Pazhassi Raja

Among the more recent stories of Wayanad, there is none more popular or inspiring than the story of Pazhassi Raja. A member of the royal family of Kottayam, he was one of the earliest freedom fighters of India who fought against the British East India Company, refusing to accept their rule. The company ousted him from his palace but he found sanctuary in the hills of Wayanad and continued to battle the company. He was eventually killed here in 1805 and buried at Mananthavady, where his tomb still stands and has become a tourist attraction after a film was made in Malayalam based on his life. Deep inside the forest are also some of his forts, which can only be visited with help from the locals, since none of them are well known.
Additional information: Pazhassi Raja’s tomb is located in Mananthavady about 37 Km from Kalpetta.