Top 11 Places to visit in Wayanad: Don’t Miss!
I swear to God, I would love to go away from my hometown and travel on a long road trip to explore things and places to visit in Wayanad. Being a Keralite and originally from the next district to Wayanad, I have been to Wayanad plenty of times. Each time I visited, I explored new places and it depends on the mode of travel and the people I travel with.
Every journey I have made to the beautiful Wayanad is my precious memories. We plan a small trip to somewhere nearby at every festival and Wayanad was always the first choice we made. Also, we have to pass through Wayanad if we have to reach Mysore and Bangalore.
The more you travel, the more you will discover yourself!
I still remember the trip I have made to Wayanad from Chennai with my colleagues Gopi, Raj, and Sabnam. I should say, it was one of the best trips we have ever made together and that too by road!. People say the quick plans work better and it is more fun, and Our trip was one of that kind!. We still talk about the trip we made in February 2008 whenever we meet and we will do one more similar trip.
Gopi’s Maruti Swift was a perfect one for 4 of us to travel comfortably for about a distance of 610 kilometers. It took about 10 hours for us to reach Wayanad. We started at 8 in the morning from Chennai and it was around 6 PM when we reached Wayanad. We could find a place to stay easily in Wayanad and the price was very reasonable.
Top Places to Visit in Wayanad
There are numerous places to visit in Wayanad and it is entirely up to the days you have planned to stay. As I have been to this place a few times, I have visited 11 places which are considered as the top places to visit in Wayanad. On the trip with my colleagues to Wayanad I mentioned above, we stayed only 2 days and we could cover only 4 places. So the list below is a blend of places I have visited during my different visits to Wayanad. If you would like to cover all the places I listed below, you would need to consider planning a trip to Wayanad for 4 to 5 days if you don’t want to hurry.
1. Soochipara Waterfalls
I love Soochipara waterfalls, and you will love them too. This waterfall is also known as Sentinal Rock Waterfalls, so beautiful it falls from a height of 200 meters. There are no words to explain the joy of being at the Soochipara Waterfalls. I should say Gopi really loved it and he didn’t want to get out of the water. I am sure you will also feel the same when you step into the water and feel the fresh waterfalls on you. The post below explains everything you need to know before you visit the waterfalls including visiting time, entry fee, how to reach, etc.
2. Chembra Peak
Wayanad is a perfect tourist spot for trekking lovers and you should definitely add this place to your must-visit place list in Wayanad if you haven’t been to Chembra peak yet. This peak is around 8 kilometers away from the Kalpetta town in Wayanad, and near to Meppadi. If you want to explore a place for a weekend with your friends and family, this is one of the best places you should consider.
It was a bit hard for us to trek to this place, but I must say it is more than worth the pain. I have been to this place with my friends from my hometown and we were ready to hike that day. I suggest you carry enough water before you head to this place. Hiring a local guide will be more helpful if you are visiting this place with your family. Know more about Chembra Peak from the below-shown post.
3. Edakkal Caves
This place is a favorite spot for the locals and the people frequently visit Wayanad. A perfect place to spend time and know the pictorial depiction of the Neolithic community believed to be of 600 BC. I have visited this place once and the visit to this attraction in Wayanad was more like an excursion. I would really love to go there again and surely it is worth multiple visits. Know more about the Edakkal caves from the below post, like the entry fee, the best time to visit, etc.
4. Pookode Lake
A beautiful lake in Wayanad that I would visit anytime and every time. We had so much fun at this lake in the paddleboat. We hired a small peddle boat for 4 people for 20 minutes and we ended up in extending the time of riding the boat for one hour. Every one of us wanted to experience the joy of the paddleboat in the beautiful Pookode lake. We all said we should return to this place soon and repeat the same, that much fun it was!. It’s not just the boat ride, you can walk around and taste local food. I should warn you not to take any plastic material like a water bottle to this place. Plastic is not allowed in most of the tourist places in Kerala.
5. Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Another must-visit tourist attraction in Wayanad, Bandipur Tiger Reserve is more exciting and I am sure you will be thrilled. The park is filled with elephants, pythons, panthers, etc. if you are planning to bring your kids, they will love this place. I have visited this place only once and this will be my first place to visit the next time I plan a trip to Wayanad. Indeed, you cannot drop this place from your list of places to visit in Wayanad.
6. Kuruva Island
Kuruva island another favorite place of mine that I would go and explore anytime. Kuruwa dweep in Wayanad is a blend of natural colors and indeed this is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. This place is a cluster of small islands which is in the Kabini river. I would love to visit Kuruva Island again for the bamboo rafts ride, it is a lovely feeling. I love the nature of this place and the rare plants, animals, and birds which makes me feel “Don’t wanna leave this place!”.
7. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the “Don’t Miss” places to visit in Wayanad. No doubt that you will love this place as it can take all your tensions away. I have visited this place with my cousins one time and I still have those joyful memories flashed through my mind whenever I hear the place name Wayanad!. This dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia.
The dam is located at the center of the Banasura lake and surrounded by magnificent green-natured hills. Take your family to this place and you can have a great time at this place where you will see small green islands in the freshwater-filled lake. Awesome place!
8. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is Kerala’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the places to visit in Wayanad which you should add to your list. I recommend you to visit this place between August and March which is the perfect weather to enjoy the wildlife and the pure green of nature.
Remember not to take any plastic material with you and the entry times are 7 to 10 in the morning and 3 to 4:30 afternoon. I and my family visited this place at once on the way back from Bangalore and it was a great experience, especially the kids loved it and they still talk about the animals they found at the sanctuary. Know more about this place from the below-detailed post.
9. Neelimala View Point
You can’t miss Neelimala View Point if you want to hike and enjoy the great view of nature. I still remember the enchanting sight of Meenmutty falls from this place, it is incredible. This is an absolute choice if you want to go with your friends and family for trekking. Neelimala viewpoint is one of the great places to visit in Wayanad that you should not miss, so much peace and a stunning view.
You can reach this place by four-wheeler, preferably a jeep. I and my cousin went to the Neelimala viewpoint in my uncle’s old Mahindra jeep. We can hire a jeep to reach the hilltop which is 3 kilometers. Read the below post if you would like to know more about the Neelimala viewpoint in Wayanad.
10. Meenmutty Falls
Meenmutty falls is one of the great places to visit in Wayanad. I loved the trek of 2 kilometers through the forest and surely it is worth the effort. Once you will reach this place, you will forget everything, relax your mind, and enjoy the beauty of the falls and the stunning sunset. We had to park our vehicle at the entrance to start the trekking, and it was absolutely fun with my friends. I would suggest you not go to the falls during the monsoon season as it is highly dangerous. Know more about Meenmutty falls below.
11. Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi View Point is great for its scenery of the nine hairpin curves of Wayanad. I have been to this place a couple of times on the way to Wayanad and I should say to you “please don’t miss this view”!. I count this place as one of my favorite and one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. The Lakkidi viewpoint is around 32 kilometers away from the Wayanad town and I recommend you to visit this location for its great view of sunrise and sunset.
So now you know which are the best places to visit in Wayanad and you can plan your trip. I highly recommend you to keep jackets and sweaters which can keep you warm. Please be extra careful when you hike to the falls and the mountains. Take care of your kids and family and hire a forest department-approved local guide to avoid any delay and for a safe visit.
Also, I would recommend you book your stay at Wayanad before you start. I have booked hotels and resorts in Wayanad for the trip with my friends and family through Booking.com (use the widget on the page to book). The hotels provided us great discounts as we booked through these websites.
I am very much interested to know how did you find these places and what are the things you did at Wayanad. Please post your comments, tips, and experience below!.
