Wayanad is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist spot in India, and you should go here as well for its pristine beauty and lush surroundings. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful abode of nature, we have a list of the best places to visit in Wayanad to polish your Wayanad itinerary!
Wayanad: A Gem of Kerala Tourism
Nestled in Kerala’s verdant Western Ghats, Wayanad is a sanctuary for those who love the outdoors and the great outdoors. A tumbling cascade surrounded by thick trees, Soochipara Falls is a prime example of the area’s natural splendour and offers hikers the perfect setting. The highest point in Wayanad, Chembra Peak, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and a strenuous hike. Pookode Lake’s calm waters and hilly surroundings make it a great place to relax and stroll along its scenic edges.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, among other animal sanctuaries, provide a window into the abundant biodiversity of the area. Elephants, tigers, and a wide range of bird species may be found in these protected regions, offering wildlife aficionados an exciting experience. The ancient petroglyphs engraved on the Edakkal Caves transport tourists to a bygone era and provide an unparalleled cultural and environmental investigation opportunity. The large earthen dam Banasura Sagar is an important hydraulic project and a beautiful place for boat excursions amidst the hills.
Tourists may explore Wayanad’s cultural fabric through its colourful festivals and activities and fully immerse in the local customs for a comprehensive experience. Situated above mist-covered hills, the village of Vythiri is a popular travel destination because of its upscale resorts and peaceful atmosphere. The tea and coffee farms in Wayanad provide a chance to observe the farming process and savour the flavours of locally grown, fresh products. Wayanad offers a restorative vacation for anyone looking for a peaceful combination of environment and culture, whether they want to walk through its lush hills, unwind by its calm lakes, or explore its rich cultural legacy.
Best Places to Visit in Wayanad
1. Banasura Dam
Tucked up in the Banasura hills in the centre of Wayanad, the Banasura Sagar Dam is an impressive feat of engineering. The second-biggest earthen dam in Asia and the largest in India provides a captivating view of the vast reservoir encircled by lush tropical vegetation. In addition to being an essential hydraulic structure, the dam’s calm waters also attract thrill seekers with sports like speed boating. A walk to Banasura Peak offers a tapestry of streams, varied vegetation, and beautiful waterfalls, making an enthralling trip through the natural splendour of Wayanad for those looking for a more immersive experience.
An earthen dam made of rock, sand, clay, or dirt layers enhances Banasura Sagar’s visual appeal. Visitors are mesmerised by the breathtaking scenery as they gaze across Banasura Lake from the top of the hill. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Wayanad, Banasura Sagar Dam offers a beautiful combination of outdoor leisure and natural splendour. Visitors may stroll through the lush landscape, marvel at the architectural wonder of the dam, or take an exciting boat ride.
2. Vythiri
Nestled in Wayanad, Kerala, Vythiri is a fascinating site renowned for its traditional cultures, spice farms, and lush rainforests. Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Wayanad, Vythiri provides a peaceful mix of adventure and relaxation. This town, which is 700 metres above sea level and is well-known for its mild environment, welcomes tourists all year round.
Adventure seekers come to Vythiri for its exhilarating sports and trekking options, while peace-seekers enjoy the town’s scenic surroundings. A standout feature of Wayanad, Pookot Lake offers peaceful escapes into nature with its inviting boat trips and paddling. A popular tourist destination, the 5-kilometer climb to Lakkidi offers sweeping vistas of the lowlands below. With its varied landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, Vythiri is a beloved location among Wayanad’s alluring tourist destinations.
3. Pookode Lake
Just 3 kilometres south of Vythiri is the immaculate Pookode Lake, a freshwater reservoir unspoiled by human activity or settlement. A hidden treasure among Wayanad’s attractions is this peaceful lake. Renowned for its serene ambience, Pookode Lake is a popular tourist destination with an amazing aquarium and a greenhouse that enhance the surrounding appeal.
Guests visiting Pookode Lake may enjoy the unhurried pleasure of boat cruises on its tranquil waters, taking in the serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery that define the region. Kayaking is another popular sport that offers a more daring experience for those wishing to explore the lake’s width. Pookode Lake, surrounded by verdant vegetation and unspoiled scenery, is a tribute to Wayanad’s unspoiled natural gems and invites visitors to relax and enjoy the area’s tranquil beauty.
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Of all the places to visit in Wayanad, the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This 1973-established refuge provides unique and endangered plant and animal species with a safe shelter. Divided between Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad, the sanctuary covers 345 square kilometres and is tucked away within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It adds to the region’s rich biodiversity because protected Tamil Nadu and Karnataka areas surround it, such as Mudumalai, Nagarhole, and Bandipur. Bamboo and eucalyptus trees grow well in the sanctuary, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Discovering this natural oasis allows visitors to see the flourishing species and help preserve this important ecological zone.
5. Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves, located around 25 kilometres from Kalpetta, are a mesmerising example of Wayanad’s rich natural heritage and historical background. These caverns, considered among the oldest places where humans lived, draw history buffs and lovers of the great outdoors. According to local legend, luv-Kush, the children of Lord Ram, are said to have produced them with his arrows. The caverns, which date back to the Indus Valley civilisation, are the best places to visit in Wayanad and an important archaeological site with over 400 signs and sculptures. For visitors taking in Wayanad’s many attractions, Edakkal Caves provide a memorable experience with its unusual fusion of mythology, history, and scenic beauty.
