Kerala Tourism - Plan your trip with complete Kerala travel guide including top places.

Wayanad Kerala

Located in the north-eastern part of Kerala, Wayanad is adorned with the northern hills of Kerala and has gained prominence for flora, fauna, cascading waterfalls, mist-capped mountains, interesting caves, green valleys, trekking and camping activities, etc. Tourists hovering here are enthused by the wide varieties of spice, tea, coffee plantations, herbal products, honey making and bamboo products. The picturesque beauty makes Wayanad one of the favourite tourist destinations.

How to Reach -

  • By Flight - The nearest airport to reach Wayanad is Calicut Airport, which is at a distance of approx 93.6 kms.
  • By Train - The nearest railway station to reach Wayanad is Kozhikode Main (Calicut) Railway Station at a distance of approximately 85.9 kms.
  • By Road - Roads to Wayanad are well linked from all major cities of India. Alighting from train or landing from flight you can avail cab services to reach Wayanad. Buses are also available from KSRTC Bus Stand at Kozhikode.
kerala wayanad
wayanad in kerala

Best Places to Visit

Edakkal Caves - Beholding immense archeological significance, Edakkal Caves were first discovered by Fred Fawcet in 1890. The Stone Age carvings inside these caves are believed to be from Neolithic and Mesolithic Age. Apart from the paintings of the humans, animals, symbols, etc.Tamil and Brahmi script are also present inside the caves.

BanasuraSagar Dam - The dam got its name from the son of King Mahabali, the popular ruler of Kerala. BanasuraSagar Dam is located on the foothills of Banasura hills and is the largest earth dam in India. The dam was constructed to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric Power Project to cater the irrigation and regular requirements.

Soochipara Falls - Spend a couple of hours admiring the beauty of the charming Soochipara Waterfall, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. The spot is well surrounded by deciduous, evergreen and montane forests and is famous for rock climbing.

Chembra Peak - The highest peak in Wayanad district, Chembra Peak is a trekking paradise and a popular weekend getaway. Lush greenery, tea plantations, heart-shaped lake and small waterfalls, beautiful flora and fauna are a wholesome treat to eyes in the Chembra Peak.

Kuruva Island -Enjoy the pristine nature at the heart of Kabini River, in the cluster of islands under the protected area of KuruvaDweep. This uninhabited island is the natural residence of rare flora and fauna species and the unfiltered picturesque beauty of nature. Tourists enjoy the rafting and boating arranged by Kerala Tourism Department.

Pookode Lake - The gorgeous perennial freshwater lake of Wayanad is in the shape of an Indian map and is the home of national flower lotus and several fishes. A species of cyprinid fish, PethiaPookodensis is said to be seen only in this lake. The aesthetic beauty unfurled from the surrounding forests and the sights of fauna and avifauna are the predominant centre of attraction.

Thirunelli Temple -Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Thirunelli Temple is also recognised as SahyamalaKshetram and Kashi of South. The temple is designed according to the ancient temple architecture and the rituals are performed at the banks of Papanashini stream.

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary -The sanctuary is a haven of multiple species of avifauna and is the heaven for bird watchers. The way to Pakshipathalam encompasses a 17 km hiking trail. The place is a hidden gem in the forests of Brahmagiri highlands in Mananthavady.

Lakkidi Viewpoint - The enchanting view from Lakkidi is carpeted with greenery and its popularity lies in the 9 hairpin caves. Experience either sunset or sunrise from the viewpoint to get a heavenly experience.

Sultan Bathery Jain Temple - The fabulous architectural marvel of the Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery is a significant Jain pilgrimage site and the temple belonged to Vijayanagar Dynasty. There is the deity of Lord Mahavira inside the temple. The place was believed to be the safehouse for storing ammunition by Tipu Sultan.

En Ooru -It is a tribal village hamlet at Pookode, designed with the primary intention to acquaint the tourist with the tribal culture and history. The En Uru project is governed by the tribal people to preserve their heritage. The hamlet consists of ten prototype tribal cottages, a café, a rain shelter, an amphitheatre to demonstrate tribal art, a toilet block, an art and crafts workshop, landscape improvements, a historical pathway, and a children's recreation park.

Meenmutty Waterfalls - The enthralling waterfall crashes from 1000 feet and reaching here involves a trek of 2 kms. The landscape surrounding the waterfall is worth admiration. The waterfall has three viewpoints and falls at 3 separate levels.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Experience nature in its true and wild spirit at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the southern trenches of Western Ghats. Asian Elephants, vultures, tigers, jungle cats, leopards, Sloth bear, Gaur, Indian pangolin, wild dog, sambar deer, etc. are among the vast stretch of wildlife along with other fauna, flora and avifauna. The purest form of honey, Wild gold honey is collected here at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wayanad Heritage Museum - A must visit place at Wayanad to get enriched about the technological advancements in the bygone civilisations. The museum also has a rich collection of weapons, clay sculptures, stone carvings, megalithic age pottery, hard and soft rock idols, pictorial rock edicts and tribal artefacts of Neolithic age to 12th, 16th, 17th centuries, etc.

Things to do

Relax at Vythiri Village Resort Spend relaxing holidays and experience the comfort at Vythiri Village Resort. The chirping of the birds, the aroma of the spice plantations and the view of Chembra Peak and Karachi Stream adds bliss to the stay. An overnight stay in the tree house of the resort is a must try.

Marvel on Neelimala Viewpoint Experience the spellbinding sight from the Neelimala Viewpoint and that is going to have an everlasting imprint in your memory. Get the bird’s eye spectacular view of Meenmutty Waterfalls, misty hills, emerald meadows, etc.

Experience bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island Bamboo rafting through the tributaries of the Kabini River to the island will be a unique experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Prior permission is required from the forest department before entering the KuruvaDweep and you will be accompanied by a professional guide to acknowledge you with the accurate information about the flora and fauna of the island.

Jungle trek in Kalladi Forest Experience a jungle trek in a village named Kalladi. The months of December to March are the best time to be involved in the trek. The 6-7 hours trek encompasses some old tea factories in operation since pre-independence period and the pleasure of visually capturing the lush greenery and the beauty of Western Ghats.

Enjoy Zip line at Karlad Lake Karlad Lake is the 2nd largest lake in Wayanad and the zipline across the lake is the longest in South India and is the top attraction among the tourists visiting there. The zipline covers 350 metres across the lake and the return is done by boating on the lake.

Indulge in Handicraft Shopping Visit Shanti Pappadam to do some authentic shopping of handicraft and handloom products to take back from Kerala as souvenirs. You can also buy honey, spices, coffee, tea, coconut shell crafts, etc.

Cycling at Nilgiri Implement your cycling abilities into the paths amid the tea plantations of Nilgiri ranges. The most popular cycling routes are at Chundale and Kalpetta regions.