About:

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is situated in Ambalavayal, Near Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district, Kerala.The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum in Wayanad,- has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Ambalavayal museum is a hot bed for historians, archeologists and common travelers alike. It exhibits the remnants of all the traces of a long lost civilization that flourished in the mountains of Wayanad. The museum is a veritable treasure trove of clay sculptures, ancient hunting artifacts, and other varied sculptures. They are a testimony to the fact that ancient human civilization existed here in an organized form. Among the collection of the artifacts and curios, one can find items like arrows, bows, prehistoric stone weapons, clay models and sculptures, etc. The Ambalavayal heritage museum, Kerala has an interesting collection for historians and layman alike. From the artifacts one can make out that the civilization that existed in the mountain valley of Wayanad was one of the most advanced races with superior hunting tactics and equipments. Reminiscent of a tribal culture, who were valiant soldiers, Ambalavayal museum Wayanad is one of the best maintained, museum in Kerala’s Malabar region. Tribal artifacts like headgears, jewelry, figurines of Nandi and other deities are also kept on display. A graceful idol structure of goddess Urvara adorns the main hall. Significantly enough these tribal believed that as a goddess of fertility, she is responsible for the well being of the land and the keeper of the people.

The assortment ranges from etchings in clay, arms carved out of stone among a host of interesting artifacts. Alike the ruins of Mohenjodaro that exhibited path breaking architectural marvels, a visit to this wonderful museum will surely make you wonder at a lifestyle that was completely avant-garde.The Ambalavayal heritage museum displays a variety of artifacts and remnants ranging from ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, clay sculptures, stone weapons and other curios.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Sulthan Bathery:

The place is associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and specially the Jain temple where you'll see some great carvings on stone.

Chethalayam Falls:

It is a small waterfall of Wayanad. The place is specially favoured by the tourists for bird watching.

Muniyaras:

The excavations at the base of the Ambukuthi hills have uncovered ancient burial vaults called Muniyaras. The stone age tools and pottery have also been found here.

Jain Temple:

The Jain Temple of Sulthan Bathery built in the 13th century has withstood the tests of time – having served as a place of worship for Jains, Hindus and later used as an ammunition store (battery) by Tipu Sulthan’s army. This place of historic importance is one of the prominent tourist attractions here.

Ganapathi Temple:

The eight century old Ganapathi Temple is a famous place of Hindu worship in Sulthan Bathery. This ancient temple, located in the heart of the town, was the very reason why Sulthan Bathery was earlier referred as Ganapativattom.

Mariyamman Temple:

The Mariyamman Temple is the focal point of tribal population in the area; their lives revolving around the temple and its rituals. The temple, believed to have been gifted by Pazhassi Raja to the tribals as a gesture of thanksgiving for helping him fight the British Empire.

Kanthapara Falls:

About 25 km north-east of Kalpetta is Padinjarathara Dam. This dam is 2nd largest in Asia and is attractive with serene environment engulfing it. Padinjarathara is surrounded by mist capped mountains and wildlife sanctuary. Picturesque ambience, beautiful location and divine.

Pookot Lake:

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

Phantom Rock:

Phantom rock is named so because of its skull shape and is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities. Phantom Rock is located close to Ambalavayal town.

Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS):

The RARS is located in Ambalavayal town is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. This station conducts research on spices, tropical and sub tropical fruits, vegetables and hill paddy.

Edakkal caves:

The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feetlong by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet.A travel tour to Kerala, showcases a vast variety of architectural and natural marvels at the disposal of a seeking out traveler who needs to be informed about attractions like the Edakkal cave treasure

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Kozhikode Railway Station

Nearest Airport:

Karipur international airport at Kozhikode

Road Transport:

Sulthan Bathery, the nearest town, is about 98 km from Kozhikode city.There are frequent bus services between Sulthan Bathery and Kozhikode. This can be accessed easily from anywhere in Kerala and Wayanad as it is well connected by a wide network of roads.

Nearest Visiting places:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PAKSHIPATHALAM :-

The labyrinth of Pakshipathalam is another fascinating trek. Pakshipathalam is the abode of various exotic birds & wild beasts. This is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. Wayanad is within easy reach of five wildlife preserves. Bandipur, Nagerhole, Muthanga, Begur and Tholpatty. These wildlife sanctuaries are home to many species of birds and wild animals. You can sight a spotted deer or a solitary tusker. Or the greatest hunter of them all - the tiger.

Wayanad Heritage Museum:

The Wayanad Heritage Museum is home to a collection of archeological finds that highlight the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region.
Exhibits at the Wayanad Heritage Museum include sculptures of deities from the 14th to 16th C, headgear, weapons, pottery, jewelry, fish traps, and artifacts associated with tribal life. The figure of Nandi and other deities were collected from various parts of the region.

Tree Houses:

The tree houses of Vythiri are a truly amazing place to stay. Here you can experience a memorable stay in wooden lodges high up about 90 ft on trees in the evergreen forests of Kerala.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Established in 1973, this wildlife sanctuary of Wayanad is well secured and much maintained. A home to many exotic flora and fauna, this sanctuary also has trees of teak and bamboo.

Vythiri Hill Station:

Since Vythiri is located at the high ranges, at an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level, the climate here is pleasantly cool throughout the year. Spread over an area of 150 sq. km. Vythiri Hill Station in Kerala Imagine walking around soft undulating hills, surrounded by lush green plantations in a weather that is wet, cool and a perfect complement to the pristine ambience all around. Tree Houses of Vythiri are the major tourist attraction that gives a unique and adventurous experience to its holidaymakers.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump
Kalpetta - Mananthavadi Road
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kerala.

Thamarashery Petrol Pump
NH212, Thamarrassary
Kerala.

Junction Petrol Pump
Areekode Thamarashery Road
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Regency
Sultan Bathery, Kerala.

Herbal Nest
Sultan Bathery, Kerala
Tel:04936 220385.

Hotel Mintflower
Bangalore-Calicut High Way
Sultan Bathery, Kerala.

Nair Tea Stall
Nambiyarkunnu Short Cut Road
Ambalamoola Town
Tamil Nadu.

Edakkal Hermitage
Rock Valley, Kolaggappara Estate
Wayanad, Kerala
Tel:04936 221860.

Hiliya Resort
Kenichira Post Office
Near Sultan Bathery
Wayanad, Kerala
Tel:04936 211575.

Issac's Hotel Regency
Opposite Aiswarya Theatre
Sulthan Bathery
Wayanad, Kerala
Tel: 04936 220512.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Pothuckal police station
Pothuckal, Chungathara
Kerala.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road
Vellimadukunnu, Calicut
Kerala 673012.

Nadakkavu Police Station
NH 17, Calicut
Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Kerala
04936 220102.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Kerala.

Govt Taluk Hospital
Police Station Road
Sultan Bathery, Kerala.

Karuna Hospital
Kalpetta - Mananthavadi Road
Panamaram, Kerala.

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta - Mananthavady Rd
Kalpetta, Kerala State.

Link:

http://kerala--tourism.blogspot.com/2007/11/ambalavayal-heritage-museum.html
http://godsowncountrykerala1.blogspot.com/2009/04/heritage-museum-ambalavayal_19.html
http://mptourskerala.blogspot.com/2009/07/ambalavayal.html