Lakkidi View Point
Popularly known as the ‘Gateway to Wayanad’, Lakkidi View Point is one of the highest locations in the district. Situated at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, Lakkidi Viewpoint offers you a truly magnificent & picturesque view of the surroundings. Relish the enchanting beauty & charm of lofty mountain peaks, luxuriant greenery, winding roads & sparkling streams. There are two things that you can’t afford to miss when you are in Lakkidi: feed the mischievous monkeys and enjoy the mouth-watering flavor of gooseberry and pineapple pickled in brine from the local shops. So, relax, enjoy and feel bright & sunny throughout the day!
Distance from Kalpetta : 16 Kms. Timings: 09:00 A.M. to 06:30 P.M.
Banasurasagar Dam
Situated about 15 km north-west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is regarded as the largest earth dam in India. It is, in fact, a huge expanse of crystal blue water encapsulated by majestic hills on all sides, except one. An awesome picnic spot, the dense forest surrounding the dam is home to numerous varieties of unique flora and fauna. In the dam's reservoir, you can come across a small group of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the adjacent areas. The islands with the Banasura hills in the backdrop provide an enthralling view to the tourists. Relax in these serene and tranquil environs & feel refreshed!
Distance: Approx. 15 km north-west of Kalpetta Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Soochipara Water Falls
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls or Soochipara Waterfalls, is located in the quaint Vellarimala village in Meppadi panchayat. The spectacular sight of the water turbulently crashing down in three steps from a height of about 200m, will surely leave you spell bound! A popular picnic spot and trekking area, the Sentinel Rock also offers immense scope for rock climbing.
Distance from Kalpetta: 25 kms.
Edakkal Caves
Located about 25km from Kalpetta, the Edakkal Cave is a huge cleft formed by the vertical split of a rocky mountain. It is assumed that a massive rock of gigantic proportions fell into this crevice, resulting in the formation of a roof that gave it the impression of a cave. A protected UNESCO Heritage Site, here you can find some unique & interesting etchings of the pre-historic age, which are of monumental significance in archaeological & historical studies. You will also come across various ancient nomadic tribes who still practice their age-old customs and rituals. Enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Edakkal & travel back in time to explore the remnants of a lost world!.
Distance: 25 kms from Kalpetta and just 3 kms from Ambalavayal. Visiting Hours: Till 5 p.m.
Pazhassi Tomb
The memorial of Pazhassi Raja, popularly known as the ‘Lion of Kerala’, is a famous heritage site. The tomb marks the point where the brave & valorous Pazhassi Raja was cremated. The legendary monument and the underground museum were designed by Eugene Pandala, the famous architect who designed Banasura Hill Resort.
Distance : 32 km northeast of Kalpetta
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the famous archaeological museum in Wayanad, is home to one of Kerala's largest collections of exhibits that date back to the 2nd century A.D. These awesome exhibits present evidences of a progressive civilization that thrived in the mountains of Wayanad eons ago. The numerous exhibits that are on display hold a veritable visual feast for the historian, the archaeologist as well as the lay man alike. Some of the fascinating articles that are displayed include clay sculptures, primitive hunting devices like bows and arrows, stone weapons and various other curios.
Location: 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district. Visiting hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Jain Temple
Located at a distance of 6 kms from Kalpetta, the Jain Temple or Ananthanatha Swami Temple, stands out for its striking architecture & historical significance. Devoted to Ananthanatha Swami, one of the prominent saints of the Jaina faith, the temple also served as an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as an ammunition store for Tipu Sultan’s armies. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century.
Distance from Kalpetta : 24 Kms Visiting Hours: 06:00 A.M. to 09:30 A.M. & 05:30 P.M. to 06:30 P.M.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Situated close to the Karnataka border, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a vast area of 345 sq km. and is home to a diverse species of plants and animals that includes elephants, spotted deers, bisons, Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, tigers, wild Bears Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Cukoos and several others. The sanctuary is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, The vegetation in the region mainly comprises moist deciduous forest interspersed with brief stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. The sanctuary also hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.
Distance from Kalpetta : 35 Kms Visiting Hours: 06:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M to 05:00 P.M.
Kuruwa Island
The Kuruva islands or the Kuruwa Dweep are a group of three uninhabited islands located in the midst of one of the tributaries of the east-flowing Kabani River. This 995 acre tract of luxuriant forest is home to rich bio-diversity and showcases rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. For nature-lovers, it is the perfect place to unwind, relax & invigorate your tired spirits! A popular picnic spot, the Kuruva islands also offer you tremendous scope for angling, camping, trekking, swimming and bird watching.
Distance from Kalpetta: 35. Kms. Visiting Hours: Reach Kuruwa Island before 01:00 P.M.
Thirunelli Temple
Located on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Wayanad, the famous Thirunelli temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple, nestled amidst spectacular mountains and dense forests, is an outstanding specimen of classical Kerala architecture. The temple is situated close to the mountain spring known as Papanasini. According to religious beliefs, a dip in the Papanasini River is believed to purify one of all his sins. The Thirunelli temple is popularly called Thekkan Kashi/Dakshina Kashi (Kasi of the South). Every year thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit the temple for performing ancestral rites.
Distance: 32 kms north east of Mananthavady and 66 kms from Kalpetta. Visiting Hours: 06:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., 5:30 P.M. to 07:30 P.M
Pookote Lake
Situated 3 kms south of Vythiri town, the Pookote Lake is a natural fresh water lake nestled amidst dense evergreen forests and beautiful mountain slopes at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. One of the prominent tributaries of the Kabani River, the Panamaram rivulet, originates from the Pookote Lake. A major tourist hub in Wayanad, the Pookote Lake has been developed as a recreational centre that offers various facilities that include a children's park, green house & fresh water aquarium. Boating facilities have also been provided for tourists.
Distance from Kalpetta : 13 Kms. Visiting Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 04:30 P.M.