Kalpetta

Kalpetta (കല്പറ്റ) is a city in the mountainous Wayanad region of Kerala, South India. It’s a gateway to the trails of lofty Chembra Peak and to Neelimala Viewpoint, which overlooks waterfalls and forested valleys. North of town, the traditional, Dravidian-style Ananthanatha Swami Jain Temple is perched on a hilltop surrounded by coffee plantations. To the southeast, Meppadi is a scenic village with lush tea estates. this town is well known for its spices especially pepper, artifacts, honey, tea, bamboo products, ivory craft and coconut shell

Being a rural town, Kalpetta is a very small and friendly place. The prices are the lowest in Kerala state.

Kalpetta is easily accessible by bus from Mysore, Ooty and Kozhikode. Rail link is not available. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. National Highway 212 connects Kalpetta with Mysore and Kozhikode. State highways connect the city with Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Coorg in Karnataka state. Night traffic is banned on the Mysore road.

• Bangalore-Mysore-Gundalpet-MuthangaForest-Sultanbattery-Kalpetta.285 km (The best roads are in this route)
• Sultan Battery-Kolagappara-Kakkavayal-Muttil-Kalpetta-Chundale-Vythiri. 35 km (Main Wayanad Road)
• Kozhikode-Thamarassery-Vythiri-Kalpetta. 70 km.
• Vadakara-Kuttiady-Kanhirangad-Vellamunda-Tharuvana-Padincharethara- Kalpetta. 88 km
• Mananthavady-Nalammile-Panamaram-Kambalakkad-Kalpetta. 37 km
• Malappuram-Nilambur-Nadukani-Devala-Vaduvanchal-Meppadi-Kalpetta. 131 km

Map of Kalpetta

Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per kilometre, and buses are even cheaper at only ₹7 for 3 km.

Cars can be rented for as cheap as ₹1800 a day with a driver. The rate is even cheaper if you rent without a driver.

• 11.51222276.0894441 Chembra Peak (17 km). Standing tall at 2100 m, the Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, and a favorite trekking spot. It is part of the Western Ghats. The trek to the top can take up to 2 hours. The heart-shaped lake on the peak forms one of the attractions for the mountain trek here. To do the trek, you need to pay an entrance fee from the entry guard house near Meppadi. Typically, start the trek in the morning as you are not allowed to start the trek after noon. If you are not game for a hectic 2-hour trek, you can still do a flat trek till a nearby viewpoint and visitors center for a nominal fee. The Chembra Peak area has a variety of orchids and other flowering plants, and plenty of bird species, making the trek an enjoyable experience. Good toilets are available near the guard house. The road leading to the entrance was in bad condition as of October 2017. ₹20 for visiting area entry.  (updated Nov 2017)
• 11.427876.13042 Vavul Mala (50 km south of Kalpetta). Vavul Mala is a peak in the Western Ghats in the Vellarimala range. It towers to a height of 2,339m. The peak is accessible via an 11 km-long trek. The trek route passes through multi-tiered forest canopies that often completely hide the sky.  (updated May 2026)
• 11.51316176.0190263 Lakkidi View Point. Lakkidi View Point is a highly popular roadside vantage area known as the "Gateway to Wayanad," perched at an elevation of 700 metres above sea level at the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat Pass. It provides a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the winding, serpentine highway featuring nine sharp hairpin bends cuts through lush green valleys and steep mountain cliffs.  (updated May 2026)
• 11.49897376.1756684 Attamala View Point. 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Attamala View Point, often called the "Gavi of Wayanad" or Love Valley, is a breathtaking viewpoint known for its misty 360-degree panoramic views of deep valleys, rolling hills, and sprawling tea plantations. This spot is highly famous for hosting India's First Digital Glass Bridge. ₹300 for glass bridge and ₹50 for view point.  (updated May 2026)

