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Pakshipathalam :
Located 7 km northeast of Thirunelli, Pakshipathalam is a picturesque sleepy little place at an altitude of 1740m above sea level. Pakshipathalam - the very name of the place refers to its large population of birds. Here virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking. A cave which rishis (saints) are believed to have used for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists.
Pookot Lake :
Located 3 km south of Vythiri town, Pookkot lake is located at an altitude of 2100 metres above sea level.
The Pookkot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala, and sports a fresh water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2100 metres above sea level the Pookkot Lake is a tourist's paradise. Boating facilities, a children's park and a spices and handicrafts emporium add to the attraction of the place.
Pookkot has some of the highest hill ranges in the State in its Vythiri taluk (a taluk is a sub division of a district). Winding hairpin bends and ridges make the journey up the ranges an exciting experience. With vast stretches of tropical forests and hilly terrain as yet untainted by civilization, Wayanad is also home to the largest number of tribal settlements in Kerala.
Thirunelli :
Located 32 km from Mananthavady and about 66 km from Kalpetta, Thirunelli is a scenic beauty and attracts tourists throughout the year. Set in the idyllic backdrop of the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli charms you not only with its pristine, scenic beauty and the chattering streams of the Papanasini spring, but also the serene, calm ambience of the Vishnu temple in the valley.
It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Creator, himself installed the idol of the presiding deity of the temple - Sree Vishnu, the Preserver and the second member of the Trinity in Hindu mythology.Even the very names of the hills and streams of Thirunelli bear a divine charm - Brahmagiri, the hills of Brahma; Papanasini, the destroyer of sins and so on. Considered a destination of immense beauty and drawn by the divine power of it's deity, visitors stream to Thirunelli throughout the year except during heavy monsoons
Edakkal Caves :
Located 12 km from Sultan Bathery, Edakkal caves is situated in the Ambukuthi Hills. Edakkal caves are two natural rock formationsm believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. Inside, one finds ancient stone scripts, cave drawings and pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head dresses, the swastik forms and symbols.
Archaeologists consider these as one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Similar straight line cave drawings (considered 7000 years old) have been found only in Stiriya in the European Alps and a few rocky places in Africa. The drawings at Edakkal depict the human figures, stars, wheels, bows, knives, palm trees etc.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary :
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located 16 kilometers east of Sulthaan Bathery. Here one can find freely roaming elephants and tigers. The best time to visit is between June and October.
Established in 1973, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.
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