We all need an absolute stress buster to deal with our everyday life. There is nothing better than enjoying a holiday at a hill station that has everything right from the serene hills to verdant mountains, lush greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and a pleasant environment.
You need to visit a place that allows you to be just you. A place that takes all your worries away. A place that gives you inner peace of mind. A place that enables you to spend some time in the serenity of nature. A place that has a breathable atmosphere. A place where you can see what nature looks like. A place that is no less than a little paradise in reality.
How about considering Wayanad as your next holiday destination?
Lying amidst the majestic western ghats, Wayanad is a famous tourist destination that quenches the thirst of all kinds of travelers with its evergreen landscapes and blissful weather. Not only does it boast unparalleled tranquility with magical ambiance and a picture-perfect backdrop you need to satiate your emotional as well as physical state of mind but also has countless options for adventure junkies to test their hidden adventurous skills.
Offering a mind-blowing treat to solo travelers, honeymooners, and families with children, this small hamlet is sure to win over your heart with its awe-inspiring natural beauty. While you can always engage yourself in the most common things to do in Wayanad, there are a few places that will surely leave you spellbound every time you visit them. These are as follows:
01. Meenmutty Waterfalls
For all those who love to know no boundaries for nature, Meenmutty Waterfalls can be the right place to visit. It is amongst the best waterfalls in Kerala that offers a delightful experience to people of all age groups.
Surrounded by verdant green forests, this three-tiered waterfall falls from a height of 1000 feet and provides its visitors with a fantastic view that is a sight to behold. To reach the waterfalls, you need to trek through the thick jungles for nearly 2 km to enjoy a kind of adventure that is an experience in itself.
You can also engage in photography to capture some excellent shots of Mother Nature. Please avoid visiting it during the rainy season as the waterfall becomes extremely dangerous due to the heavy flow of water.
- Entry Fee: INR 30 per person for adults, INR 15 per person for children, INR 60 per person for foreigners, and INR 75 for a still camera
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM
- Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
02. Chembra Peak
The highest mountain peak in the Wayanad hill range, the Chembra Peak invites nature admirers to adore its majestic beauty along with enjoying a spectacular view of the Wayanad, Nilgiri, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts from a height of 2100 meters above sea level. It’s a perfect weekend getaway option for locals as well as tourists for a good, half-day excursion and can also be visited by adventure enthusiasts looking to bring out the best of adventure in themselves.
Experience trekking to climb up the verdant landscapes of Chembra Peak and see what it holds for you. On the way, you will come across several small waterfalls, abundant lush greenery, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and a heart-shaped lake that is believed to never dry up, no matter what the season is. However, to experience all this, you need to obtain prior permission in writing from the forest department in Meppadi.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee is INR 20 per person for Indians and INR 30 per person for foreigners. Coming to the trekking charges, it costs INR 750 for a group of 10 Indian nationals and INR 1500 for a group of 5 foreign nationals.
- Timings: Anytime from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 3-4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
03. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Heaven for wildlife lovers, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary should be on the top of your list when you’re exploring the famous sightseeing places in Wayanad.
Also referred to as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an esteemed natural habitat that provides a home to a wide variety of fauna. This includes Tigers, Elephants, Langurs, Indian Bison, Leopards, Jungle Cats, Wild Dogs, Deer, and many more. Here you can also spot endangered species of birds, butterflies, and insects along with flora that are no less than a treat to watch.
Nestled amidst the mesmerizing western ghats, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary presents umpteen things to keep you occupied throughout your stay. You can go for an elephant ride, a birding tour, a nature trail, or a jeep safari as per your interest.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person for adults, INR 5 per person for children under 12 years of age, and INR 100 per person for foreigners. In case you’re carrying a still camera or a video camera with you, you’ll need to pay extra for it.
- Timings: Anytime between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
04. Edakkal Caves
Step back in time and take a look into the era of the stone age with a visit to the Edakkal Caves. Perched on the Ambukuthi Hills at a height of 1200 meters above sea level, the Edakkal Caves are considered as the most sought-after tourist destination in Wayanad that features prehistoric inscriptions and wall carvings from the Neolithic settlement. Owing to its archaeological significance, it attracts history buffs in large numbers every year from all around the world.
