Wayanad
How about considering Wayanad as your next holiday destination?
Lying amidst the majestic western ghats, Wayanad is a famous tourist destination that quenches the thirst of all kinds of travelers with its evergreen landscapes and blissful weather. Not only does it boast unparalleled tranquility with magical ambiance and a picture-perfect backdrop you need to satiate your emotional as well as physical state of mind but also has countless options for adventure junkies to test their hidden adventurous skills.
Offering a mind-blowing treat to solo travelers, honeymooners, and families with children, this small hamlet is sure to win over your heart with its awe-inspiring natural beauty. While you can always engage yourself in the most common things to do in Wayanad, there are a few places that will surely leave you spellbound every time you visit them. These are as follows:
Bathery Jain Temple
Dating back to the 13th century, Bathery Jain Temple is another popular tourist spot to visit in Wayanad. Not only it is a Jain pilgrimage site but also it used to be an administrative hub. Dotted in the hills of Sulthan Bathery it is a beautiful architectural marvel belonging to Vijayanagar dynasty. Shrouded with serenity and royal past, it is a place to get close to the god to seek some divine blessings and spiritual bliss. The idol of God Mahavir is made up of granite. The carved pillars, intricate cornices, stone slab roofs give a visual delight to the tourists. It is said that in the 18th century Tipu sultan used this place to keep ammunition for his army.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north east and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site.
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls is a delightful and serene stopover whose love for nature knows no bounds. The sound of soulful crashing of water from 1000ft makes the entire rainforests dance with joy. There would be hardly any person who is not mesmerized with this enchanting vista. You can reach here by indulging in a 2km trek. The waterfalls flow in three separate levels and there are three separate viewpoints to see the cascading falls through your eyes and lens. The lush greenery all around gives refreshing vibes. No doubt why it is one of the most beautiful and top tourist places to explore in Wayanad.
Edakkal Cave
Get lost in the ancient times to imagine the lifestyle of your ancestors. The two natural rock formations in the cave are the center of attraction. It is believed that the rocks have been formed by a large split in the huge rock. The carvings in the rock look mysterious and delightful at the same time. Some depictions in the rocks are more than 7000 years old. The carvings belong to the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age. According to some research it is linked with Indus Valley Civilization. You have to indulge in trekking from Ambukuthi Hills to reach here. It is indeed the top tourist place to visit in Wayanad.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
One of the biggest archaeological museums in Kerala, the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is known for its rich collection of artefacts that throw light on the history of Wayanad. Many excavation activities were carried out in and around Wayanad, and these artefacts are now part of the collection in the heritage museum. These are evidence of a rich tradition and culture dating back to thousands of years in Wayanad.
Ghat View Point
Ghat View Point is decked in the highest locations in Wayanad. Imagine you are a painter looking for inspiration to rise and shine through your creativity and just in a moment a beautiful landscape appears in front of you. The landscape is bewitching. Lofty mountain peaks on one side, gurgling streams on the other, lush green vegetation, fresh tint of the green trees is everywhere, leaves dancing with the rhythm of breeze that nature has bestowed on them and winding roads decked with trees from both the sides.
Karapuzha Dam
he Karapuzha Reservoir is the largest of its kind in India. This earth dam is built across the Karapuzha river and stands tall at 28 meters along a length of 625 meters. This whopping reservoir attracts tourists all year round, especially for a fun boating experience amidst the calm waters of the dam. Despite its initial purpose of irrigation, the dam, because of it’s fresh foliage, attracts birds and bird-watchers. The landscaped gardens make for an enjoyable picnic spot with family or friends, and a small children’s park is built to cater to kids’ needs. While there is no entry fee to access this mighty dam, it is advisable to visit between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This all-weather destination is best enjoyed with loved ones and a picnic basket.
