Ready to find the best places to visit in Wayanad? Located in the enchanting Western Ghats of the state of Kerala, Wayanad is packed with natural wonders, thrilling adventures and a cultural wonder. Misty mountains, serene lakes, ancient caves, cascade waterfalls and much more are under the umbrella of this picturesque destination with something for every traveller. So whether you like nature, history or adventure, you should plan a trip to Kerala to have the most memorable experiences that will give you a lifetime memory. Jump into our list of must-visit spots in Wayanad and begin planning your dream getaway
23 Beautiful Places To Visit In Wayanad
Wayanad, situated in the lush green Western Ghats of Kerala, is a haven for all who love nature, adventure or history. Wayanad with its serene landscape, misty hills and cultural richness, offers a memorable experience to all travellers. Look at a curated list of the best places to visit in Wayanad that will leave you stunned.
1. Edakkal Caves: A Peek Into The Past
Edakkal Caves is a historical wonder and one of the most must visit places in Wayanad. Famed for their ancient carvings dating back to the Neolithic age these caves. The trek to the caves is moderately hard, but is quite worth it, with a chance to see the surrounding hills. Wayanad famous places are a perfect mix of history and adventure.
Location: Ambalavayal, Wayanad
Timings: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: âč30 for adults, âč20 for children, and âč50 for foreign nationals
Note: Donât forget to bring good shoes for this one!
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Embrace Nature's Bounty
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary spread over lush greenery, is amongst the best places in Wayanad to visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. Elephants, tigers, leopards and other bird species make their home here. This sanctuary is divided into two parts: There is a jeep safari that takes you to the wilderness at the Muthanga and Tholpetty. The sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the Wayanad Kerala tourist places that you canât miss.
Location: Sultan Bathery, Wayanad
Timings: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč10 for adults and âč5 for children; jeep safari charges extra
3. Chembra Peak: A Trekkerâs Delight
Chembra Peak is a heaven for adventure seekers. This peak in Wayanad is known for its heart-shaped lake, and also one of the most attractive places in Wayanad. The climb up the summit is tough but the views from up top are stunning of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. This location is not just a trekkerâs paradise but also a serene getaway for couples, making it one of the best tourist places in Wayanad.
Location: Near Meppadi, Wayanad
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč20 for adults and âč15 for students
4. Pookode Lake: A Calm Escape
Pookode Lake is one of the Wayanad beautiful places and is nestled amidst lush greenery. Itâs an ideal boating, picnicking and photography lake, and itâs shaped like the map of India. Near the lake, there is a small aquarium and a childrenâs park. This lake is one of the places near Wayanad that you can visit for a serene day out with family or friends.
Location: Near Kalpetta, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč20 for adults and âč10 for children
5. Banasura Sagar Dam: A Marvel Of Engineering And Nature
Banasura Sagar Dam is another famous tourist place in Wayanad. It is Indiaâs largest earthen dam. Surrounded by mist-laden hills and pristine water, this dam is perfect for boating, trekking, and nature walks. The dam is one of the must-see places in Wayanad for its scenic beauty and adventure opportunities.
Location: Padinjarathara, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč10 for adults and âč5 for children
6. Soochipara Falls: Nature At Its Best
Soochipara Falls is a sight to behold. It is among the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad. Due to its beauty and surrounded by dense forests, it is a perfect place to swim, picnic or just take photos. The captivating beauty of Soochipara Falls makes it one of the Wayanad sightseeing places that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Location: Vellarimala, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč80 per person
7. Kuruvadweep: An Island Paradise
Kuruvadweep is a serene river delta which is situated on the Kabini River. One of the best places to visit in Wayanad for nature lovers is this cluster of small islands. Itâs a nice spot to go when youâre looking to get away from it all. The calm streams, lush greenery and bamboo trees. Kuruvadweep is undoubtedly one of the Wayanad tourist places that will leave you enchanted with its tranquil beauty.
