Here Here shows the 20 Best places to visit in Wayanad, go check it and plan an amazing vacation in Wayanad.
places to visit in Wayanad
1. Banasura Sagar Dam
The Banasura Sagar Dam, located on the Banasura foothills and surrounded by greenery, is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. The place has a lot of natural beauty and is popular with people who want to spend some time relaxing in the midst of lushness. Boating on the lake is also an option, as is hiking up to the dense forests of Banasura Peak. The view from the top of the hill is mesmerising, with majestic hills, gushing waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. You don’t need a camera with you!
- Best Time to Visit : September to March
- Ideal Duration : 2 hours
- How to Reach : The dam is about 28 km away from the Wayanad centre, so you can take a taxi to reach the destination.
2. Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves are the only Indian sites to contain over 100,000-year-old Neolithic era cave drawings. These caves are located on Ambukuthi Hills, around 3937 feet above sea level. The caves are often visited by tourists and people interested in visiting archaeological sites as there is evidence of human figures and animals carved into the rocks on site.
- Best Time to Visit : November to March
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : Edakkal Caves are 19 km away from Wayanad Centre. Taxis are easily available for comfortable travel.
3. Chembra Peak
The Wayanad Hill Range has the highest peak of the area, rising 6890 feet above sea level. The area boasts a lush green and relaxing ambience that draws people from all over to enjoy nature. There is an exciting trek to reach the peak of Chembra Mountain while enjoying the beauty surrounding you. The top attractions in Waynad Hills are a heart-shaped lake on the way to the peak and a panoramic view of Banasura Dam and tea plantations below.
- Best Time to Visit : September to March
- Ideal Duration : 3-4 hours
- How to Reach : Take a private bus or taxi to reach Chembra Peak, which is 35 km away from Wayanad centre.
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, is one of the best tourist places in Wayanad for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary covers 345 square kilometres and is blessed with moist deciduous forests with different plantations, including bamboo, teak, oak, and eucalyptus. A safari through the wildlife sanctuary is among the most thrilling experiences; it offers an excellent opportunity to see herds of elephants, deer, and bison roaming freely in the forest. What’s more, you can also spot sambar, tigers, panthers, snakes, crocodiles, peacocks, cuckoo and many other animals and birds here.
- Best Time to Visit : October to February
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : The wildlife sanctuary is 31 km away from Wayanad Centre, so you have to take a bus or taxi.
5. Soochipara Falls
The three-tier Soochipara Falls in Vellarimala, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a beautiful sight. Those who stop by this majestic waterfall overlook lush green forests and the massive rocks which are scattered beneath the large volumes of water. You can also take a breath with those around you while they bathe and swim under the waterfall’s pool or climb the rock beneath it.
- Best Time to Visit : Monsoon season
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 hours
- How to Reach : The falls are 35 km away from Wayanad centre. You can take a bus or taxi to cover the distance.
6. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Another popular tourist destination in Wayanad is the Meenmutty Falls. The three-tiered waterfall measures 984 feet and is surrounded by green forests. To reach the waterfalls, like most natural wonders, visitors must trek through dense forest for about 2 miles for fantastic views that are tough to beat. Photographers should come prepared with their camera so they can capture everything this scenic area has to offer at all vantage points.
- Best Time to Visit : October to May
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : Take a bus or taxi to travel from Wayanad Centre to Meenmutty Falls, which is 30 km away.
7. Arippara Waterfalls
Want a respite from the hustle and bustle? Visit Arippara Falls near Wayanad. The descent of this waterfall is one of four different levels, cascading down in 8 tiers amidst dense greenery. Besides admiring nature’s beauty, you can also enjoy a picnic with your family or friends here, or take a refreshing dip in the pool below.
- Best Time to Visit : November to May
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : The waterfall is 50 km away from Wayanad Centre. Book a taxi or take the local bus to cover the distance.
