🌿 Wayanad Tourist Places – Caves, Waterfalls, Treks & Wildlife (2025)

Why Wayanad is Kerala's Hottest Destination

Wayanad is Kerala's green hill district — a misty plateau at 700–1,000 metres in the Western Ghats, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. While Munnar gets the crowds, Wayanad has quietly become Kerala's most exciting destination for trekkers, wildlife lovers, and anyone who wants to escape into nature without the tourist circus.

The district is spread across three main towns — Kalpetta (the capital), Sultan Bathery, and Mananthavady — with attractions scattered between them. A cab is the only practical way to explore Wayanad properly.

Top Places to Visit

Edakkal Caves

Ancient rock shelters with 6,000-year-old petroglyphs — some of the oldest human carvings in South India. A moderate 30-minute trek up Ambukuthi Hill takes you to two natural caves formed by a massive boulder wedged between rock walls. The carvings depict human figures, animals, and symbols from the Neolithic era.

• Trek difficulty: Moderate (stone steps, 20–30 min)
• Entry: from ₹30
• Time needed: 2–3 hours including trek
• Tip: Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat

Chembra Peak Trek

Wayanad's highest peak at 2,100 metres. The trek is famous for the heart-shaped lake (Hridaya Saras) at the midway point. The full summit trek offers 360° views of the Western Ghats, Nilgiris, and the Wayanad valley below.

• Trek difficulty: Moderate to hard (12 km round trip)
• Permission: Required from Forest Office, Meppadi
• Time needed: 5–6 hours
• Best season: September–March

Soochipara Waterfalls

A spectacular 200-ft three-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense forest. A short trek through the woods leads to a natural pool at the base where you can swim. Also called Sentinel Rock Waterfalls.

• Trek: 15-minute walk from parking
• Swimming: Allowed in the pool (be careful of currents)
• Best time: Post-monsoon (September–December) for full flow

Banasura Sagar Dam

India's largest earth dam, built across the Karamanathodu River. Speed boating on the reservoir is the main attraction. The dam is surrounded by misty hills and the views from the top are stunning.

• Boating: from ₹300 per person
• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with two ranges — Tholpetty (north) and Muthanga (south). Jeep safaris take you through deciduous forest where you can spot elephants, deer, bison, langurs, and occasionally leopards.

• Safari timings: 7–9 AM and 3–5 PM
• Fare: from ₹300 per person + jeep charges
• Book early: Limited vehicles per slot

Meenmutty Waterfalls

Kerala's second largest waterfall at 300 metres, cascading in three tiers through dense forest. Requires a 2 km trek through the jungle. Spectacular during and after monsoon.

Thirunelli Temple

Ancient Vishnu temple deep in the Brahmagiri forest, known as the "Kashi of the South." The remote location, surrounded by mountains and forest, gives it a powerful spiritual atmosphere.

Pookode Lake

Freshwater lake surrounded by forest. Pedal boating, a nature walk around the lake, and a small aquarium. Very peaceful — a good break between more intense activities.

How to Reach Wayanad

• From Calicut: 85 km, 2.5–3 hours via Thamarassery Ghat (9 hairpin bends). Book a Calicut to Wayanad cab
• From Kannur: 95 km, 3 hours. Book a Kannur to Wayanad cab
• From Kochi: 280 km, 6–7 hours via Calicut
• From Mysore: 105 km, 3 hours via Gundlupet. Book a Wayanad to Mysore cab
• From Bangalore: 280 km, 6 hours via Mysore
• Nearest airport: Calicut International (CCJ), 100 km

Best Time to Visit

• October–May: Best overall. Post-monsoon greenery (Oct–Dec) is stunning. Summer (Mar–May) is warm but good for treks
• June–September: Heavy monsoon. Waterfalls at full force, leeches on trails, some roads foggy. Beautiful but challenging

How Many Days?

• 2 nights: Edakkal + Soochipara + Banasura + one safari. Tight but covers the highlights
• 3 nights: Add Chembra Peak trek + Thirunelli + Pookode Lake. Recommended
• 4+ nights: Full relaxation pace with all activities

Combine Wayanad With

• Calicut → Wayanad (2–3N) → {{link:/routes/wayanad-to-mysore|Mysore}} (1N) → {{link:/routes/wayanad-to-coorg|Coorg}} (2N) — Hill and coffee trail
• Wayanad (2N) → {{link:/routes/wayanad-to-ooty|Ooty}} (2N) → Coimbatore — Hill station hopping
• Kannur (1N) → Wayanad (2N) → Calicut (1N) — North Kerala circuit

Check our Kerala tour packages for Wayanad itineraries.

Need a cab to Wayanad? From Calicut airport, Kannur, Kochi, or Mysore — WhatsApp us your date and we'll assign an experienced ghat driver. Clean AC vehicles, no hidden charges. 📲 94465 13129