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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

wayanad

കുറുവ ദ്വീപ്



http://www.wayanadhomestay.info/

മനംമയക്കുന്ന വനചാരുതയുടെ ദൃശ്യഭംഗിയില്‍ കുറുവ ദ്വീപ് സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ പറുദീസയായി മാറുകയാണ്. ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ആള്‍പ്പാര്‍പ്പില്ലാത്ത ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ദ്വീപില്‍ വിരുന്നെത്തുന്നവരുടെ എണ്ണം നാള്‍ക്കുനാള്‍ കൂടുന്നു. കബനിയുടെ കൈവഴികളില്‍ ഇഴപിരിഞ്ഞ് പ്രകൃതി മുഖം നോക്കുകയാണ് ഇവിടെയുള്ള ചെറുദ്വീപുകളില്‍. മാനത്തേക്ക് ശിഖരം നീട്ടുന്ന മുത്തച്ഛന്‍ മരങ്ങളും വനപുഷ്പങ്ങളും കുളിരുപകരുന്ന കാട്ടുവഴികളും നഗരത്തിരക്കില്‍നിന്നെത്തുന്ന സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ മനംകവരുന്നു.

വയനാട്ടിലെ ജലവിനോദസഞ്ചാരത്തിന്റെ സാധ്യതകള്‍കൂടിയാണ് കുറുവയില്‍ പ്രതിഫലിക്കുന്നത്. തടാകങ്ങളിലെ കുളിരില്‍ ഇത്തിരി നേരം ചെലവിടാന്‍... പ്രകൃതിയുടെ മടിത്തട്ടില്‍ വിശ്രമിക്കാന്‍ അയല്‍ സംസ്ഥാനങ്ങളില്‍നിന്നുപോലും സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ കൂട്ടമായി എത്താറുണ്ട്. 950 ഏക്കര്‍ വിസ്തീര്‍ണമുള്ള ദ്വീപില്‍ അനേകം ചെറു ജലാശയങ്ങളുണ്ട്. മഴക്കാലത്ത് കഴുത്തിനൊപ്പം വെള്ളത്തില്‍ മുങ്ങി ദ്വീപ് അപാരമായ വിദൂരക്കാഴ്ചകള്‍ നല്‍കും. സപ്തംബര്‍ പിന്നിടുന്നതോടെ കബനിയുടെ ഓളങ്ങള്‍ കടന്ന് ദ്വീപിലേക്കുള്ള യാത്രകള്‍ തുടങ്ങും. പിന്നീട് മഴക്കാലമെത്തുന്നതുവരെയും നിലയ്ക്കാത്ത പ്രവാഹം. 

ജൈവമണ്ഡലത്തില്‍നിന്ന് അനുദിനം പിന്‍വാങ്ങുന്ന നൂറുകണക്കിനു സസ്യങ്ങളുടെയും ചെറുപ്രാണികളുടെയും ആവാസകേന്ദ്രം കൂടിയാണിത്. കാടിന്റെ തനതു സംഗീതത്തിനു കാതോര്‍ക്കാന്‍ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ ഇവിടെ നിശ്ശബ്ദരായി നടന്നു നീങ്ങുന്നു. പുഷ്പിക്കുന്ന വന്‍ മരങ്ങളും കരിമരുതും ഓര്‍ക്കിഡുകളും ഇവിടെ ധാരാളമായി കാണാം.

കൃത്രിമങ്ങളില്ലാത്ത കാട്ടറിവിന്റെ വശ്യത നുകരാന്‍ പ്രകൃതിപഠനയാത്രികരും വയനാട്ടിലേക്ക് ചുരം കയറുന്നു. ഒക്ടോബര്‍ ആകുന്നതോടെ കടല്‍ കടന്നും ദേശാടനക്കിളികള്‍ ഈ ദ്വീപിലേക്ക് വിരുന്നുവരാറുണ്ട്. ദ്വീപുകളുടെ തീരത്ത് ദിവസങ്ങളോളം ചെലവഴിച്ചാണ് വിദേശീയരായ ഈ സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ തിരിച്ചുപോക്ക്.