Inside the cave, you will see the human and animal figures depicted in different styles along with various objects that were used by people. There are also two naturally occurring chambers which are named upper chamber and lower chamber respectively. The upper chamber is 96 feet long and 22 feet wide whereas the lower chamber is 18 feet long and 12 feet wide.
Due to its high-altitude location, one needs to trek for approximately 90 minutes to enter the caves and then another 45 minutes to reach its mouth. Once you enter the caves, you’ll be quite surprised to see the rock carvings that are believed to be more than 8000 years old.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 per person for adults, INR 40 per person for foreigners
- Timings: Anytime from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on all days
- Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
05. Banasura Sagar Dam
Widely renowned for being the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in entire Asia, the Banasura Sagar Dam is heaven for nature lovers that welcomes people from all walks of life to spend some time in the midst of lushness. You can click thousands of pictures with a perfect backdrop surrounded by gushing waterfalls, majestic hills, and diverse flora and fauna.
Boating in the lake is a hit activity among the adventure seekers there and you can also give a shot to horse riding, camel riding, and trekking to enjoy your visit to the fullest. One can also choose to stay at Banasura Hill Resort to be in touch with the unparalleled beauty of nature for a day or two. The resort offers accommodation along with a world-class restaurant and a spa center to please your mind and soothe your soul with a range of massage treatments.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
06. Soochipara Falls
Another attraction that is worth exploring on your Wayanad tour is Soochipara Falls. Situated at a drive of 35 km from the center of the town, Soochipara Falls or Sentinel Rock Waterfalls hypnotizes everyone with its unmissable charm and boasts an excellent atmosphere with plush natural beauty and evergreen forests to calm your most-frazzled nerves.
Ideal for rock climbing, the crystal-clear waters falling from Soochipara Falls join the Chaliyar River and form a pool where you can sit back, relax, dip your feet, and chill for hours. Here you can also enjoy trekking and hiking to make it a lifetime remembering experience of your vacation. What else? The drive from Meppadi to this waterfall is scenic and provides you with a view of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Soochipara Falls in Wayanad.
- Timings: Although it remains open throughout the day, the ideal time duration would be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon Season
07. Jain Temple
Dating its history back to the 13th century, the Jain Temple is an ancient site that stands proudly as a testimony to the strong Jain presence in the state of Kerala and features the Vijayanagar style of architecture with beautiful carvings in the inner section. It’s the holiest place for Jains that first served as a place of worship and then became an important center for business activities. Lastly, in the 18th century, it was used to store ammunition by Tipu Sultan.
Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Jain Temple draws a huge influx of Jains on the festival of Mahavir Jayanti every year as it is celebrated with great zest and enthusiasm by locals over there to spread the teachings of Mahavira. On this day, the idol of Mahavira is brought to the temple and is worshipped by everyone who follows Jainism.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Jain Temple in Wayanad.
- Timings: Opens from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the afternoon and then from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the evening.
- Exploration Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
08. Lakkidi View Point
Surrender yourself to the majestic displays of nature at Lakkidi Viewpoint. Offering a treat to your eyes, Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular tourist point from where you can enjoy a resplendent view of the misty mountains along with admiring a bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding areas that will leave you spellbound for sure. It is considered as a famous picnic spot for families with children wanting to create some unforgettable memories and is often referred to as the “Gateway of Wayanad”.
What makes this viewpoint more attractive is the thrill of driving to this point as it is no less than an experience in itself for all those who love road journeys filled with abundant lush greenery, gorges, streams, etc. Do not forget to take your camera along as you’ll get numerous opportunities to click some Instagrammable-worthy pictures.
- Entry Fee: To explore the surroundings of Lakkidi Viewpoint, you don’t need to pay anything.
- Timings: Anytime throughout the day
- Exploration Time: 3-4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: From early morning to early evening
09. Neelimala View Point
Promising the most thrilling and adventurous trekking experience to all the trekkers out there in Wayanad, the Neelimala Viewpoint is a must-visit for people seeking to do something out-of-the-box on their trip.
It presents some stunning trekking trails that let you enjoy the mind-blowing landscapes and verdant valleys as you climb to the top of the hill. The serene atmosphere and cotton clouds along the trail encourage you to make the most of the scenery and the fresh breeze of the mountains keeps you away from the harsh sunny heat your city is battling with.
At the hilltop, you will be able to witness an awe-inspiring view of the lush-green vegetables along with a stunning vision of Meenmutty Falls that adds to its overall beauty. If you’re a bird watcher, you can also enjoy a variety of bird species there.