Chembra Peak
If you love adventures, then you must visit Chembra Peak in Wayanad for thrilling weekend holidays. It is a trekking paradise. It is the highest peak in Wayanad district. The delightful vistas of rare flora and fauna, small waterfalls, a heart shaped lake, lush greenery all around is a healing touch to all the toil-weary souls. You have to take permission from the forest department for trekking in this beautiful landscape. The trekking trail will lead you through emerald tea plantations. If you want to be lost in the folds of time to talk to nature, Chembra Peak is a beautiful escapade for a wonderful holiday in Wayanad.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
In Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary nature is a wild spirit which will seduce your mind with its healing touch and give you a sense of thrill by showing you the wildest creatures whose soul syncs with the energy of wild nature. At times you will feel that the entire jungle resounds with the calls of wild. Located in the southern trenches of popular and mesmerizing Western Ghats. Hilly terrains crisscrossed with dense valleys will take your breath away. You will behold Asian Elephants, tigers, species of vulture, leopards, jungle cats, Gaur, Sloth bear, wild dog, Indian pangolin, sambhar deer and many more wild creatures. It is also a place to get Wild Gold Honey which is a pure wild honey collected from the sanctuary. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Wayanad for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Kuruva Island
In the middle of Kabini River, there are numerous enchanting clusters of Islands decked in a protected river delta known as Kuruva Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. This island is teeming with exotic flora and fauna. If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate your mind and body, this evergreen place has all the charm to not only heal your spirit but also seduce your senses. Here you will find beautiful bridges made of bamboo trees, rare species of trees, birds, orchids and herbal plants. If you want to fill your peaceful holidays here with some thrill then boat ride and bamboo rafting by Kerala Tourism Department will be the best thing for you. Nature walks here will be so delightful that you will cherish the moments for a long time.
Pookode Lake
Free your soul with the soothing flow of the pristine waters of the delightful Pookode Lake. It is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Wayanad for family vacation. It’s a natural freshwater lake surrounded by dense green forests and enchanted wooded slopes. Watching the clueless flow of water, array of fishes with a childish vigor enjoying and merry making, the pleasant weather and refreshing vibes will make your day here. Your day here will be more fun and memorable with boating, shopping for handicrafts and a visit to spice emporium and if you have kids then a lovely Children Park adds delight to the trip.
Cheengeri Hills
Wayanad in northern Kerala, with its marvellous host of attractions, is a place that is hard to resist. Add to it, the Cheengeri Hills which are located on the way to Kaduvakuzhi from Sultan Bathery. If you are an early riser, and if you love trekking, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Cheengeri Hills. Even if you are not much of an adventurer, it doesn’t matter; the slopes are gentle, there is plenty of barren land where you can catch your breath and rest. Moreover, the hilly region doesn’t look like a dense forest. An authorized trekking spot in Wayanad, it presents its best shows in the morning. Therefore, it is always advisable to start early.
Lakkidi
How can you miss the beautiful gateway of Wayanad when you are looking for the most popular tourist destinations in Wayanad? Lakkidi is a green paradise in Wayanad. Surrounded by hills, streams, gorges, deep valleys and ficus trees on the roadsides. Wherever you set your eyes, the greenery welcomes you with a delightful smile. It also houses some of the most beautiful and expensive resorts and plantation stays for tourists. You have to cross a long Ghat road from Adivaram to reach Lakkidi and the entire journey will give you amazing vistas of green hills, gorges and streams etc.
Banasura sagar dam
The Banasura Sagar dam, which is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, impounds the waters of the Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini river. The reservoir formed by the dam is dotted with tiny islands enveloped in thick foliage, and with the Banasura hill in the background, offers a magnificent view.
Wayanad Tea Museum
This amazing museum is a destination for tea lovers from all over the world, as it is located in an area from which the largest quantity of green tea is exported to the world. The factory and museum extend over an acre and are located at an altitude of 1893 meters above sea level. Visitors to the museum will learn about the different types of green tea and how they are cultivated and harvested, along with the history and development of tea in India. Visitors will also be able to see how the tea is packaged and processed by the machines in the factory.
