Pakshipathalam TrekSTARTING POINT: Thirunelli Forest AreaENDING POINT: Pakshipathalam CaveDIFFICULTY LEVEL: DifficultTREK DISTANCE: 16 KM (Round Trip)BEST SEASON: November to FebruaryPakshipathalam trek-one of the wildest and most adventurous trekking routes of Wayanad-with its deep valleys, dense ever-green forest and natural cave systems. Considered as one of the best clean forest trekking trails of Wayanad, it leads into the dense jungle of Brahmagiri and nature both flora and fauna is untouched and raw. This is definitely a trekker’s paradise for a birdwatcher, wild life and nature photographer owing to its rich bio diversity. Known as 'Land of Birds', this trail has numerous species of birds including hornbills, woodpeckers, Malabar trogons and numerous endemic species that are found here. Various species of animals such as Elephants, Deer, giant squirrel and different species of Butterflies can be observed along the trek. The trekking trail offers one major tourists' attraction- a deep cave system nestled amongst huge rocks that appears enigmatic. This challenging trekking trail with narrow paths that go through forest and rocky terrain presents a sequence of ups and downs for the trekkers. While descending into the valley, you get splendid views of the Western Ghats and the wild territory beyond. The path has a dense green canopy covering the majority of the trek, making it less sunny, thus adding to the tranquil environment with its birdsong and babbling streams. The trek trail, which can be categorized as pure wild, must be undertaken with a guide, and in most of the regions, a permit would be required.
