Wayanad, the green paradise in Kerala is nestled among the mountains of western ghats. It is located at a distance of 76 km from the sea shores of Kozhikode. This beautiful hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad offers the calmness of nature along with some mesmerising tourist places which makes it a must try destination for every traveller.
How to reach
The closest railway station is Kozhikode, 110 km away. Kozhikode is well connected by rail to major towns such as Kochi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode. It is well-connected to many cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Best time to visit
October to May is the best time to visit Wayanad. The times in between December to February are much cooler than the other months of the year with downfall of temperature up to 10°C. so this is the best time to travel to Wayanad.
Here is a list of 25 tourist places in Wayanad which you must cover during your trips.
1. Banasura Sagar Dam
It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. The dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. Situated about 15 km from Kalpetta, the dam holds a large expanse of water and its picturesque beauty is enhanced by the chain of mountains seen on the backdrop. One can enjoy a boat ride here or can indulge in trekking activities.
Entry fee: Rs 10 for adults.
2. Edakkal Caves:
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Edakkal Caves are famous for their paintings of figures like human, animals, symbols and letters. These paintings are believed to date back to the 6000 BC. One has to walk for 1 km through the hilly terrain followed by 380 steep steps to reach the caves.
Timimg: 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday closed.
Entry fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.40 for foreigners.
3. Soochipara Waterfalls:
Soochipara Falls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad. It is a treat for eyes to see the milky white stream of water making its way to the rivers by passing through the rocky cliffs and clinging trees. The waterfall at the end joins Chaliyar River. Tourists will have to trek for around 30 minutes in downward inclination to reach the main pool, where exciting activities like swimming, bathing and other recreational activities take place.
Timing: 9 a.m to 4.30 p.m.
Entry fee : Rs. 80 per person.
Itinerary for a weekend trip from Bangalore to Wayanad.
4. Chembra peak:
Surrounded by hills, tea plantations and lush green valley, Chembra Peak is the highest mountain peak in Wayanad. It is 2100 m above sea level. As per the beliefs, Goddess Sita took bath in the Chembra Peak lake. It is also said this lake has never dried. Walking through the tea plantations, towards the mist-covered views, you’ll have one of the most amazing experience. The place is protected by the forest department, and it has maintained its originality over the years.
Timing: 7 a.m to 5 p.m
Entry fee : Rs 20 per person for Indians & Rs.30 per person for foreigners.
Chembra Peak: Trek to the heart shaped lake
5. Pookote Lake :
The Pookot Lake (also Pookode Lake), a fresh water lake is the most frequented and crowded tourist spot in the entire Wayanad District of Kerala State in Southern India. Located 13 km from district capital Kalpetta, the lake situates amidst evergreen forests and wooden slopes. Surrounded by scenic beauty and peaceful ambience. One fun fact about the lake is its shape. It is shaped like the map of India. Another uniqueness of the lake is that a species of cyprinid fish known as Pethia Pookodensis is found only in the fresh waters of this lake.
Timing: 9 a.m to 5 p.m
Entry fee: Rs. 20 per person.
6. Wayanad Churam:
Wayanad Churam (Wayanad Ghat Pass), popularly known as Thamarassery Churam is a mountain pass with views of Western Ghat covered in mist. It connects Kozhikode and Wayanad districts of Kerala through national highway 212. The pass begins from Adivaram at the bottom in Kozhikode District and ends at Lakkidi at the top in Wayanad District. There is a viewpoint called Lakkidi Viewpoint that offers a beautiful view of the Western Ghat Mountains and the zig zagging roads through which the vehicles comes all the way up the hills.
7. Meenmutty Waterfalls:
One of the delightful tourist places in Waynad, Meenmutty Waterfalls is a three tiered waterfall that will take your breath away. A scenic trek through the lush green forest from the Wayanad-Ooty road leads up to this picturesque natural wonder. There are separate decks which can be accessed in different ways to view the different tiers of this spectacular waterfall. Meenmutty Waterfalls is hailed as one of the most thrilling places for adventure lovers in Wayanad.
Entry fee: The entry fees is INR 30 per person.
