Top 10 Places To Visit In Wayanad | How to Reach Wayanad
If you are looking for top 10 places to go to Wayanad, then you have landed at the right place! Wayanad is one of the best tourist attractions in Kerala and many people visit Wanad, for the best summer trip. In this article, I have come up with the ten most popular tourist places in Wayanad that you can go to chill this summer!
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How to Reach Wayanad
If you are wondering how to reach Wayanad, then there are details about reaching Wayanad by train, road and air.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
| By Train | The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (CLT) junction, which is about 85 km away. It is well connected to major cities of South India. From there, you can book a taxi or take a bus to reach Wayanad. |
| By Road | Wayanad is well connected by road for various important cities like Bangalore, Kochi, etc. You can use NH 766 to reach here from Kochi. |
| By Air | Nearest Airport: Calicat International Airport (CCJ), about 90 km away. Taxis are available at the airport to reach Wayanad. |
Top 10 Places To Visit In Wayanad
1. Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island is one of the top 10 places to go to Wayanad which is located in an ancient river in the Kabini River. It covers an area of about 950 hectares with evergreen forests. The islands are a shelter site for birds, orchids and rare herbs and are perfect for those to avoid the movement of the city’s life and immerse themselves in nature.
Things to do:
- Bamboo rafting
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Picnicking
Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Entry fee: ₹110 for Indians, ₹200 for Foreigners
How to reach: Accessible by bus to Kattikulam, then you will need to walk from Puzhakkara Durgadevi Temple which takes only a few minutes.
Nearby attractions: Thirunelli Temple, Papanashini River.
2. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is the next location in the list of top 10 locations to travel in Wayanad. It is the highest peak in Wayanad and the right destination for trekkers that seek a little adventure! The peak offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. Cambra peak trek is a trip through an evergreen forest, leading to a heart -shaped lake, a major attraction.
Things to do:
- Trekking to Heart Lake
- Panoramic photography
- Picnicking
- Bird watching
- Enjoying the view from the watchtower
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹50 per person, additional charges for trekking.
How to reach: Located near Meppadi, can be accessible by road.
Nearby attractions: Soochipara Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves.
3. Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock has a unique archaeological feature that meets a human skull! These natural rock formations are a tourist attraction in Ambalawel, offering panoramic scenes of the surrounding landscape. This phantom rock is about 2600 feet above sea level and is located close to the adakal caves.
Things to do:
- Rock climbing
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Exploring nearby caves
- Enjoying the panoramic views
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Free entry, but parking charges may apply
How to reach: It is located near Ambalavayal, and accessible by road.
Nearby attractions: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum.
4. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
The Pakistani bird sanctuary is located in the Brahmagiri mountain range. It is one of the top 10 places to go to Wayanad, as it is a place of shelter for organists and all nature lovers. The abundance of rugged terrain and birds makes it an interesting place for trekking and birds. This sanctuary is famous for its virgin forests and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve!
Things to do:
- Bird watching
- Trekking
- Wildlife photography
- Exploring caves
- Enjoying the forest views
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for Foreign Tourists
How to reach: Situated near Tholpetty, accessible via trek from Thirunelli Temple.
Nearby attractions: Thirunelli Temple, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Wayanad and has three level waterfalls. It is located against the dense forest, which also gives you an opportunity for a bold development! From the top, you can see the entire valley and the surrounding mountains that offer the best view ever. Travel through this beauty of nature is an experience that you should never miss!
Things to do:
- Trekking to the falls
- Swimming
- Nature walks
- Photography
- Relaxing by the water
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry fee: Rs.30 for adults and 15 for kids
How to reach: Near Banasura Sagar Dam, accessible by road followed by a trek.
Nearby attractions: Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake.
6. Pookode Lake
Lake Pukod is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forests and mountains in Wayanad. It is known for its beautiful and cool boating features. Also, you know what?! This lake is similar to the map of India! You can notice it when you see it in Google Map. Pukod lake is also the highest freshwater lake in Kerala and it originates from the Panamaram River.
Things to do:
- Boating
- Aquarium visit
- Fish spa experience
- Shopping for handicrafts
- Nature photography
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: Rs. 20 for Adults and 10 for kids
How to reach: Located in Vythiri, accessible by road.
Nearby attractions: Lakkidi View Point, Chain Tree.
7. Neelimala View Point
The Neelimala View Point is one of the top 10 locations to go to Wayanad that provides a panoramic view of menamutty waterfalls and nearby valleys. This place is a perfect mixture of green -greenery, beautiful hills and diverse flora and organisms that reflect the unique natural beauty of the Western Ghats! To reach the sites, you can trek from the ground for an adventure experience.
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Viewing Meenmutty Falls
- Jeep rides
- Photography
- Exploring nearby plantations
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹500 for Jeep rides and up to 7 persons can for accommodated in a jeep.
How to reach: Near Vaduvanchal, accessible by jeep from the entrance.
Nearby attractions: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls.
8. Banasura Sagar Dam
How about going to the largest dirt dam in India?! Well, this Banasur Sagar Dam is India’s largest land dam and Asia’s second largest. It is located at the foot of the hills of bansura, about 20 km from Wayanad. The dam was built to meet the demand for irrigation and drinking water in Kallumodo, a tributary from the Kabini River. And now, the lake and its lagoons have become a beautiful tourist attraction!
Things to do:
- Boating
- Trekking
- Speed boating
- Picnicking
- Photography
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry fee: ₹40 for Adults, ₹20 for Children.
How to reach: Located near Padinjarathara, accessible by road.
Nearby attractions: Meenmutty Waterfalls, Karlad Lake.
9. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
If you like to see wildlife, the Vinead Wildlife Sanctuary is the right choice. This wildlife sanctuary is about 345 square kilometers and is home to a variety of large wildlife such as butterflies, Asian elephants, rhinoceros and elephants. There are also some exotic birds to click photos in the sanctuary!
Things to do:
- Wildlife safaris
- Bird watching
- Nature walks
- Photography
- Educational tours
Timings: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Entry fee: ₹20 for Indian Adults, ₹110 for Foreigners
How to reach: Located near Sultan Bathery, accessible by road.
Nearby attractions: Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak.
10. Aranamala Peak
Aranamala Hill is one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad that attracts many adventurers because of challenging trips. It is an isolated mountain that makes it one of the most beautiful destinations. The Aranamala peak is surrounded by the majestic areas ‘Tholayiram Kandi’, where the road goes down into the dense forests of Aranmal. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit Wayanad of 2 days with friends who love adventure!
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Waterfall visit
- Camping
- Nature photography
- Exploring nearby hills
Timings: The best time is during daylight hours
Entry fee: No specific fee, but costs may be associated with guides or treks.
How to reach: Accessible from Meppadi via a 4-wheel drive to the trek start point.
Nearby attractions: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves.
Best Time To Visit Wayanad
Well, if you ask me which is the best time to visit Wayanad, I would say probably from October to May, the dry season when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Especially in the months of October, there are exciting cultural festivals which you can experience!
FAQ
1. Are these attractions suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Many families who come to Wayanad think that these attractions are family-friendly, especially for those with kids. There are required amenities that one wants in hotels, tourist places, etc.
2. Are there accommodation options available near these attractions?
Yes. There are plenty of accommodation options in Wayanad. Some of them are Mount Xanadu Resort, LakeRose Wayanad Resort, Arayal Luxury Resort, and more.
3. What is The Budget Required to Visit Wayanad?
It doesn’t cost you more than ₹10,000 if you wish to visit Wayanad for 2 days.
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