Wayanad, the verdant hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a nature lover’s paradise. While its lush green landscapes, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls are well-known attractions, this picturesque district also houses a bucket full of offbeat places in Wayanad that remain relatively unexplored. This guide will take you on a beautiful journey through some of the most intriguing gems of the region where you can immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage, marvel at nature’s raw beauty, and create unforgettable memories. Get ready to discover the lesser-known facets of this enchanting hill station that will leave you spellbound and craving for more.
Top 5 Offbeat Places in Wayanad
Wayanad is renowned for its lush greenery, misty mountains, and rich biodiversity. There are several hidden offbeat places in Wayanad that offer unique experiences. They are:
1. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is a must-visit for any nature lover visiting Wayanad. Constructed in 1979, this dam is India’s largest earthen dam and ranks second in Asia. The dam, one of the offbeat places in Wayanad, itself is quite scenic, but the real beauty lies in the reservoir it creates. The Banasura Sagar reservoir is a sprawling lake surrounded by lush green hills. You can take a boat ride on the Banasura Sagar reservoir. For a more unique experience, try a coracle ride. Coracles are small, round boats made of woven reeds and covered with leather or plastic. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try ziplining across the lake. This is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy stunning views from above.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. The lake is at its fullest, and the surrounding hills are lush green.
How to Reach Wayanad to Banasura Sagar Dam?
- Car: If driving from Bangalore, take the NH 212 highway to Mysore. From Mysore, take the NH 85 highway to Kannur. From Kannur, take the NH 17 highway to Kalpetta. The Banasura Sagar Dam is well-signposted from Kalpetta, located about 21 km.
- Taxi or Bus: You can hire a taxi or bus from Kalpetta to the Banasura Sagar Dam.
Must Read: Wayanad Tourist Places
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
For those seeking offbeat places in Mysore, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers an adventurous escape into the heart of nature. It is a must-visit place for nature lovers. It covers an area of 344.44 square kilometres and is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is divided into two disconnected parts: North Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and South Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and gaur. You can explore the sanctuary’s dense forests on an exciting jeep safari. This is the best way to spot wildlife and get close to nature.
Best Time to Visit
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary’s optimal visiting times are from October through May. Nevertheless, the sanctuary remains closed during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Wayanad to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?
- By Air: The Calicut International Airport is the closest airport, approximately 90 kilometres from Wayanad. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Wayanad.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Thalassery Railway Station (TAS), about 60 kilometres from Wayanad. You can take taxis and buses from the railway station to Wayanad.
- By Road: Wayanad enjoys robust road connectivity with major cities across Kerala and South India. Travellers can board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Wayanad.
3. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak, towering at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, claims the title of the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek to the peak is moderate, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills, tea plantations, and lush green valleys. The trek to Chembra Peak is about 4.5 km long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. Hridayasarasu, or the heart-shaped lake, is a beautiful spot about halfway up the trek to Chembra Peak. The lake is said to be never-drying and is a popular spot for photography. You can visit the forests around Chembra Peak, home to various wildlife, including birds, snakes, and mammals.
Best Time to Visit
The prime period to explore Chembra Peak is winter (November to February). The trek can also be done during the summer (March to May) but can be hot and humid.
How to Reach Wayanad to Chembra Peak?
- By road: Chembra Peak is about 8 kilometres from Meppadi, a town in Wayanad. To reach the base of the trek, you can hire a taxi or rickshaw from Meppadi.
- By bus: Regular buses run from Kalpetta, the main town in Wayanad, to Meppadi. From Meppadi, you can hire a taxi or rickshaw to reach the base of the trek.
Suggested Read: Resorts Near Wayanad
4. Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are two natural caves nestled amidst the lush green hills of Wayanad. Edakkal means “a stone in between” – apt for these caves formed by a giant boulder wedged between two other large boulders. These caves are famed for the prehistoric petroglyphs or rock carvings believed to date back to at least 6,000 BCE, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors.
The carvings depict figures like animals, humans, tools, and even some Tamil Brahmi scripts, making Edakkal Caves a significant archaeological site and one of the most offbeat places in Wayanad. Reaching the caves involves a scenic trek through the Ambukutty Hills. Enjoy the fresh air, verdant surroundings, and the beauty of the Western Ghats as you make your way up. The vantage point from the caves offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Wayanad.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Edakkal Caves is during the winter months, from November to February.
How to Reach Wayanad to Edakkal Caves?
- Local Bus: Take a local bus from Kalpetta, the administrative headquarters of Wayanad, to Ambukutty Mala. You can hire a jeep or taxi to reach the caves from there.
- Taxi: To reach the caves directly, hire a taxi from Kalpetta or any nearby town.
5. Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls is also famous as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, one of the best offbeat places in Wayanad for couples. It is a breathtaking three-tiered wonder nestled amidst the lush green forests of Wayanad. The name Soochipara comes from the Malayalam words “Soochi”, meaning “needle”, and “Para”, meaning “rock”, referring to the sharp needle-shaped rocks surrounding the falls. The cascading waters plunge from a height of about 200 meters, creating a pool ideal for swimming and a visual spectacle that awakes visitors. You can dip in the invigorating pool at the foot of the falls. Birdwatchers can listen to the calls of various avian residents. Simultaneously, photographers have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking beauty of the falls and its picturesque surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Soochipara Falls is during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the waterfalls are most potent. If you prefer drier weather, you can visit between November and February.
How to Reach Wayanad to Soochipara Falls?
- By Road: You can hire a taxi or cab from Wayanad town or take a bus to Meppadi. From Meppadi, you can take another cab or jeep to reach the falls.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Thalassery, about 70 kilometres from Soochipara Falls. From Thalassery, you can hire a taxi to reach the falls.
Further Read: Villas In Wayanad
Wayanad offers a treasure trove of offbeat destinations for the spirited traveller. This region calls you for an extraordinary journey. Whether you yearn for peace amidst nature’s embrace or thirst for a deep dive into cultural richness, Wayanad assures you of an unforgettable journey that resonates with your soul. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go on an unforgettable adventurous trip to Wayanad, where the offbeat trails of Wayanad await your exploration. Book your trip today and let the magic of this captivating land unfold before your eyes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Places in Wayanad
Which is the most beautiful village in Wayanad?
Wayanad has many charming villages, including:
- Meppady: A village known for its spice plantations and proximity to Chembra Peak.
- Tholpetty: Nestled amidst hills, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Virajpet: A town with a strong indigenous culture and historical sites.
Can we cover Wayanad in one day?
Wayanad has much to offer, and covering everything in one day would be hectic. To truly experience its beauty, a minimum of two to three days is recommended.
What is the scenic beauty of Wayanad?
Wayanad boasts rolling hills, lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and dense forests—a nature lover's paradise!
What is the special food of Wayanad?
Some local specialities are Kappi (bamboo rice), Kadala Curry (black gram curry), and Ghee Rice. Don't miss the fresh fruits and spices!
Which is the famous peak in Wayanad?
Chembra Peak stands as the famous peak of Wayanad, renowned for its trekking routes and awe-inspiring vistas.
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