• 11.61753676.1720395 Karappuzha Dam (40 km). Very scenic.  
• 11.5424676.027226 Pookode Lake (Pookot) (15 km from Kalpetta). Pookode is a scenic lake spread over 13 acres and surrounded by greenery, with boating facilities. The Panamaram river originates from this lake. Blue lotus, lillies and many fresh water fish species can be sighted along the way. A rare species of fish named Pethia Pookodensis is said to be exclusively found here. A calm walk around the lake can also be done. Be safe while walking, as there are leeches along the way, so preferably wear shoes and take salt with you. There are good snack and souvenir stalls near the entrance. Monkeys can be a nuisance near the entrance, so be careful. ₹10 for entry, ₹30 for boating.  (updated Nov 2017)

• 11.5122276.163067 Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rocks.) (20 km). 8AM to 5PM. Spectacular three tiered waterfalls in Vellarimala, surrounded by dense equatorial forest vegetation. Soochipara means 'Needle-like rock'. The 15-20 min drive from Meppadi offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. The waterfalls are 200 m (656 ft) and offer a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing. The waterfalls are a bit crowded at times. 32 lady volunteers of the VSS control the visitors. After the entrance, a walkway leads to a beautiful viewpoint. From here, approximately 200 steps lead down to the falls. The trek takes approximately 30 minutes, and sometimes requires negotiating boulder steps. The view of the falls is worth the trek. There is generally a guard posted near the falls. The climb back can be hectic. Soochippara falls is appreciably a plastic-free zone, so the entry guards will ask you to store your plastic bags at the guardhouse and reclaim it when you return. Plenty of eating and souvenir-shopping options are available near the entrance. ₹20 . Additional for camera..  (updated Nov 2017)
• 11.4728976.054178 Thusharagiri Falls. The name literally translates to "mist-capped peaks", the name perfectly captures the ethereal silvery mist formed by water splashing down the rocky slopes. The waterfall originates from the Chalippuzha River, which is formed by two mountain streams, and divides into three beautiful cascading tiers  (updated May 2026)

• 11.6409176.086929 Puliyarmala Jain Temple (6km from Kalpetta). A very famous Jain temple dedicated to Anantnath Swami. It is a large temple complex, built in Dravidan-Hoysala style. Tipu Sultan used this temple as an ammunitions storage and stationed a large battery of arms and ammunitions inside this temple, which resulted in naming the city as Sultan Battery. A must see for tourists, with large number of Jain statues and sculptures and many relics in ruins.  
• 11.58005676.07055710 Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Ambalavayal (25 km). 9AM – 5PM. RARS conducts agricultural research on paddy, tropical fruits, spices and vegetables. It has a horticulture division which houses many rare ornamental plants and flowers. RARS was successful in developing 13 varieties of paddy. The area is well-developed for taking calm walks amidst the bridges, paddy fields and statues. A moon garden is located near the entrance. A fruit garden is under construction, and a children's play area is available. A mini birds park in RARS houses surprisingly rare, exotic and colorful varieties of birds, mainly fowl. ₹20, additional ₹20 for camera.  (updated Nov 2017)

• International Meditation Society of Wayanad. A small Buddhist Theravada Hall for Buddhist prayers and Meditation along with lectures about Buddhist Philosophy. Ideal for Buddhist tourists to have a meditation and Yoga sessions here. 
• Kalpetta Walk. 1. Start from Zodiac Hotel, head north, pass civil station and reach SKM highschool. Return through the bypass, Goodalayi road and go upto Meppadi road. Come back by Janamaithri Park side. (4 km) (updated May 2015)
• Boating at Pookode Lake.. Boating can be done on Pookode lake for a nominal fee ₹30 for 2. (updated Jan 2017)
• Kalpetta Walk. 2. Start from Kalpetta Bus Station, head south towards on Calicut road, turn left at Jana Maithree Park toward Meppadi. Walk in the scenic road for three km and come back in the same route. (updated May 2015)
• Learn Horseriding. The Veteriniary University at Pookode teaches horseriding to the public. Fee ₹5,000. Course duration 24 days (one hour every day). (updated May 2015)
• Myladippara Trekking Centre. Myladippara is a cliff to the east of Civil Station, adjacent to the new NH bypass road. Trek to the Myladippara offers a charming experience. Beware of inconspicuously hidden leeches along the way. 
• Cheengeri Hills, Ambalavayal, ☏ +91 9947147496. Local bus services are available for transportation between Ambalavayal and Cheengeri.
  Kaduvakuzhi view point is very scenic. (updated Jan 2021)

