Pakshipathalam Trek | Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Trek Guide

Pakshipathalam trek in Wayanad, Kerala, involves hiking through hilly terrain. Only accessible via trekking routes, this trek is known for being “The Abode of Birds” due to the abundance of bird life and bat species. Wayanad offers visitors an exciting one-day trip through Karnataka, starting with Irpu Falls. Pakshipathalam sits atop Brahmagiri hills near Thirunelli; reaching it requires traversing lush forests, rolling hills, meadows, narrow caves and treacherous trails stretching out towards the horizon. Munikal Caves, an animal sanctuary, can be found deep within a remote portion of the woods. They can be reached after an eight-kilometre trek on a rugged forest trail; however, a lack of roads in this region may prove challenging. Therefore, your return trek should begin before nightfall sets in. A walk through this forest’s abundant fauna of animals and reptiles provides an exciting journey back. Along the way, you will frequently cross boundaries between Karnataka and Kerala; to trek here, prior approval from DFO North Wayanad and payment of an entry permit fee are necessary. We strongly suggest hiring an experienced guide for your trek.

Detailed Trail Information of Pakshipathalam

The trek takes four hours and covers 8km over moderate terrain, from behind Thirunelli Temple to Papanashini River via narrow routes. Once across the river, you are in a forest with steep terrain. Your trail will likely pass through many bamboos, smaller trees, and large grass blades; beware of cutting yourself on them! As soon as you reach the top along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Brahmagiri Peak, and birds and insects will join your journey. 

Within an hour of starting out on this trek, you will arrive at a watchtower in the forest that provides incredible panoramas of mountain range. Once at the watchtower, cross over the bridge onto the opposite slope and continue walking through the forest and past streams until reaching grassland and ultimately, reaching the border of Kerala-Karnataka. As you progress along this trail, it descends through Shola forest before ascending back up Pakshipathalam. 

On your journey forward, you’ll encounter a 30 feet tall rock that ascends to its highest point – this marks where Munekal Caves begin, composed of stones interconnecting into interconnected caves that shelter bats and bird nests – but be wary when exploring them as it could be slippery! Going down rocks takes you back down to the base of Pakshipathalam Mountain.

From Karnataka: Karnataka offers another route to reach Pakshipathalam, beginning with Irpu Falls. After turning left from the waterfall, turn onto a trail that winds its way for 2 km through dense forests before crossing over a river and returning through a mile-long smooth surface back into the forest, where a 500-meter trek leads visitors directly to Narimale Guesthouse, where food can be cooked; continue walking and you will reach Munekal Caves located 3km ahead. To take this route, it is necessary to seek permission; Srimangala village, 9km from Irpu Falls, can provide this permission from Irpu Falls can give access.

How to Reach

Akshipathalam lies 7 km southwest of Thirunelli and 32 km southwest of Mananthavady within the Wayanad district. Regular bus services connect Mananthavady with major cities; local jeeps or buses can then transport you directly to Thirunelli.

Food and Accommodation

Starting your trek early is highly advised, as it can take an entire day to complete, and camping is strictly forbidden. It is wise to consult the Wayanad Forest Department between February and May to see if trekking is allowed due to potential summer fire risks. There are ample water sources throughout the trail, so there should be no worries regarding the availability of water sources; accommodations are also available in Mananthavady for your stay.