6. Meenangadi
Among Wayanad’s picturesque locations, Meenangadi is a special find because of its lush plantations, historical charm, and dedication to ecological preservation. Meenangadi, on its way to becoming the first carbon-neutral town in India, is a prime example of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. The unique construction enhances Wayanad’s tourist attraction, St. Mrof’s Syrian Orthodox Church, which provides historical and architectural charm. Hindu devotees place great importance on the Manikavu temple, which is renowned for its self-manifested Shivalinga that is always submerged in stream water. Views of spice, coffee, and tea farms are revealed during a stroll, highlighting environmentally sustainable methods. Meenangadi is a sustainable tourism model, securing a spot among Wayanad’s top attractions.
7. Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island, tucked away on the tributaries of the Kabani River, is a serene sanctuary encircled by enthralling evergreen woods. This charming location, loved for its calm atmosphere, draws people looking for a quiet escape from the bustle of the city. The island provides a haven for those seeking solace in the embrace of nature, where they may take in the tranquil sounds of running water and the verdant surroundings. Kuruva Island offers a cool retreat, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the area’s natural splendour while taking in the river’s soothing presence and the mesmerising views of the surrounding evergreen woods.
8. Chembra Peak
At 2000 metres above sea level, Chembra Peak is the highest point in the Wayanad Hill Range and is located 8 km south of Kalpetta, close to Meppady. This amazing location is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad and offers vast views of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and the Nilgiri regions, as well as a stunning panorama of the whole Wayanad area. Travellers may explore a paradisiacal scene made possible by the famed heart-shaped lake and the rich foliage around the mountain. For those looking to take in the area’s breathtaking views, Chembra Peak offers a gratifying and scenic experience, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of Wayanad’s natural beauty.
9. Wayanad Glass Bridge
The first Glass Bridge in South India is proudly located in Wayanad. Rising 100 feet above the earth, tourists have an amazing experience. The bridge draws travellers anxious to see its exceptional beauty because it is situated in a magnificent area. A trip to this remarkable bridge is strongly advised among the many sites to discover in Wayanad.
It is only open throughout the day, from 09.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. The Wayanad glass bridge entry fee is just 100 Rupees per person. The forty-meter-long bridge has become well-known due to mesmerising films making the rounds on the internet. Following safety protocols, the bridge can hold fifteen people at a time and offers expansive views of the valleys and hills. This creative glass bridge is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad since it demonstrates Wayanad’s dedication to providing unique attractions.
10. Sultan Bathery
Originally a Malabar strategic stronghold, Sulthan Bathery is now the largest town in the Wayanad area, booming with tourists and business. This lively location stands out among the many interesting places to visit in Wayanad because of its broad array of activities. The town’s enticing forest paths, meandering streams, lush green hills, and prehistoric caverns entice visitors and provide a lovely setting for exploration.
Sulthan Bathery offers tourists a seamless fusion of natural wonders and urban encounters, capturing the spirit of Wayanad’s charm. The ancient sites and rolling landscapes make for an engrossing trip for anyone looking for peace and cultural discovery. The town’s advantageous position, a gateway to the city’s attractiveness and the surrounding natural beauties, adds to its allure.
Discovering the secrets of ancient caverns, exploring forest paths, and taking in the glistening streams of Sulthan Bathery are just a few of the many things to do in Wayanad. Its transformation from a military outpost to a popular tourist destination highlights the area’s rich past and wide range of attractions, securing its standing as one of the best places to visit in Wayanad.
11. Kalpetta
Kalpetta is a charming town in Kerala’s Wayanad district, between picturesque hills and lush tea plantations. This little village, located 13 kilometres from Wayanad at 780 metres above sea level, is well known for its gorgeous environment and provides a tranquil haven. Breakfast lovers will find paradise in Kalpetta, home to wonderful tea and coffee shops serving up some of the greatest morning fare.
Kalpetta, surrounded by popular tourist destinations like Meenmutty Falls, Pookode Lake, and Chembra Peak, is a starting point for exploring the beauties of nature. The town is attractive to couples looking for a romantic getaway since it has top-notch hotels and resorts for a perfect honeymoon location. Kalpetta welcomes guests to sample regional cuisine in renowned eateries and peruse reasonably priced tribal mementoes.
Kalpetta should be high on your Kerala trip agenda because of its charming rural atmosphere and proximity to amazing natural landmarks. This town provides the ideal combination of action and peace, making it a must-visit location for your next vacation to Kerala’s stunning scenery
12. Thirunelli Temple
Lord Vishnu is the idol at the historic pilgrimage destination Thirunelli Temple in a lovely valley. The story behind its name, which comes from the Amla tree, tells of Lord Brahma finding the idol of Lord Vishnu hidden beneath an Amla tree. The temple is revered for its architectural wonder and has additional spiritual value due to its holy past preserved in Hindu scriptures. Pilgrims come to Thirunelli in search of blessings, and the temple is a symbol of the city’s rich religious and cultural history, luring devotees and tourists to immerse themselves in the area’s heavenly atmosphere and historic attractiveness.
Conclusion
Wayanad is an enthralling mosaic of scenic attractions, cultural legacy, and immersive experiences. There are so many places to visit in Wayanad that read like a novel, with each spot adding a special chapter to the storyline of this captivating area. Everywhere you look, you can hear the echoes of a rich past and the verdant, unspoiled surroundings of lush hills like Vythiri and the ancient holiness of Thirunelli Temple. Wayanad welcomes you with wide arms as you tour the picturesque paths, peaceful lakes, and spice farms while guaranteeing an amazing experience. So gather your belongings and allow Wayanad’s charm to work its magic on your journey tale, leaving you with lasting memories long after you’ve said goodbye to this idyllic paradise.