Tribal curiosities and souvenirs are available at cheap rates.

• Grand Fresh Hypermarket, Old Bus Station (1 km).  (updated Jan 2002)
• Momento Engraving, Kainatty Junction (3 km).  (updated Jan 2002)
• 11.5844676.063981 Walnut Cakes, Old Bus Station.  (updated May 2015)
• Zara Botique, near Woodlands Hotel (1 km). No parking facility (updated Jan 2002)

Kerala food is available in restaurants. European food is available in resorts and home stays only.

Bamboo rice (called Mulayari by locals) can be found in Wayanad. These are seeds of the Bamboo plant, richer in protein than rice and wheat, but tasting like rice. Bamboo rice payasam stalls can be spotted near Edakkal caves walkway. Bamboo is said to yield seeds after a long span, so it is said that harvesting bamboo rice is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

Home-made chocolates and local Wayanad spices, tea and coffee are also sold in many places. Shops near Edakkal caves offer many options such as spiced versions.

• 1980s Nostalgia, Goodalayi Bypass (2 km), ☏ +91 95626 61662. A lot of parking space. (updated May 2015)
• Indian Coffee House, Opp. Collecorate (1 km). Udupi style vegetarian. No parking facility (updated May 2015)
• Kalpana Restaurant, Old Bus Station. No parking. (updated May 2015)
• New Hotel (Near New Bus Stand), ☏ +91 98953 91949. No parking. They are calling it 'new' since 1957. (updated May 2015)
• Oottupura Restaurant, Green Land Nagar (Near Navodhaya School). Lunch with Payasam noon to 3PM. (updated Sep 2015)
• Swamy's Udupi Restaurant (Near Old Bus stand.). 8AM to 8PM. Vegetarian restaurant, no parking facility. (updated Nov 2017)
• WMO Qatar Restaurant, Muttil North (8 k.m.). Best Beef Manthi in Kalpetta. They get the best cuts of tender beef and cook it in steam before frying it. (updated Jan 2021)
• Uchayoon Cafe (Near Collectorate, Bathery Road). 11.30 AM to 4.00 PM. Look for the cafe on the left side on Bathery Road.
  Mr. Vinodh and his familyl is running this cafe for 60 years.
  Only hot food is served. Vadukappuli Pickle is available.
  Uses onlyl home made spice powders. (updated Oct 2022)

• Bungalow Cafe, New Bus Stand Building, front side.  (updated May 2015)
• Vrindavan Wines, Old Bus Station (1 km).  (updated Jan 2002)
• Zodiac Wines, opp. Collectorate (2 km).  (updated Jan 2002)

• ArunTourist Home. near KSRTC
• By the Way Dormitory. near New Bus Stand. 09387411731, 04936208705 ₹200.00
• Chandragiri Inn, Main Rd (near Old Bus stand.), ☏ +91 4936-203049.  
• Hotel Wayanad Empire. KSRTC Kalpetta. 04936206633
• Kalpetta Tourist Home, Old Bus Station. ₹300. (updated May 2015)
• M.G.T International, Main road, ☏ +91 4936-202705.  
• Megha Lodge. Near Old Busstand., 04936202584 ₹400 upwards.
• PPS Tourist home, ☏ +91 4936-203732. From ₹250. 
• Sinai Dormitory, Near Panchayath Office.  (updated Jan 2002)
• Little Castle Dormitory, Near Kinfra Police Station.  (updated Nov 2015)
• Morning Might Dormitory, Near Coffee Research Station.  (updated Nov 2015)
• PWD Rest House Government Lodge, ☏ +91 7594970085. ₹ 600. (updated Nov 2025)

