Tea plantations, diverse wildlife, Ayurveda resorts and cave, lakes and hills, there are plenty of things to do in Wayanad if you are planning a vacation here. Wayanad is one of those destinations where you can plan your summer holidays in India as well owing to its salubrious weather conditions.
Wayanad in Kerala is a blissful piece of heaven. Perched at an altitude of 2100 meters above the sea level, it is a picturesque hill station. Through this blog, you will find some of the top things to do in Wayanad. The sleepy hamlet has myriad pleasures along with thrilling things to do, luring visitors from far and wide.
Misty roads lead to the spectacular lush greenery of the Western Ghats. Moreover, the view of the panorama is beyond the capacity of words. Waterfalls are truly the spectacle of the raw character of nature. In addition, trekking and mountain expeditions are popular adventures. The rich wildlife only adds to its overall appeal. To enjoy nature and waterfalls at its best, monsoon is the best time to visit Wayanad. Let’s have a look at the top 15 amazing things to do and adventure places to visit in Wayanad (Kerala) to plan your perfect holiday tour with your family, spouse, and friends.
15 Top Things To Do in Wayanad you must include in your vacation plan
- Chembra Peak
- Edakkal Cave
- Pookode Lake
- Vythiri Village Resort
- Tea Estates
- Kuruva Islands
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thirunelli Temple
- Jain Temple
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal)
- Lakkidi (Gateway of Wayanad)
- Neelimala Viewpoint
- Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
- Banasura Sagar Dam
1. Trek to Chembra peak
Chembra Peak is one of the thrilling trekking trips in Wayanad. Situated at 6,900 ft, Chembra Peak is popular for adventure enthusiast trekkers and nature lovers. While permission passes for trekking are required from the Forest Department for the safety of trekkers and preservation of wildlife, the thrill you experience is worth it.
En-route to the peak, a heart shaped lake that never dries will spellbind you. Locally named Hridaya Saras, it is also one of the most sought after destinations in Wayanad. You will reach the Chembra Peak after 2 km hike from the lake. From the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the environs.
2. Visit Edakkal Cave
The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad is one of the oldest sources of prehistoric inscriptions belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic age. It is located around 1,200m after a trek up the Ambukuthi Hill. Edakkal is not a cave in true sense, but a boulder miraculously wedged between two massive stones giving an appearance of cave. About 22 feet in width and 96 feet in length, every surface is covered in carvings of Human shaped figures, symbols, animals and ancient inscriptions including a Tamil Brahmi script. It also has a link to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Witness one of the oldest relic of human civilization.
3. Spend a day at Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake in Wayanad. The water body looked like India’s map. It is one of the must visit places in the hill station. Known for its freshwater fish, blue lotuses, an extensive variety of birds, the Pookode Lake is a beautiful place.
Boating in Pookode Lake is one of the top things to do in Wayanad. Pedal boats are available for hire. Explore the nearby freshwater aquarium, children’s park and shopping center known for handiwork and spices. Spend a day out in the lush greenery of the serene lake.
4. Rest at Vythiri Village Resort
Vythiri Village resort is a luxury spa getaway in Wayanad. One of nature’s best-kept secrets, the picturesque setting of the resort is beyond words. The 5-star resort with 200 rooms have the ingredients to enjoy a memorable holiday in the blissful hill station.
The bliss of melody of birds, enchanting aroma of spice plantations, view of the beautiful Chembra Peak and Karanchi stream, enjoy a relaxing holiday. The rooms stimulate peace, the spa is amazing offering some of the delightful Ayurvedic massages.
Find below some amazing Wayanad tour packages:
3 Days Wayanad Tour with Vythiri Treehouse2 Nights / 3 days
Hill Stations of South India5 Nights / 6 days
Short Escape to Wayanad2 Nights / 3 days
Wayanad & Kabini from Bangalore4 Nights / 5 days
5. Explore Tea Estates
Wayanad is blessed with an expanse of tea plantations. In the salubrious weather of the hill station, the lush tea buds bloom perfectly. The soil, mists and great heights produce fine varieties of tea. As far as the eye can see, a velvety carpet of fresh green tea leaves stretches out.
If you wish, try your hand in in the daily chores of the plantation workers. You can visit the factory to learn about the production of the beverage. There is also the option of buying freshly dried tea leaves as a remembrance of the wonderful holiday in Wayanad.
[Explore our customized Southern Tea Estate Tour]
6. Pay a visit to Kuruva Islands
Kuruva Islands is a group of three scenic islands, a river delta in the middle of a tributary in Kabini River. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is an uninhabited island is home to rare species of birds, orchids, herbal plants, etc..
Dwelling deep into this island, you can sight many attractive things like bridges made up of bamboo trees and other rare species of trees. Offering rustic charm and feel of Kerala’s local life and culture, enjoy exploring the unspoilt paradise. You can access the islands by small boats, bamboo rafts or fibre boats.
7. Adventure at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of the must-visit places on Wayanad tour. An integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary combines Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka along with Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Spanning over an area of 344 sq km, the sanctuary serves as home to a large number of wild animals some indigenous to the region.
