Nestled amidst the serene Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is rapidly emerging as a must-visit destination for globetrotters. With its pleasant climate, stunning natural beauty, sprawling tea and coffee plantations, and rich wildlife, Wayanad rightfully earns its titles as Kerala’s ‘Green Paradise’ and the ‘Ooty of Kerala’. From scenic road trips to breathtaking viewpoints, discover the top things to do and the best tourist places to visit in the beautiful hill station of Wayanad.
Whether you’re an adventurous soul seeking thrilling treks or a tranquillity-seeker longing for serene relaxation, the many tourist places of Wayanad have something for everyone. Oh, and for passionate cooks, this ‘spice garden of India’ promises a culinary delight with the finest spices.
Get started with our selection of the most beautiful tourist places in Kerala.
How to reach Wayanad
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Kerala, getting to Wayanad is more than just a journey; it’s a fantastic road trip that takes you through lush green landscapes.
By air: Kannur International Airport and Calicut International Airport are both approximately 90 km away from Wayanad.
By train: The nearest railway station is in Kozhikode (Calicut), about 100 km from the hill station.
The best time to visit Wayanad
Visit Wayanad and its tourist places from November to February to enjoy pleasant weather and ensure quality sightseeing. The weather ranges between 10°C and 25 °C during this time. As Wayanad is prone to landslides, avoid visiting the hill station during peak monsoons (June to September).
Explore the best time to visit Kerala with this seasonal guide.
Things to do in Wayanad
Explore Kuruva Island
Spread over 900 acres, Kuruva Island is an idyllic paradise for family picnics, birdwatching, and nature walks. However, the most exciting activity here is bamboo rafting. Glide through the calm waters while surrounded by dense forest. An uninhabited island on the Kabini River, this popular tourist place in Wayanad offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and exploration.
Bamboo rafting fee: INR 100 (HKD 9.30)
Enjoy an adventurous safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
A must-visit tourist place in Wayanad for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna and many endangered species. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is divided into two discontinuous parts: Muthanga (south Wayanad) and Tholpetty (north Wayanad). Embark on an adventurous jeep or bus safari through the untamed wilderness, where you can spot majestic elephants, tigers, four-horned antelopes, Indian pangolins, vultures and more. With its breathtaking landscapes, breathe in the earthy scent of the forest as you wander through its lush, verdant terrain.
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T+L tip: The sanctuary offers accommodation so you can immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the dense forest for a peaceful weekend retreat.
Safari timings: 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 5 pm
Tickets: INR 300 (HKD 27.40) per person; INR 2,100 (HKD 191.70) for the full jeep.
Book your stay at Taj Wayanad via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Wayanad via Agoda.com
Go on a scenic drive through Lakkidi View Point
Considered one of Wayanad’s most picturesque and thrilling routes, this road features nine winding hairpin bends. Surrounded by lush greenery, this road leads you to spectacular views of Wayanad’s rolling hills. Often referred to as the ‘gateway of Wayanad’, the Lakkidi View Point, a must-visit tourist place in Wayanad, is perched at 700 metres and offers a bird’s-eye view of this hill station in Kerala. The viewpoint is the perfect spot to witness sunrise and sunset, so be sure to time your visit to catch these spectacular moments.
Zipline through the verdant rolling hills
Ziplining is an experience you can’t miss in Wayanad. It perfectly blends adventure and nature, offering a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the region as you glide over lush forests, winding rivers, and stunning landscapes. The longest zipline in Pozhuthana, also Kerala’s longest, stretches over 500 metres and soars above the region’s picturesque tea gardens. Muddy Boots is a highly recommended ziplining operator for a safe and unforgettable experience.
Tickets: INR 500 (HKD 45.65) onwards
Also, check out our story on summer vacation spots in South India.
