Meppadi: Temples and nature nearby

Meppadi is about 10 km from Kalpetta and is an important place on the Kozhikode–Ooty Road. Temples and religious traditions shape the local culture; waterfalls and hikes are among the natural attractions nearby.

Temples, a mosque and religious traditions

At the Sri Mariamman Temple in Meppadi, Mariyatha, a Tamil goddess, is especially revered by the Tamil-Konar community. The Jumma Masjid is also a prominent religious building: the centuries-old mosque stands on the road to Meppadi and is admired for its beauty.

The Sri Mariamman Temple and the Jumma Masjid are so close to each other that each can be seen from the other. This line of sight is regarded as a symbol of communal harmony. The two distinct religious traditions thus stand in a relationship that is immediately visible.

Manikunnu Hill lies to the north, near Meppadi. Ritual worship there has historical significance. Devotees climb the hill with offerings such as flattened rice, puffed rice, coconuts and bananas; “devotional songs and chants” ring out from the foot of the hill.

The Thenanayar family from Thinapuram also once performed a traditionally celebrated Thirayattam ritual. Thinapuram is about five kilometres from Meppadi. The performance belongs to the past; it is not an indication of a current or regularly scheduled event.

Scenery and hikes nearby

The Kanthanpara Waterfalls, near Meppadi, are considered peaceful. Bamboo groves and natural forests add to their wild beauty. The route to the falls is often described as more beautiful than the waterfall itself. Visitors can hike through tea gardens on both sides of the falls. A two-hour hike is also offered along the banks of the Kanthanpara River. If you plan to take either hike, check the current conditions and availability of the offering in advance.

The Kanthanpara area is near the Meppadi Forest Range, which belongs to the South Wayanad Forest Division. Species found there include the Malabar Gray Hornbill, Common Flameback Woodpecker, White-cheeked Barbet and White-Throated Kingfisher. These species offer a specific impression of the area’s birdlife, without making any claims about how common they are or whether they are present in every season.

Nearby Vaduvanchal also has characteristics of the highlands of the Western Ghats. Together with the forests, bamboo groves and tea gardens around Kanthanpara, this reveals the area’s scenic diversity, without suggesting that the individual places form a single excursion destination.

Getting around and places to visit

Meppadi is about 10 km from Kalpetta and about 76 km from Kozhikode. The Kozhikode–Ooty route passes through Meppadi on its way from Thamarassery Churam to Cherambadi. According to the Logan Malabar Manual, Tipu Sultan built the route. Thollayiram is 13 km from Meppadi and can be reached via Kalladi Makham; check current road conditions before setting out.

Meppadi is the closest town for the Chembra hike. Chembra Peak, also known regionally as Chembra Kodumudi, is the highest peak in Wayanad. The Chembra hike is a full-day offering organised by the Forest Department. As the package’s availability may change, check in advance whether it is offered during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Muttil South, Muthanga, Wayanad, Kottappadi part, Muttil, Makkiyad, Thondernad, Thrikkaipatta part.

Go to the main travel overview: Wayanad.