Town in Kerala, India
Photo: Rineeshrv, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kalpetta (കല്പറ്റ) is a city in the mountainous Wayanad region of Kerala, South India. It’s a gateway to the trails of lofty Chembra Peak and to Neelimala Viewpoint, which overlooks waterfalls and forested valleys. North of town, the traditional, Dravidian-style Ananthanatha Swami Jain Temple is perched on a hilltop surrounded by coffee plantations. To the southeast, Meppadi is a scenic village with lush tea estates. this town is well known for its spices especially pepper, artifacts, honey, tea, bamboo products, ivory craft and coconut shell
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Standing tall at 2100 m, the Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, and a favorite trekking spot. It is part of the Western Ghats. The trek to the top can take up to 2 hours. The heart-shaped lake on the peak forms one of the attractions for the mountain trek here. To do the trek, you need to pay an entrance fee from the entry guard house near Meppadi. Typically, start the trek in the morning as you are not allowed to start the trek after noon. If you are not game for a hectic 2-hour trek, you can still do a flat trek till a nearby viewpoint and visitors center for a nominal fee. The Chembra Peak area has a variety of orchids and other flowering plants, and plenty of bird species, making the trek an enjoyable experience. Good toilets are available near the guard house. The road leading to the entrance was in bad condition as of October 2017.
Vavul Mala is a peak in the Western Ghats in the Vellarimala range. It towers to a height of 2,339m. The peak is accessible via an 11 km-long trek. The trek route passes through multi-tiered forest canopies that often completely hide the sky.
Lakkidi View Point is a highly popular roadside vantage area known as the "Gateway to Wayanad," perched at an elevation of 700 metres above sea level at the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat Pass. It provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the winding, serpentine highway featuring nine sharp hairpin bends cuts through lush green valleys and steep mountain cliffs.
Attamala View Point, often called the "Gavi of Wayanad" or Love Valley, is a breathtaking viewpoint known for its misty 360-degree panoramic views of deep valleys, rolling hills, and sprawling tea plantations. This spot is highly famous for hosting India's First Digital Glass Bridge.
Very scenic.
Pookot
Pookode is a scenic lake spread over 13 acres and surrounded by greenery, with boating facilities. The Panamaram river originates from this lake. Blue lotus, lillies and many fresh water fish species can be sighted along the way. A rare species of fish named Pethia Pookodensis is said to be exclusively found here. A calm walk around the lake can also be done. Be safe while walking, as there are leeches along the way, so preferably wear shoes and take salt with you. There are good snack and souvenir stalls near the entrance. Monkeys can be a nuisance near the entrance, so be careful.
Sentinel Rocks.
Spectacular three tiered waterfalls in Vellarimala, surrounded by dense equatorial forest vegetation. Soochipara means 'Needle-like rock'. The 15-20 min drive from Meppadi offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. The waterfalls are 200 m (656 ft) and offer a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing. The waterfalls are a bit crowded at times. 32 lady volunteers of the VSS control the visitors. After the entrance, a walkway leads to a beautiful viewpoint. From here, approximately 200 steps lead down to the falls. The trek takes approximately 30 minutes, and sometimes requires negotiating boulder steps. The view of the falls is worth the trek. There is generally a guard posted near the falls. The climb back can be hectic. Soochippara falls is appreciably a plastic-free zone, so the entry guards will ask you to store your plastic bags at the guardhouse and reclaim it when you return. Plenty of eating and souvenir-shopping options are available near the entrance.
The name literally translates to "mist-capped peaks", the name perfectly captures the ethereal silvery mist formed by water splashing down the rocky slopes. The waterfall originates from the Chalippuzha River, which is formed by two mountain streams, and divides into three beautiful cascading tiers
A very famous Jain temple dedicated to Anantnath Swami. It is a large temple complex, built in Dravidan-Hoysala style. Tipu Sultan used this temple as an ammunitions storage and stationed a large battery of arms and ammunitions inside this temple, which resulted in naming the city as Sultan Battery. A must see for tourists, with large number of Jain statues and sculptures and many relics in ruins.
RARS
RARS conducts agricultural research on paddy, tropical fruits, spices and vegetables. It has a horticulture division which houses many rare ornamental plants and flowers. RARS was successful in developing 13 varieties of paddy. The area is well-developed for taking calm walks amidst the bridges, paddy fields and statues. A moon garden is located near the entrance. A fruit garden is under construction, and a children's play area is available. A mini birds park in RARS houses surprisingly rare, exotic and colorful varieties of birds, mainly fowl.
A small Buddhist Theravada Hall for Buddhist prayers and Meditation along with lectures about Buddhist Philosophy. Ideal for Buddhist tourists to have a meditation and Yoga sessions here.
Start from Zodiac Hotel, head north, pass civil station and reach SKM highschool. Return through the bypass, Goodalayi road and go upto Meppadi road. Come back by Janamaithri Park side. (4 km)
Boating can be done on Pookode lake for a nominal fee
Start from Kalpetta Bus Station, head south towards on Calicut road, turn left at Jana Maithree Park toward Meppadi. Walk in the scenic road for three km and come back in the same route.
The Veteriniary University at Pookode teaches horseriding to the public. Fee ₹5,000. Course duration 24 days (one hour every day).
Myladippara is a cliff to the east of Civil Station, adjacent to the new NH bypass road. Trek to the Myladippara offers a charming experience. Beware of inconspicuously hidden leeches along the way.
Local bus services are available for transportation between Ambalavayal and Cheengeri.
Kaduvakuzhi view point is very scenic.
A lot of parking space.
Udupi style vegetarian. No parking facility
No parking.
No parking. They are calling it 'new' since 1957.
Lunch with Payasam noon to 3PM.
Vegetarian restaurant, no parking facility.
Best Beef Manthi in Kalpetta. They get the best cuts of tender beef and cook it in steam before frying it.
Look for the cafe on the left side on Bathery Road.
Mr. Vinodh and his familyl is running this cafe for 60 years.
Only hot food is served. Vadukappuli Pickle is available.
Uses onlyl home made spice powders.
luxury 3 star hotel
A three star hotel on a hillock. The in-house facilities include a games parlor with pool table, table-tennis, carrom, chess, darts, a state of the art fitness center, an Ayurvedic spa, children's play area, a garden and a swimming pool. The service at the hotel is good.
Hotel and Ayurvedic spa.
Kalpetta
Inside a coffee plantation, surrounded by acres of tea estates. Rooms face Chembra Peak and green hills. The resort is built in estate house style on pillars in a sloping hill. There are two blocks consisting of five rooms each with separate entry.
Free breakfast and dinner.
Perched on a hillock on the banks of the Banasura Sagar Dam, set on 16 acres and provides a view of the Banasura Sagar with the Banasura Mountains as the backdrop. The resort has 34 cottages and 21 rooms with recreational facilities including a fitness centre, club house, Ayurvedic spa, infinity pool and kids' play area. The resort also has a convention centre, travel desk, parking, Wi-Fi and concierge and provides airport transfers.
No parking facility
Autorickshaws charge ₹15 per kilometre, and buses are even cheaper at only ₹7 for 3 km.
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