കടുത്ത വേനലിലും സൂര്യപ്രകാശം കടക്കാത്ത, വന്‍മരങ്ങള്‍ കുടചൂടിയ തണലോരങ്ങള്‍ യാത്രയുടെ വയനാടന്‍ അനുഭവങ്ങള്‍ അവിസ്മരണീയമാക്കുന്നു. മുളം ചങ്ങാടങ്ങള്‍ കൂട്ടിക്കെട്ടി കബനിനദിയിലൂടെ കുറുവയെ ചുറ്റിക്കാണാന്‍ റിവര്‍റാഫ്റ്റിങ് ഇവിടെ ഏര്‍പ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. മണിക്കൂറിനു മൂന്നൂറ് രൂപ നല്‍കിയാല്‍ ഓളപ്പരപ്പിലൂടെ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്കു യാത്ര ചെയ്യാം. പത്തോളം പേരെ ചങ്ങാടത്തില്‍ കയറ്റിയുള്ള ഈ സാഹസിക ജലയാത്ര സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്കു പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടതാണ്.

വയനാട്ടിലെ ചെമ്പ്രമല

വയനാട്ടിലെ മേപ്പാടി ഗ്രാമത്തില്‍ സ്ഥിതിചെയ്യുന്ന ചെമ്പ്രമലയാണ് ജില്ലയിലെ ഏറ്റവും ഉയരംകൂടിയ പ്രദേശം. സമുദ്ര നിരപ്പില്‍നിന്നും 2100 കിലോമീറ്റര്‍ ഉയരത്തിലുള്ള മലയുടെ മുകളില്‍ കയറിനിന്നാല്‍ വയനാട് ജില്ല മുഴുവന്‍ കാണാം. സാഹസിക യാത്ര ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നവരുടെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥലമാണ് ഇത്. കല്‍പ്പറ്റയില്‍നിന്ന് 14 കിലോമീറ്റര്‍ അകലെയാണ് ചെമ്പ്രമല. ട്രക്കിങ് നടത്തുന്നവര്‍ക്ക് മലമുകളിലെത്താന്‍ ഒരുദിവസം മുഴുവന്‍ വേണ്ടിവരും. വിനോദ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്ക് ഒന്നോ രണ്ടോ ദിവസം മലമുകളില്‍ താത്കാലിക ക്യാമ്പുകളില്‍ താമസിക്കാനുള്ള സൗകര്യം ജില്ലാ ടൂറിസം പ്രമോഷന്‍ കൗണ്‍സില്‍ നല്‍കുന്നുണ്ട്. സ്ലീപ്പിങ് ബാഗുകള്‍, ക്യാന്‍വാസ് ഹട്ടുകള്‍ എന്നിവയും ഗൈഡുകളുടെ സഹായവും ടൂറിസം പ്രമോഷന്‍ കൗണ്‍സില്‍ നല്‍കും.

Friday, January 29, 2010


വയനാട്‌

 വയനാട്‌


കൃത്രിമങ്ങളുടെ കലര്‍പ്പില്ല, വയനാടിന്റെ ഹരിതഭംഗിയെ ഇങ്ങനെ വിശേഷിപ്പിക്കാം. അത് ആസ്വദിക്കാനാണ് ഇങ്ങോട്ട് സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ ഒഴുകുന്നത്. മഴയുടെ ആരവം അടങ്ങിയതോടെ മറുനാടന്‍ വിനോദസഞ്ചാരികളുടെ വയനാടന്‍ യാത്രകള്‍ തുടങ്ങുകയായി. കാനനക്കാഴ്ചകളും വന്യജീവിസങ്കേതങ്ങളും പിന്നിട്ട് ചരിത്രസ്മാരകങ്ങളിലേക്കും ജല ടൂറിസത്തിലേക്കുമാണ് യാത്ര.



ആഭ്യന്തരസഞ്ചാരികള്‍ മുതല്‍ വിദേശ ടൂറിസ്റ്റുകള്‍വരെ വയനാടിന്റെ ഖ്യാതിയറിഞ്ഞ് യാത്ര നിശ്ചയിക്കുന്നു. കേരളത്തിലെ മറ്റിടങ്ങളെക്കാളും ഇരുപത് ശതമാനം വര്‍ധന വിനോദസഞ്ചാരികളുടെ വരവില്‍ കഴിഞ്ഞ തവണ വയനാട് രേഖപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.



