Wayanad is located in the Indian state of Kerala. The beauty of nature and the chirping of birds is awe-inspiring here. The place is lovely in Kerala. Its mountain scenic view, coffee plantations, and many more things make the place more amazing and worthwhile. The place possesses many tourist attractions as well. Many tourists explore all the places.
Why Visit Wayanad?
If you are looking for an offbeat destination in South India, Wayanad should be on top of your list. This lesser-known hill station is part of a forest reserve in Kerala that is connected to the Mudumalai forest in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, forming a large mass of forest area for wildlife to move about freely. With its scenic topography, wildlife, and spice plantations, Wayanad is a nature lover’s paradise.
Located at a distance of 76km from Kozhikode on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Wayanad offers great scenic views of the Western Ghats. It is a beautiful blend of misty mountains, lush green forests, and cascading waterfalls. The hill station’s unspoiled natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
List of the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Wayanad:
1. Edakkal Caves
The place possesses two caves and is located at a distance of 25 km from Edakkal. It is located at an altitude of 1200 m. The caves are very popular for beautiful paintings. It consists of paintings of humans, animals, letters, and symbols. Fred Fawcett discovered it in the year 1890.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 25 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather.
- Weather: Cool and pleasant.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Things to Do: Explore the ancient rock art, hike to the caves, enjoy the scenic views.
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2. Chembra Peak
It is the highest peak of Wayanad and is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters. This spot is trendy for trekking activities. A greenery environment well surrounds it.
The month of September to March is the best time for visiting this place. For the tourist, this spot is open in the daytime. Read Also: Top Amazing Reasons to Visit Alleppey Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Around 17 kilometers.
- Time taken: Roughly 1 hour by road.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February for clear views.
- Weather: Cool and misty.
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 hours for the trek.
- Things to Do: Trek to the top, enjoy the heart-shaped lake, soak in the panoramic views.
3. Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli temple is ancient in the district and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at an altitude of 900 m.
The temple is very well surrounded by mountains and forests, which look very striking. Devotees believe in this temple as they can perform all the customs and rituals from birth to death. Read Also: Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 62 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February for pleasant weather.
- Weather: Generally cool and comfortable.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Things to Do: Visit the ancient temple, explore the surrounding forests, take a dip in the Papanasini River.
4. Lakkidi View Point
The spot is trendy for amazing scenes. The point consists of nine hairpin caves, and also it offers a pleasant view of the mountain. The place comprises many birds, which are amazing to see.
This point is also preferred as a popular picnic spot and is also known as the Gateway of Wayanad. The place receives high rainfall during the year. Read Also: 10 Things to do in Kerala Honeymoon.
- Distance from Wayanad: Around 5 kilometers.
- Time taken: Roughly 15 to 20 minutes by road.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year for panoramic views.
- Weather: Pleasant and cool.
- Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley, shop for souvenirs, relax in the cool breeze.
Read also: Planning a November Trip to Kerala? Here’s Where to Go
5. Soochippara Falls
It is also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. It is situated at a height of 200 m. The place is trendy for rock climbing. The water which flows from the falls also joins the Chulika river.
The river is also known as the Chaliyar river. The spot is well surrounded by a few forests, namely deciduous, evergreen and montane. The place required at least 1-2 hrs. for visiting. Read Also: List of Popular Beaches in Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 22 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for the best waterfall views.
- Weather: Rainy and cool.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Things to Do: Take a refreshing dip in the pool, trek through the forest, enjoy the natural beauty.
6. Banasura Hill
It is one of the tallest hills in the district of Wayanad. The name Banasura was derived from an Indian mythical character. It is located at an altitude of 2073 m. The place is trendy for trekking, and visitors like to trek here.
Adventure seekers also visit the place. During trekking, people see some the animals such as elephants, wild boars, and deer. For trekking, people need to cover a distance of 9 km to reach the top of the peak. Read Also: List of Top 9 Hill Stations In Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Around 23 kilometers.
- Time taken: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February for pleasant weather.
- Weather: Cool and pleasant.
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours for trekking and exploring.
- Things to Do: Trek to the top for stunning views, camp overnight, explore the flora and fauna.
