Kerala Tourism offers plenty of attractions to explore, one of which is the serene and picturesque hill station, Wayanad. It is a magnificent hill station in Kerala, famous for its cool climate, natural attractions, and scenic beauty. It is a hidden gem in the Indian state of Kerala, far from the tussles of city life. It offers a harmonious blend of rich cultural heritage, adventure, and natural beauty. With its diverse wildlife, vibrant tribal culture, and natural beauty, Wayanad is one of the best holiday destinations in India. Every year, tourists like adventure seekers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts visit this exotic land.
If you are also planning a Wayanad trip with friends or family, then our Wayanad travel guide will help you a lot. Our travel guide provides all the essential information on how to reach Wayanad and the top attractions to see in Wayanad. Besides, we will see the best time to visit Wayanad.
About Wayanad
Wayanad is located at the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau. It is a district in the north-east of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the only plateau in Kerala. Situated on the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a tranquil hill station in Kerala. Its name, Wayanad, is derived from two names: “Vayal" means rice fields, and “Nadu” means land. So, the name Wayanad means the “Land of Paddy Fields”. This hill station is famous for its prehistoric Edakkal Caves, spice plantation, diverse wildlife, mystic knolls, tribal culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a nature lover, thrill seeker, or history enthusiast, Wayanad provides an ideal retreat for every kind of traveler.
The town has some stunning viewpoints that provide a scenic view of the valley and mountains. Apart from this, the hill station has several other spots that are perfect for sunset and sunrise experiences, recreational activities, and leisure walks. Our Wayanad travel guide includes all the information on what to see and what to do in Wayanad. Also, we recommend tourists to pre-book Wayanad tour packages to embark on an insightful journey to this wonderland and also get the best option for a wonderful Wayanad stay.
Best Places to Visit in Wayanad
Wayanad is one of the sought-after holiday destinations in Kerala. It is a beautiful hill station famous for its mountains and verdant terrains for trekking and hiking. The hill station is covered with lush greenery, which makes it even more appealing. The lush green forest of Wayanad houses varied flora and fauna. It is a land of ponds and paddy fields, making it an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, trekkers, families, and couples. If you are planning a Wayanad tour, here are the best places you must add to your Wayanad tour package:
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Located in a dense forest area, Meenmutty Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, Meenmutty Waterfalls is famous for its stunning natural beauty. For every nature lover and thrill-seeker, this three-tiered waterfall will be a unique experience. The water falls from a height of approximately 1000 feet. Well, it is the second-largest waterfall in Kerala, located in the Western Ghats. This cascade is a must-visit destination for every tourist seeking an escape into nature.
It’s a perfect destination to indulge in a photo session. You get some awesome views here to get clicked. However, there’s an entry fee for kids and adults, with extra charges for cameras. The timing for visiting Meenmutty Waterfalls is from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Although the view of the waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful, avoid visiting here in the monsoon season.
Chembra Peak
One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Chembra Peak, is the best tourist attraction for nature and adventure enthusiasts. The peak is visible from different parts of Wayanad. Located at an altitude of 6890 ft above sea level, Chembra Peak offers a breathtaking view of the region. The peak is located 8 km south of Kalpetta near the town of Meppadi. The peak is under the Forest Department, and it also organizes the Chembra Peak trek. It takes you through a lush green forest, waterfalls, and a heart-shaped lake on the peak. According to the locals’ belief, this lake never dries and Goddess Sita has once bathed in the lake. Chembra Peak is one of the top tourist destinations in Wayanad, especially for those who want a serene nature walk. From the peak, you get a breathtaking view of the region, including the flora and fauna.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
A heaven for wildlife lovers, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. Your trip to Wayanad is incomplete without exploring this popular tourist attraction. It is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to varied flora and fauna. You will see fauna like tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild dogs, langurs, elephants, and deer in their natural habitat. Apart from this, you will see endangered species of butterflies and birds with beautiful flora that are a treat to the eyes. Enjoy an elephant elephant rides, nature walks, or jeep safaris to explore Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Edakkal Caves
One of the sought-after tourist destinations in Wayanad is Edakkal Caves. Approximately 25 km away from Kalpetta lie two caves that exemplify nature’s skills. These caves are located 1200 m above sea level, which attracts hundreds of history buffs from all over the world. The caves have prehistoric inscriptions and wall carvings. You will see humans and wildlife figures depicted in different styles in the cave, along with the things or objects that people of that time used for animals. Inside the caves, you will see two naturally formed chambers. These are named per their location, like ‘Upper Chamber’ and ‘Lower Chamber’.