കര്‍ണാടകയില്‍നിന്ന് അവധിദിനങ്ങളില്‍ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ കൂട്ടമായി എത്തുന്നു. വയനാട്ടിലെ മുത്തങ്ങ, തോല്‍പ്പെട്ടി വന്യജീവിസങ്കേതങ്ങള്‍ കാണാനാണ് സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ നീണ്ടനിര. മാന്‍കൂട്ടങ്ങളെയും കാട്ടാനകളെയും അടുത്തുകാണാന്‍ കഴിയുന്ന കാനനയാത്ര സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ക്ക് അവിസ്മരണീയമായ അനുഭവം നല്‍കുന്നു.



ജലയാത്രയ്ക്ക് ബാണാസുരസാഗര്‍ ഹൈഡല്‍ കേന്ദ്രമാണ് ഭൂരിഭാഗം സഞ്ചാരികളും തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കുന്നത്. ബാണാസുര മലനിരകള്‍ക്ക് അഭിമുഖമായി നില്ക്കുന്ന തടാകത്തില്‍ ബോട്ടുയാത്രക്ക് രാവിലെ മുതല്‍ വൈകീട്ടുവരെ സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ കാത്തുനില്ക്കുന്നു.



അതേസമയം, ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ ആള്‍പാര്‍പ്പില്ലാത്ത ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ദ്വീപ് എന്ന ഖ്യാതിയാണ് കുറുവയെ വ്യത്യസ്തമാക്കുന്നത്. കടുവകളുടെ വിഹാരകേന്ദ്രമാണ് വയനാട്ടിലെ വന്യജീവി സങ്കേതങ്ങള്‍. മാന്‍കൂട്ടങ്ങളും കാട്ടുപോത്തും ആനകളും യഥേഷ്ടം സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ കണ്ണില്‍പെടും.



ദേശീയ സ്മാരകഗണത്തില്‍ പെടുന്ന എടയ്ക്കല്‍ ഗുഹ കാണാന്‍ സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ തിക്കും തിരക്കുമാണ്. നവീന ശിലായുഗത്തോളം പഴക്കമുള്ള ചരിത്രലിഖിതങ്ങള്‍ കോറിയിട്ട ഗുഹ കാണുക എന്നത് സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ വയനാടന്‍ യാത്രാ അനുഭവങ്ങളില്‍ വേറിട്ട ഒന്നാണ്.



സാഹസിക സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ പ്രിയകേന്ദ്രമാണ് ചെമ്പ്രമലയും പക്ഷിപാതാളവും ബാണാസുരമലയും. രണ്ടു ദിവസങ്ങള്‍ നീളുന്ന ട്രക്കിങ് നടത്താന്‍ സന്നാഹങ്ങളുമായാണ് സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ വരവ്. വനംവകുപ്പിന്റെ അനുമതിയോടെ പരിചയസമ്പന്നരായ വഴികാട്ടികള്‍ ഇവരെ നയിക്കുന്നു.



ബാംഗ്ലൂരില്‍ നിന്നും മൈസൂറില്‍ നിന്നും കര്‍ണാടകം വഴി വയനാട്ടിലെത്താം. കേരളത്തില്‍ കരിപ്പൂരാണ് അടുത്തുള്ള വിമാനത്താവളം. കോഴിക്കോട്, തലശ്ശേരി എന്നിവയാണ് സമീപത്തുള്ള റെയില്‍വെ സ്റ്റേഷനുകള്‍. വയനാട്ടിലേക്ക് റോഡ് മാര്‍ഗമേ എത്താനാകൂ. ചുരങ്ങള്‍ കയറിയുള്ള യാത്ര തന്നെ മോഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നതാണ്.



കുടുതല്‍ വിവരങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്: shinoj 9895437504

Tuesday, January 12, 2010


Banasura Sagar Dam


.Banasura Sagar Dam(15 Km from Manandhavady)


This is the Largest Earth Dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The Bansura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. A quaint feature is a series of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.


Thursday, October 29, 2009


valliyoor kavu

ValliyoorKavu temple has an important position when checking the history of Wayanad. The 14day festival during the month of March is the main festival of Wayanad which attracts crowds even from foreign countries. This is also the most important occasion for Tribals. Valliyoorkavu temple and the Valliyoorkavu festival hold an important role in the history of the Wayanad. The temple is situated 3 kilometers away from Mananthavady, on the way to Koileri-Panamaram route. The temple is situated near the bank of the river Kabani. The vast green ground on either side of the main road nearby the temple and the Kabani river adds to the exotic beauty of the location, and is the perfect stage for the big festival of Wayanad

