Town in Kerala, India
Photo: Nijusby, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Chandranatha Swamy
The temple is believed to be built in the 13th century was a place of commerce and worship until Tipu Sultan made it his military hangout where he placed a battery and hence the name Sultan Battery. Also known as Tippu's Fort.
This is the biggest jumaa masjid in the town and it can hold more than 1000 worshippers.
This must-see location of breathtaking beauty in the Ambukuthy Mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary, it is only a cleft about 96 ft long and 22 ft wide in the rock. The name Edakkal (Eda+kal) means "middle of the rock". It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main Entrance to Edakkal Caves due to some natural causes. The depth of the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it.
The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings, dating to the Neolithic age (6000 BC), speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole. Specifically, look out for the carvings interpreted as the woman with the jug, the sun, the chieftain, the animal, and the peacock. The caves were discovered in 1894 by an English police superintendent named Fred Fawcett. The story goes that he discovered a hunting axe, which eventually led to the discovery of the caves. However, the caves were taken over by Archeological Survey of India only in 1984, so some vandalism can also be spotted on the walls. A vertical cleft near one of the corners offers a rare view of Wayanad.
These caves are said to have been frequented by Jain monks at a later age. The guard at the caves may be ready to help out with information. The caves are accessible now with steep but strong steps. There are excellent views of Wayanad on the way up, and there are a separate set of steps leading down as a faster route
It is a natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull, and thus is known as Phantom Rock
These three caves are at a height of 1,000 m (3,281 ft) on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. From Edakkal, you have to walk 1 km to reach Edakkal Caves. One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves.
KSRTC operates a low floor non-AC all Wayanad round trip from Sultan Bathery. The bus starts by 7AM from Sultan Bathery and goes by Chulliyod, Ambala Vayal, Vaduvanchal, Meppadi, WIMS Hospital, Chundale and reaches Vythiri. The return trip is through the highway via Kalpetta, Meenangadi and finally reaches back at Sultan Bathery.
You can trek 400 m to reach Thovarimala Ezhuthupara where you can see stone age pictorial writings on a rock.
The road from Sultan Bathery to Pulpally town goes through the very middle of dense forest and tribal settlements. The road is dark even at noon, because of very good tree cover. Buses are available every one hour on this route.
Local bus services are available for transportation between Ambalavayal and Cheengeri.
Kaduvakuzhi view point is very scenic.
Comfortable Non-vegetarian section is available.
Good place for Biriyani and chicken dishes.
Located in between Ambalavayal and Meppadi.
Wayanad Resorts
From this ‘Sunbird’s Nest’ you can enjoy the view of the spice garden and also the view of the rock, which is particularly beautiful at sunsets. Tree house, Ayurveda rejuvenation, conference hall, restaurant, outdoor and indoor games, swimming pool, camp fire, fishing, trekking, cultural programs
Wayanad Budget Resorts
A pleasant and luxurious stay on a coffee estate. Separate dining, conference hall and campfire place.
Beds are arranged inside an old bus.
A lovely home stay with all felicities and committed to the principles of responsible tourism.
Good place run by a cooperative society. Gives Udupi style of food like dosa, idli and vada. Mostly vegetarian food is available here but eggs are available in roasted or bull's eye varieties.
LakeRose Home Stay
Beside Karapuzha dam. Good view of the lake from the property. Eco-friendly, amidst full greenery, kids' play area, Shuttle badminton court, large garden at the back yard.
Wayanad Resort
8 eco-friendly cottages built in bamboo. An undisturbed hamlet in the lap of nature.
Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per km and buses are even cheaper at ₹7 for three km.
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