- Entry Fee: As such, there is no entry fee for Neelimala Viewpoint, but if you’ll take a jeep ride, you will have to pay INR 500 for 6-7 people.
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: January to May and then from September to December
10. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Dedicate a few hours from your busy schedule on your Wayanad sightseeing tour to Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary and spend time spotting the beautiful birds. A paradise for bird watchers, the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, encompassed by thick forests, is a natural habitat that provides shelter to rare avian species.
It’s a wonderful place where Ornithologists are found in abundance every year and can also be flocked by nature lovers looking to escape from the maddening crowd of life.
To have a gala time during your visit to Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, we recommend tourists undertake a 3-hour long trek that goes through streams, hills, and rocky caves to get close to nature and feel an adrenaline rush in the body. The trek can be tried by beginners as well as experts, so you don’t have to worry about anything in case you’re new to this outdoor sport.
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person for Indian nationals and INR 200 per person for foreigners
- Timings: Anytime from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 3-4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to January
11. Pookode Lake
When you’re creating an itinerary to explore the popular sightseeing places in Wayanad, make sure to include Pookode Lake in your list. It’s a magnificent freshwater lake that is surrounded by the verdant forests of the western ghats and has crystal-clear pristine waters to draw the attention of leisure travelers.
Sprawling over 8.5 hectares of area, the Pookode Lake is known for its freshwater aquarium, blue lotus flowers, and a species of birds that are commonly found around the location. You can also go boating, shop for handicrafts and quality spices at the shopping center, or simply head to the Children’s Park if you have kids along with you.
All-in-all, it won’t be wrong to say that a short visit to Pookode Lake will make your day especially if you’re seeking to revel in its picturesque excellence and mesmerizing ambiance.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person for adults and INR 5 per person for children. In case you’re interested in boating, you’ll need to pay INR 100 for 2 people for 20 minutes.
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: August to May
12. Kuruva Island
Everyone wants to have some ME time in the serenity of nature and we all will agree to that, right? One such place that gives you a similar experience in Wayanad is Kuruva Island. Situated amidst the Kabini River, the Kuruva Island is a lovely paradise that allows people of all ages to please their minds and soothe their inner souls in the most beautiful surroundings.
Walk hand-in-hand with your loved ones to have an intimate conversation with nature itself. During your nature trails, you’ll also come across different bridges that are made of bamboo trees along with spotting an exotic species of flora and fauna which you’ve not ever heard of before. The evergreen forests encompassing the location from all sides make it the best place for tourists to get peace and escape away from the noise of the city.
While some parts of the island can be explored easily on foot, there are a few areas where you need to go either by boat or a raft. Both these activities are organized by Kerala Tourism Department and undoubtedly the best thing to do here on this island. Other than that, you can also go for a river safari and trekking to cherish your visit for a lifetime.
- Entry Fee: INR 80 per person for Indian nationals and INR 150 per person for foreign travelers
- Timings: Anytime between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM
- Exploration Time: 3-4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
13. Wayanad Heritage Museum
If you wish to do something other than the usual sightseeing on your Wayanad tour, Wayanad Heritage Museum should be your next stop. Considered as the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, the Wayanad Heritage Museum is widely renowned for providing its tourists with in-depth knowledge of the bygone era.
It contains fascinating artifacts and many ancient relics that were unearthed from nearby places like Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal. Some of the famous items you can find here are clay postures, weapons, stone carvings, and tribal artifacts tracing history back to the 12th, 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM on all days
- Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
14. Thirunelli Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu community, the Thirunelli Temple is the most spiritual and religious site in Kerala that features a presiding deity of Lord Vishnu within the premises. It has an interesting tale attached to it which says that Lord Bramha, who is believed to have made this temple, himself installed the statue of Lord Vishnu here and since then, it has been there.
Surrounded by Brahmagiri hills, the Thirunelli Temple possesses an excellent location with unparalleled calmness and a peaceful aura that define its ambiance and make it stand out from the other temples in the state.
Many people who want their deceased ones to attain eternal peace and salvation visit this temple to perform the last rites along with taking a bath at the Papanasini streams; a holy mountain stream that is supposed to have medicinal powers to wash away all your sins.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad.
- Timings: Opens from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and then from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.