Since the Edakkal Caves are situated at a high altitude, you will have to trek for 90 minutes to reach the location. From there, you will embark on another 45-minute trek to reach the mouth of the cave. You will see the wall carvings inside the cave, which are believed to be approximately 8000 years old. There will be an entry fee and specific timings to enter the caves. You can visit the cave on any day from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Another must-visit attraction in Wayanad that welcomes all kinds of tourists is the Banasura Sagar Dam. It’s a perfect place to spend quality time in the serenity of lush greenery and a cascade. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is a picture-perfect location that gives you the best backdrop with a gushing waterfall, majestic hills, and flora and fauna. Not only are natural beauty admirers, but the place also offers adventures for thrill seekers. Boating in this lake is the best fun activity you can enjoy here. Besides, you can give horse riding a try, trekking, and camel riding to enjoy your visit to this exotic destination. You can take your adventure to the next level by staying in a nearby resort. This gives you the best opportunity to be in touch with the unparalleled natural beauty for a longer period.
Soochipara Falls
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara Falls is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. This three-tiered cascade is located in Vellarimala, Wayanad. You will have to drive approximately 35 km from Wayanad town to reach Soochipara Falls, which mesmerizes visitors with its unmatched beauty. The water of the fall joins the river named Chaliyar and makes a pool at the bottom, where tourists like to sit and relax. You can also spend your time at leisure here by dipping your feet in the water and chilling for hours.
Jain Temple
Another major attraction that is worth exploring on your Wayanad tour is the Jain Temple. It dates back to the 13th century and stands as a testimony to the strong presence of Jainism in Kerala. To date, it is the holiest place for Jains. However, later this worship place became an important centre for business activities. Devotees flock here for the festival of Mahavir Jayanti every year. It is the only time of the year when the idol of Mahavira is brought to the temple. People who follow Jainism celebrate this festival with great zest and zeal and worship Lord Mahavira.
Top Things to Do in Wayanad
Wayanad is a paradise for travelers who want to explore the emerald forest of the Indian state of Kerala. Not only does this majestic land offer mystic mountains, rich tribal heritage, and history to explore, but also you get enthralling activities to enjoy. This makes your Wayanad trip with family or friends even more interesting. As promised, our Wayanad travel guides include all the essential information on making your trip memorable. Apart from the best things to see, here is a list of the top things to do in Wayanad.
Trekking
Wayanad is one of the best destinations for trekkers in South India. People ascend the famous Chembra Peak, located at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. You too can climb up the Chembra Peak and explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy the panoramic view from the peak. So, enjoy trekking to explore Wayanad's hills, forests, and wildlife by walking or hiking. It's a great way to connect with nature.
Spa Retreat
You cannot miss spa retreats when in Kerala, the state that has a deep connection with Ayurveda and spa treatments. Enjoy some rejuvenating spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation of your body and mind. You can get massages, treatments, and therapies to feel calm and refreshed.
Tree House Stay
Have you ever fantasized about living in a tree house? Well, your dream can come true in Wayanad. Living in a treehouse offers a unique way to connect with nature and experience tranquillity. It will be once in a lifetime memory for sure.
Cycling Tour
Explore Wayanad's scenic routes and landscapes on a bicycle. This way you'll get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and see the local sights in a fun and active way.
These activities let you experience Wayanad's natural beauty, relax and rejuvenate, and have some adventure!
Best Time to Visit Wayanad
Wayanad is a year-round tourist destination in Kerala. People, depending on their personal preferences, visit this picturesque hill station in any season. Every season has something unique to offer to its tourists. While summer is the apt season for sightseeing and outdoor activities, monsoon turns the valley lush paradise, which is apt for nature lovers and couples who are looking for a romantic getaway. Winter is also the best time to visit Wayanad with cool and comfortable temperatures. Visiting Wayanad during the spring season, that is, from February to April, offers you the best scenery with blue skies and blooming flora, which are a perfect time for photographers.
How to Reach
Wayanad is well-connected with other cities in Kerala by road, rail, and air. Every transport mode gives a mesmerizing experience to reach Wayanad. Here are the different ways to reach Wayanad and see the options you get from your city based on your budget and time.
How to Reach Wayanad by Train
The nearest railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode (Calicut), which is located only 85 km from Wayanad hill station. Traveling by train is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to reach Wayanad from any part of the country. Just board a train that reaches Kozhikode. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Wayanad. This road journey is itself a unique experience that gives a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty of Kerala.
How to Reach Wayanad by Flight
People who want to save time can travel by flight. The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode International Airport, which is only 97 km from the district. You get frequent flights from the major cities of India and abroad as well. You get flights to Kozhikode from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. You even get flights from Thiruvananthapuram and Patna, but the availability and frequency vary.
How to Reach Wayanad by Bus
The district is well-connected by roads from all the major and minor cities in the state and nearby states. A bus journey from your city to Wayanad is a unique experience in itself. The lush greenery and scenic vistas make the road trip even more enjoyable and a treat to the eyes.