8. Iruppu Falls
Gushing down the Brahmagiri Hills and surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats, Iruppu Falls is a charming place to visit. The place boasts abundant refreshing greenery, is filled with the melodious chirping of birds in an otherwise serene environment, much to the delight of nature lovers and birdwatchers. After seeking permission from the Forest Department, tourists looking for adventure can enjoy a thrilling hike to the falls.
Irapu Falls is also connected to the mythological story of Ramayana. In Hindu religion, it is said that taking a dip in the waterfall’s water can cleanse you of your sins.
- Best Time to Visit : August to January
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : Take a taxi from Wayanad to reach Iruppu Falls, which is 35 km away.
9. Kuruva Island
Kuruva Dweep is a stunning riverside island in the Kabini forest reserve of Wayanad, providing lovers with an exciting and serene way to spend their date. The evergreen forests on this island are ideal for wildlife and are filled to the brim with diverse plant life on the ground and clear lagoons in the sky. Exploring the trails, climbing rock structures, and going on a river safari on this island will calm your mind enough that worries can be washed away as easily as ripples across the water.
- Best Time to Visit : October to March
- Ideal Duration : 3-4 hours
- How to Reach : The island is 30 km away from Wayanad, so you can book a taxi.
10. Pookode Lake
When planning a trip to Wayanad, remember to add Pookode or Pookot Lake to your itinerary. The small freshwater lake is nestled among the verdant forests of the Western Ghats and its shape is interesting because it looks like India’s physical map.
Likewise, the lake has a number of attractions for those seeking an enjoyable experience. With boating, a park for children, an aquarium filled with freshwater life, and places to shop for handcrafted spices, you can find everything you’re looking for here. The lake is also a great place for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Best Time to Visit : September to May
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 hours
- How to Reach : Hire a taxi to reach Pookode Lake, which is 26 km away from Wayanad centre.
11. Thirunelli Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Thirunelli Temple is one of Kerala’s most revered and ancient religious sites. The idol of Lord Vishnu in this temple is said to have been installed by Lord Brahma himself. Located amidst dense Brahmagiri Hills, the temple has a calm and peaceful aura that attracts devotees from all over. Many pilgrims visit the temple to perform ancestral rites and other rituals on the banks of the Papanashini stream; it is said to wash away all sins.
- Best Time to Visit : September to March
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 hours
- How to Reach : The temple is 46 km away from Wayanad centre, so you have to take a bus or taxi.
12. Neelimala View Point
If you love adventure, a visit to Neelimala View Point will be one of the most exciting experiences. The area has an attractive serene atmosphere and some fantastic trekking trails through the Western Ghats. There is also an interesting and natural bracing experience in which you get to enjoy misty clouds and fresh air with each step you take on your hike. When you reach the hilltop, you will be rewarded with enticing views of the lush greenery and milky-white Meenmutty Falls. Birdwatchers can also spot different types of birds here too.
- Best Time to Visit : January to May and September to December
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : The viewpoint is about 27 km away from Wayanad. Hire a taxi or take the bus for comfortable travel.
13. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary has an intense population of rare avian species, and is a popular attraction for nature lovers. The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests that act as habitat to the birds. If you want to getto experience the excitement of adventure, there are numerous outdoor activities available at the sanctuary: a 3-hour trek through lush vegetation and natural habitats, easy spotting with the watchtower and a pleasant adrenaline rush.
- Best Time to Visit : October to January
- Ideal Duration : Full day
- How to Reach : Take a bus or taxi from Wayanad to reach the bird sanctuary (34 km away).
14. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
The Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to go to see animals of all kinds. There is a wide variety of wildlife, plants, and natural wonders near by for visitors to see. You can get up close and personal with wild animals too: tigers, panthers, elephants, bison, and deer. You can also stay at one of the tree huts to have an entirely different experience.
