WAYANAD

Meenmutty Falls:
: An interesting 2 kms jungle walk from Ooty main road, takes you to Meenmutty falls, the most spectacular & the largest waterfall in the region. Unique feature is that water drops from about 300 mts high in three stages. Falls is about 28 kms away from Kalpetta.

Pakshipathalam:
Located deep within the forests of Brahmagiri hills, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as toll as two storey buildings. Deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals & distinctive species of plants. Journey involves 7 kms thick forest trek, commencing from Thirunelli. Special permission is required to do this trekking. Place is located about 70 kms away from Kalpetta & 35 kms from Mananthavady.

Banasura Sagar Dam :
: It is the largest earthen dam in India & second largest in Asia. It is a ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding scenic mountains. In the dam’s reservoir there is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. Island with Banasura hills in the back grounds provide a spectacular view. Place is located about 24 kms away from Kalpetta.

Pookote Lake:
: Lake is set in the valley & surrounded by ever green forests & deeply wooded hills. This has been developed as recreational centre with boating, children park, shops, fresh water aquarium & a restaurant. This is located near Lakkidi & about 15 kms away from Kalpetta.

Soochipara falls:
A beautiful three tiered waterfalls, surrounded by evergreen forest. One could reach the waterfalls by 10 – 15 mins walk through the plantation. Falls is about 23 km away from Kalpetta.

Kanthapara Falls:
This lesser known waterfall is easy hike away from the parking area & hence makes ideal picnic spot. Falls is about 22 km away from Kalpetta.

Kuruva Island:
This calm & peaceful island lies on the one of the tributaries of Cauvery River & is home to a variety of birds, butterflies & orchids. Island is located about 12 kms away from Sultha Bathery, 17 kms from Mananthavady & 40 kms from Kalpetta.

Muthanga:
This project elephant site is located 18 kms east of Sulthan Bathery, this rain forest reservoir is connected to two major sanctuaries – Bandipur & Mudumalai. The vegetation is predominantly with deciduous forest with smaller with smaller stretches of swamp, teak woods, bamboo & tall grasses. Region hosts several rare variety of herbal & medicinal plants. Widely seen animal species include – Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheeta, deer, langue etc …. Reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers too.

Tholpetty:
Situated along northern ridge of Wayanad bordering Nagarhole forest area, Tholpetty has similar features like Muthanga.

Edakkal caves:
An interesting trek for about 45 mins near Ambalavayal town takes you to fascinating Neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etching found on the walls of these caves has drawn the attention of archaeologists & historians worldwide. An interesting attraction nearby is telescope installed by District Tourism, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding locations.

Thirunelli Temple:
Nestled amidst mountains & forests, ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. Main deity here is Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturbhuja. Place is also known as Dakshin Kasi ( kasi of South ).

Papanasini:
A short walk from Thirunelli is clear mountain water spring known as Papanasini. Ritual dip here is believed to wash one way of all worldly sins.