Top Must Visit Places and Things to Do in the Nature Paradise of Kerala, Wayanad
The mountains of the Western Ghats are the green borders of Kerala and nestled amidst this green paradise is our lovely Wayanad. Emerald green plantations, verdant forests, exotic wildlife, lofty ridges, rugged terrains and deep valleys, it will give you numerous reasons to choose why it is a must visit tourist destination in God’s own country – Kerala. Every traveler finds this enchanting destination worth his/her time. Be it an adventurer who would love to discover trekking trails, water sports and wildlife safaris, couples who would love to discover picture perfect landscapes to cherish some lovely moments of togetherness and a nature lover who would love to become one with nature. One must visit this lovely tourist destination to escape the chaos of the world.
Wayanad – What’s in the Name
Wayanad has a very interesting tale attached to its name. Wayanad – Vayal Nadu means rice plantation. It is said that Wayanad always remains fertile and green and it is very popular for its paddy fields. Hence it is referred to as Vayal Nadu and in today’s times it is changed to Wayanad.
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Why is Wayanad the Best Destination for Nature Tourism?
- Wayanad is blessed with wildlife sanctuaries, lush tea estates and dense forests. Its eastern border is decked with Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Western border is blessed with beautiful hill stations like Coorg. It has plenty of mesmerizing places for nature tourism.
- Peace, serenity and tranquility is what we seek amidst nature. Wayanad is not connected through railways. It is less commercialized in comparison to other cities in Kerala, Hence, It is one of the best jewels for nature tourism in Kerala.
- Want to see Kerala’s own pine forests? Wayanad is the place where in Chandanathode at Mananthavady you will be seduced by the greenery of pine forests.
- For evergreen landscapes and blissful weather Wayanad is often referred to as Ooty of Kerala.
- If you want to see the only dam which is made up of earth materials then visit Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. It is a beautiful nature heaven surrounded by beautiful Banasura hills in the background.
Here is a list of top 10 destinations and best things to do in Wayanad, the green paradise of Kerala.
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Ghat View Point
- Bathery Jain Temple
- Chembra Peak
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kuruva Island
- Pookode Lake
- Edakkal Cave
- Lakkidi
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
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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.
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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. The weather too is quite delightful. Now ask us – Is there any place like this? We would say yes, it’s the Ghat view point of Wayanad which has the potential to inspire a normal person to become an artist. Located at an elevation of 700 m above the sea level, you will witness a panoramic view of the entire valley and the sunset and sunrise will take your soul away. If you are planning to visit Wayanad, Ghat View Point is a must visit place.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Timings- 9:00am to 5:00pm
Best Time to Visit – October to May
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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.
Timings- 9:00am to 5:00pm
Best Time to Visit– August to May
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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.
The aroma of coffee, the lush green landscapes all around, lofty mountain peaks will be a visual delight for you. As per the legends it is said that Lord Rama reached here and shot an arrow which pierced the mountain and as a result a deep cleft was created here. The name Ambukuthi is associated with this legend. Ambu in Malayalam means arrow and Kuthy means to pierce.
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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.
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Wayanad Heritage Museum
Located 12km from Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad Heritage Museum is a must visit place in Wayanad if only sightseeing is not your motto. This museum houses various ancient relics that are being unearthed from various places like Ambalavayal, Sultan Bathery and the forests of Wayanad, from time to time. You will get the evidence of the existence of technologically advanced civilization that existed before us. You will find weapons, stone carvings, clay sculptures, pottery of megalithic age, idols of hard and soft rocks, pictorial rock edicts and tribal artifacts dating back from Neolithic age to 12th, 16th, 17th century etc. this museum is a vast ocean of great knowledge about the times of bygone era. Be a part of it, you will cherish these knowledgeable stuffs for a lifetime.
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Top Things to do in Wayanad to make your holidays more fun filled
“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress”
For an adventurer, Wayanad is a perfect place to be in. From wildlife Safaris, rafting, trekking, ziplining to camping, adventures will keep your day filled with thrill and excitement.
Lap of nature is an ultimate euphoria that one cannot avoid to be seduced by
Nature has bestowed wonderful bliss-inducing landscapes to attract the tourists in Wayanad. From chasing sunsets, enjoying ayurvedic spas amidst the greenery, staying at stunning tree houses surrounded by emerald tea and coffee plantations, farm and village tours, soothing waterfall visits to delightful camping in the jungles- Wayanad is the blessed vessel of nature.
To Shop is to live
If you go by this philosophy then Wayanad will never disappoint you. There are a plethora of places to satisfy your shopper soul. Here handicrafts, handlooms, antiques would reflect the local culture of Wayanad the simplicity of which would definitely blow your heart away.
