Places to See in Wayanad

[KrishnaB]

I am going to Wayanad for one week in the month of September with my wife and son who is eight years old. This will be our first time we will be visiting Wayanad and need all the help we can get.

For starters, I would like to know what are the places to see in Wayanad. If there are places which have an opening and closing time then please also mention that as well.
If there are some interesting places to see just outside of Wayanad, please also mention those as well.

 

[Debapriya Deb]

There are some interesting tourist places to visit in Wayanad. As you are planning for one week trip, you will have sufficient time to explore the place without tiring yourselves too much. Here are a few of the must-visit tourist attractions in Wayanad that you should not miss -

Banasura Sagar Dam: One of the most popular tourist destination in Wayanad. It is the largest dam in India in terms of storage capacity. Boating in the huge lake is a pleasure. There is a boat house from where you can hire a row boat or a paddle boat. Carry a pair of binoculars if you are an avid bird lover. The lake shore and the small patches of islets serve as home to a wide variety of aquatic birds.

Pookode Lake: Another popular boating spot in Wayanad. The lake is situated amidst evergreen rainforests and the location s sure to amaze you. There is a well-maintained children's park and an aquarium setup by the tourism board. Overall, it's a great place for a family picnic.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: How about going for a round of wildlife safari in the wilderness of a reserve forest? If that sounds interesting, then do make sure to book your jungle safari trip at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Soochipara Waterfalls: An ideal place to relax and rejuvenate while cherishing the beauty of nature. The pool of waters formed at the base of the falls is an ideal place to indulge in some fun. Your kid will love the experience, for sure.

Kuruva Islands: Kuruva islands is formed by the Kabini river. It is an uninhibited island which is rich in bio-diversity. This beautiful natural setup is another popular picnic spot in Wayanad. A unique attraction here is the bamboo rafting - if you would like to taste a little adventure.

Meenmutty Waterfalls: Cascading down from a height of over 300 meters, the Meenmutty Waterfalls is regarded as the largest waterfalls in Wayanad district and the 2nd largest in Kerala. It's a spectacular sight situated off the Wayanad-Ooty road. One has to trek for around 2 KM through a rocky pathway to reach the bottom of the falls.

Neelimala View Point: It may not be possible for everyone to trek down to Meenmutty waterfalls due to the difficult terrains. But you can catch a glimpse of the spectacular waterfalls from a distance from Neelimala View Point. The place offers stunning views of the evergreen Kabini valley.

Lakkidi View Point: This is the second highest point in Wayanad from where you can get a hawk-eye view of the undulating mountain ranges of Western Ghats.

Pakshipathalam Birds Sanctuary: If you love birdwatching, then treat your eyes with some exotic feasts of native and migrating birds at the Pakshipathalam Birds Sanctuary. The place is far away from human presence and can only be accessed on foot after a tiring 7 KM trek through dense forests. You need to obtain permission from DFO-Wayanad before visiting this birds sanctuary.

Edekkal Caves: Arguably the most well-known tourist attraction in Wayanad. A must visit place for archaeologists and history enthusiasts. The natural cave formations at Edekkal belong to the prehistoric age. Although the carvings are not as elaborate as you can see in Ajanta or Ellora caves, still it's particularly impressive considering the fact that they are over 8000 years old. Edekkal caves can be accessed after a challenging trek which is not suitable for elderly people and kids.

Chembra Peak: The highest peak in Wayand with an elevation of 2100 meters, Chembra is an immensely popular trekking site. The place is known to offer majestic views of the evergreen rainforests, lush green tea plantations and rolling grass hills. Many trekkers club trekking with overnight camping on top of the peak. There is a heart-shaped lake at the summit which never dries up according to the native folklore.

Hope the info helps!

Regards,
Deb

 

[Prits]

Certainly, here's a list of places to see in Wayanad and some nearby attractions:

1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and several species of birds. The sanctuary is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

2. Edakkal Caves: These are ancient caves with stone-age carvings. The caves are open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

3. Banasura Sagar Dam: This is the largest earthen dam in India. It's a scenic spot for boating and picnics. It's open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

4. Chembra Peak: This is the highest peak in Wayanad and offers fantastic trekking opportunities. The trek to the top can take around 3-4 hours.