Visitors can embark of safaris with permission from the forest departments. Elephant sightings are common with a glimpse of tigers, sloth bears, sambhar, monkeys, reptiles, deer, and panthers. August to February is the best time to visit.
8. Spiritual awakening at Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli is a small village of Kerala situated at the base of the Brahmagiri Hills, which is part of Sahyadri Ranges bordering Karnataka. This town is known for its beautiful Thirunelli temple, said to be more than 3000 years old. It is said that Lord Brahma built this temple and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu, Hanuman, Nagam and Ganeshji. Here, one prays for their dearly departed and ancestors. Lord Parashuram is said to have come here to pray for his father.
The views from the temple are quite mesmerizing. It is a spiritually cleansing experience to be here.
9. Marvel at Jain Temple
The Jain Temple in Wayanad is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, it is inspired by the Vijayanagar architectural style and it is made wholly of granite. It had served as a shrine and later as the ammunition storehouse for Tipu Sultan.
The temples at Punchavayal and Puthanangadi are famous owing to the Jain temples. The beautifully carved pillars although ravaged by time have a charm. A square granite slab with a carving of Mahavir Jain graces the inner Sanctorum. The ambiance is divine and rejuvenating.
10. Visit Meenmutty Waterfalls
The Meenmutty waterfalls in Wayanad is the second largest in the State. It is one of the unmissable things to do in the hill station. Nestled in the greenery of the Mepadi forest range, the waterfalls are breathtaking. Adventure-seekers and nature lovers are absolutely in love with the locale and the sight.
The waterfalls are three leveled, falling from a height of 984 ft. The view is spectacular and at its magnificent best during monsoon. After a two-km trek through the forest starting from the entry point on the Kozhikode-Ooty interstate highway, reach the natural spectacle of God’s Own Country.
11. Explore Wayanad Heritage Museum
The Wayanad Heritage Museum also is known by the name of Ambalavayal is a place you cannot miss in Wayanad. The archaeological museum has one of Kerala’s largest collections. The exhibits date back to the 2nd century A.D. The intriguing displays housed in the museum point to the existence of advanced civilization in the lush mountains of Wayanad.
At the museum, marvel at the exhibits of varied clay sculptures, utensils, household items, prehistoric hunting equipment like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other knick-knacks. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of primeval civilization.
[To know more information to visit: Museums in Kerala]
12. Wonder at beautiful sights from Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad, located at the summit of the Thamarassery Ghat pass. There are nine hairpin curves from Adivaram through steep mountains. The journey through the meandering ghat pass is definitely an experience you will cherish. It is about 2296 ft (700 m) above the sea level.
Tourists often stop by Lakkidi View Point. It is a charming vantage point that offers dazzling views. Marvel at the panorama of the lush greenery of the hills, gorges, and streams. The beautiful sight imprints on your mind and hearts. The romantic road voyage should be on your must-do things in Waynad.
13. Check out Banasura Sagar Dam
The picturesque Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is situated in the heart of Wayanad’s foggy hills. Also with a view of wildlife sanctuary and a landscape of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment is unrivaled. In addition, the azure crystal clear waters of Banasura makes for a wonderful picnic spot. There is also a mini Hydel project located here.
Additionally, boating facilities are available in the dam. Picnic spots in the blessed environs and the thrilling trekking trails draw many visitors. Also, spend a day indulging in the outdoor. It is one of the enjoyable things to do in Wayanad.
14. Spend a day with winged creatures at Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Situated at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is one of Wayanad enchantments. Pakshipathalam, the very name of the place refers to the richness of birdlife here. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is blessed with virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills, altogether offer challenging avenues for trekking. It is a paradise for ornithologists as this place is ideal for bird watching. The deep rock caves found amidst a thick block of rocks and are the abode for several plants and animals. Spot rare and exotic species of birds from the watchtowers of the bird sanctuary.
The best time of the year to visit the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is between October and January.
15. Observe natural beauty at Neelimala View Point
Neelimala Viewpoint offers an incredible view of the Meenmutty falls and emerald beauty of Wayanad. From the checkout in the hills, observe the vast green landscape, misty peaks of hills and milky water streams falling from heights to merge with the rivers and ultimately the sea.
Set in the folds of the Western Ghats, the viewpoint offers a splendid sight which you cherish throughout your life. Walk towards the mountain lookout through untrodden paths. Thrilling and absolutely delightful, Neelimala View Point is one of the spectacular places to visit in Wayanad.
[Check-out our Customized Wayanad Tour Packages]
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Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
Nothing like going to places that you have never been before. Your blog will definitely make people visit Wayanad if they haven’t visited it before.
Hi Ananthan,
Thank you for your kind words. You can follow more of our blogs for travel inspirations in India.
Hi Debashree, Ater readign this post I am facinated on how beautiful Wayand is and I am contempletating taking a trip there after you showcased the place. I visited Goa recently have I cam across it s stunning beaches and took an impulse trip there.