- Exploration Time: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
15. Ripon Tea Factory
Do not miss exploring the Ripon Tea Factory in Wayanad, whenever you are in the town either for a day or a week. Sprawling over 443 hectares of land and settled at a height of nearly 2000 meters from the ground, the Ripon Tea Factory serves as an idyllic weekend getaway retreat for people looking to discover the different flavors of delicious tea. It is undoubtedly a great place for Tea Lovers and can also be visited by tourists who want to introduce their taste buds to its refreshing taste for the first time.
Built in the 18th century by the Britishers, the Ripon Tea Factory bestows an excellent location with lush greenery all around the area. It’s a place where you can not only learn about the entire process of making the tea leaves but can also see how your everyday cup of bed tea is prepared. It’s a place that gives you an altogether different experience you cannot get anywhere else and it’s a place that will surely make you feel proud of yourself for being a tea lover. Yes, such is the beauty of this place.
While heading back, make sure to purchase a tea of your choice to bring back home for your loved ones. This way, you can relish its taste in your comfort and cherish your visit for a long time.
- Entry Fee: As such, there is no entry fee to visit the Ripon Tea Factory, but in case, if the authorities ask you to pay a minimal charge, don’t hesitate to pay for it. We are sure that it will be value for money.
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
- Exploration Time: 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
16. Vythiri
Visit the town of Vythiri to disconnect yourself from city life for some time. Known for its old-world charm of cottages, the Vythiri town is a small gorgeous town that offers a laid-back atmosphere for visitors to relax and rejuvenate after a long and hectic day of sightseeing tour in Wayanad.
It has a plethora of scenic sights that allow you to feel the real beauty of nature and breathe in some fresh air by strolling around hills and river stream forests. Here you can experience a simple lifestyle in log huts, tree houses, and cottages that come with all the modern and state-of-the-art facilities for an unforgettable holiday experience. In your free time, you can plan to explore its nearby attractions like Pookode Lake, Meenmutty Falls, and Chembra Peak to have a great time.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Vythiri town in Wayanad.
- Timings: Anytime throughout the day
- Exploration Time: 1 day
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
17. Karlad Lake
If you’re traveling with your family and children, then this is the one place you shouldn’t miss at any cost. The adventure hub of Wayanad, Karlad Lake is one such place that promises to fill your day with a whole lot of fun, thrill, and excitement with plenty of activities that fascinate everyone.
Out of many things to do here, the few recreational sports that are favored by almost all age groups are rock climbing, kayaking, bamboo rafting, boating, and nature walks. You can also bring your picnic basket along with some cardboard games to spend a great time with your companions.
- Entry Fee: For Indian nationals, it charges INR 30 per person for adults and INR 10 per person for children. For foreigners, the entry fee is INR 60 per person for adults and INR 20 per person for children.
- Timings: Anytime between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day
- Exploration Time: 2-3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to January
In addition to all the above-mentioned places, Wayanad also boasts several other points of interest that are more than enough to keep your interest hooked during your stay. So, if you’re interested, you can plan to extend your getaway to 2 or 3-more days to cover all the popular tourist attractions.
Some of the places that deserve your presence are Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Karapuzha Dam, Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Bamboo Forest, Sulthan Bathery, Phantom Rock, Seetha Devi Temple, Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Varambetta Mosque, Koottamundu Glass Temple, Pallikunnu Church, Kalpetta, E3 Theme Park, and many more. You can also enjoy the Poopoli Flower Show in Wayanad in case you happen to be in the month of January. It is considered as the biggest flower show in Kerala that showcases a variety of flowers you have hardly seen anywhere in your life.
Explore Wayanad and its neighbouring area at its best with our all-inclusive Wayanad tour packages. We at Wayanad Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, strive to offer the best of our services so that you can have the best time of your life on your vacation. Our Wayanad tour packages are pocket-friendly and can be altered to suit your varied budget, duration, and other requirements. You can also ask our team of professionals to help you select a package that goes perfectly with all your needs and we’ll be happy to do that for you.
When you travel with Holidays DNA, you don’t have to worry about anything as we take care of all the aspects in the backend. You just pack your bags and get ready to go! For your convenience, our team has also created a list of top car rental companies in Wayanad from where you can book a cab to commute within the city in your comfort. What else? Get in touch with us by filling out our Contact Us form and we will reach you soon.