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008


wayanad


Wayanad
Accessing Wayanad
air:Nearest Airport:Kozhikode
Rail:Nearest railway station:Kozhikode
Distance from Kozhikode:Kalpatta:72 Km
Manandavady:88Km ,Battery:106 km
Wayanad to Ooty:150 km, Mysore:100Km
Bangalore:250km,cochin:300km
 





contact:vg.shinoj@gmail.com
Mobil.No-9895437504
Wayanad is one of the districts in kerala, one of the beautiful state in India, that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Wayanad is famous with eco tourism place in all over in India.Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist-clad hill station, sprawling spice plantation, Herbal garden, luxuriant forests, crystal clear water ,rock hills, historical caves,rich in bio-diversity, water falls and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centers of south India like outy,mysore,coorg,Kozhikode and kannur are around this region.A s per the words of turists wayanad is a special place and they named it as Heaven of Natural Beauty.
Places To Visit
1.Lakkidi(20 Km from Kalpetta)
Lakkidi ,The gateway to wayanad,is situated 700m above mean sea level,at the crest of the tamarassery Ghatpass.Lofty peaks,guggling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to journey up the winding roads to this hill

2.Edakkal caves(12 Km from S.Bettery)
Three caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1 Km trekking trail from Edakkal.

3.Wayanad wildlife Sanctury(17Km from S.Bettery)
Tthe sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagargole and Bhandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and mudumalai of tamilnadu on the south east.


4.Tholpetty wildlife Sanctury(20 Km from Manandavady).
Situated along the northern ridge of Wayanad. (bordering Coorg District of Karnataka). This sanctuary includes Elephants, Sambars, Deers, Leopards and Medicinal plants etc. There is a Watch Tower facility to see wild animals

5,Muthanga( 20 Km from S. Battery)
Spread over a vast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. It is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103kms.) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123kms.) in Tamil Nadu.

6.Kuruva Dweep(15Km from Manandavady)
The Kuruva island, 950 acres 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. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom.


7.Pazhassi Tomb(1 Km from Manandhavady)
The memorial of The Lion of Kerala Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady




8.Pookot lake(15 km from Kalpetta)
A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children's park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices.

9. Karlad Lake(16Km from Kalpetta)
Natural fresh water and famous with boat racing.The lake spreads
in an area of 7 acres.The lake with all its beauty and facilities of boating and angling is still to gain its share of popularity. It is around 8 km from Vythiri

10.Banasura Sagar Dam(15 Km from Manandhavady)
This is the Largest Earth Dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The Bansura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. A quaint feature is a series of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.


11.Karapuzha Dam(17 Km from Kalpetta)
Karapuzha Project is the First Irrigation project taken up in Wayanad District. Wayanad with an average elevation of 780 m above sea level, lying on the eastern slope of Western Ghats is inhabited by several hill tribes and settlers from different parts of the State

12.Soochipara water falls(12 km from Kalpetta)
This is a three step waterfall more than 200 Mts in height framed by enchanting scenery. Soochipara can be reached by a scenic 2 KM nature walk and deer and other wildlife can be seen near the waterfront. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing .
13.Meenmutty Water Falls(29 Km from Kalpetta).
An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ootty Road. Meenmutty is the Largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 meters over three stages.



14.Kanthanpara water falls(22 Km from kalpetta) 
Relatively smaller and less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nevertheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnics.


15.Chethalam water falls(12 Km from S.Battery)
About 12 km from Sultan Bathery, near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a popular tourist spot known as Chethalayam Waterfalls. It's surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts


16.Palchuram water falls (20 Km from Manandavady)Palchuram is new road opened from Wayanad towards Kottiyoor. A visit to this place is exotic, especially during rainy season and winter season. The whole mountains will be covered with snow and the chilling cold climate makes you feel wonderful.


17.Pallikkunnu charch(12Km from Kalpetta)
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

18.Valliyoorkavu temple(3 km from Manathavady) 
The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess manifest in the three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga.The two week long festival in February/March is a major event attended by thousands of people.


19,SeethaLavaKusha Temple (1 Km from Pulpally)
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.



20,The Glass temple at Koottamunda (20 Km from Kalpetta)
Located on the slope of Vellarimala, this temple dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the Third Thirthankara of the Jain faith, is an exquisitely beautiful family temple. The icons of Paraswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi set in the sanctum of this temple have thousand reflections in beautiful patterns on the mirrors placed on the inner side of the temple walls.