5. Pookode Lake: It's a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forests and hills. Boating is available here, and it's open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

6. Soochipara Falls: This three-tiered waterfall is a popular attraction. It's best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

7. Thirunelli Temple: This ancient temple is set amidst beautiful hills. Remember to check the opening times and any dress code before visiting.

8. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers, this sanctuary is open from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

9. Meenmutty Falls: It's one of the largest waterfalls in Wayanad. The trek to reach the falls is an adventure in itself.

10. Kuruvadweep: This is a river delta with a dense, lush forest that you can explore on bamboo rafts. It's open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.


Nearby Attractions:

1. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: This is just an hour's drive from Wayanad and offers wildlife safaris.

2. Kozhikode (Calicut): Explore the historic city of Calicut, known for its beaches and rich culture.

3. Ooty: It's about a 4-5 hour drive from Wayanad. You can explore the beautiful Nilgiri Hills and the famous Ooty Botanical Gardens.

4. Coorg: Also known as Kodagu, it's about a 5-hour drive from Wayanad. Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty.

Enjoy your trip to Wayanad!

 

[Admin]

Wayanad, a lush green paradise in Kerala, is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for breathtaking waterfalls, wildlife encounters, or serene hilltop views, Wayanad has something for everyone. Here’s a list of the must-visit places in Wayanad and why they deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.

---

Best Places to Visit in Wayanad​

Edakkal Caves – A Walk Through Prehistoric History​

Why Visit?

• These ancient caves feature stone carvings that are believed to be over 6,000 years old!
• The short but steep trek to the caves rewards you with breathtaking valley views.
  Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (to avoid the afternoon rush)

Chembra Peak – Home to Wayanad’s Famous Heart-Shaped Lake​

Why Visit?

• The highest peak in Wayanad offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats.
• The heart-shaped lake on the way to the top is a major attraction.
  Best Time to Visit: September to March (ideal for trekking)

Soochipara Waterfalls – A Three-Tiered Wonder​

Why Visit?

• Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, this is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Kerala.
• You can trek through dense forests before reaching the cascading falls.
  Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon (June to January)

Pookode Lake – A Serene Escape​

Why Visit?

• A peaceful lake surrounded by forests, ideal for boating and nature walks.
• You can spot rare bird species and freshwater fish here.
  Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Banasura Sagar Dam – Asia’s Second Largest Earth Dam​

Why Visit?

• This massive dam is surrounded by rolling green hills and crystal-clear waters.
• Activities include speed boating, trekking, and nature walks.
  Best Time to Visit: October to May

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – A Wild Adventure​

Why Visit?

• One of Kerala’s best wildlife reserves, home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer.
• You can go on an early morning or evening jungle safari for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
  Best Time to Visit: October to March

Meenmutty Waterfalls – The Tallest Waterfall in Wayanad​

Why Visit?

• A stunning 3-tiered waterfall with an adventurous trekking route.
• It offers a breathtaking experience, especially during the monsoon season.
  Best Time to Visit: June to January

Kuruva Island – A Hidden Gem in the Middle of the Kabini River​

Why Visit?

• A cluster of small river islands, perfect for bamboo rafting and nature walks.
• The dense evergreen forest is home to rare birds and butterflies.
  Best Time to Visit: October to April

Thirunelli Temple – The Spiritual Side of Wayanad​

Why Visit?

• A centuries-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, surrounded by mountains and forests.
• It’s often referred to as the "Kashi of the South" for its spiritual significance.
  Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience

Lakkidi Viewpoint – The Gateway to Wayanad​

Why Visit?

• One of the most picturesque viewpoints, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views.
• The road leading to Lakkidi has hairpin bends, making it an exciting drive.
  Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for the best views

---

Travel Tips for Exploring Wayanad​

✔ Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities).
✔ Getting Around: Renting a cab or a two-wheeler is the best way to explore Wayanad.
✔ Accommodation: Options range from budget homestays to luxury resorts with treehouse stays being a unique experience.
✔ What to Pack: Comfortable trekking shoes, light woolens (if traveling in winter), and rain gear during the monsoon.
✔ Local Food to Try: Kerala-style Malabar Parotta, Bamboo Rice Payasam, and Puttu-Kadala Curry.

---

Final Thoughts​

Wayanad is a perfect mix of adventure, history, and nature, making it one of the best travel destinations in Kerala. Whether you want to trek to hilltops, explore wildlife, or relax by a lake, this place has something for every kind of traveler.

Have you visited Wayanad? Which place was your favorite? Share your experiences below!