The hilly district of Wayanad in Kerala has been a favorite tourist destination for years. It is truly a stunning and captivating place with its natural beauty, history, and vibrant culture.
Located in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is an amazing place to visit at least once in your lifetime. If you plan to go there soon, here are the best places to explore in Wayanad.
The 8 Best Places to Visit in Wayanad
1. Edakkal Caves
Edakkal caves are archaeological marvels because of the Neolithic petroglyphs they have. Huh! The cave’s stonework was estimated to be between 5000-1000 BC, that was how long ago? 7024 years!
For those who love history, this is where you need to be; these caves are a real find among archaeological treasures. These engravings give great information on prehistoric human life. There are beautiful hills around, which means something for everyone (a win-win situation).
Places To Visit Near Edakkal Caves:
1. Meenmutty Falls
2. Neelimala View Point
3. Phantom Rock
The best time to visit is November to March. The distance from Wayanad to Edakkal Caves is 25 km.
2. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is Wayanad’s tallest peak, and it stands at 2,100 meters. That’s quite huge, isn’t it? The trek is moderately hard but it gets soothing as you proceed through verdant meadows, thick forests, and tea plantations.
Chembra Peak is also well-known for its heart-shaped lake, which draws a lot of hikers and nature lovers for obvious reasons. After all, who wouldn’t want to see a heart-shaped lake in one of the most beautiful places?
Things To Do Near Chembra Peak:
1. Heart-shaped Lake
2. Thusharagiri Waterfalls
3. Trekking And Photography
The best time to visit is September to March (you can visit anytime, but especially for the trek, avoid monsoons because the path will be very slippery). The distance from Wayanad is 17 km.
3. Banasura Sagar Dam
Whether or not you are interested in dams, you must visit this one because it is India’s largest earthen dam and the second largest in Asia.
It is an attractive location because the Banasura Hills encircle it, and the dam produces a lovely reservoir with several islands ideal for boating. It is also the starting point for several hiking trails that extend into the hills around it, so if you are a trekking enthusiast, do visit!
Things To Do Banasura Sagar Dam:
1. Banasura Hill
2. Karalad Lake
3. Kurumbalakotta Mala
The best time to visit is November to May. The distance from Wayanad is 21 km.
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary for those who love wildlife because it is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and exotic birds.
The sanctuary is split into two sections, Muthanga and Tholpetty, and both of them provide a distinctive experience to spot wild animals. It’s the ideal location for nature enthusiasts or anyone looking for some peace in nature.
Tourist Places Around Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Makkiyad Meenmutty Waterfalls
2. Kuruvadweep
3. Kalpetta
5. Pookode Lake
Situated amidst Wayanand’s very beautiful forested slopes and evergreen woodlands is Pookode Lake—a naturally occurring freshwater body. This lake is among the best places to visit in Wayanad, and you will be lost in its splendor while admiring its beauty.
No exaggeration! Pookode Lake is often called Pookot Lake and can be easily reached by car. It is a great destination for a trip, particularly with family and loved ones with whom you can spend some quality time here.
Things To Do Near Pookde Lake:
1. Honey Museum Wayanad
2. Kuruva Island
3. Varambetta Mosque
The best time to visit is December to May. The distance from Wayanad is 15 km.
6. Thirunelli Temple
Known as the “Kashi of the South,” Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. It provides an extremely calm and spiritual atmosphere, tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills.
Here is a quick historical fact: The temple is thought to be more than 1,000 years old and is one of the most visited tourist places around Wayanad. The nearby Papanasini River is considered sacred and is said to wash away sins.
Best Places In Wayanad – Thirunelli:
1. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
2. Papanasini River
3. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit is September to March (it’s a temple so you can visit anytime but do keep these months in mind for auspicious days). The distance from Wayanad is 32 km.
7. Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall near Vellarimala, Wayanad, which is sometimes also referred to as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls.
This waterfall is surrounded by montane, evergreen, and deciduous woods and is recognized as one of the most beautiful. You can find some of the most pretty tea farms in Wayanad on the route from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, so be ready to witness this beauty.
Tourist Places Around Wayanad – Soochipara Falls:
1. Kathanpara Waterfalls
2. 900 Kandi
3. Lakkidi View Point
Best time to visit: June to September (for best water flow), October to February (for trekking)
Distance from Wayanad: 35 km
8. Tree House
We Indians like to save sweets for the end. And what could be a better reward than a treehouse experience? It is a dream come true! Treehouses are one of the best places to visit in Wayanad.
Best Tree Houses In Wayanad:
1. Changaathi Green Villa
2. Wild Root Stay Orchid Chalet
3. Ranches Jungle Beats
The best time to visit is October to May, a dry season with pleasing weather.
Conclusion – Best Tourist Places Around Wayanad
In conclusion, Wayanad in Kerala is an extremely beautiful place with a lot of attractions and fun activities that will keep you busy. From caves and temples to lakes and tree houses, there is something for everyone’s interest. If you are planning a quick getaway in Kerala, then surely consider visiting. Save this list for the future and start planning!
ALSO READ: 8 Must-Visit Places In Gujarat: A Journey Through Enchanting Diversity
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