Timings: It is open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
8. Bandipur National park and Tiger Reserve:
Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was established in the year 1931 by the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later declared a national park in 1974. The distance of Bandipur National Park from Wayanad is only 40km.
Opening time : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (safari timings)
Entry fee : Rs 300 per person Indians (incl. safari charges), Rs 1100 per person foreigners (incl. safari charges), Rs 200 per camcorder.
9. Karapuzha Dam :
Karapuzha Dam is considered to be the second-largest earth dam in India. It is a fine place for an unwinding evening, with a gentle breeze, amazingly scenic sky and waterfront. A bouquet of nearly a dozen lakes merged together to form this reservoir in Karapuzha river, a small tributary of the Kabani river.
Opening time: From 9 a.m to 6 p.m
Entry fee : for adults : Rs. 30, For children : Rs. 10
10. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
It is one of the most famous tourist places of Waynad. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has four ranges, of which Muthanga is one. Mainly a rainforest, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most bio-rich areas in peninsular India. This eco-tourism centre is home to both moist and dry deciduous trees and semi evergreen forests.
Opening Time: From 7 a.m to 10 a.m in the morning & 3 p.m to 4.30 p.m in the evening.
Entry fee : For Indians : Rs. 20 & for foreigners : Rs. 110.
11. Arippara Waterfall :
This eight-level waterfall is situated around 15 kms from Thiruvambady town in Kozhikode. The mighty Iruvanji river cascades down the rocky hills to form the gorgeous Arippara waterfalls. The name Arippara means ‘rock of rice’ and a lot of small and huge rocks can be seen nearby. Several natural water pools between them make for great swimming experience for tourists. Arippara is most impressive in the monsoon season when it is in full glory, and showers unending streams of white pearls from its majestic heights.
Timing: 9 a.m to 5 p.m
Entry fee : Rs. 10 per person.
12. Ripon Tea Estate :
Ripon Tea estate is a well-known tea estate situated near Meppadi town of Wayanad in Kerala. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Wayanad and among the best tea estates in Wayanad region. Perched at an altitude of nearly 2000 m, Ripon Tea Estate is spread over an area of 443 Hectares along the slopes of Wayanad Hills. There is also a tea factory built by the British in the 18th century. Visitors can see the entire processing method right from the freshly plucked green leaves to its packaging at the factory.
Timing : 9 a.m to 5 p.m
13. Sulthan Bathery:
Sulthan Bathery, formerly known as Ganapativatom is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a quaint and peaceful town. The main attractions for the tourists are the pre-historic caves, jungle trails, sparkling streams and rivers and lush greenery of the undulating hills. Another major attraction of the town is the Jain temple, which was built during the 13th century. This temple was used for storing ammunition (battery) by Tipu Sultan during his invasion of Kerala.
Jain temple timing: 8 a.m to 12 p.m and 2 p.m to 6 p.m.
14. Wayanad Heritage Museum :
Wayanad Heritage museum is situated at Ambalavayal, about 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. It is one of the largest and best archaeological museums in Kerala. One of the best-maintained museums in Kerala, Wayanad Heritage Museum houses a rich collection of artefacts which stand in testimony of the fact that there had been an advanced civilisation which existed in the mountains of Wayanad.
Timing: 9 a.m to 6 p.m
Entry fee : Rs. 15 per person.
15. Kanthanpara Waterfall:
Kanthanpara is a quaint little waterfall situated near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Kanthanpara waterfall drops down from a height of about 100 feet and is widely acknowledged for its secluded and serene vibe. The waterfall is located at two levels amid lush green bamboo gardens and natural forests. The breathtaking attraction of the path leading to Kanthanpara waterfall seems to more beautiful than the fall itself. This scenic and quaint waterfall is a must-visit place for every tourist on a trip to Wayanad.
Timings: 9 a.m to 5p.m. For bird watching: 6 a.m to 9 a.m. For trekking: 8 a.m to 3 p.m
Entry fee: Rs.1000 for Bird Watching(5 persons), Rs. 500 for trekking(4 person)
16. Kuruva Island :
Located in the middle of Kabini river, Kuruva Island is a natural paradise that is replete with diverse flora and fauna in the most beautiful surroundings. It is blessed with evergreen forests all around that makes it a mesmerising picnic spot away from all pollution and noise of the city.
