Mananthavady Hillstation

Mananthavady is a small town located on the banks of the River Mananthavady. Situated on the banks of Kabini River, Mananthavady is a small hill station in Kerala which is decked with rich flora and fauna. This town with its scenic beauty and tranquilizing ambience is situated at Wayanad and is very famous amidst tourist on a Kerala tour. Mananthavady in Kerala is located at the Western Ghats at a height of 500m above sea- level. This region is famous for its dense forests that occupy most of its part thus making it one of the prime attractions of Kerala hill stations.

Mananthavady lies 32 kms. from Kalpetta and has a historic church, which is interestingly designed in the traditional Kerala style, with gabled roofs. There are some interesting tombstones in the church grounds. Pazhassi Raja, the lion of Kerala, met his end at Mananthavady and his memorial is termed Pazhassi Tomb.

Pakshipathalam-10 kms from Thirunelly and is situated 1740 mtr above the sea level. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storeyed buildings. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7 km trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelly.
Distances from: KPA-71 Km, SBY-78 Km, MDY-36 Km

Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary-Tholpetty-Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad (bordering Coorg district of Karnataka), Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga in terms of flora and fauna. The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is between November and May. The Wildlife Sanctuary,Tholpetty, near Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka state. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. Click here for more...
Visiting time: 0600-0800 hrs and 1500-1730 hrs. Ph: 04935 240233.
Distances from: KPA-59 Km, SBY-66 Km, MDY-24 Km

Boys Town-15 kms north of Mananthavady. A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.

Kuruva Island-17 kms east of Mananthavady, calm and peaceful. This 950 acres of uninhabited, evergreen forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The wooded land is a home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Occasionally, wild mammals can be observed by the riverside.

Pazhassi Tomb-32 kms north east of Kalpetta. Pazhassi Raja, a scion of the Kottayam Royal family was one of the earliest to strike the banner of revolt against British overlordship in this part of India. He remained successful for a remarkably long period until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and Bombay.
The memorial of Veera Pazhassi Raja known as the Lion of Kerala- who organised guerilla warfare against British East India company is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave near by is where the Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. He was downed in a ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode in the last days of 1805. Pazhassi's tomb marks the point where he was cremated. Pazhassi museum is located nearby where a sword, which is believed to be of Pazhassi's era is kept.

Some of the sightseeing places at Mananthavady are:

Pazhassi Kudeeram : Mananthavady was a dynasty of King Pazhassi who fought till his last breath against British Empire. His tomb here is a must watch for all the tourists on a South- India tour.

Valliyoorkavu : Situated at a distance of 3 km from the town this temple is one of the most valued possession of Mananthavady. This temple is dedicated to mother goddess and is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities. The annual festival in March/ April witnesses the largest congregation of all tribal communities of Wayanad.

Boys Town : located at 15 km north of Mananthavady the Boys Town provides a great experience to all tourists on a Kerala tour. The herbal garden, nature care centre, perma-culture centre etc. are main center of attractions of this place. Boys Town Wayanad is one of the famous tourist spots in Kerala. Boys Town Wayanad has an excellent herbal garden. Here there are special and rare kinds of herbs. These herbs are used for medicinal purposes. The rare herbs found here are also used for ayurvedic cure and massage oil ingredients. There is also a nature care centre in this place.

Thirunelly –  Believed to be created by Brahma, and visited in different ages by Parasurama, Rama and Krishna, this place is famous for its 3000 year temple.

Mananthavady Park : It is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha (1 km from the Panchayath Bus Stand).

Brahmasthana Temple & Mata Amritanandamayi Math (1.5 km from the Town)

Paalamandhapam Devi Temple & Malakkari Temple Koolivayal(12 km from Mananthavady, 6 km from Panamaram town)

Latin Church : Situated at the heart of the town. It is a reminder of the towns colonial past.

Gandhi Park : It is a junction where political meetings are held.

Kuruvadweep (17 km east of Mananthavady ): 950-acre (3.8 km2) protected river delta system.

Tholpetty Wild Life Sanctuary : It is 24 km on the way to Coorg.

Pallikkal Juma Masjid (Kalyanathum Pallikkal): One of the oldest mosques in kerala situated in the heart of pallikkal angadi

Periya: About 25 km from Mananthavady town on Thalasserry road

Chandanathode: The only pine forest in Wayanad.