About Wayanad

Country: India | State: Kerala

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Full Days

Nearest City to Wayanad: Kozhikode (70 Kms)

Best Time to Visit Wayanad: October to April

Peak Season: December to January & May to June

At a distance of 73 km from Kozhikode, 118 km from Ooty, 141 km from Mysore, 168 km from Palakkad, 180 km from Thrissur, 246 km from Kochi, 299 km from Bangalore, and 442 km from Trivandrum, Wayanad is a hill district in Kerala. It is one of the popular hill stations near Bangalore, and among the must include places in Kerala tour packages.

Wayanad district was formed in 1980 by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the headquarters of the Wayanad district. The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields. Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, and Soochipara Waterfalls are among the must include places in your Wayanad Tour Packages.

It is a picturesque plateau situated at an altitude ranging between 700 to 2100 meters nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the borders of Tamil Nadu and the Karnataka States. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal-oriented. This district is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State with its production of cash crops like pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices, and other condiments. Wayanad can be visited along with Mysore tour packages.

Wayanad has a rich history and the hills of Wayanad have several evidences of the New Stone Age civilization. There are pictures and pictorial writings on the walls of both the caves of Ampukuthimala, which lie between Sultan Bathery and Ambalavayal, that provide crucial information about the past era and civilization. In ancient times the land was ruled by the Vedar Rajas. Later Wayanad came under the rule of Pazhassi Raja of the Kottayam Royal Dynasty. After becoming the King of Mysore, Hyder Ali invaded this land and brought it under his control. However, it went back to the Kottayam Royal Dynasty during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Finally, this region came under British rule.

Wayanad is home to several tourist attractions in the form of lakes, caves, sanctuaries, and waterfalls. Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Kanthampara Falls, Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Karappuzha Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi, and Thirunelly Temple are the top places to visit in Wayanad.

Wayanad is also famous for Tea and Coffee plantations. Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns in Wayanad after Kalpetta and these three towns are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district. Wayanad has the least population density in Kerala. The famous tribal events and folk dance performances by tribes are hosted between February and May. Onam, during August- September, Maha Shivaratri and Vishu are the important festivals celebrated in Wayanad.

About 85 km from Kalpetta, Kozhikode International Airport is the nearest airport which has well-connected flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Tiruchirapalli, and abroad, specifically gulf countries. About 73 km from Kalpetta, Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railway station and is well-connected by train with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. Wayanad is well connected by bus from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty, and Mysore.

The best time to visit Wayanad is from September to May while the peak season is from October to March. It usually takes 1-2 full days to explore this area.

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Other Info
Internet Availability: Average
STD Code: 04936
Languages Spoken: Malayalam,Hindi, English, Tamil & Kannada
Major Festivals: Details Not Available
Notes/Tips:
None

How to Reach Wayanad

By Air

Nearest Airport: Kozhikode - Kozhikode International Airport (81 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Train Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (70 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Kalpetta KSRTC Bus Station (0 Kms)

Top 12 Places to Visit in Wayanad

Backwaters

#1 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Banasura Sagar Dam

At a distance of 21 km from Mananthavady, 22 km from Kalpetta, and 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The dam was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, and is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places.

Ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills, it is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam got its name from Banasura, the son of King Mahabali, the famous ruler of Kerala. It is said that Banasura undertook severe penance on the top of the hills. Banasura hill is the third-largest peak in the Western Ghats.

History of Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam was built in 1979 under the Indian Banasura Sagar Project which was started to support the Kakkayam Hydro Electric Power Project. This project also aimed at contributing to the drinking .....

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Heritage

#2 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Edakkal Caves

At a distance of 6 km from Ambalavalayal, 14 km from Sulthan Bathery, and 28 km from Kalpetta, Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located on top of Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavalayal in Wayanad. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must-include places in the Wayanad tour.

The Edakkal caves are of historical and archaeological significance as it has carvings that date back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age. The caves have two levels accessible through narrow iron steps. The lower chamber is around 18 feet long and 10 feet high. A small path from here leads to the upper chamber which is around 95 feet long and 18 feet high. These caves are natural rock formations that were formed by a large split in a huge rock. The stone walls in the upper chamber have several line drawings belonging to the Neolithic Age dating back to 6000 BC, the earliest drawings .....

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Waterfall

#3 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Soochipara Waterfalls

At a distance of 13 km from Meppadi, 24 km from Kalpetta & 46 km from Sulthan Bathery, Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Vellarimala mountain range of Wayanad. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Kerala, and among the must-visit places as part of Wayanad holiday packages.

Height of Soochipara Waterfall

Soochipara Waterfalls is a 3 tiered waterfall, dropping from a height of about 200 meters. The waterfall cascades down into a large pool, which is a good place for swimming and bathing. The water from Soochipara Falls later joins the Chaliyar River after Vellarimala Hills near Cherambadi in Tamil Nadu. The waterfall got its name from a needle-shaped rock situated here where soochi means rock and para means needle. It is regarded as one of the prominent Wayanad tourist attractions.

Things .....

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Backwaters

#4 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad


At a distance of 3 km from Vythiri, and 13 km from Kalpetta, Pookote Lake, also known as Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake situated close to the Kalpetta - Kozhikode main road in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the must-visit Wayanad sightseeing places.

At an altitude of about 2500 feet, this fascinating natural freshwater lake is surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills. The lake has the shape of India's map. The lake is spread across an area of 13 acres with a maximum depth of 6.5 m. The Panamaram stream, one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River, originates from Pookote Lake.

The lake has an abundance of blue lotus and freshwater fishes. Pethia pookodensis is a species of cyprinid fish known to occur only in Pookode Lake. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds, and flies. The view of this vast expanse of water in the picturesque backdrop .....