Location: Near Mananthavady, Wayanad
Timings: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed during monsoons)
Entry Fee: âč80 for adults and âč40 for children
8. Lakkidi Viewpoint: A Gateway To Scenic Landscapes
Lakkidi Viewpoint is one of the most famous sites in Wayanad, popular as the 'Gateway of Wayanad', because of the great view of misty hills and winding roads below. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Wayanad which every photographer and nature lover has to visit.
Location: Near Vythiri, Wayanad
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
9. Thirunelli Temple: A Sacred Escape
Thirunelli Temple is set in forested hills, a well-known place for spiritual solace. One of the most revered Wayanad famous places, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It adds more to its charm from its location near the Brahmagiri Hills. The temple is a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty, making it one of the must-see places in Wayanad.
Location: Near Mananthavady, Wayanad
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Fre
10. Meenmutty Falls: A Cascading Wonder
Meenmutty Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in Kerala, and it is a big sight. This three-tiered waterfall, situated amidst dense forests, is amongst the most attractive places in Wayanad for adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Meenmutty Falls is challenging but rewarding, making it one of the places to explore in Wayanad that you should not miss.
Location: Near Kalpetta, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč30 per person
11. Phantom Rock: A Geological Marvel
Phantom Rock is a special place that earned its name because it looks like a human skull. Also, it is one of the best places to see in Wayanad for its distinctive charm and scenic surroundings. This geological wonder is a great spot for photography and tranquillity, making it a key highlight on the Wayanad tourist places list.
Location: Ambalavayal, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
12. Karapuzha Dam: A Lesser-Known Gem
Karapuzha Dam, one of the largest earth dams in India is a peaceful retreat. Located right on the banks of the calm waters, it is one of those places near Wayanad to visit to relax. This spot is ideal for birdwatching and scenic walks, making it one of the Wayanad sightseeing places worth exploring.
Location: Near Ambalavayal, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč10 per person
13. Pakshipathalam: A Bird Watcherâs Paradise
Pakshipathalam is a bird loverâs paradise, located in the Brahmagiri Hills. Itâs one of the places to see near Wayanad, which gives you a chance to get a view of rare avian species in their pristine forests. The trek to Pakshipathalam is adventurous and scenic, making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Wayanad for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Location: Near Thirunelli, Wayanad
Timings: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
14. E3 Theme Park: Fun For the Whole Family
E3 Theme Park is one of the must-visit places in Wayanad for a fun-filled day. If you have kids or enjoy horseplay, this adventure park offers ziplining, rope courses, and ATV rides, and is a hit with families. The park is among the Wayanad tourist places near that offer a mix of adventure and leisure.
Location: Near Vellamunda, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: âč100 per person; additional charges for activities
15. Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery: A Historical Gem
The Sulthan Bathery Jain temple is a historic place that stands as a symbol of the cultural heritage of Wayanad. The temple was built in the 13th century and it is an exquisite example of Jain architecture, which is one of the must visit places in Wayanad for history lover. This temple is a peaceful retreat and one of the Wayanad sightseeing places where you can soak in both history and spirituality.
Location: Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
16. Neelimala Viewpoint: A Trekkerâs Paradise
From Neelimala Viewpoint you can see what the valley, rivers and nearby waterfalls offer. Trekking and photography are some of the most attractive places in Wayanad. The lush greenery around the trail makes this spot an adventure to hike to. This scenic spot is undoubtedly one of the places to explore in Wayanad, perfect for those who enjoy untouched natural beauty.
Location: Near Vaduvanchal, Wayanad
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
17. Kabini River: Serenity By The Waters
Wayanad places to visit would include the serene surroundings and calm waters of the Kabini River. But itâs a great place for boating, bird-watching, or to chill out in nature. During sunrise and sunset, the river banks offer stunning views. Whether for a quiet picnic or a scenic walk, the Kabini River is one of the Wayanad beautiful places that you should add to your itinerary.
