Kuruva Island:
The nearest spot to Pauls Retreat is Kuruva Island. Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island comprises of a cluster of isles surrounded by the Kabini River in Wayanad that is popular for the boat rides specially on crafted bamboo rafts. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island, is popular for its diverse flora and fauna. These islands contain two small fresh water lakes. They are also a known safe haven for migratory birds along with hornbills, parrots and many butterfly species. It is worth to spend the whole day in the Island. The timing is 9 to 4 pm.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary:
If you want to see wildlife in its natural habitat amid thriving green forests, then pack your bags and head straight to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad district. Located 20 km northeast of Mananthavady on Coorg Road, the sanctuary is one of the best places in Kerala to view bountiful flora and fauna at home.It takes 15 kms , just 20 minutes from Pauls Retreat to the Sanctuary. The timing is 7-10am and 3-5pm.
Thirunelli Temple:
Thirunelli Temple is the only temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death.It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. Thirunelli is a unique place where one would experience communion of nature with the divine forces. Thus it becomes an ideal spot for pilgrimage as well as an idyllic location for enjoying the nature’s bounties. Sunrise on the Brahamagiri at the back drop of Thirunelli temple is an enthralling sight. Papanasini, Pinnappara, Panchatheertham and Gunnika Temple are the other places of importance for the pilgrims who come with ardour and devotion.For tourist , apart from these , Kalindi River , Pakshipathalam Trekking , Brahmagiri hills are the attractions in Thirunelli. Actually Kuruva Island, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary , Thirunelli Temple , Iruppu Water falls , Nagarhole National Park are located in the same extreme and all these places can be visited in a day if time is managed well.
Iruppu Waterfalls:
Iruppu Waterfalls is situated on the borders of Wayanad district in Kerala, Irupu Falls is one of the popular sightseeing places in Coorg, Karnataka. Iruppu Falls lies in Brahmagiri Hill range between Srimangala and Kutta.Actually Thirunelli Temple , Kalindi river etc.. are situated on one side of the Brahmagiri hills and on the other side Iruppu waterfalls is situated. It is advisable for the tourist who comes via Mysore or Bangalore to prefer the route via Nagarhole National park so that on the way they can Visit the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary , Iruppu Waterfalls, Tholpetty and Thirunelly on the way itself. The tourist gets an exceptional chance of travelling 40 kms along forest and there are chances of spotting wild animals by the side of road.
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary:
Even though the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary which is otherwise known as The Rajeev Gandhi Natjional Animal Park is located in Coorg , Karnataka , it is very close to Wayanad especially to Pauls Retreat .From Nagarhole wildlife exit it takes only 25 kms to reach Pauls Retreat.
Nagarhole National Park Safari timings:
Safari type | Morning | Afternoon |
Jeep Safari | 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
Coracle Safari | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Boat Safari | 6:30 AM to 9:15 AM | 3:30 PM to 6:15 PM |
Bus Safari | 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Pazhassi Park:
Pazhassi Park, Pazhassi Museum and Pazhassi Tomb are situated in Mananthavady that is just 7 kms away from Pauls Retreat .All these unique monuments are constructed in memory of the Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja who is one of the most heroic figures in the history of Kerala and who died in 1805 fighting in the hills of Wayanad. Pazhassi park is situated on the banks of the river Kabani.
Banasura Sagar Dam:
Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the integral part of the Wayanad Tourism, It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. The boating along the dam is really a unique experience . The timing from 6 am to 6 pm.
Meenmutty waterfalls:
The Meenmutty Waterfalls at Banasura Hills is located close to the Banasura Sagar Dam. It is a charming picnic spot that can be reached with a short 1 km trek. The waterfall is situated just 5 kms away from Banasura sagar Dam. The area is also ideal for a quick nature walk.
Karalad Lake:
Karlad Lake in Wayanad district is the second largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Located about 3km from Banasura Sagar Dam, the lake offers a wide range of adventure activities such as boating, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, Nature walk and bamboo rafting. Set up on a 50m tower, the zip line through the 250 m-long aerial rope across the lake is the star attraction here.
Pookode Lake:
Pookode Lake (or Pookot Lake), a natural freshwater lake is located in Wayanad district at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is the highest altitude freshwater lake in Kerala, and with an area of 5 hectares, it is the smallest too. Pookode Lake is also the point of origination for the Panamaram River, that flows through the valley to join Kabini River.
Enn Ooru:
En Ooru is the first tribal heritage village in Kerala named which has been launched recently at Pookode in the Wayanad district. It has been set up on 25 acres on the slope of a hill at Pookode.
Wayanad Ghat (Lakkidi View Point):
It is a spectacular view point which is 2625 feet above the sea level with misty mountain peaks and tiny rippling streams . The great panoramic view of the deep valley mingled with meandering Ghat road is a ‘must to see’ place in Wayanad. The scenic beauty of this view point is at its supreme in morning and evening. It is known as the gate way of Wayanad. There is no time concern to visit Wayanad Ghat and no need of entry fee.
Soochippara Waterfalls:
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall situated in Vellarimala, Wayanad. Surrounded by deciduous, evergreen and montane forests, this waterfall is regarded as one of the best waterfalls. The drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls provides visitors with scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.
Glass Bridge:
A bridge made of glass, hidden in 900 kandi deep forests, reached by an adventurous trek or a thrilling off-road drive is one of the many attractions of Wayanad.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls:
Kanthanpara Waterfalls is a charming tiny waterfall in Wayanad known for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere. It is Situated near Soochippara waterfalls. Entry time 9 am to 5 pm.
Edakkal Caves:
Edakkal caves are the two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 kms from Panamaram in the Wayanad.The caves have a remarkable place in the history of the world.The historians got great information regarding the lives and habits of our ancestors. The caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The carvings inside are extremely beautiful. A trek up the majestic Ambukuthi Hills is required to reach these caves. The aroma of coffee stays with you the entire way. It is truly a dreamlike experience as we step into the palms of history.
Phantom Rock:
A gigantic rock in the shape of Phantom. It’s an archaeological wonder that can be hardly spotted anywhere else in the world.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Sanctuary is situated near Sulthan Bathery and on the way to Bangalore via Bandipur/Gundalpett. Muthanga is blessed with varieties of trees and other plants. The tourists are really excited with the sight of wild animal like elephant, tiger, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs etc. The sanctuary is also blessed with its endless population of birds like peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls etc.
Chembra peak:
Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad district and lives up to its billing of being a picturesque location. It has managed to maintain its pristine nature over the years. Situated 2,100 m above sea level, this peak offers a breath-taking view of rare flora and fauna. One can come across many exotic species in these parts. The route to the peak itself has a brilliant view along with a heart-shaped lake, waterfalls and lush greenery the whole way. It is a prime spot for trekking but prior permission needs to be taken before going on these treks. Guided tours are available and can help in enhancing the entire experience.A full-day trekking package to Chembra peak is organized by the forest department. The moderate trekking path through tea plantations will take you the hridayasarassu. The best time to visit is during August-May and those who wish to take trekking must reach before 02.00 pm. Trekking strats from 07.00 am.
Muneeswaramudi View Point Thalappuzha:
The green laden meadows and the mist blanketed slopes make the hill a well-chosen spot for travellers.