Kalpetta is a charming town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is surrounded by lush green hills, coffee plantations, and scenic waterfalls. Kalpetta is the perfect destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Whether you want to relax in the lap of nature, explore the rich history and heritage of the region, or indulge in some thrilling activities, Kalpetta has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit, the best time to visit, the best places to stay, and the best things to do in Kalpetta.
Kalpetta’s Natural Attractions
One of the main reasons to visit Kalpetta is its stunning natural beauty. Kalpetta is blessed with some of the most picturesque landscapes in Kerala, with rolling hills, verdant valleys, sparkling streams, and cascading waterfalls. Here are some of the best natural attractions in and around Kalpetta that you should not miss:
Chembra Peak:
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at an altitude of 2100 meters. It is a popular trekking destination, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the heart-shaped lake on the way. The trek is moderately challenging, taking about 4 hours to complete. You need to obtain permission from the forest department before starting the trek. The best time to visit Chembra Peak is from September to February, when the weather is pleasant and the visibility is good.
Meenmutty Falls:
Meenmutty Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kerala, with three tiers of water plunging from a height of 300 meters. It is located about 29 km from Kalpetta, near the Banasura Sagar Dam. The waterfall is accessible by a 2 km trek through the dense forest, which is an adventure in itself. You can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The best time to visit Meenmutty Falls is from June to October, when the waterfall is at its full glory.
Karapuzha Dam:
Karapuzha Dam is one of the largest earth dams in India, built across the Karapuzha River. It is located about 16 km from Kalpetta, and is a great place to enjoy a picnic, a boat ride, or a fishing session. The dam also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys, especially during sunrise and sunset. The best time to visit Karapuzha Dam is from November to March, when the weather is cool and dry.
Soochipara Falls:
Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Falls, is another stunning waterfall in Wayanad, with water gushing from a height of 200 meters. It is located about 22 km from Kalpetta, and is reachable by a 1 km trek through the forest. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and has a pool at the bottom where you can swim or relax. The best time to visit Soochipara Falls is from June to January, when the waterfall is at its best.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary:
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, with a variety of exotic and endemic birds, such as hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and parakeets. It is located about 37 km from Kalpetta, near the Thirunelli Temple. The sanctuary is also home to some rare animals, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and bears. The sanctuary is accessible by a 7 km trek through the forest, which requires prior permission from the forest department. The best time to visit Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is from October to May, when the birds are most active.
Kuruvadweep:
Kuruvadweep, also known as Kuruva Island, is a group of uninhabited islands on the Kabini River. It is located about 17 km from Kalpetta, and is a haven for nature lovers. The islands are covered with dense forests, rich in flora and fauna. You can explore the islands by walking, rafting, or boating. You can also spot some rare birds, butterflies, orchids, and herbs on the islands. The best time to visit Kuruvadweep is from December to April, when the water level is low and the islands are accessible.
Banasura Sagar Dam:
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India, and the second largest in Asia, built across the Karamanathodu River. It is located about 21 km from Kalpetta, and is a popular tourist attraction. The dam offers a scenic view of the Banasura Hill, the islands in the reservoir, and the surrounding valleys. You can also enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, speed boating, and camping at the dam. The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is from November to May, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is high.
Edakkal Caves:
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located about 25 km from Kalpetta, on the Ambukutty Mala hill. The caves are famous for their ancient rock art, dating back to the Neolithic period. The caves also have inscriptions in various languages, such as Tamil, Brahmi, and Sanskrit, indicating the cultural and historical significance of the region. The caves are accessible by a 1 km trek from the parking area, which is steep and rocky. The best time to visit Edakkal Caves is from September to March, when the temperature is moderate and the caves are open.
Lakkidi View Point:
Lakkidi View Point is one of the highest points in Wayanad, at an altitude of 700 meters. It is located about 15 km from Kalpetta, on the Thamarassery Ghat road. It offers a stunning view of the winding roads, the deep valleys, and the misty hills. It is also a great spot to witness the sunrise and sunset, and to capture some amazing photos. The best time to visit Lakkidi View Point is from October to May, when the sky is clear and the visibility is good.
Pookode Lake:
Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake located about 13 km from Kalpetta, near the Lakkidi View Point. It is a beautiful lake, with lotus flowers, blue water lilies, and aquatic animals. You can enjoy a boat ride, a pedal boat ride, or a kayak ride on the lake, or just relax on the banks. You can also visit the nearby aquarium, children’s park, and handicrafts shop. The best time to visit Pookode Lake is from August to May, when the lake is full and the weather is pleasant.
Getting There
Kalpetta is well connected to other major cities of Kerala and India by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the options to reach Kalpetta:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kalpetta is the Calicut International Airport, which is about 81 km away. You can take a flight to Calicut from various domestic and international destinations, such as Coimbatore, Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Mangalore, Dubai, and Kuwait. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kalpetta, which will take about 2 to 3 hours.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Kalpetta is the Kozhikode Railway Station, which is about 70 km away. You can take a train to Kozhikode from various cities and towns of India, such as Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Kochi, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Mangalore, Udupi, Kollam, Salem, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappalli, Murudeshwar, Tirupati, Chennai, Mumbai, and Chalakudy. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kalpetta, which will take about 2 hours.
By Bus:
Kalpetta has a KSRTC bus station, which is well connected to other places in Kerala and neighboring states by regular buses. You can take a bus to Kalpetta from Kozhikode, Ooty, Mysore, Thrissur, Coimbatore, Kochi, Mangalore, and Bangalore. The bus fare and duration will vary depending on the distance and the type of bus.
Kalpetta is a gem of a destination in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers, from nature lovers to culture enthusiasts to adventure seekers. Kalpetta is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the hills, the aroma of the coffee, the diversity of the culture, and the thrill of the adventure. Kalpetta is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
