Top 10 Places To Visit In Wayanad
If you are looking for the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad, well you have landed at the right place! Wayanad is one of the best tourist attractions in Kerala and a lot of people visit Wayanad to have the best summer trip. In this article, I have come up with the ten most popular tourist places in Wayanad that you can visit to chill out this summer!
How to Reach Wayanad
If you are wondering how to reach Wayanad, here are the details on how to reach Wayanad by train, road, and air.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
| By Train | The nearest railway station is the Kozhikode (CLT) junction, about 85 km away. It is well connected to major cities in South India. From there, you can book a taxi or take a bus to reach Wayanad. |
| By Road | Wayanad is well-connected by road to various important cities like Bangalore, Kochi, etc. You can use the NH 766 to reach here from Kochi. |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Calicut 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 visit in 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 haven for birds, orchids, and rare herbs and is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city 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 spot in the list of top 10 places to visit in Wayanad. It is the highest peak in Wayanad and is the right destination for trekkers who seek a bit of adventure! The peak offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. The trek to Chembra Peak is a journey through an evergreen forest, leading to a heart-shaped lake, which is 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 consists of a unique archaeological feature resembling a human skull! These natural rock formations are a tourist attraction in Ambalavayal, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This Phantom rock is about 2600 feet above sea level and is located close to the Edakal 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 Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary is situated in the Brahmagiri Ranges. It is one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad because it is a haven for ornithologists and all nature lovers. The rugged terrain and abundance of birds make it an interesting place for trekking and bird-watching. This sanctuary is famous for its virgin forests and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
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
The Meenmutty Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in Wayanad and has three tiers of waterfalls. It is located against the dense forest, which also gives you a chance for an adventurous hike! From the top, you can see the entire valley below and the surrounding mountains offering the best view ever. The journey through this beauty of nature is an experience that you must 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 Pookode is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forests and mountains in Wayanad. It is known for its beautiful and calm boating facilities. Moreover, you know what?! This lake resembles a map of India! You can notice this when you see it in Google Maps. Pookode Lake is also the highest freshwater lake in Kerala and 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
Neelimala View Point is one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad that offers panoramic views of the Meenamutty waterfalls and nearby valleys. This place is a perfect blend of lush greenery, beautiful hills, and diverse flora and fauna that showcase the unique natural beauty of the Western Ghats! To reach the sights, you can trek from the ground to have an adventurous 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 visiting the largest earthen dam in India?! Well, this Banasur Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is located in the foothills of Banasura Hills, about 20 km from Wayanad. The dam was constructed to meet the demand for irrigation and drinking water in the Karamanathodu, a tributary of the Kabini River. And now, the lake and its ponds 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 love to witness wildlife, then Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the right choice. This wildlife sanctuary is about 345 square kilometers and is a home to variety of large wildlife such as butterflies, Asian elephants, rhinos, and elephants. The sanctuary also has a few exotic birds to click photos!
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
The Aranamala Hill is one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad that attracts a lot of adventure lovers due to challenging treks. It is an isolated mountain that makes it one of the most beautiful destinations. The Aranamala Peak is surrounded by the majestic ranges of ‘Tholayiram Kandi’, where the road descends into the dense forests of Aranmal. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit Wayanad in 2 days with friends who love adventures!
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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