Mananthavady



Mananthavady is a city in the Malabar region of Kerala, India. It is a transportation hub of Eastern Wayanad and buses to Kozhikode, Kannur, Thalassery and Mysore start from the KSRTC depot here.

Understand


Mananthavady is the third biggest town in the Wayanad district. The town is built around an ancient Latin church. The church is on a beautiful hillock and the whole city traffic flows around the hill. Mananthavady is the gateway to the Wayanad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai sanctuaries.

Get in
Mananthavady is accessible by bus from Mysore, Kozhikode, Kannur and Ooty. There is no rail link. The nearest airports are Kozhikode and Bangalore.

Main routes

 * Kannur-Iritty-Kottiyoor-Boystown-Mananthavady.94 km (Very steep and risky climb)
 * Thalassery-Kuthuparamba-Nedumpoyil-Periya-Boystown-Mananthavady. 82 km
 * Vadakara-Kuttiady-Niravilpuzha-Kanhirangad-Kallody-Mananthvady. 67 km
 * Mananthavady-Kutta-Gonikupa-Virajpet-Madikeri.115 km
 * Mysore-HDKote-Bavali-Mananthavady.112 km
 * Mananthavady-Nalammile-Panamaram-Kambalakkad-Kalpetta. 37 km

Get around
Getting around is easy because of ubiquitous autorikshaws. Autorikshaws charge ₹30 per km and buses are even cheaper at only ₹7 for three km. Air-conditioned Volvo bus is available to Kalpetta for ₹67 (8:35AM, 10:55AM and 2:55PM)

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.

See

 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.
 * Safari trips into the forest are conducted by the forest office daily in two batches, one in the morning (7-9AM) and one in the afternoon (3-5PM). It is best to go as early as possible in these slots to be able to do some sightings, as the animals retire during the hot sun. The safari is done in jeep, and the officials are happy to guide you around the sights in the forest. A maximum of 200 safaris are allowed per batch, so make sure you are early enough if going on a holiday. Carrying a camera requires an extra charge.
 * There is a new wildlife museum near the forest entrance where you can view facts and displays on the sanctuary. Toilets are available, and food stalls opposite the entrance.



Eat


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 tea and coffee are also sold in many places. Shops near Edakkal caves offer many options such as spiced versions.

Buy
You can buy handbags and souvenirs made by tribal people at very reasonable rates.

Stay safe

 * The eastern hills of Kerala are vulnerable to attacks from an Indian communist group called Maoists. In 2015, they 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.
 * 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.

Go next

 * Kalpetta
 * Kannur
 * Madikeri
 * Mysore
 * Virajpet
 * Ooty