Nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. This picturesque district offers a diverse array of attractions, from mist-covered mountains and pristine waterfalls to ancient caves and wildlife sanctuaries. To make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination, it’s crucial to have a well-planned itinerary. This guide will help you explore the best tourist places in Wayanad, catering to various interests and trip durations.
Wayanad Travel Itinerary for a Weekend Trip
Day 1:
Morning: Arrive in Wayanad and check into your accommodation
Afternoon: Visit Edakkal Caves, ancient rock carvings dating back to 6000 BCE
Evening: Explore Pookode Lake, enjoy boating and the surrounding scenery
Day 2:
Morning: Embark on a wildlife safari at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Afternoon: Visit Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India
Evening: Relax at Soochipara Waterfalls before departure
This weekend itinerary covers some of the most popular tourist places in Wayanad, offering a mix of historical, natural, and adventure experiences.
Best Wayanad Itineraries for Short Trips
1-Day Itinerary:
Morning: Chembra Peak trek (subject to permissions)
Afternoon: Visit Thirunelli Temple
Evening: Explore Kuruva Island
3-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Follow the weekend itinerary’s first day
Day 2: Weekend itinerary’s second day
Day 3:
Morning: Visit Meenmutty Waterfalls
Afternoon: Explore Wayanad Heritage Museum
Evening: Relax at a tea plantation before departure
Family-Friendly Itinerary:
Pookode Lake for boating and children’s park
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary for elephant sightings
Banasura Sagar Dam for picnicking and water activities
Solo Traveler/Adventure Seeker Itinerary:
Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary trek
Kanthanpara Waterfalls for rappelling
Wayanad Tour Plan for Nature and Adventure Lovers
Day 1:
Morning: Trekking at Chembra Peak (prior permission required)
Afternoon: Visit Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary
Evening: Night camping in the forest (with proper permissions)
Day 2:
Morning: Wildlife safari at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Afternoon: Bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island
Evening: Zip-lining or tree-house stay experience
Best time for these activities: October to May
Necessary preparations: Proper trekking shoes, insect repellent, weather-appropriate clothing, and hiring a local guide for treks.
Wayanad Holiday Plan for Cultural Enthusiasts
Day 1:
Morning: Visit Thirunelli Temple, known as the “Kashi of the South”
Afternoon: Explore Edakkal Caves and their prehistoric carvings
Evening: Attend a Theyyam performance (if available)
Day 2:
Morning: Visit Wayanad Heritage Museum to learn about tribal culture
Afternoon: Explore Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery
Evening: Participate in a tribal cooking class or cultural workshop
Best time to experience local festivals:
Onam (August-September)
Vishu (April)
Thirunelli Temple Festival (March-April)
Wayanad offers a plethora of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure in its lush forests, cultural immersion in its ancient sites, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, these itineraries provide a starting point for your Wayanad exploration. Remember to respect local customs, obtain necessary permissions for treks and sanctuary visits, and support sustainable tourism practices to preserve the beauty of this enchanting destination.
FAQs:
1. What are the must-visit tourist places in Wayanad?
Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Kuruva Island, and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the top attractions.
2. Is Wayanad suitable for family trips?
Yes, Wayanad offers many family-friendly attractions like Pookode Lake, wildlife sanctuaries, and easy nature walks.
3. What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
October to May is ideal for most activities, avoiding the monsoon season from June to September.
4. Are there any adventure activities in Wayanad?
Yes, you can enjoy trekking, zip-lining, bamboo rafting, and wildlife safaris in Wayanad.
5. How many days are enough to explore Wayanad?
While you can cover major attractions in 2-3 days, a 4-5 day trip allows for a more relaxed exploration of Wayanad’s diverse offerings.
6. Best Resorts in Wayanad?
Vythiri Resort: Nestled in a rainforest, this eco-friendly resort offers treehouses and cottages, a spa, swimming pool, and activities like trekking and bird watching.
Banasura Hill Resort: An eco-friendly resort with cottages made from earth and bamboo, offering stunning views of Banasura Sagar Dam and surrounding hills, along with various nature activities.
The Windflower Resort & Spa: Known for its luxurious accommodations and scenic location, this resort features a spa, infinity pool, and outdoor activities like plantation tours and trekking.
Vythiri Village Resort: A luxury spa resort with elegant rooms and villas, a wellness center, swimming pool, and activities such as zip-lining and archery.
