Heritage

Wayanad has its share of monuments and historical structures that are worth a visit

Jain Temple-Sultan Bathery

This temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s marching armies.
Distance from Hiliya : 12 Kms

Wayanad Heritage Museum

Located in the town of Ambalavayal, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light in to the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region. Adjoining the museum is a small theatre where you can watch a multimedia presentation on Wayanad.
Distance from Hiliya : 19 Kms

Edakkal caves

An interesting trek up the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to the fascinating Neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.

With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 8000 years, It is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.

An interesting attraction close by is a telescope installed a few feet from the caves that offers a panoramic view of the valley.
Distance from Hiliya : 26 Kms

Muniyara

Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed distinctive series of ancient burial vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars are now displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal.
Distance from Hiliya : 19 Kms

Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb

Pazhassi Raja tomb is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the Wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805. He was a prominent figure as he was the earliest to revolt against British and adapted guerilla techniques.
Distance from Hiliya : 23 Kms

Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli)

Is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The Temple is located at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well in the premises. Hence water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley via impressive stone aqueducts right into the priest’s room
Distance from Hiliya : 53 Kms

Papanasini

Originating from the heart of Brahmagiri flowing through roots, leaves and flowers of ancient trees and medicinal herbs, Papanasini is a holy mountain stream accessible around 1 km North West of the temple premises. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of river Ganga and Saraswathy.

Urav

Urav is a non-profit trust that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology Uravu implements integrated, end-to-end programs in the bamboo sector, which includes providing skill training in bamboo processing, establishing micro enterprises, marketing, cultivation of bamboo and promotion of eco-tourism.
Distance from Hiliya : 23 Kms

Chain Tree

The large Ficus tree bound by a prominent chain is the source of a dramatic local legend. As the tale goes an Adivasi youth named Karinthandan was instrumental in guiding a British Engineer through the difficult mountain terrain into Wayanad. Eager to take credit for the discovery, the engineer conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travelers. It is further believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit into this tree
Distance from Hiliya: 39 Kms

Korome Mosque

There are many worshipping centers in Kerala which speak volumes on the communal amity. Korome Mosque in Wayanad district, situated about 23 km from Mananthavady is one among them. An old mosque which is about 300 years old, Korome Mosque had originally been built by the local Nair community. The mosque is built in traditional Kerala architectural style and the extensive wood carvings seen in the mosque are a connoisseur’s delight. The main festival here is the annual Uroos festival and this is also marked by the participation of all communities.

Thrissilery Shiva Temple
The temple is located about 19 km from Thirunelli. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is intrinsically linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelli. Its architectural peculiarities attract any connoisseur’s attention. It has rather a perfect architectural proportion. It is believed that the performance of rituals for the ancestors at Thirunelli temple will not be complete without an offering at Thrissilery temple.
Distance from Hiliya : 34 Kms

Valliyoor Temple

The temple is famous for its 15-day annual festival which falls in the month of March/April. Thousands of people from various parts of the state attend this festival.

The main deity here is mother Goddess and the believers worship the deity in three forms – Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. It is said that until 20th century the annual festival here also served as a platform for slave trade.
Distance from Hiliya : 19 Kms

Pallikunnu Church

Pallikkunnu Church is a famous pilgrim centre of north Kerala. This Latin Catholic church in the name of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ was built by a French priest Fr. Jefreno in 1908 at Meenangadi, about 14 km from Kalpetta.

The church has a romantic green surrounding and the calmness and serenity of the surroundings coupled with its peculiar architecture adds to its charm. The major festival of the church falls in the month of February. Another peculiarity of the church is that several rituals and practices of the church resemble that of Hindu temples
Distance from Hiliya : 19 Kms

Seetha Lava-Kusha Temple

Seetha Lava Kusha temple Wayanad is a very famous Hindu temple located at Pulpally in Wayanad. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple, dedicated to Goddess Seetha serves as a unique evidence of the dedicated faith prevailing in the pure mind. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple was constructed by Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja who was a great warrior of his period. The pond in this temple is the largest in Kerala This temple is devoted to Lordess Seetha Devi, Lava and Kusha. Etymologically Seetha refers to soil or earth
Distance from Hiliya: 10 Kms

Paingatteri Agraharam

This is a settlement of Tamil Brahmins organized in the classic architectural typology of row houses. Their ancestors are believed to have come from Thanjavur in Tamilnadu principally as cooks to the royal household of the Kottayam dynasty.
Distance from Hiliya: 31 Kms