Location: Near Mananthavady, Wayanad
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
18. Kanthanpara Waterfalls: A Hidden Gem
A lesser-known and enchanting place is Kanthanpara Waterfalls, which is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad for a peaceful retreat. Cascading water and surrounded by lush greenery make that setting perfect for picnics and relaxation. This hidden gem is one of the places to see in Wayanad that offers tranquillity away from the bustling tourist spots.
Location: Near Meppadi, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč30 per person
19. Pazhassi Raja Tomb: A Tribute To History
This tomb is dedicated to Kerala's 'Lion King', Pazhassi Raja, is a historical site. One of the Wayanad famous places where you can know the history of the region and the eras of the revered ruler. This location is one of the places to visit near Wayanad for those interested in Keralaâs cultural and historical roots.
Location: Mananthavady, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
20. Bamboo Factory: A Unique Experience
The Bamboo Factory is at Uravu and it depicts traditional bamboo craftsmanship and gives the visitors insight into Wayanad's rich artisan culture. This is one of the Wayanad tourist places where you can actually see eco-friendly products being made and also buy souvenirs. A visit here is not just educational but also a celebration of local artistry, making it one of the Wayanad places to see.
Location: Thrikkaipetta, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
21. Karlad Lake: Adventure And Relaxation
Karlad Lake is a lake of tranquillity and adventure. One of the places near Wayanad to visit for activities like zip lining, kayaking, and nature walks. It is a perfect getaway with calm waters and scenic surroundings. This lake is among the tourist places near Wayanad that cater to both thrill-seekers and backpackers in Kerala.
Location: Near Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč20 per person; additional charges for activities
22. Wayanad Tea Museum: A Sip Of History
The Wayanad Tea Museum provides an interesting view of the history, as well as the process, of tea production in the region. This is one of the Wayanad tourist places that attracts the love for tea as well as historians. Exploring this museum is a delightful experience, making it one of the Wayanad sightseeing places you shouldnât miss.
Location: Achoor Estate, Wayanad
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: âč50 per person
23. Sunrise Valley: A Spectacular Start To Your Day
Wayanad has many places to see, out of which Sunrise Valley is one of the most beautiful places to see near Wayanad. Surrounded by misty hills and valleys, this spot is noted for its awesome sunrise views. Whether youâre a photographer or simply a nature lover, this is one of Wayanadâs best places to visit for a serene start to your day.
Conclusion
Wayanadâs attractions appeal to every type of traveller due to its being diverse. Every trek from Chembra Peak to the tranquil Kuruva Island is designed to keep visitors entertained. If youâre a lover of history, and of nature, or are just looking for a piece of restful holiday, Wayanad has so much to offer you â incomparable beauty and culture, and absolute serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Wayanad
1. When is the best time to visit Wayanad?
From October to May is the best time to visit Wayanad. The weather in these months is bearable enough and suits well for being out at the sites of outdoor activities like trekking, wildlife tours and sightseeing. If you love the trance of lush greenery and misty ambience, then June to September can also be a time when you can explore without much hustle and rustle and yet with difficult trekking routes, especially during the rains.
2. Are these treks in Wayanad suitable for a beginner?
Wayanad also has trekking options suited to everyone, yes. Pookode Lake or Neelimala View Point treks are relatively easy and surely rewarding with such amazing views that lend one's trekking experience to beginners. But Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Waterfalls, though not difficult walks, involved some stamina and acclimatization.
3. What should I do for the best out of my visit to Edakkal Caves?
As with any place, invest some time in beating the crowds and plan your visit early in the mornings to avoid the heat and be able to climb in a cooler climate. The path is steep, wear sturdy shoes and take your water. Hiring a local guide will allow you to learn more about the historical carvings and why they were made.
4. Are there family-friendly activities in Wayanad?
Absolutely! A family must visit the Wayanad. People of all ages can enjoy activities, like boating at Pookode Lake, picnicking at Banasura Sagar Dam, and also can explore the biodiversity of Kuruva Island. Family trip in which the entire family finds the serene atmosphere and engaging experiences to be memorable.
