Want a stress-free, adventurous holiday? If it is, then Wayanad Tourism is the right place for you. Nestled in the folds of God’s own country of Kerala, Wayanad opens its arms in the form of misty mountains and wild beckons. It has beautiful scenery, tribal flavor, and lip-smacking spices.
Some of the tourist attractions in Wayanad are hills, waterfalls, natural caves, religious destinations like temples, and viewpoints. Regarding this, the region is full of the most exciting things to do in Wayanad for trekking, rafting, and wildlife tours.
This ultimate guide is a never-ending guide to Wayanad travel, Wayanad’s top attractions, and Wayanad’s fun activities. Therefore, be it a single traveler or a family traveler, this blog will guide you through the Wayanad travel sightseeing. Prepare for an adventure in the great outdoors you will never forget!
List of The Best Places to Visit and Things to-do in Wayanad
1. Edakkal Caves
Located in the Ambukuthi Hills, these are among the prominent historical attractions of Wayanad. These caves showcase carvings and petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age. This helps them provide a glimpse into the lives of early human populations that inhabited the region.
To access the caves, you must walk for a distance of 1.5 km. The trek is relatively easy but fun and calls for a worthy adventure. In other words, this spot offers an interesting mix of adventure and history.
On the walls of the caves, there are images of persons, animals, and shapes. Therefore, Edakkal is popular among history lovers and tourist adventurers.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Entry fee: ₹20 for adults
- Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM
In other words, these caves are the top places to visit in the Wayanad tourism package. Another place they are also considered one of the most interesting and off-the-beaten-track spots in Wayanad.
2. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is the tallest peak of Wayanad with an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. Notably, its chief marvel is a heart-shaped lake – ‘Hridaya Saras’. For many, trekking to this point is among the most exhilarating things to do in Wayanad.
The distance of the trek is approximately 4 km, and one would require 3-4 hours to complete the trek. You will literally traverse through tea gardens, meadowlands, and forested areas. This makes it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Currently, only the first half of the trail up to the lake can be hiked. But even at that moment, it provides stunning views. Also, the presence of the mist makes the descent even more charming.
- Permit required: Yes
- Entry fee: ₹500 per group
- Difficulty: Moderate
In other words, if you are ready to take a challenging trek in Wayanad, then Chembra will be one of the best options.
3. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls is among the highest waterfalls in Wayanad and provides the thrill of falling from a height of 300 feet. It is located in a thick jungle, and one has to trek for two kilometers in the forest to get to the base of the cascade. It will, therefore, be as picturesque and as adventurous at the same time.
The river comprises three levels and is highly forceful in the monsoon season. That is to say, its flow in intensity makes a spray of water and causes the formation of mist. Nonetheless, the activity is not recommended during the rainy season due to the increased risk of an accident.
There, one can view magnificent images from viewpoints close to the park. Similarly, it is a prominent picnic area; therefore, it should carry food and water.
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
- The best time to visit: October to May
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
For instance, if you are searching for less touristy yet exploratory destinations, this must feature in your Wayanad tourism guide.
4. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam over the Karamanathodu River is the largest earthen dam in the country. Located amidst mountains and scenic views, Tarrand arrangements add beauty to Wayanad tourist places.
There is an opportunity for speed boating here, which is such an exciting experience. Besides, a children’s playground is nearby, and there are trails for walking for adult persons. For photographers, it even provides the best opportunity for those who like taking pictures at sunset.
Notably, the dam has a vital role in regulating the ecosystem of the area in question. On the other hand, it is also a recreational center for tourists, which will attract a lot of traffic.
- Boating fee: ₹450 for speed boats
- Entry fee: ₹40 per person
- Best time: November to April
In a nutshell, it integrates nature with play. In particular, it is a perfect place for leisure as well as for some trekking and adventurous activities in the Wayanad district.
5. Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is a beautiful and natural freshwater lake that is densely forested. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from Kalpetta, so it caters primarily to families. Indeed, this lake must be among the best tourist spots in Wayanad.
