8 Top Places to Visit In Wayanad

Top Places to Visit in Wayanad

For Nature And Adventure Lovers

All nature lovers, we have curated a list of the best places to see in Wayanad for you. Let’s explore one-by-one:

• Pookode Lake: It is a well-known lake point, which is almost 3 km from Kalpetta, and takes roughly 15 minutes to reach. You will discover a freshwater lake, and it is ideal for nature lovers with friends and family.
• Banasura Sagar Dam: Planning for a picnic trip, then visit India’s largest earth dam, which is almost 21 km from Kalpetta, which will take 1 hour to reach. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts and peace seekers.
• Kuruva Island: If you are a photography enthusiast, then visit this unique river delta on the Kabini. It is ideal for bamboo rafting and spotting rare birds. It is almost 30 km from Kalpetta.
• Meenmutty & Soochipara Waterfalls: This waterfall destination offers a thrilling view, and it is a must-visit for waterfall chasers. It is almost 23 km from Kalpetta, which will take 1 hour to reach the destination.
• Chembra Peak: It is unique as it is a heart-shaped lake, and it offers a stunning sight with clouds. It is ideal for trekkers, and it is almost 23 km from Kalpetta.
• Edakkal Caves: If you are a history lover, then you should try Edakkal Caves, which is almost 25 km from Kalpetta. You can also do a moderate trek with your friends.
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: You can plan a great jeep safari with your friends and get photographs of elephants, deer, and maybe a tiger.
• Mountain camping near Phantom Rock: For climbers and trek lovers, Phantom Rock is one of the well-known places to visit in and around Wayanad. It is almost 20 km from Kalpetta.

For Families With Kids

Are you planning your next trip for your family, and want to know some well-known places to visit in Wayanad District? Let’s explore the list one by one:

• Pookode Lake: Want to experience nature and aquarium life? Then explore Pookode Lake, which is approximately 3 km from Kalpetta. It offers a peaceful experience and an escape from busy life.
• Banasura Sagar Dam: It is a safe destination to witness the engineering marvel, and you get to see mountain views. It also has kid-friendly spaces, which are almost 21 km from Kalpetta.
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: A perfect place to visit with your family and kids. Your kids get a chance to spot elephants, deer, and even peacocks in their natural habitat. It is almost 40 km from Kalpetta.
• Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery:Want to experience something spiritual? Just head to the Jain temple, which is almost 24 km from Kalpetta.
• Wayanad Heritage Museum: If you are a history enthusiast, then it is a perfect place to visit with your kids. They get to learn about tribal life, tools, and artefacts. It is almost 20 km from Kalpetta.

For Couples & Honeymooners

Planning your first trip as a couple, want to know couple-friendly places to visit in Wayanad, Kerala? Let’s explore the best spots one by one:

• Treehouse stay near Vythiri: Give a surprise to your partner and plan your visit to Treehouse Stay and wake up to birdsong and misty treetops. You can expect a private treehouse, and it is almost 10 km from Kalpetta.
• Kuruva Island: It is a secluded and quiet place to visit with your partner, ideal for a peaceful and calm experience. Kuruva Island is almost 30 km from Kalpetta.
• Pookode Lake: Want to capture the best evening shots with your partner? Then plan your visit to Pookode Lake, which is approximately 3 km from Kalpetta.
• Private viewpoints: Give your partner a surprise by visiting Lakkidi with a golden sunset. It has cool panoramic valley views. It is approximately 16 km from Kalpetta.
• Meppadi Tea Estate walk: You can stroll with your partner in the tea garden, and it is perfect for clicking memorable photos. Meppadi is around 12 km from Kalpetta.

For History & Culture Buffs

Are you looking for the tourist places to visit in Wayanad that have history and cultural significance? Then here is the complete list of the best spots in Wayanad:

• Edakkal Caves: If you want to see fascinating petroglyphs and stone carvings, then visit Edakkal Caves, which is almost 25 km from Kalpetta.
• Jain Temple: It is an architectural marvel that resembles classic Jain architecture with beautiful pillars and niches. You can reach the destination by covering a 24 km journey from Kalpetta.
• Wayanad Heritage Museum: Want to explore tribal artefacts and ancient weapons? Then visit Wayanad Heritage Museum, which is almost 20 km from Kalpetta.
• Thirunelli Temple: It is an ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can reach the temple by covering 66 km from Kalpetta.
• Tribal Village Visits: A perfect chance to visit the Tribal Village to learn about customs, crafts, and daily life. It is an organised tour available through tour operators across Wayanad.