• Affas Tourist home, Near New Bus Stand, ☏ +91 4936-205185, +91 9744-445185. ₹800. 
• Falcon Residency, New Bus Stand, ☏ +91 4936206331. ₹800. (updated May 2015)
• 11.6296476.087691 Green Gates Hotel (luxury 3 star hotel), T. B. Road, ☏ +91 4936202001. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. A three star hotel on a hillock. The in-house facilities include a games parlor with pool table, table-tennis, carrom, chess, darts, a state of the art fitness center, an Ayurvedic spa, children's play area, a garden and a swimming pool. The service at the hotel is good. ₹2,750.  
• Haritagiri Ecotel, ☏ +91 4936-203145 - 48.  
• Harithagiri Village, Old Bus Station (1 km). Hotel and Ayurvedic spa. (updated May 2015)
• Hill View Residency, Opp. Fire Station (1 km on Calicut Road), ☏ +91 4936204996. ₹1,060. (updated May 2015)
• Planet Green Plantation Resort (Kalpetta), Manjilam Kolli Road, Chuzhali, Via KSRTC bus Depot (3 km from Kalpetta bus stand), ☏ +91 9746728260. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. Inside a coffee plantation, surrounded by acres of tea estates. Rooms face Chembra Peak and green hills. The resort is built in estate house style on pillars in a sloping hill. There are two blocks consisting of five rooms each with separate entry. Deluxe cottage ₹3,000, premium suites ₹4,000. 
• Space Park Residency near KSRTC Kalpetta 9048898949 04936206688. Family rooms, dorm, conference hall.
• 11.6156376.083612 Woodlands Hotel, Old Bus Station.  (updated May 2015)
• Banasura Lake View Cottage, Padincharathara, ☏ +91 9447309123, [email protected]. Free breakfast and dinner. 1,250. (updated Mar 2016)

• 11.61984576.0843343 Wayanad Silverwoods Resort, Vythiri-Tharuvana Road, Manjoora, ☏ +91 4936 273310, [email protected]. Perched on a hillock on the banks of the Banasura Sagar Dam, set on 16 acres and provides a view of the Banasura Sagar with the Banasura Mountains as the backdrop. The resort has 34 cottages and 21 rooms with recreational facilities including a fitness centre, club house, Ayurvedic spa, infinity pool and kids' play area. The resort also has a convention centre, travel desk, parking, Wi-Fi and concierge and provides airport transfers.  (updated Oct 2016)

• The eastern hills of Kerala are vulnerable to attacks from an Indian communist group called Maoists. They once attacked the ticket counter of Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali. As the Maoists are armed and dangerous, be careful when you trek in lonely areas.[1]
• Leeches are common in the hills. Carry some table salt to dislodge the leeches.
• Monkeys can be a nuisance, especially at places like Lakkidi viewpoint. Be careful and keep your car windows closed, and food items hidden.

• Falcon Tours and Travels, New Bus Station, ☏ +91 7034236332.  (updated May 2015)
• High Speed Internet, Opposite Catholic Syrian Bank, Old Bus Station (1 km).  (updated Jan 2002)

• Mananthavady
• Meppadi
• Sultan Bathery

• Bandipur National Park, 104 km, famous for its tiger and elephant reserve and protected sandalwood trees
• Mudumalai National Park, 76 km, offers a variety of flora and fauna plus the opportunity to go on an elephant safari
• Nagarhole National Park, 72 km, an exclusive hunting reserve it is a well managed park with tiger, gaur and elephants