberry is called Nelli in Malayalam and therefore the name Thirunelli was given to the temple. It is also known as the ‘Kashi of South’ and is located at a distance of nearly 35 kilometres from Mananthavady.

The Meenmutty, Kathtanpara and Sentinel Rock waterfalls attract a number of nature enthusiasts. Kuruva Island, home to some exotic orchids and bird species, is 17 kms from Mananthavady and makes for an interesting place to visit.

The Neelimala View Point is famous for bird watching and trekking activities. It is located nearly 27 kms from Kalpetta and half the distance from SulthanBathery.

This place is alsoknown as the Gateway of Wayanad as it forms the summit of Thamarasseri Ghat Pass. Lakkidi is a famous hill station with vast forests and natural streams of fresh water. Markings of Kottayam Royal Dynasty, Tipu Sultan’s reign and the British Rule can be seen around here.

The culture in Wayanad is very distinct from rest of the Kerala as the region is home to the highest number of tribal communities in the state. It is said that these communities have been living in the jungles of Wayanad since time immemorial. Some of the pictorial findings on the Caves of Edakkal suggest that their existence dates back to the time before Christ. Though many of these communities mainly practice Hinduism now, ancient forms of worship are still very much alive. They have extravagant traditions in art and craft. Their music, dance, artwork and craftsmanship have all been influenced by the natural beauty of the region, making it a traveller’s delight to witness their art forms. 

The Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary needs a special mention while discussing the natural attractions of Wayanad. It is also known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and is located at a distance of some 45 km fromsKalpetta. The wildlife at Muthunga Sanctuary is extensive. It homes animals like Asian Elephants, Panthers, Sambhar Deer, Sloth Bears, Bison etc.  It is also a home to many tiny creatures, including many varieties of butterflies. It is scattered across an area of 344 square kilometres.

You will see vivid natural beauty everywhere you go in Wayand. Edakkal Caves at Ambukuthimala have enthralled tourists since the time they were discovered. These double storied caves have pictorial representation, indicating that they were once inhabited by humans, centuries ago. Another must-visit natural attraction is the Pookode (Pookot) lake in Pookode, which is located nearly 10 kms from Kalpetta. This clear water lake is home to a rich fauna. Along with this, Pakshipaathalam is another fascinating attraction for bird lovers as home to the rarest of bird species.

Located on that border of Kerala which runs alongside the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Wayanad provides vacationers with a wide range of neighbouring places to explore in all three states. The nearby districts of Kozhikode, Kannur and Mallapuram in Kerala, Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu and Chamarajanagar and Coorg in Karnataka are famous for the rich natural beauty and historic significance.

The Ponadda Gardens in Kalpetta are known for its coffee plantations and boutique plantation. The garden also offers staying facilities for plantation lovers visiting the garden.

Located in Sulthan Bathery, the garden has a variety of flora and fauna at display. The park is accessible to public on all days of the week except Sunday.

The fresh water aquarium at Pookode Lake along with boating facilities at the lake is a source of major amusement to children. The waterfall locations also serve as a scenic spot for children to indulge in leisure activities and games. 

This museum is handled by the District Tourism Promotion Council is located 12 km from Sulthan Bathery in Ambalavayal. It was previously known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum. The museum has four sections called the Verasmruthi, the Gothrasmruthi, the Devasmruthi, and the Jeevanasmruthi and houses artifacts dating from the Neolithic Age to 17th century. For those seeking knowledge about local history, Wayanad also has the JawaharLal Nehru Memorial Library in Panamaram, which is located 21km from Kalpetta.

This 300 year old mosque is known for its traditional Kerala architecture and wood carvings. An annual get together of many communities takes place during the Uro Festival

A temple of Swami Ananthanatha is located nearly 6 kms from Kalpetta. This Jain temple of Dravidian architecture has all its external pillars made entirely of granite. It has nearly 20 idols of various Jain deities. There are numerous other Jain temples scattered all over Wayanad. According to history, during the 18th century, some of these temples were used to store ammunition by the then ruler, Tipu Sultan.

Raja Pazhassi of Wayanad played a crucial role in the struggle against the British East India Company. He organized the people of Kurichiya tribe to fight against the British thus involving in many confrontations during the 19th century. The tomb of Pazhassi is situated in Mananthavady in Wayanad. Adjacent to the tomb is a small building housing artifacts, tools and weaponry of the time.