Walk the Kandi Glass Bridge
When it comes to experiencing Wayanad’s breathtaking vistas, the options are as unique as they are stunning. One such experience is the 900-metre Glass Bridge, perched atop the Kandi Hills. It offers a magical walk through nature, with unobstructed views of clear skies, mist-covered hills, and panoramic views of the lush, verdant landscape below.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 200 (HKD 18.25) per person
Book your stay at Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth via Booking.com
Book your stay at Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth via Agoda.com
Enjoy a cultural cycling tour
One of the best ways to experience Wayanad’s rich tribal culture is to take a tour. Choose from various tours that offer unique experiences – cycle through the enchanting Bamboo forest, interact with skilled local artisans, explore lush paddy fields, and savour traditional Kerala meals. This journey through Wayanad’s picturesque landscapes offers a chance to connect with its vibrant culture and meet fellow travellers.
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Savour the tea and coffee plantations
Wayanad provides the perfect conditions for coffee and tea cultivation thanks to its pleasant climate and abundant sunlight. So, do not miss out on the opportunity to explore the lush tea and coffee plantations of Wayanad, where you can witness the entire process from cultivation to harvest.
Book your stay at Niyatma Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Niyatma Resort via Agoda.com
The must-visit tourist places in Wayanad
Chembra Peak
One of Wayanad’s most popular tourist places and a go-to for trekking and camping enthusiasts, the Chembra Peak is the highest in Wayanad at 2100 metres. In this trek, the journey is as stunning as the destination and the view it offers. Passing through green meadows and dense forest, this four to five-hour trek rewards you with panoramic views of hills, lakes and valleys. Camp under the stars for a memorable experience, and head back the next day.
T+L tip: Look for a heart-shaped lake called Hridaya Saras during your trek. It is a beautiful spot to relax, take a break, and unwind.
Also read | Beyond Hills And Tea Plantations – Exploring Munnar’s Breathtaking Waterfalls
Banasura Sagar Dam
This rare hidden gem remains under the radar for many travellers. Stretching 65 sq km, the Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Its impressive title, breathtaking hills, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit tourist destination. Tourists can enjoy mesmerising boat rides, soothing nature walks along the dam’s edges, and ziplining through the verdant landscape.
Ticket: INR 40 (HKD 3.65)
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Pookode Lake
A beautiful freshwater lake and another natural tourist place to visit in Wayanad, Pookode Lake offers a zen escape with its tranquil blend of vibrant blue skies set against a backdrop of lush greenery and hills. While boating is a popular attraction at Pookode Lake, visitors can also enjoy scenic walks, relaxing family picnics, and birdwatching amidst the natural beauty. As you glide across the lake, imagine being surrounded by dense forests on all sides, infusing an instant sense of green serenity.
Fun fact: The lake is roughly shaped like the map of India.
Tickets: INR 10 (HKD 0.90) for boating. INR 30 (HKD 2.75) for pedaling
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Edakkal Caves: A stunning archaeological wonder nestled 1,200 ft above sea level on the Ambukutty Mala hills, Edakkal Caves will surely transport you to ancient times. Renowned for its ancient rock formations and carvings, it is a must-visit tourist destination in Wayanad for history buffs. Visitors can spot engravings from 6,000 BC, known as ‘the Stone Age’. The hike to the caves is moderately challenging, involving a climb of around 300 steps, which takes approximately one hour to complete. While the main attraction of the caves is the ancient rock engravings, the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the top are equally captivating, offering a breathtaking glimpse of Wayanad’s lush hills and valleys.
T+L tip: A telescope is also available near the caves, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Also read | Legendary Temples Of South India – A Pilgrimage Through Ancient Architectural Marvels
Meenmutty Waterfalls: Another tourist place to visit in Wayanad and a gem for nature lovers, Meenmutty Waterfalls is the largest in Wayanad and the second largest in Kerala. This stunning three-tiered waterfall cascades from a height of 300 meters, with its crystal-clear waters plunging into a tranquil pool below. You can take a refreshing dip or simply relax by the pool, soaking in the rejuvenating atmosphere. Slightly secluded, reaching the falls requires a moderate trek through dense forest, which takes about two to three hours.
