Pakshipathalam, Wayanad

Location:7 km northeast of Thirunelli , which is about 32 km from Mananthavady, and about 66 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad district, north Kerala. Altitude: 1740m above sea level. Wayanad, the northern hill district of Kerala, is covered with dense, moist deciduous forests teeming with elephants, tigers, jungle cats, civets, bison, peacocks, wood peckers 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 place. Pakshipathalam - the very name of the place refers to its large population of birds. Here virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking. A cave which rishis (saints) are believed to have used for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists. Close by is Kuruvadweep, an island (dweep) well known for its rare ecology. Located 17 km from Mananthavady, Kuruvadweep is a 950 acre stretch of evergreen forests on the banks of the Kabani river, and home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. Getting there: Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and trekking is the only mode of reaching this place. Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady. Nearest railway station : Kozhikode, about 106 km from Mananthavady. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town. Situated at an altitude of 1740m and accessible only by trekking, Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologist's paradise. It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly. There is a cave here, which according to legend, was used by rishis (saints) for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists. It is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. The deep rock caves; formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. The place is bet knows for the presence of `Edible Nest Swift light' as its nest is made of solidified saliva and is used to make bird's nest soup. Here virgin forests, streams and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking.Location North Wayanad, near Tirunelli temple. Distance Chart: Mananthavady: 36km/ Kalpetta: 71km/ Sulthan Bathery: 78km How to reach Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and trekking is the only mode of reaching this place. Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady. Buses are available upto Thirunelli Temple. The trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division. From there one would reach the first point, which is the Watch Tower in one and half hours. The Kerala Karnataka border is in 2 km distance from the watchtower. Though Pakshipathalam situated in Kerala, we can reach there only through Karnataka. The landmark after the watchtower is Pancharathodu, which is 2 km away from Kerala Karnataka border. Then Pakshipathalam is just 500 m away for Pancharathodu. The trekking is for total 7.5 km, which can be completed with approximately three and half hours. Bus timings: to Tirunelli from Mananthavady bus stand: 5.50am, 7am, 8.15am, 8.40am, 8.55am, 9.15am, 10am, 11am, 12.10pm, 1pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.35pm, 4.10pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm To Mananthavady from Tirunelli: 7am, 7.40am, 8am, 8.40am, 9am, 9.30am, 9.45am, 10.25am, 10.35am, 11.20am, 11.40am, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 3.45pm, 5.10pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm Things to be noted  Trekking must be started at 7.30 itself, as total 7 hours would be needed for the total journey Keep discipline and silence during trekking Obey the instructions of the guide Carry a first aid kit with needed medicines Don't use plastic bottles and kits Never disturb the birds and animals Use jungle boots for trekking Carry a battery torch with enough batteries To save from leaches, rub a mixture of tobacco and mustard oil in legs. Carry tobacco and salt If leach bites you, don't try to pull them off. Just pour salt or tobacco over them. Don't use liquor and cigarettes If there are mists covering your view, continue the trekking only after it depletes.Contact STD CODE: 04935 Trekking permitting authority, DFO, North Wayanad: Ph: 04935- 240233 Tirunelli forest station: Ph: 04935- 210377 Begur range officer: Mobile: 09447449119Useful Info Trekking Fees: Rs.8.00 for a group of 5 persons, Rs 100 for extra person, For forigners, Rs 1000 for 5 member group.Tips Trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division 18. First point: Watch tower (3km away), Then Kerala-Karnataka border (2km from watch tower). Cross Pancharathodu in Karnataka (2 kms from Kerala-Karnataka border). Pakshipathalam is just 500m away from Pancharathodu. Total 7.5 km trekking, almost three and half hour journey.