Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga-Established in 1973, the Wayanad wild life sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Muthumalai of TamilNadu on south-east. 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 rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general life styles of tribal people and others who live in and around the forest.
The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. Amidst such fertile and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.

With numerous watering holes Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms, and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Also Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deers, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Wild Bears, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cuckoos etc.. can be seen here. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department. Click here for more...
Permitting authority:

Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Ph: 04936 220454
Distances from: KPA-42 Km, SBY-17 Km, MDY-59 Km

Religious

Jain Temple - Generally known as Tippu's Fort, this temple is situated in town which got its name from the historic fact that Tippu used this temple as his Battery (ammunition store) in the region. Hence the name "Sulthan's Battery". This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a Battery.

Distances from: KPA-24 Km, SBY-1 Km, MDY-41 Km

Apart from Sulthan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a particular air of mystery.

Thrissilery Shiva Temple-This stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelly. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thirunelly remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple. Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less than the legendary Parasurama.

Distances from: KPA-50Km, SBY-25 Km, MDY-41 Km

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.
Distances from: KPA-50Km, SBY-25 Km, MDY-41 Km

Manikavu Temple - This is the temple of Lord Shiva, near Choothupara, Meenangadi. The Shivling, seen here is Swayambhoo and the speciality is that water is poured continuously over Shivling through a stream. The amount of water remains the same even in rainy season.

Vythiri

Vythiri is a beautiful spot, 2600 ft. above sea level which can be seen on a drive from Calicut to Kalpetta.

Lakkidi-The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Pookot lake-3 km south of Vythiri. The perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is a only one of its kind in Kerala. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookot is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the NH-212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children's park, fresh water aquarium etc. It is a good setting for day outings with family.

Distances from: KPA-15 Km, SBY-40 Km, MDY-50 Km

Chain Tree-This large Ficus tree, bound by a prominent chain is an interesting excursion, approximately 15 kms. from Kalpetta. It is said that a British Engineer, with the aid of a tribal guide named Karinthandan, found the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take the credit for the discovery, the Engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree and hence name the Chain tree.

Distances from: KPA-15 Km, SBY-40 Km, MDY-50 Km

Mananthavady

Mananthavady lies 32 kms. from Kalpetta and has a historic church, which is interestingly designed in the traditional Kerala style, with gabled roofs. There are some interesting tombstones in the church grounds. Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, met his end at Mananthavady and his memorial is termed Pazhassi Tomb.
Pakshipathalam-10 kms from Thirunelly and is situated 1740 mtr above the sea level. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storied buildings. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7 km trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelly.

Distances from: KPA-71 Km, SBY-78 Km, MDY-36 Km

Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary-Tholpetty-Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of Karnataka), Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between November and May. The Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka state. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. Click here for more...
Visiting time: 0600-0800 hrs and 1500-1730 hrs. Ph: 04935 240233.

Distances from: KPA-59 Km, SBY-66 Km, MDY-24 Km

Boys Town-15 kms north of Mananthavady. A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.

Kuruva Island-17 kms east of Mananthavady, calm and peaceful. This 950 acres of uninhabited, evergreen forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The wooded land is a home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Occasionally, wild mammals can be observed by the riverside.

Pazhassi Tomb-32 kms north east of Kalpetta. Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam Royal family was one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British overlordship in this part of India. He remained successful for a remarkably long period until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and Bombay.

The memorial of Veera Pazhassi Raja known as the Lion of Kerala- who organised guerrilla warfare against British East India company is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave near by is where the Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. He was downed in a ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode in the last days of 1805. Pazhassi's tomb marks the point where he was cremated. Pazhassi museum is located nearby where a sword, which is believed to be of Pazhassi's era is kept.
(Contention about the sword)

Distances from: KPA-32 Km, SBY-37 Km, MDY-1 Km

Religious

Thirunelly temple-32 kms north east of Mananthavady and 66 kms from Kalpetta. Nestled amidst mountains and forests, this ancient riverside temple is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture. It is Known as Thekkan Kashi/Dakshina Kashi (Kasi of the South) and surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga. Legend is that this temple was dedicated by the Creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the Preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idols is in the form of Chathurbhuja.

The Shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear water of the Papanashini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place. This temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites.

A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is about 10 kms away from here.

Distances from: KPA-66 Km, SBY-71 Km, MDY-32 Km

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple-8 kms east of Mananthavady. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess manifest in the three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. The two week long festival in February/March is a major event attended by thousands of people.
Distances from: KPA-24 Km, SBY-31 Km, MDY-5 Km

Ambalavayal

Wayanad Heritage Museum-Located in the town of Ambalavayal, 27 kms from Kalpetta. This Museum is home to an interesting collection of artefacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad region. This is one of the best-maintained museums of Kerala's Malabar region. The museum has a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artefacts, which include jewellery, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc.. Ancient terra cottas, stone weapons, and local art are also on display at the museum. There are various exhibits on display here, amongst which are sculptures and the figure of Nandi and other deities, which were collected from parts of the region that date back to the 14th to the 16th centuries AD. A series of pictorial rock edicts referred to as Hero Stones, memorialise a bygone age of valiant warriors. There is a fine figure of the Goddess of fertility, Urvara, also displayed here. Remnants of Stone age tools and pottery found within the Muniyaras are displayed here.

Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km

Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS)-The Regional Agricultural Research Station located in Ambalavayal town is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. This station conducts research on spices, tropical and sub tropical fruits, vegetables and hill paddy. RARS also have a nursery with a large collection of rare roses and ornamental plants. Visitors can purchase seeds and saplings at the sales counter.
Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km

Phantom Rock-Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities.
Distances from: KPA-25 Km, SBY-10 Km, MDY-42 Km

Comprising an area of 2126 sq.km, Wayanad has a powerful history. Relicts and edicts found in various parts of Wayanad speak of an important prehistoric era. Historians are of the view that organised human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ. Countless evidences about New stone Age civilisation can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ambukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writing, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilisation. The Wayanad District was historically a Jain stronghold, and a Jain community called Gowders still dwell in this area. Puliyarmala, which is near Kalpetta, has one of the finest Jain monuments in Kerala. One of the important monuments here is the Ananthanathaswamy Temple, with its medieval carvings and interesting stone architecture. Ruined Jain temple can be seen at Sulthan Bathery. Apart from the Sulthan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayand. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are the best known of these.
Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century. In ancient times, this land was ruled by the rajas of the Veda tribe. In later days, Wayanad came under the rule of Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he invaded Wayanad and brought it under his sway. In the days of Tipu, Wayanad was restored to the Kottayam royal dynasty. But Tipu hande over the entire Malabar region to the British after the Sreerangapattanam truce, he made with them. This was followed by fierce and internecine encounters between the British and Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam. When the Raja was driven to the wilderness of Wayanad, he organised the war-like Kurichya tribals into encounters. In the end, The British could get only the dead body of the Raja, who killed himself somewhere in the interior of the forest.

Thus, Wayanad fell into the hands of the British and with it came a new turn in the history of this area. The British authorities opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. Roads were laid across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad, from Kozhikode and Thalassery(Kannur). These roads were extended to the cities of Mysore and Udagamandalam(Ooty) through Gudalur. Through the roads poured in settlers from all parts of Kerala and the virgin forest lands proved a veritable goldmine with incredible yields of cash crops. The eventual colonisation of the region by the British paved the way for organised agriculture which in turn led to large scale migration into the district. Each of these events, and several less-known ones, have left their mark on the heritage of Wayanad.
When the state of Kerala came into being in November 1956, Wayanad was a part of Kannur district. Later, south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode(Calicut) district. In order to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and south Wayanad were carved out and joined to form the present district of Wayanad. This district came into being on November 1,1980 as the 12th district of Kerala.