21.Ambalavayal Heritage Musium(27Km from Kalpetta)
Located in the town of Ambalavayal. This Museum is home to an interesting collection of artifacts that shed light on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad region.The museum has a fine collection of 14th - 16th century sculptures, tribal artifacts, which include jewels, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements etc..

22.Boys Town(15 kms from Mananthavady)

A herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc. are situated here. A Jean park, the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening is also situated here.

23.Chembra Peak (8 km from Kalpetta)
Chembra is the Highest Peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full day. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. At the top Chembra, there is a fresh water lake called 'Hridayasarassu' in the shape of heart.
24. Pazhassi Park(1km from Mananthavady) 
A recreational project, Pazhassi Park comprises of a children’s play area and boating facilities on the Mananthavady river.


25.Sunrise Valley (20 km from S.bathery)
As the name indicates, Sunrise Valley is a great place to watch the rising and setting sun set amidst dramatic mountain scenery. The place also offers a panoramic view of the valley beneath with the River Chaliyar meandering along.
26,Brahmagiri Peak (38 km from Mananthavady)
Weather had completely cleared up headed back and offered good view of the surroundings and the Brahmagiri peak itself. Also to see Wild Gaurs on the way back. A pair of Nilgiri Langur were spotted on a tree at a distance.


27,Nellimale view Point (15 Km from Kalpatta)
Nellimale is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty falls and the beautiful valley in its foreground


28,Pakshi pathalam(10km from thirunelly)Pakshipathalam-10 kms from Thirunelly and is situated 1740 mtr above the sea level. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. The journey involves an arduous 7 km trek through thick forest commencing at Thirunelly
29,Papanasini (0.5 Km from Thirunelly)
ThirunelliA 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.


30,Chain tree (20 Km from Kalpatta)
This is large Ficus tree bound by a chain. It is beleived that a priest chained the soul of a Adivasi youth, who guided a British Engineer through mountain terrain into Wayanad. The British Engineer killed Adivasi to take the credit of discovery of the way.


31,Phantomrock (2km from Ambalavayal)
Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock named so because of its skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala.




32,Muniyaras
Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill have unearthed a distinctive series of ancient burail vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone Age tools and pottery found within these cellars are displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum
33.Cherukattoor Coffee plant(12 Km Manandhavady)







34.Tea Plantation




35.Ginger plantation




36.Turmeric Plantation





37.Korome Mosque( 23 KmFromMananthavady)
This nearly 300 year old mosque is built in traditional Kerala style with extensive wood carvings.
38.Paingatteri Agraharam(07 KmMananthavady)
This is a settlement of Tamil Brahmins organised in the classic architectural typology of row houses.
39.Kaduva Kuzhi(15 km from S.bathery)

Wayand forest

Why Wayanad and its forest made famous so fast. Wayanad has already taken a permanent position in almost all travel guides. Thanks to the unique beauty of Wayanad http://www.wayanadhomestay.info/ that made a high profile for it. Tourism in kerala is somewhat around this place. Wayanad was once the favorite hunting ground of the great tippu sultan and his aides.

Wayanad forest is thick with unique trees, its lion tailed monkeys is among the world endangered species. Wayanad , my mouth watering thinking about its very delicious "cullu erachi" a very spicy dish made of chicken and kerala masala. Have you got a chance ever to have Wayanad's masala tea,http://www.wayanadhomestay.info/ its being imported to othttp://www.wayanadhomestay.info/her nations too.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

THIRUNELLI

The name Thirunelli derives from the word nelli, the Malayalam/Tamil equivalent for Indian gooseberry (Amla) tree. Once when Lord Brahma while traversing the world, saw an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an amla tree in the valley and thus the place came to be named Thirunelli. In Padma Purana (written by Veda Vyasa) there is mention of a beautiful Vishnu temple located in the picturesque Sahya valley deep in the middle of the forest. Thirunelli temple is also referred to as Amalaka temple and Sidha temple.

History depicts Chera king Kulasekharan as the founder of this temple. He lived between A.D 767 and A.D 834. After a brief reign, he relinquished the throne and started missionary work to propagate Vaishnava order. It was he who wrote the Sanskrit work Mukundamaala in which he earnestly prays to Lord Vishnu to instill in him devotion.
On stylistic ground this looks as a typical Kerala temple. The inner sanctorum is surrounded by a tile roofed structure. And there’s an open courtyard around the sanctorum. At the east, in front of the entrance is a granite lamp-post. Curiously enough the flag post is absent, though one can spot a hole on the floor where it ought to be.