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Nature

#5 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

At a distance of 16 km from Kalpetta & 4 km from Pookote Lake, Lakkidi is small hill station situated at the highest point in the Wayanad district. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, Lakkidi gets about 600 cm rainfall annually, making it one of the highest rainfall regions in Kerala and also one of the prime Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Often referred as 'the gateway of Wayanad', Lakkidi is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass, which features over 9 hairpin curves that start at Adivaram (downhill). The 12 km long ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi passing through thick forest leaves a wonderful experience. The lush green hills, gorges and streams on both sides of the passage up the hill are breathtaking sights to the visitors.

This beautiful hill town has a number of scenic locations and enchanting viewpoints. Lakkidi Viewpoint .....

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Adventure

#6 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Chembra Peak

At a distance of 17 km from Kalpetta, Chembra Peak is a mountain peak in the Western Ghats of the Wayanad district. This is one of the top places for trekking in Kerala, and another popular attraction not to miss as part of your Wayanad tour packages.

Located at an elevation of 2100 m above sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad & the third-highest peak in South India. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of the Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery, and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.

Trekking to Chembra Peak

Trekking to Chembra Peak is one of the top things to do in Wayanad and is organized by Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS), a part .....

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Waterfall

#7 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Meenmutty Waterfalls

At a distance of 5 km from Banasura Sagar Dam, 25 km from Kalpetta & 48 km from Sulthan Bathery, Meenmutty Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall located near Banasura Sagar Dam in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and among the prominent Wayanad tourist places to visit.

Height of Meenmutty Waterfall

Cascading down through multiple tiers from a height of 984 feet, it is the second-highest waterfall in Kerala and is situated inside a thick forest flowing through a rocky platform. The falls has three tiers with varying height. The first tier can be reached by walking for about 500 m from the parking area / main entrance of the falls. This layer is smaller and has a low-depth pool that is ideal for swimming. The second tier can be reached by trekking about 500 m through steps built over .....

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Wildlife

#8 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary

At a distance of 14 km from Sulthan Bathery and 39 km from Kalpetta, Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a sanctuary and Elephant Reserve in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is one of the top places of wildlife in Kerala, and among the best places to visit in Wayanad.

History of Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1973. Almost a couple of decades later, in 1991- 92, was brought under Project Elephant, to conserve India’s Asian elephants in their natural habitat. Now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary was set up to conserve the biological heritage of the region with due consideration to the general lifestyle of tribes and others whose lives are dependent on the forest. Currently, it holds the title of being .....

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Nature

#9 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

About Kuruva Island

At a distance of 13 km from Mananthavady, 26 km from Kalpetta, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 32 km from Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is a protected river delta in Wayanad district of Kerala. Kuruva Dweep is being developed as an eco-tourism project and is one of the popular places to visit in Wayanad.

Kuruva Island is a cluster of small islands formed by the delta in the River Kabini and is spread over 950 acres of uninhabited area. These are true natural islands with no other activities. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids, and herbs are the main attraction of the island apart from its breathtaking natural beauty. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island. The main island contains two small freshwater lakes. Other unique features of these islands are the bridges .....

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Museum

#11 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

At a distance of 12 km from Kalpetta, and 22 km from Sulthan Bathery, Uravu Bamboo Factory is a social organization that promotes skill training activities and ecotourism in Wayanad. Situated at Thrikkaipetta village, it is a beehive of activities and among the most popular places to visit in Wayanad in recent years.

Established in 1996, Uravu Indigenous Science & Technology Study Centre, commonly known as Uravu Bamboo Factory, is a non-profit bamboo based developmental organization that strives for rural empowerment through sustainable solutions. It is an initiative to provide employment for the rural craftspeople through the art of making crafts using bamboo, and also for environmental and economic benefits. It is an excellent place to see how one can carry out socio-economic development while caring for natural resources.

Uravu means 'the bamboo village' and, quite appropriately, the locals here earn .....

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Museum

#12 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

At a distance of 9 km from Vythiri, 12 km from Kalpetta, and 37 km from Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad Tea Museum is a museum located on the Banasura Sagar Dam road at Achoor near Pozhuthana. It is the first tea museum in Wayanad and among the top Wayanad tourist places.

Also known as Achoor Tea Museum, the Wayanad Tea Museum was introduced by Harrison's Malayalam Ltd. The tea factory was built in 1911 with wooden and iron panels and has been converted into a museum by the Harrison management to develop a tea culture among youngsters & general public, imparting knowledge to students in schools and colleges, and providing a tea experience to tourists.

The Wayanad Tea Museum is a perfect place to learn the history of tea cultivation in Wayanad, along with knowledge of the different tea species grown here. The first floor of the three-story museum houses historical documents related to the Boston Tea Party Revolution .....

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Miscellaneous

#13 of 42 Places to Visit in Wayanad

At a distance of 13 km from Sulthan Bathery, and 22 km from Kalpetta, Poopoli Wayanad Flower Show is a flower show held annually at Ambalavayal in the Wayanad District of Kerala. It is the biggest flower show in Kerala and among the must-see places as part of Wayanad tour packages.

Poopoli National Agrifest & Wayanad Flower Show is held at Ambalavayal every year from January 1 to 15 and marks the beginning of the New Year. Organized by Kerala Agriculture University & International Society for Horticultural Sciences, it was started in 2014 with the aim of providing a platform for interaction between international experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs in the field of horticulture.

The 15-day fiesta is a venue for showing and exploring the latest trends and techniques in horticulture and floriculture. There is an innumerable number of stalls sprawled over 10 acres which display some exquisite flowers and also sell garden plants, .....

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