Attractions Near Us
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. An impeccable area of scenic beauty and biodiversity, this place lies at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A dense rain forest set amidst the hills of Western Ghats, the sanctuary is home to quite unique flora and fauna. The sanctuary harbours a range of animals from exotic birds, butterflies to elephants, bison, panther, wild cats etc. Together with Bandipur National Park of Karnataka and Mudumalai National Park of Tamil Nadu it makes a long corridor of tropical rainforest area. Muthanga itself has an area of 345 sq. km. which has a wide range of deciduous trees like vengal, rosewood, chadachi, bamboos etc. The area is adorned by 4 mountain ranges Muthunga, Kurichiat, Tholpethy and Sultan Bathery. Of Sultan Bathery is the closest to this sanctuary. Thus, this natural scenic beauty draws nature lovers to this place and the wildlife it harbours, attract wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Hence, it offers the most sought after wildlife experience in Kerala particularly in Wayanad.
Kuruva Island
Kuruva Dweep or Kuruva Island is a protected river delta, comprising a cluster of islands over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. The geographical peculiarity of this island makes this place evergreen with a serene ambience.
Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. The uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc. Coming so much closer to the nature, you might be feeling Kuruva Island as a nature's gift to Wayanad.
Edakkal Caves
Twenty five kilometers away from Kalpetta lays two caves which showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture. These caves are located 1,200 m above the sea level on Ambukutty Mala. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. Here you can see a cave formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock.
Many legends are there behind the formation of Edakkal caves. One of the stories is that, these caves are said to be formed with the arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Sri Rama. Another one is associated with Kutti Chathan and the Goddess Mudiampilly. The local people used to have a pilgrimage trip to this place to honour the Goddess.
Jain Temple
Few holy sites have ever served as a shrine, an administrative hub and as an ammunition base for an invading army. One of the holiest sites for Jainism across the country lies in the gorgeous hills of Sulthan Bathery.
The Bathery Jain Temple, dating back to the 13th century, is said to have been built in the prevalent architectural style of the then reigning Vijayanagar Dynasty. Tipu Sultan set up his battery at this site, and today the entirety of Sulthan Bathery is named after the same. One is immediately made aware of the sanctity and colourful past that shrouds this temple in both grandeur and mystique.
Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock, a tourist destination in Ambalavayal in the district. It is a natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull, and thus is known as Phantom Rock
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar dam across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, in Kalpetta, is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, which got its name from 'Banasura', the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that 'Banasura' undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats.
The dam here was constructed on behalf of the Banasurasagar project in 1979, to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric power project to meet the water demand for irrigation and drinking purposes. The dam, located around 21 km away from Kalpetta is a beautiful tourist destination in Wayanad. Banasura dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.