Wayanad
Travel Guide
Thirunelly
temple (32 km northeast of Mananthavady): Surrounded by Kambamala,
Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple
architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground
is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the
Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.
Pazhassi
tomb (32 km northeast of Kalpetta): The memorial of the 'Lion of Kerala'
- Veera Pazhassi Raja - who organised the guerilla warfare against the
British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave
is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
The
Glass Temple of Kottamunda (20 km away from Kalpetta): This temple is
located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of
the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the
icons in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Pakshipathalam
(10 km from Thirunelly): This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare
species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Boys town (15 km north of Mananthavady): Herbal garden, nature care
centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the
Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for
promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.
Festivals
: Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple: Located 8 km east of
Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. The two week
long festival in February/March is attended by hundreds of tribals
Thirunelly temple (August) Seethadevi Temple (January) Pallikkunnu Church
(February) Nadavayal St. Thomas Church (January) Varambatta Mosque (March)
Mardoni Mosque (March - April)