I am on the road to paradise with my Cycle
Cycling would be one of the best things to do in Wayanad, if you really want to enjoy the best of Wayanad tourism. You will be able to explore the beautiful face of greenery and nature from close up. Cycling in the lush tea plantations and taking amazing pictures will make your day here.
Seek Divine blessings to find your soul
Temples in Wayanad have serene vibes and blissful ambiance. If you have a spiritual bent of mind then prepare for a journey to get lost in the spiritual whirlwind of the soothing temples of Wayanad. Some of the most popular religious tourist spots in Wayanad are Thirunelli Temple, Jain Temple, Seetha Devi Temple, Mirror Temple and Devagardha Temple etc.
Give some time to the hills, it is here you will feel most alive
Wayanad is dotted with many beautiful Hillview points which will lead you to dewy tea estates, rugged terrains, enchanting green knolls, small yet surreal water streams and scenic villages which are waiting to be explored.
It’s time for water tourism
Paddle Boating, Shikara Boating, Row boating on reservoir lakes will enrich your travel experience in Wayanad to a whole new level. Surrounded with virgin forests, hills, amazing flora and fauna and lots of birds, the lakes are awe inspiring. Boating would make your holidays in Wayanad one of a kind.
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Best Time to Visit Wayanad
Summer – March to May
Wayanad is the best place to visit in Summer as the weather is pleasant throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 20-30°C. Because of the evergreen forest cover, the temperature is never harsh for sightseeing.
Monsoon – June to October
If you want to behold the greener landscapes in God’s own country Kerala, then visit Wayanad during Monsoon. It receives 300mm of rainfall annually in monsoon. Though you will not be able to enjoy the wildlife, nature sightseeing will mesmerize your senses. The temperature ranges from 15-25°C.
Winter – October- February
Winter is the best time to enjoy holidays in Wayanad. The temperature ranges from 10-25°C. The weather is chilly, the forests and mountains look refreshing and for adventures it is the best season. With a variety of things to do, Winter makes Wayanad sightseeing tours more interesting.
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Stephen Covey once said – Live your life by compass not a clock. If you are the one to live by this philosophy, Wayanad will surely inspire you to travel more, live your life to the fullest, have awesome adventures and never go back to monotonous things. So, plan your Wayanad Tour to create some memorable moments with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best time to plan a holiday vacation to Wayanad?
Winter is the best time to enjoy holidays in Wayanad. The temperature ranges from 10-25°C. The weather is absolutely gorgeous for sightseeing and favorable for adventure activities.
How many minimum days are required to explore the best of Wayanad Tourism?
You can explore the best of Wayanad tourism in 3 to 4 days. It is a wonderful nature paradise and adventure destination.
Which are the best places to visit in Wayanad for Couples?
- Pookode Lake
- Kuruva Island
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Meenmutty Falls
- Sunrise Valley
- Banasura Sagar
- Neelima View Point
- Chembra Peak
- Kalpetta
- Lakkidi
- Chain Tree
- Bamboo Forests
- Tea Estates
- Karlad lake
- Sulthan Bathery
- Karapuzha Dam
Which are the best places to see the sunrise in Wayanad?
- Neelima Viewpoint
- Sunrise Valley
- Chembra Peak
- Sulthan Bathery
- Ghati Viewpoint
Which are the best places to visit in Wayanad in 3 Days?
- Meenmutty Falls
- Sunrise Valley
- Banasura Sagar
- Neelima View Point
- Chembra Peak
- Lakkidi
- Tea Estates
- Pookode Lake
- Kuruva Island
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Which are the nearest airports & railway stations to Wayanad?
Wayanad is not connected to any railway line, it is less commercial. Hence its a very beautiful place to visit in Kerala if you want to escape the chaos of life for some time. However, the nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport.
How are the hotel facilities for tourists in Wayanad?
Wayanad is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala because of the peace and tranquility it offers. It houses some of the best plantation resorts and expensive hotels to give comfort to the tourists. There is also no dearth of budget stays. The scenic nature vistas in the background of the hotels will captivate your soul.
What are the best things to do for tourists in Wayanad?
- Trekking
- Boating
- Ziplining
- Sightseeing
- Rafting
- Camping
- Wildlife Safari
- Tree House Stay
- Cycling
Is Wayanad a good honeymoon destination?
Yes, Wayanad is a wonderful destination for honeymoon couples. The natural beauty in abundance, the picture-perfect landscapes are worth posing for romantic photographs and spending some romantic moments amidst the serenity and tranquility of nature.
About the author
She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.
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