For Offbeat & Eco Travellers

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Wayanad for travel enthusiasts:

• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Looking for an alternative to a busier park, then visit this wildlife sanctuary, which offers a peaceful experience. You get to spot elephants, gaurs, and birds in a pristine forest. It is easily accessible by almost 70 km from Kalpetta.
• Bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island: Want to explore a unique river island? Then visit Kuruva Island, which is almost 30 km from Kalpetta. It is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.
• Organic farm visits near Meppadi: Meppadi is approximately 15 km from Kalpetta, and it is situated in the Meppadi region. It offers insights about sustainable farming, interaction with local farmers, and learn about spice cultivation.
• Phantom Rock: It is a skull-shaped rock that sits dramatically above the valley - a quirky geological wonder, and you can reach the destination by covering 20 km from Kalpetta.
• Stay in eco-resorts or homestays with tribal families: Experience nature with your family and enjoy local cuisine.

For Solo Travellers

Hey solo travellers, searching for the best places to visit in Wayanad, Kerala? Let’s explore the best hidden gems one by one:

• Zostel Wayanad (Social hostel, good base): It is ideal for solo travellers who want to meet fellow travellers, and it offers cozy common areas, scenic views, and a helpful base for exploring Wayanad. It is almost 65 km from Kalpetta.
• Guided trek to Chembra Peak: You can plan your next trek to Chembra Peak with your friends, and witness iconic heart-shaped lake. You can reach the destination by covering 23 km from Kalpetta.
• Pookode Lake for an early morning walk: It is one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad list of every solo traveler. You can reach Pookode Lake by covering 3 km from Kalpetta.
• Heritage Museum for solo exploring: Want to experience history and culture in Wayanad, then visit the museum which is almost 20 km from Kalpetta.
• Local cafés & market shopping in Kalpetta: If you are already in Wayanad, then plan to visit local cafes and marketing shopping in Kalpetta. It is a great way to connect with the culture and gain a delightful experience.

Suggested Itineraries:

Here is a brief detail of the popular itinerary:

Where to Stay in Wayanad

Luxury/Premium Resorts:

• Vythiri Village: It offers deluxe rooms, which are available at 9,000 INR per night, and pool villas, which cost around 17,000 to 18,000 INR. It has various amenities, a jungle ambience, and excellent food service. It is high cost, but you can plan a group trip with your friends.
• Wayanad Wild: It offers a premium eco-lodge in Kunnathidavaka. The room is available from 22,227 INR per room. It is ideal if you are planning with your spouse or friends. It is one of the well-known places to visit in Wayanad in 2 days.

Budget Hotels/Stay:

• Zostel Wayanad: You will get a room around 2,400 INR per night, it can be shared or private, depending on the type. It is ideal for solo travellers or friends.
• Homestays in Kalpetta: There are various branches, and it is available for around 1,333 to 2,300 INR, depending on the type. You also get breakfast options.

Unique:

• Treehouses: A room in treehouses is available for 7,000 INR with breakfast options.
• Eco-lodges/Jungle Stays: An eco-lodge or jungle stay is available for 4,000 - 7,000 INR or more, depending on facilities.

Area-based:

• Kalpetta: Budget homestays in Kalpetta (central Wayanad) offer rooms for 1,000 to 3,000 INR. It is convenient for you to access many tourist sites, shops, and bus routes.
• Sulthan Bathery: It is great for those who want to explore eastern attractions, and there are various budget homestays and moderate resorts available.
• Vythiri: It has high-end resorts to mid-luxury, eco-lodges, and some mid options available for you.

Local Food & Cuisine

Wayanad boasts a unique and flavorful blend of traditional Kerala cuisine and indigenous tribal cooking. Let’s explore the must-try dishes:

• 1980s A Nostalgic Restaurant: Try Malabar Biryani, a dish full of fresh spices, and it has a special variety of rice called Kaima rice. Additionally, you can try the Malabar Duck Roast, a staple delicacy of Wayanad.
• White House Restaurant: It has Indian-Chinese cuisine, which has spices inspired by Wayanad. It is popular for its rice and meat platters.
• Hotel Wayanad Gate: It has a wide range of Kerala cuisine, and it offers traditional and contemporary dishes. Try Chattipathiri, a traditional dish which is often referred to as the “Indian Lasagna”.
• Jubilee Restaurant, Sultan Bathery: It offers a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options.