Timing: 9.30 a.m to 3.30 p.m. Mondays are holiday.
Entry fee : Rs. 80 for Indians and Rs. 150 for Foreigners.
17. Phantom Rock :
Phantom Rock is situated about 13 km from Kalpetta adjacent to the Ambalavayal town. The rock has the shape of a skull and hence the name. Locally called Cheengeri Mala, the place offers great photographic opportunities. This picturesque destination can bereached through a single narrow lane where trekking and camping are also popular activities amongst travellers.
18. Karlad Lake:
Karlad is a freshwater lake and one of the top tourist spots of Wayanad. This lake attracts nature lovers for its calmness. Boating and recreational park are well maintained here. Zipline and Zorbing are also very popular activities among the tourists.
Timing: 9 a.m to 5 p.m
Entry fee : Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 60 fot foreigners.
19. Bamboo Forest:
One of the most surreal places in Wayanad that you should not miss out on is the beauty of the Bamboo Forest at Muthanga. A visual treat of greenery can be experienced on visiting the canopy of Bamboo Forest. The Nilgiri Biosphere Region consist of the extensive existence of teak timberlands and bamboo trenches are the attraction of this forest. There are homestay’s available to stay and experience the beauty of flora and fauna.
Timings: 8 a.m to 6 p.m
Entry fee : Rs.20 per person.
20. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary :
Pakshipathalam in Wayanad district is among the finest trekking spots in the entire country. At Pakshipathalam, one gets to walk through a thick evergreen forest that provides a safe haven to some of the rarest avian species. Ornithologists consider it a location of great interest and value. At 1,700 m above sea level, it is among the most visited locations in the State.
Timing: 6 a.m to 6 p.m
Entry fee : Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners.
21. Thirunelli Temple:
On the side of the Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad lay an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, the Thirunelli temple. The temple is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests. The temple is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of South. The rituals in this temple are performed on the banks of stream Papanashini, which originates from the Brahmagiri hills. The stream is considered to have medicinal powers.
Timing : 5.30 a.m to 12 p.m in the morning and 5.30 p.m to 8 p.m in the evening.
22. Pazhassi Raja Tomb :
Pazhassi Raja, a fierce King, is among the few leaders in the Indian sub-continent to ever score a military victory over the British. He is remembered for his love and undying loyalty towards his subjects till the very end. The tomb was constructed in the place where his body was cremated, and is situated on the banks of River Kabani in Mananthavady. 1996 March this tomb has been converted to museum and today the museum is one of the centres in the State which attracts historians, researchers and students from far and wide.
Timing : 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday is closed.
Entry fee : Rs.20 for adults and rs.10 for children.
23. Pallikkunnu Church :
At a distance of 10 km from Kalpetta and 35 km from Sulthan Bathery, Pallikkunnu Church is a Latin Catholic Church situated at Meenangadi in Wayanad. It is a famous pilgrim center in north Kerala and also one of the most popular religious places to visit in Wayanad. It is popularly known as ' Our Lady of Lourdes ' Church. The church has a mesmerizing green surroundings and the calmness and serenity of the surroundings coupled with its peculiar architecture adds to its charm. An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples.
Timing: 7 a.m to 7 p.m
24. Varambetta Mosque:
Varambetta Mosque is situated about 15 km away from Kalpetta in Wayanad. This mosque is 300 years old and the first mosque built in the Wayanad district. Despite being a Muslim religious site, all tourists are allowed to visit this mosque, ignoring their caste and religion. The Varamvetta Mosque is one of the main attractions of Kalpetta.
Every year in March, annual festival is celebrated with grandeur in this mosque.
25. Chethalayam Waterfall:
This beautiful waterfall in Wayanad is all you need to escape the worries of life and dive into the scenic beauty of nature. It is a seasonal waterfall and located close to the famous Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an ideal trekking retreat with some panoramic spots that will take your breath away.
Timing: 6 a.m to 5 p.m
Wayanad is a beautiful place that you can visit for your weekend getaway. Enjoy the beauty of this town and refresh yourself with inner peace and happiness.
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