Tourist Places Near by Mananthavady
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
20 KM
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the northern part of Wayanad near Sulthan Bathery, is a vibrant stretch of forest that forms part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Known for its rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Visitors can enjoy thrilling jeep safaris through dense forests, where sightings of elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, deer, and a wide variety of birds are common. The sanctuary’s mix of moist deciduous forests and bamboo groves creates a picturesque setting, perfect for photography and nature walks.
📍 Location: About 20 km from Mananthavady, easily accessible from Sulthan Bathery
🕒 Safari Timings: Morning and evening slots (organized by the forest department)
🎟 Entry: Nominal fee; guided jeep safaris available
Kuruva Island
17 KM
Kuruva Island (also called Kuruvadweep) is a cluster of lush, uninhabited islets spread across the serene Kabini River. Known for its untouched natural beauty, the island is covered with dense evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and rare medicinal plants, making it a paradise for eco‑tourists and nature lovers.
Visitors can enjoy bamboo rafting, nature walks, birdwatching, and spotting butterflies, while the calm river waters and greenery create a tranquil escape. The island is also home to migratory birds and unique flora, offering a refreshing break from city life.
📍 Location: About 17 km from Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala
🕒 Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (entry regulated by forest department)
🎟 Entry: Nominal fee; guided eco‑tourism activities available
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
36 KM
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary in Wayanad is a paradise for birdwatchers and trekkers, located in the Brahmagiri Hills at about 1,740 m above sea level. Accessible only by a forest trek starting near Thirunelli Temple, it offers rare bird sightings, caves, and panoramic views, making it one of Kerala’s most adventurous eco‑tourism spots.
📍 Location: About km from Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala
🕒 Timings: :6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entry: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreign nationals).
Thirunelli Temple
30 KM
Nestled in the Brahmagiri Hills at an altitude of about 900 m, Thirunelli Temple is one of Kerala’s most ancient and revered shrines. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is often called the “Kashi of the South” because of its spiritual significance and its association with ancestral rites.
Surrounded by forests and streams, the temple is believed to have been built over a thousand years ago. Its stone‑pillared architecture, serene setting, and the nearby Papanasini stream (where devotees perform rituals for departed souls) make it a unique blend of natural beauty and sacred tradition.
📍 Location: Thirunelli, about 30 km from Mananthavady and accessible from Sulthan Bathery
🕒 Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM 🎟
Entry: Free
Banasura Sagar Dam
21 KM
4.8 Out of 8 Google Reviews
Banasura Sagar Dam, located about 21 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad, is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. Built across the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, the dam is surrounded by mist‑clad hills and lush greenery, making it one of the most scenic attractions in the region.
The dam creates a vast reservoir dotted with small islands, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for boating, trekking, and picnics. Adventure seekers can explore nearby trails leading up to the Banasura Hills, while families enjoy the serene waters and landscaped gardens around the dam.
📍 Location: Padinjarathara, about 21 km from Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala
🕒 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 Entry: Nominal fee; boating facilities available