Shopping in Wayanad

When you are already in Wayanad, then shopping is a must. It is one of the most beautiful districts in the South Indian state. You are in the perfect destination to enjoy a holiday and shopping. Let’s explore the list of things you can do in Wayanad:

• Spices, coffee, and honey: Shop the best spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves. In addition, you can also buy harvested tea leaves and coffee beans directly from plantations. If you are exploring places to visit in Wayanad in 2 days, then you can also visit the local area and buy the well-known spices.
• Handmade craft: Wayanad has a rich culture and heritage in its craft. Make sure to buy the handmade crafts and unique souvenirs made by local artisans. You can buy artifacts from Uravu (NGO craft store).

How to Reach Wayanad

By Road:

• From Bangalore: The overall distance from Bangalore is almost 280 km, and it will take you 6-7 hours to reach the destination. The route is Bangalore ? Mysore ? Gundlupet ? Sulthan Bathery. The journey will cost you around 500-1,000 INR by KSRTC bus, and 2,000-3,000 INR by self-drive.
• From Kochi: The overall distance from Kochi is almost 260 km, and it will take you 7-8 hours to complete the journey. The route is Kochi ? Calicut ? Wayanad. The journey will cost you 400-800 INR by bus, and 2,000-2,800 INR by self-drive.
• From Mysore: You will have to cover 130 km from Mysore, and it will take you 3-4 hours to complete the journey. You will have to pay around 200-400 INR if you are traveling by bus, and 2500 INR by taxi.

By Train:

• If you are traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut), and the overall distance is 100 km. It will take 3 hours to reach Wayanad by road.
• From Bangalore to Kozhikode, it will take 11 hours, and from Chennai to Kozhikode, it will take 14 hours.
• Once you reach the destination, you can hire a taxi (2,000 to 3,000 INR) or travel by KSRTC bus (100-250 INR) to Wayanad.

By Air:

• You will cover 100 km to reach Wayanad. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport. The overall duration is 2 to 3 hours.
• The overall travel charges for this journey will be around 2,500 - 3,500 INR. There are various buses available from nearby towns.
• There are regular domestic and international flights from Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Dubai.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad

• October to May: If you want to experience the bliss of misty mountains, then October-May is the best period to visit Wayanad. You get to explore tree plantations and experience cool temperatures during this time. In this timeline, you get to see a thick blanket of fog, with sunny days but wintry evenings. During this time, it is recommended not to trek, as it may rain and the ground may be sloppy.
• Monsoon (June-September): If you want to experience peace and tranquillity, then June-September is the best time to experience the monsoon months in Wayanad. It has lush green surroundings, exquisite attractions, and perfect misty weather. You can stay at Quaint homestays, resorts, and hotels, which are available at affordable rates.
• Seasonal Breakdown: There are various benefits of visiting each season, as you get a lot of group discounts on travel packages. You can plan your travel as per your interests and availability. If you visit during the hot summer, you get to see clear skies and vibrant landscapes. It is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, as each season has its own charm and benefits.

Tips For Visiting Wayanad

• Best time to visit: You can visit Wayanad from October to May to avoid the monsoons for trekking.
• Ideal trip duration: The ideal duration is around two to four days, and you can cover important locations and explore the area.
• Stay near Kalpetta or Sultan Bathery: If you want to travel through public transport, then staying near Kalpetta is suggested, as it is located centrally.
• Carry essentials: Remember to carry good shoes, a light jacket, and eco-friendly travel kits.
• Ideal time to travel: Early mornings are best for safaris and photography.

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Travellers Testimonials

• Vrushali Baste’s 6-day trip to Karnataka: We have recently booked and travelled to Mysuru, Coorg, and Wayanad. The hotel was very good, and the cab ride was okay. Sightseeing was well planned, and the overall service by Travel Triangle was good.
• Mounika Veluru’s 3-day trip: We booked the Explore World package for the Wayanad girls' trip. The arrangements made by them are really commendable.