- Best Time to Visit : October to February
- Ideal Duration : 3 hours
- How to Reach : The sanctuary is 44 km away from Wayanad, so have to take a cab or bus to cover the distance
15. Karapuzha Dam
Karapuzha Dam is a huge dam that you can visit in Wayanad, Kerala. This man-made marvel can be visited during summer, when there are large amounts of water and people come here to do picnics, boat in the river, or just enjoy the scenery while walking along the edge of the reservoir. The best time to visit here is during monsoon when it is full with water.
- Best Time to Visit : Monsoon season
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 hours
- How to Reach : The dam is about 12 km away from Wayanad Centre. Cabs and buses are common modes of transport for tourists.
16. Kalpetta
This picturesque town in the Wayanad district, surrounded by majestic mountains and dense coffee plantations, is popular with honeymooners and nature lovers. Kalpetta is perched at a height of 2560-feet above sea level and is blessed with scenic landscapes that captivate tourists. Nature lovers can marvel at the beauty of Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Karapuzha Dam, Pookode Lake, Karlad Lake, and Meenmutty Falls while adventurists can trek to Chembra Peak, Neelimala View Point, and other trekskinging trails.
In the mountains, visitors can also find ancient temples and local delicacies, as well as avian and reptilian wildlife. Puliyarmala Jain Temple and Koottamundu Glass Temple are particular favourites with the Jain community. Kalpetta’s popular offering includes tribal handicrafts like adirondack chairs.
- Best Time to Visit : October to March
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 days
- How to Reach : Kalpetta is only 13 km away from Wayanad centre, so you can book a cab to explore the town
17. Puliyarmala Jain Temple
Ananthanatha Swamy, who the temple is called after, was a Jain religious figure. The temple was constructed in the 13th century and features distinctive Jain architecture. Among its many interesting carvings are beautiful entrance doors, a Dravidian-style stupa with brightly painted carvings, and one of the country’s most impressive idols. It’s main shrine features a nice copper statue of Ananthanatha and small steps with 20 different Jain idols on them scattered around it. The temple is popular for being quiet and peaceful, attracting tourist because of its old architecture.
- Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
- Ideal Duration : 1-2 hours
- How to Reach : The temple is 13 km away from Wayanad centre. You can take a taxi or board a local bus.
18. E3 Theme Park
E3 Theme Park provides an exciting experience for people of all ages and offers a variety of innovative and irresistible activities for people who seek a variety of adrenaline-inducing experiences. The theme park, which is divided into four zones, includes adventure, action, entertainment, and a dinosaur park. With adventure and action zones providing activities like rappelling, the rope course, zipping through the air by means of wire cables boosted by jet propulsions with straight polymer straps running through pulleys on the guide ropes or shock absorbers at intervals not greater than 1 meter from their supports and various other equipment used to give visitors thrills; while the dinosaur park features several dino models that seem to pop out of this world to educate kids; finally, entertainment zone is dedicated to many cultural events and shows designed to enthrall visitors with its intensity.
- Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
- Ideal Duration : 4-5 hours
- How to Reach : Take a bus or taxi from Wayanad Centre to reach the theme park, which is 42 km away.
19. The Bamboo Factory
Set in Uravu in the Wayanad district, Bamboo Factory is an interesting yet unexplored destination. When you visit the factory, you’ll know more about how bamboo is converted into decorative and functional products like lampshades, baskets, and furniture. You can also interact with the talented craftspeople to learn more about their work. The factory also employs locals and helps them improve their standard of living.
- Best Time to Visit : October to February
- Ideal Duration : A couple of hours to the entire day
- How to Reach : The factory is 13 km away from Wayanad Centre, so you can take a cab or bus to cover the distance.
20. Karlad Lake
With its lush greenery, fun atmosphere, and a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, Karlad Lake is one of the most thrilling places to go in Wayanad. Your family can enjoy different activities like pedal boating, rock climbing, kayaking, zip-lining, archery, land zorbing and paintballing. There are also picnic opportunities easily available on this scenic landscape.
- Best Time to Visit : October to January
- Ideal Duration : 2-3 hours
- How to Reach : Karlad Lake is about 26 km away. You can hire a taxi or take the bus.
