Pakshipathalam Hill Station

About Pakshipathalam Hill Station

Pakshipathalam Hill Station is located around 7 kms to the north eastern portion of Thirunelli and about 66 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad district, north Kerala on a Altitude of 1740m above sea level.A trekkers’ paradise, this place is accessibe only by trekking. This hill station offers great opportunities for bird watching. One has to trek 17 kms through the wild forests, to reach ‘Pakshipathalam’. A cave which rishis (saints) are believed to have used for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists.One can watch rare species of birds from the watchtower of the Bird sanctuary located nearby.

Wayanad, the northern hill district of Kerala, is covered with dense, moist deciduous forests teeming with elephants, tigers, jungle cats, civets, bisons, peacocks, woodpeckers and numerous other animals and birds. In the sylvan solitude of this land, perched at a 1740 m above sea level is Pakshipathalam, a picturesque sleepy little

Interesting things to Visit

Garudapara:

Garudapara is a huge rock (about 30ft high) on the edge of the hill there. We carefully climbed the rock and took a ½ hr snooze on top of it, though it was a bit irritating with the noon sun directly hitting on our faces, but the cool winds blowing across region saved the day.

Thirunelli Temple:

Thirunelli Temple is known as the “Kashi of South”. Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The ‘Koothambalam’ here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls.

Papanashini:

Papanashini meaning “Washing of sins” is a river in Kerala. Papanashini has a story of its origin. Lord Brahma was making Vishnu’s idol and at the same time Garuda with a pot of nectar called Amrit Kumbha reached the installation place. When Garuda was completing his circling, one drop of Amrita fell into the stream, and hence the stream obtained the power of purification. After this incident, the stream was referred as Papanashini.

Mananthavady Park :

Mananthavady Park is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha. The park is also known for its bat colony. The attempts by the authorities to get rid of the bats lead to protests by environmental activists.

Valliyoorkkavu :

This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities

Pookot Lake:

The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh-water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary :

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals.

Nearest Visiting places

Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India“s Western Ghats. They lie on an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the Malabar coast ports. Inside the caves are pictorical writings believed to be from neolithic man, evidence of the presence of a prehistoric civilisation existing in this region. Such stone age carvings are very rare and these are the only known examples in southern India.

Meenmutty Water Falls:

Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.It is Kerala“s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting.

Soochipara Falls:

The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.

Sentinel rocks falls:

Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

Banasura sagar project:

Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only 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.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:

is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, south India. It is on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery. Wild animals such as bison, elephant, deer and tiger has been spotted. There are also quite a few wild birds in the sanctuary.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. It is spread over 344 km² and is about 16 km east of Sultan Battery.

Lakkidi:

The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Chain Tree:

Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman

Pazhassi Tourist Resort:

Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourist are available here.

Kuruva Island:

The Kuruva island, 950 acre3s of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited.

Banasura Sagar Dam:

Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979.The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Green Gates Hotel
T. B. ROAD, KALPETTA
Wayanad ,kerala
Tel: +914936202001/2/3/4.

Pepper Green Resorts
Near Kuruva Island
Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady
Wayanad, Kerala
Ph.No: +91 4935 251110.

PPS Tourist home
Kalpetta, kerala
Ph.no:91-4936-203732.

Raincountry Resorts
Lakkidi, kerala
Ph.no:9447004369 / 9447245288 / 09287576617.

Dwaraka Tourist Home
Sulthan Bathery,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-220358.

M.G.T International
Main road, Kalpetta
kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-202705.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police station
Kalpetta-Manathavady Road
P.O. Kaniyambetta.
Wayanad district, Kerala.

Police Station
SHO,Meenangady. P.O.
Wayanad Dist, kerala.

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala State.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad
Kerala
Tel: 04936 220102.

Link:

http://mewhoelsein.blogspot.com/2009/03/kerala-diary-wayanadu.html
http://keralahilltourhelp.blogspot.com/2008/11/kerala-tour-hill-stations.html
http://mytrekkingexperience.blogspot.com/2009/02/pakshipathalam-wayanad-kerala.html

Location info

• Address: Near Thirunelli, Wayanad District, Kerala, India

• District: Wayanad District

• Nearest City: Kalpetta, Meppadi, Muttil, Meenangadi and Sultan Battery.

• Best time to visit: August to may.

Climate & weather

Almost its a cool place, So Temparature in Summer: 37 (Max) & 21 (Min) Degrees Celsius and in Winter: 29(Max) & 10 (Min) Degrees Celsius.

Things to do at Pakshipathalam Hill Station

Pakshipathalam is one of the best and beauty scenic in kerala. One who do habbit of Trekking, You can come to here for trekk. There are number of birds and animals are there.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Kalpetta,Mananthavadi Rd
kasargod, kerala.

Vellikulangara Petrol Pump
SH 54, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Thamarashery Petrol Pump
NH212, Thamarrassary
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Pakshipathalam Hill Station

The best time to visit Pakshipathalam Hill Station is from September to May. The post-monsoon season (September–November) offers lush green landscapes and clear views. Winter (December–February) brings cool temperatures (15°C–25°C) ideal for exploration. March–May is warmer but still pleasant. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rainfall and road access may be challenging.

Timings & opening hours

Hill stations are accessible 24 hours. However, driving in hilly areas after dark is not recommended. Tourist attractions within hill stations typically operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to hill station areas is generally free. Specific viewpoints and gardens may charge INR 10–50 entry fee. Some private tea plantations charge INR 50–100 for guided tours.

Duration needed

1–2 days for a complete experience including viewpoints, tea plantation visits, nature walks, and local market exploration. Day trips are possible from nearby cities.

Safety tips

Drive carefully on ghat roads — hairpin bends are common and roads can be narrow. Fog and mist reduce visibility in early mornings and evenings, particularly from November to February. Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly in the evenings. Stay on marked trails during nature walks.

Things to carry

Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, or light woolens — temperatures can drop to 10–15°C at night), comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella or raincoat (especially during monsoon), sunscreen (UV is strong at higher altitudes), a camera, binoculars for scenic views, medications for motion sickness if prone (winding ghat roads), and a reusable water bottle.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Pakshipathalam Hill Station

Pakshipathalam Hill Station was developed during the British colonial period as a summer retreat from the heat of the plains. The hill stations of Kerala, primarily in the Western Ghats, were established in the 19th century when British officials identified these cool, misty highlands as ideal locations for tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The plantation economy transformed the region, bringing workers from the plains and creating a unique cultural mosaic. Today, these hill stations retain their colonial-era charm alongside vibrant local communities and thriving tea gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature like? — Hill stations in Kerala range from 15°C–25°C during the day to 10°C–15°C at night in winter. Summer temperatures are 20°C–30°C. Always carry a light jacket or sweater. Do I need to book accommodation in advance? — Yes, especially during peak season (December–February) and holiday weekends. Popular hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad fill up quickly. Are there ATMs available? — ATMs are available in the main town areas but can run out of cash on weekends. Carry sufficient cash for smaller shops and local transportation. How are the road conditions? — Hill roads have many hairpin bends and can be narrow. Drive carefully or hire an experienced local driver. Some roads may be affected by landslides during monsoon.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.