Wayanad Silverwoods: Overlooking Banasura Sagar Dam, this resort offers villas with private balconies, a spa, swimming pool, and a range of adventure activities.
Mountain Shadows Resort: A luxury resort providing panoramic views of the Banasura Sagar Reservoir, with well-appointed cottages, an infinity pool, and activities like nature walks and cycling.
Sterling Wayanad: A family-friendly resort with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, spa, and activities like nature walks and cultural performances.
7. Best tourist attractions wayanad?
Edakkal Caves: Ancient caves with Neolithic petroglyphs and a scenic trek.
Chembra Peak: Highest peak in Wayanad, great for trekking and has a heart-shaped lake.
Banasura Sagar Dam: Large earthen dam, perfect for boating and picnics.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot wildlife like elephants and deer on jungle safaris.
Soochipara Falls: Three-tiered waterfall, ideal for trekking and swimming.
Pookode Lake: Serene freshwater lake, great for boating and picnics.
Kuruva Island: Group of islets in the Kabini River, perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
Thirunelli Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set in a beautiful valley.
8. Places in wayanad?
Edakkal Caves: Ancient caves with stone carvings dating back to the Neolithic age.
Chembra Peak: The highest peak in Wayanad, known for its scenic trek and heart-shaped lake.
Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India, offering boating and beautiful views.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species.
Soochipara Falls: A three-tiered waterfall, great for trekking and swimming.
Pookode Lake: A serene freshwater lake surrounded by forests, ideal for boating and picnicking.
Kuruva Island: A group of islets in the Kabini River, perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
Thirunelli Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in a picturesque valley.
Meenmutty Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in Wayanad, accessible via a short trek.
Lakkidi View Point: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
9. Tourist places around wayanad?
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: A nearby sanctuary known for its rich wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Great for jungle safaris.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Located a bit further from Wayanad, this sanctuary offers diverse flora and fauna and safari experiences.
Bandipur National Park: Situated south of Wayanad, it’s known for its wildlife safaris and sightings of tigers, elephants, and more.
Nagarhole National Park: Close to Bandipur, this park features a rich ecosystem with safaris that offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.
Kuruva Island: A serene group of islets in the Kabini River, ideal for nature walks and bird watching.
Sultan Bathery: A nearby town known for its historical sites, including the Jain Temple and the old Battery Fort.
Pulpally: Home to the Pulpally Church, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Banasura Sagar Dam: Located near Wayanad, it’s a large earthen dam with opportunities for boating and picnicking.
10. Tourist place at wayanad
Edakkal Caves: Famous for their ancient petroglyphs and scenic hiking trails.
Chembra Peak: The highest peak in Wayanad, popular for trekking and featuring a heart-shaped lake at the top.
Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India, offering boating and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Ideal for jungle safaris.
Soochipara Falls: A breathtaking three-tiered waterfall, great for trekking and swimming.
Pookode Lake: A serene freshwater lake surrounded by forests, perfect for boating and picnicking.
Kuruva Island: A group of islets in the Kabini River, known for its natural beauty and bird watching.
Thirunelli Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set in a picturesque valley.
Meenmutty Falls: A large and impressive waterfall accessible via a trek through dense forest.
Lakkidi View Point: Offers panoramic views of the hills and valleys, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
11. Wayanad tourist destinations?
Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, Kuruva Island, Thirunelli Temple, Meenmutty Falls, and Lakkidi View Point.
12. Best resort in wayanad kerala?
Vythiri Resort is often considered the best, offering luxurious treehouses, eco-friendly cottages, and a serene rainforest setting with top-notch amenities.
13. Places to explore in wayanad?
Explore Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, Kuruva Island, Thirunelli Temple, Meenmutty Falls, and Lakkidi View Point.
14. kerala tourism wayanad tourist places?
Top tourist places in Wayanad include Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, Kuruva Island, Thirunelli Temple, Meenmutty Falls, and Lakkidi View Point.
15.Places to visit in wayanad in one day?
For a one-day trip, visit Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, and Lakkidi View Point. These spots offer a mix of history, natural beauty, and scenic views.
16. Wayanad tourism?
Wayanad is a popular tourism destination in Kerala, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventure activities. Key attractions include Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Soochipara Falls. Visitors can enjoy trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring ancient sites, all while soaking in the lush greenery and serene landscapes that Wayanad has to offer.