Also read | Savouring India’s Alleppey In A Day: Best Places To Visit And Top Things To Do
Hotels and resorts: Where to stay in Wayanad
From luxurious resorts and humble homestays to cosy treehouses and cost-effective hostels, accommodations in Wayanad offer a serene escape in the heart of nature, lush greenery, and breathtaking landscapes. When in the ‘green paradise of Kerala’, picture yourself waking up to verdant hills amidst dense forests and chirping birds. Perfect for nature lovers and those in search of tranquillity, Wayanad caters to various traveller preferences. You can enjoy luxury stays at Taj Wayanad, Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth, Niyatma Resort, Jeevess Wellness, or Silent Creek Resort & Spa. You could also opt for a homestay at Green Garden Daisy Villa or experience a treehouse stay at Tree6 Wayanad.
Book your stay at Jeevess Wellness via Booking.com
Book your stay at Jeevess Wellness via Agoda.com
Food: What to eat in Wayanad and where
From comforting rice-based meals like Puttu to spicy curries and flavourful biryanis, Wayanad’s local cuisine perfectly blends Kerala’s traditional flavours with the region’s rich, locally sourced ingredients. Staples like rice, jackfruit, coconut, and aromatic spices form the foundation of most dishes. When in Wayanad, don’t miss the iconic Kerala Sadya — a feast of vegetarian delights served on a banana leaf that captures the essence of local culinary traditions. Also, check out our must-try guide to Kerala’s most famous food, God’s own cuisine.
Local dishes include puttu and Kadala Curry (rice cake served with chickpea curry), Kerala Sadya, Appam with stew, and Idiyappam with egg curry. Also available are Kappa and fish curry (a tapioca-based dish), malabar parotta with chicken curry (a local flatbread with curry), malabar biryani, Kerala prawn curry, malabar parotta and beef fry, Karimeen Pollichathu (marinated fish in banana leaf), and bamboo rice payasam (a dessert).
Book your stay at Silent Creek Resort & Spa via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Silent Creek Resort & Spa via makemytrip.com
Restaurants and cafes to try
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1980s A Nostalgic Restaurant (an iconic eatery), Wilton Restaurant, Jubilee Restaurant, The Bungalow, The Coffee Grove Restaurant (a must-visit for coffee lovers), Green Gates Hotel, Bamboo Mess, Mathai’s Restocafe, Naas Lunch n Cafe, Thoufeeque Restaurant and Lunch House-Civil Station (for authentic Kerala meals).
(Feature image credit: Rahil/Pixahive)
Related | Your Trip To Kerala Would Be Incomplete Without A Visit To These Beautiful Places
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ziplining, bamboo rafting, cave exploration, waterfall and nature hikes, trekking and kayaking are the top outdoor activities to do in Wayanad.
Soochipara Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak and Kuruva Islands are some must-visit natural attractions in Wayanad.
En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village, Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple and Wayanad Heritage Museum are some cultural experiences in Wayanad.
Ziplining, bamboo rafting and trekking are some adventure activities available in Wayanad.
Yes, Wayanad is home to an array of wildlife sanctuaries including Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (which includes Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary) to experience wildlife in their natural habitat.
Yes, when in Wayanad do make it a point to shop for spices, banana chips and other local snacks, coffee and tribal artefacts.
Pookode Lake, nature walks, ayurvedic spa and living in remote treehouses are some leisure activities for a relaxing experience in Wayanad.
Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island, exploring rock art at Edakkal Caves and cycling tours are some unique activities to do in Wayanad.
Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves and sunset viewpoints at Meppady are some of the best viewpoints in Wayanad.
Written By
Shaili Shah
An ailurophile, a full-time snacker, an emoji fanatic, and secretly a pahadi - Shaili is mostly found ..Read More