Karlad Lake
Set against a backdrop of a sweeping, green landscape, Karlad Lake in Wayanad district is the second largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Located about 3km from Banasura Sagar Dam, the lake offers a wide range of adventure activities such as boating, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, Nature walk and bamboo rafting. Set up on a 50m tower, the zip line through the 250 m-long aerial rope across the lake is the star attraction here.
En Ooru tribal heritage village
En Ooru is a tribal heritage village at Pookode in Wayanad district which showcases the vibrant culture and tradition of tribal communities of the state. A cluster of traditional tribal huts roofed with hay and against the backdrop of towering hills has become a major tourist attraction in the region. Spread over 25 acres on a hillock, the centre gives us a golden opportunity to learn about the heritage and lifestyle of tribespeople.
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The Chain Tree of Lakkidi, a legendary natural wonder, stands proudly along the picturesque route in Wayanad, approximately 15 kilometres from Kalpetta. This majestic tree, which is chained and has an enthralling tale, provides an intriguing look into local folklore.
Vythiri Park
While Wayanad was earlier known for its natural beauty and trekking, today Wayanad is also known for its best multipurpose park in Kerala. Vythiri Park also invites you for adventure tourism along with fascinating views. Vythiri Park is located next to NH – 766 and Vythiri PWD Rest House. Vythiri Park delights you with educational and motivational activities, thrill rides and fun games. Relaxation, mental and physical confidence, mental and physical development and renewal of the mind in a peaceful environment also happen in the park.
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.
The place is protected by the forest department, and it has maintained its originality over the years. It is the ideal tourist spot if you’re looking for a serene nature walk. Chembra Peak is a picturesque location from where you can get breathtaking views of the exotic flora and fauna of the region.
The forest department organises the Chembra Peak trek, which takes you through evergreen forests, waterfalls and lush greenery to a heart-shaped lake. The lake is bound to capture your heart at first sight.
Glass Bridge In Wayanad
The glass bridge in Wayanad is one of a kind in India and is owned by a private resort. It offers the best 360-degree view of the Tropical rainforest in Southern India. The bridge is at a height of 100 feet from the ground and all the material used by the bridge including the fibreglass is imported from Italy. The walk over the glass bridge in Wayanad is a mind-blowing experience.
Aranamala peak
The hills rise steeply, gazing into the sky. Thick forests and meadows creep on to them. In between are little streams carrying crystal clear water. The fog appears intermittently. All these make Aranamala, a land of magic sights in the Wayanad district of Kerala.
One takes Chooranmala road from Meppadi, and takes a turn from Kalladi to Aranamala. The climb is a zig-zag one, with valleys coming up on both sides. Lush green hills offer mesmerizing views. Beyond that are valleys blanketed by the fog. The meadows and the woods offer a visual treat. The path runs through cardamom plantations and forests. Some of the best cardamom plantations on Wayanad are located in Aranamala.
Soojipara Waterfalls
At a distance of 13 km from Meppadi, 24 km from Kalpetta & 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall situated in Vellarimala mountain range of Wayanad, among the popular tourist places in Kerala. It is one of the most visited tourist places to visit in Wayanad and is among prime place to visit on a Wayanad Trip.
Soochipara Waterfalls is a 3 tiered waterfall, dropping from a height of about 200 meters. The waterfall cascades down into a large pool, which is a good place for swimming and bathing. The name Soochipara given from the words soochi means rock and para means needle. One can see needle-shaped rock here hence the name Soochipara. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins Chaliyar River after Vellarimala Hills near Cherambadi in Tamil Nadu.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
At a distance of 8 km from Meppadi and 19 km from Kalpetta, Kanthanpara is a quaint little waterfall situated near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Located on Vaduvanchal road, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Kerala and among the must-include places inWayanad sightseeing packages.
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.
Kuruva Island
Kuruva Dweep or Kuruva Island is a protected river delta, comprising a cluster of islands over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. The geographical peculiarity of this island makes this place evergreen with a serene ambience.
Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. The uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants etc. Coming so much closer to the nature, you might be feeling Kuruva Island as a nature’s gift to Wayanad.