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 for centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s marching armies.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 12 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 3000 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 surrounding country

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 26 Kms

Uravu

Uravu is a charitable trust that works in the area of indigenous sciences and technology.  They run a successful bamboo crafts design and production centre along with a bamboo nursery.

Uravu has a whole range of functional and decorative products created out of this wonderful material found so abundantly in Wayanad.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 23 Kms

Thirunelli Temple

Nestled amidst mountains and forests, the ancient riverside temple of Thirunelli is a fine specimen of classical Kerala temple architecture.
Legend has it that this temple was dedicated by the creator, Lord Brahma to propitiate the preserver, Lord Vishnu. The idol is in the form of Chathurbhuja.
Often referred to as Dakshina Kasi ( the Kasi of the south), this temple draws pilgrims from all over, primarily for ancestral rites.

The two main festivals here are in April and August/September.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 53 Kms

Muniyara

Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a 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 Resort : 19 Kms

Chain Tree

This 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, conveniently killed his guide, whose soul, according to the legend, constantly haunted subsequent travellers. It is further believed that a priest chained the troublesome spirit onto this tree.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 39 Kms

Pallikkunnu church

Dedicated to the Lourdes Matha, Pallikkunnu Church was established in 1905 at the initiative of a French missionary Fr. Jeffrine.

An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. The annual two-week Perunnal festival in early February draws large throngs of devotees from other parts of kerala, as well as outside. 

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 19 Kms

Korome Mosque

This nearly 300-year-old mosque is built in traditional Kerala style with extensive wood carvings. Originally built by the local Nair gently, Korome Mosque to this day is seen as a sterling example of communal amity. The annual Uroos festivities draw participants from all communities.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 33 Kms

Paingatteri Agraharam

This is a settlement of Tamil Brahmins organised in the classic architectural typology of rows houses. Their ancestors are believed to have come from Thanjavur in Tamilnadu principally as cook to the royal household of the Kottayam dynasty.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 31 Kms

Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb

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.

Taking refuge in the Wayanad hills, he restored to classic techniques of guerrilla warfare against superior British forces. He remained successful for a remarkably long period until finally the English brought in heavy reinforcements from Madras and Bombay.

This Lion of Kerala 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.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 23 Kms

Valliyoor Temple

This temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess, manifest in the three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga is an important place of worship for the tribal communities in Wayanad. The annual 15 day festival is in Mar / Apr.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 19 Kms

Seetha Lava-Kusha Temple

This is the only known temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 37 Kms

Thrissilery Shiva Temple

This  stunning temple of rather perfect architectural proportions, is inextricably linked with the Vishnu temple at Thirunelli. It is believed that the performance of ancestral rites at Thiruneli remain unfinished unless followed by offerings at this temple.
Within the premises there is also a shrine devoted to Jala Durga, believed to have been installed by no less a personage than the legendary Parasurama.
There are many myths connected with the temple tank here, which curiously enough never dries up!

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 34 Kms

Papanasini, Thirunelli

A short walk from Thirunelli temple is the clear mountain spring known as Papanasini. A ritual dip here is believed to wash one away of all worldly sins.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 53 Kms

Jain Temples (Ruined)

A part from the sultan Bathery temple, there are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the best known of these. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar air of mystery.

Distance from Hiliya Resort : 7 Kms