7. Kuruvadweep
People also know this place as the name of Kuruva Island. The spot is well spread into an area of 950 acres. It consists of three islands. It is a resident of various species of birds, herbal plants, and orchids.
All the islands possess dense and evergreen forests. All the visitors in the district mostly visit this place. The islands are surrounded by water as well, and in water, boats and streams are run by the Kerala Tourism Department. Read Also: Historical Places in Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 40 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May when the island is open to visitors.
- Weather: Generally warm and humid.
- Ideal Duration: Half a day to explore the island.
- Things to Do: Take a boat ride, explore the island’s biodiversity, have a picnic.
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8. Meenmutty Falls
It covers a distance of 29 km from Kalpetta. It is situated at a height of 300 meters. However, this waterfall is dangerous during the rainy season as in the rainy season.
The lush green tea plantations very well surround the falls. The place is also trendy for hiking and is the best experience for visitors. The waterfall is structured three-tiered and is very beautiful to see. Read Also: What to do in Kerala in February.
- Distance from Wayanad: Around 29 kilometers.
- Time taken: Roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October for the best waterfall views.
- Weather: Rainy and cool.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Things to Do: Trek to the waterfall, enjoy the scenic beauty, take photographs.
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9. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife Sanctuary comprises many wild animals such as elephants, deer, Indian bison, and tigers. It is spread over an area of 344.44 kilometers square.
The sanctuary also possesses some birds in it. This wildlife sanctuary is fully covered with lush green forest and is very rich in Wildlife. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. Read Also: 8 Famous Bird Sanctuaries In Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 14 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 30 to 45 minutes by road.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February for wildlife sightings.
- Weather: Cool and pleasant.
- Ideal Duration: Half a day to a full day for safari and exploring.
- Things to Do: Take a safari to spot wildlife, go bird watching, explore the jungle trails.
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10. Pookot Lake
The Pookot Lake consists of freshwater, and the lake is sandwiched between evergreen forests and the slopes of wood. The lake consists lush green environment around it.
The scenic and peaceful views of this lake are very unusual to see. The weather of this lake is also delightful, and it proves as a memorable remark for the visitors. Read Also: Best 5 Backwater Destinations in Kerala.
- Distance from Wayanad: Around 13 kilometers.
- Time taken: Roughly 30 minutes by road.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
- Weather: Cool and refreshing.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours for boating and enjoying the surroundings.
- Things to Do: Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, walk around the lake, shop for local handicrafts.
11. Indulge in Adventure Sports
Wayanad’s scenic topography makes it a hub for adventure sports like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, and camping. The hill station has a variety of trails and terrains that cater to all levels of trekkers. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned trekker, Wayanad has something to offer you.
- Distance from Wayanad: Activities are available within Wayanad.
- Time taken: Varies based on the activity.
- Best Time to Visit: Depends on the specific adventure sport.
- Weather: Depends on the season and activity.
- Ideal Duration: Half a day to a full day for various adventure activities.
- Things to Do: Enjoy activities like trekking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and more.
12. Visit Banasura Dam
The Banasura Dam is India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam. It is a must-visit destination in Wayanad. The dam’s serene surroundings and crystal-clear water will leave you spellbound. You can also indulge in boating here and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
- Distance from Wayanad: Approximately 21 kilometers.
- Time taken: About 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- Best Time to Visit: September to February for pleasant weather.
- Weather: Cool and pleasant.
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours for exploring the dam and its surroundings.
- Things to Do: Take a boat ride on the reservoir, trek to nearby hills, enjoy the scenic views.
How to Reach Wayanad
Travelling to Wayanad is relatively easy as it is well-connected to major cities in South India like Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore, Coorg, and Kannur. The nearest airports are Kozhikode (120km), Bangalore (290km), and Kannur (58km). The nearest railway station is also at Kozhikode (110km).
Conclusion
There are many places which are situated in Wayanad and are trendy tourist spots as well. But apart from that some of the above spots are very famous and are very beautiful. The month of October to May is the best time for visiting Wayanad and is visited by many tourists throughout the year.
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nice post..