Along the outer wall of the temple is a cloister made of granite pillars cut in cubical style. This part of the temple architecture is slightly unusual for a Kerala temple. And it seems the cloister work was never completed. The story goes that once the King of Coorg, tried to renovate this temple. When he was half way through, the Vellattiri King who owned the temple objected to the same. Thus renovation was discontinued. Even today we can see proof of the half finished renovation work.
It is an undisputed fact that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim centre in the middle of inaccessible jungled valley surrounded on four sides by mountains. The copper plates of the 10th century and a few books of the later centuries convincingly prove that Thirunelli was an urban hub in South India at least from 10th century onwards. Also in the dense forest surrounding the temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found. Recent excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded coins of 9th and 10th centuries. There are two copper plate inscriptions pertaining to the history of Thirunelli Temple. They date back to the period of Bhaskara Ravivarma, a ruler of the Chera kingdom who lived in the 10th century. First inscription is written in 999 A.D (37th year of the rule of Bhaskara Ravivarma) and the second inscription in 1008 A.D (46th year of the rule of Bhaskara Ravivarma). The first one is regarding the allotment of the royal land in Thirunelli to the temple, to meet its expenses towards daily poojas. The second inscription deals with the procedures to be observed during the temple visit of the ruler of the Puraikeezhar Kingdom. The donor in the first inscription is Kunhikutta Varman VeeraKurumpurai who ruled Kurumbranaad. The donor in the second inscription is Sankaran Godavarman of Purakeezhar dynasty. Both the inscriptions shed light to the ruling customary practices and social relations of the time.

“UnniyachiCharitham”
“Unniyachi Charitham” is a poetical work written by Thevan Chirikumaran (Devan Sreekumaran) between 12th and 13th centuries. In this poem there is an elaborate description of Thirunelli, Papanasini and the four borders of Thirunelli. Among them 17 lines are in prose. There are two poetic stanzas each having 4 and 6 lines. It is indeed a travelogue in which the poet imagines himself as a Gandharvan interested in travel and tour. Observing the customs, it is after visiting Thrissilery temple that the Gandharva comes to Thirunelli.

Kokila Sandesham
"Kokila Sandesham" is a book written by Udhanda Sashthrikal of Kanchipuram during the 15th century. The hero of this poem lived in his house at Chendamangallur near Kochi. He happens to be airlifted from the house by some airy spirits and gets stranded at Kancheerpuramm in Tamilnadu. Then the hero entrusts a cuckoo to intimate his wife about his peril. This cuckoo on the way reaches Thirunelli to worship the Perumal in the temple. The 40th stanza of this poem describes the visit of the Cuckoo in Thirunelli Temple. The author Udhanad Sashthrikal lived from 1405 to 1475. It is certain from the descriptions about Thirunelli that the poet had personally visited the temple there.

Stone Acquaduct
During early times, water for temple use was brought from Papanasini stream. During a draught period, the wife of Chirackal Raja who was a member of the famous Vaarikkara Nayanar tharavad, came with her attendants to temple to worship. She asked the Priest some water to dissolve the sandal, which he was not able to give. Being enlightened about the water scarcity in the temple she asked her attendants to solve the problem. They found out the water source called Varaham in the thick forest. From there the water was brought, using bamboo halves for immediate use. Subsequent to her return home, she sent men and materials to construct the present stone aqueduct to bring

uninterrupted water supply to the temple. The granite open channels are supported by pillars with interesting murals carved on. Even till date, cold mountain stream water gush out of this aqueduct.

wayanadhomestay

would you like to wake up to a mist filled morning? to a roosters alarm? Slowly you hear the sounds of different songs by birds, you lookout and see the sunlight filtering through many fruit trees. Surely a blissful, calm and serene atmosphere, one that is entirely different from your noisy and polluted city mornings. If you would like to wake up to such an enchanting morning, then you are welcome to our Golden Hills Homestay at Cherukattor.


Golden Hills Homestay is located in WAYANAD district in the northern part of Kerala. Cherukattor is a small village nestled in Wayanad, the land of tea and coffee plantations, spices, legends and folklores.
To make a booking at Golden Hills,Contact:

Email : vg.shinoj@gmail.com

Call : +91 9895437504 or 9400335304