You can enjoy pedal boating and feeding fish in this place, which is located within the park. Also, there is a children’s park area, an aquarium area, and available souvenir shops near the sea. More than anything else, it is a place to spend a comatose hours or two.
Another enjoyable time is in the morning when the water surface is overcast with some sort of mist, which makes the view fascinating. Thus, it is a photographer’s paradise, too.
- Entry fee: ₹20 per person
- Boating charges: ₹50 per person
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Therefore, based on the analysis, Pookode Lake provides a serene atmosphere and lots of nature. Thus, it is really a gem for Wayanad’s tourism sector.
6. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Stretching over Muthanga and Tholpetty, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular and attractive wildlife destinations in Wayanad. It is included in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and the list of inhabitants includes elephants, bears, bison, and tigers.
You have an opportunity to travel by jeep through the forest area. For this reason, you may see herds of elephants or tropical birds. This place is also a perfect destination for bird watching and taking photographs of wild animals.
The sanctuary, on the other hand, is a center of eco-tourism and conservation.
Consequently, it is easy to understand that local guides are always prepared as much as possible to protect and teach people. Besides, there are tribes living near the park, and they also contribute to the cultural values of the park.
- Safari charges ₹1500 per Jeep
- Best time: October to May
- Safari Timings: 7 AM to 10 AM & 3 PM to 5 PM
Indeed, visiting this sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Wayanad if you love nature and animals.
7. Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple is considered one of the oldest temples of Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at the Bramhamagiri Hills, it is regarded as the spiritual counterpart among all the tourist attractions in Wayanad.
The temple’s name is also known as “Kashi of the South” because of its significance on the spiritual map of India. Many Kanyakumari tourists are strenuous believers, and it is considered to purify sins if the devotees dip in the adjacent Papanasini River.
The aura of the place due to the forest-like surroundings also makes the pilgrims come in search of calmness. Therefore, it is perfect for those people searching for cultural tourism in Wayanad.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 12 PM & 5 PM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear recommended
Summing up, Thirunelli Temple is a shrine and one of the most quiet historical landmarks in Wayanad.
8. Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is situated in the Kabini River, covering an area of 950 acres, and is one of the secluded places to visit in Wayanad. This group of small pieces of land can only be accessed by bamboo rafts, boats, or other water transport methods.
It is covered with green forests, a natural habitat for birds, orchids, and various herbs. As far as lovers of nature are concerned, one can indeed term the area as a heaven. Similarly, it is perfect for hiking, watching birds or other fauna, or taking photographs and videos.
There are small wooden bridges and some pathways made of mud in between these islands. For this reason, it is like a fairy tale of an unknown jungle.
- Entry Fee: ₹80 per person
- Rafting Fee: ₹50 per head
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
It is something new on your Wayanad travel tips, and it feels entirely different from other places.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Wayanad tourism is a perfect blend of nature and the cultural and historical heritage of Kerala. Whether you are hiking in the limestone caves of history or zamarin down the roads of the beautiful countryside, it is sure to capture your eye. There is so much to see in Wayanad for all categories of visitors, such as the family, couples, adventurers, and those who are interested in history and culture.
With such as trekking, temple visits, boating, and wildlife safaris, one can never be out of the best activities to do in Wayanad. Use these Wayanad travel tips and guidelines to ensure that your experience is hitch-free and more enjoyable.
This means that Wayanad will offer you great scenic beauty, leisure time, and adventurous activities to embark on. That’s your ideal way of spending a vacation – Wayanad tourist attractions will captivate you today!
The best time is between October to May. This makes it an excellent time to go sightseeing and undertake some extreme activities in Wayanad.
Yes! Many attractions in Wayanad are ideal for families and children, including lakes, parks, and historical monuments.
Yes, especially for places like Chembra Peak. One should always ensure that they go through the local regulations concerning the most commonly used trekking routes in Wayanad.
Some of the renowned waterfalls to enjoy in Wayanad are the Meenmutty Waterfall, the Soochipara Waterfall, and the Kanthanpara Waterfall. They give beautiful scenes that are filled with fresh feelings.
Absolutely! There are wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad which consist of Muthanga and Tholpetty, where you can go for jeep safari and bird watching.
