Wayanad is a scenic hill town in the Indian state of Kerala that is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history. This place offers the perfect escape from the chaotic and busy lifestyle of urban areas. From thrill seekers to nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this place has something for everyone. Some of the best attractions in Wayanad are Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Meenmutty Falls, and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is a popular hill station destination that is on the travel bucket list of almost every nature lover. Dotted with rolling hills, lush forests, and rippling lakes, this place is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Visitors from all around the world come here to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This picturesque town is home to vast stretches of spice plantations. From coffee and tea to pepper and cardamom, you can find almost everything here. Apart from this, Wayand is also known for its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Marked by various movements and uprisings against the British Raj, this town played a significant role in India's freedom struggle. 

Until the mid-20th century, Wayanad remained fairly unexplored, but after that, it gained immense popularity among tourists. At present, this place is equally popular among all kinds of tourists, including nature lovers, thrill seekers and history enthusiasts. There are plenty of things to do in Wayanad for everyone.  

Best Time to Visit 

Although Wayanad is a year-round destination that can be visited in any season, this place experiences the maximum amount of visitor influx between October and May. During these months, the weather remains pleasant enough for sightseeing and all other outdoor activities. The monsoon season starts in June and ends in September. Wayanad receives heavy rainfall at that time, making it a little difficult to step out and explore what this place has to offer. 

How to Reach 

Being a popular tourist destination, Wayanad offers seamless connectivity to other parts of the country. There are several ways to reach Wayanad, such as: 

• By Air: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport, located at an approximate distance of 90 km. You can easily find direct flights to this airport from all major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, etc. After reaching here, hiring a taxi is the best way to get to Wayanad.

• By Train: Wayanad does not have a railway station of its own. But if you choose to travel by train, you can reach Calicut Railway Station, which is the nearest with an approximate distance of 90 km. Upon arriving here, you can either book a taxi or take a bus to reach Wayanad.  

• By Road: Wayanad is well-connected to other nearby cities via well-maintained roads. Both government and private buses operate regularly on these routes. You can take a bus or also use your own car to reach here. 

Tourist Attractions in Wayanad 

While planning a trip to a place as fascinating as Wayanad, it can get a little difficult to create a travel itinerary. Especially if you have limited time at hand, you will struggle deciding what to cover on your trip. For your convenience, here is a list of all the major attractions in Wayanad: 

• Edakkal Caves 

• Kuruva Island 

• Chembra Peak 

• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Thirunelli Temple 

Edakkal Caves 

Timings: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM 

Dating back to 6000 BC, this extensive cave system is undoubtedly the best place to see in Wayanad for history buffs. These caves are known for their beautiful rock carvings that are believed to be the oldest in India. These pictorial depictions give a glimpse into communities that lived in the region in the prehistoric period. These include animal figures and objects used by those people. 

To reach here, you’ll have to trek through the Ambukutty Mala. The difficulty level of this trek is moderate, and you will take around 45-50 minutes to complete it. Upon reaching here, you’ll see the main entrance of the cave. This cave is divided into two chambers: a lower chamber and an upper chamber. When you’re done exploring the cave system, you can also visit a few small temples that are located in this area. 

Kuruva Island 

For nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Kuruva Island is the best place to visit near Wayanad. This is one of the dozens of islands situated over the Kabini River, the most prominent river in Kerala. Covering an area of approximately 950 acres, this island has a dense population. This place is known for being home to some rare species of flora and fauna that further contribute to its natural beauty. You can indulge in activities like nature walking, boating, rafting, etc. If you’re aiming for a serene holiday, this is an ideal tourist destination in Wayanad.

Chembra Peak 

Located at a small distance from the main town, this is also a popular attraction in Wayanad. With an elevation of 2100 metres, this is the highest peak in Wayanad that serves as a viewpoint as well. This place is not only popular among tourists, but many locals also come here for a weekend getaway. Chembra Peak is known to offer stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Apart from this, it is no less than a paradise for trekkers, as there are several treks with varying difficulty levels that take you to this peak. 

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary 

Timings: 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM 

This hill station is known for its biodiversity, and what can be a better way to experience that than visiting the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the region! Located in the heart of Wayanad, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This was established in 1976 with an aim to protect wildlife species that are native to this region. Currently, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys, etc. Other than this, you can also spot several different species of reptiles, fish and birds here. 

Thirunelli Temple 

Timing: 05:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 05:30 PM – 08:00 PM 

Located at the foot of the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli Temple is a beautiful ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known for its serene atmosphere, this temple is one of the most popular temples in the area. It is believed that the statue of Lord Vishnu that you see here was installed by Lord Brahma himself. A large number of devotees visit this temple on a daily basis. Apart from this, there is a small water stream near this temple, which is known to have medicinal values. 

With so much to offer, the beautiful hill station of Wayanad offers such an immersive vacation experience that stays with you forever. If you’re also planning a trip sometime soon, this comprehensive list of places to see in and around Wayanad will help you. Or, you can choose Veena World as your travel partner. We offer an extensive collection of all-inclusive Kerala tour packages that you can choose from. These packages come with thoughtfully designed travel itineraries to ensure that you cover all major sightseeing places in Wayanad.

FAQs 

Q1. Is there really a mirror-like lake in Wayanad? 

Yes, the Pookode Lake is known for its mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects the surrounding forested hills. What’s lesser-known is that its shape resembles the map of India, and it’s also home to blue lotus blooms and freshwater fish not found elsewhere. 

Q2. Is there a hidden viewpoint not many tourists know about? 

Neelimala Viewpoint is a lesser-known gem. With misty cliffs, thundering waterfalls in the distance (like Meenmutty Falls), and almost no crowd, it offers a raw, untouched view of Wayanad's dense forests and valleys. You’ll likely need a local guide or jeep to access it. 

Q3. Can I spot wildlife outside of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary? 

While the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is popular, the surrounding buffer zones and offbeat forest trails near Tholpetty and Muthanga offer excellent chances of spotting elephants, gaurs, malabar squirrels, and even leopards, especially during early morning or late evening safaris. 

Q4. Are there any attractions that combine nature with mystery? 

The Chain Tree near Lakkidi is tied to a haunting legend. It’s said to be the spirit of a tribal guide who was betrayed during colonial times. The tree is now chained, and locals believe this keeps his restless spirit in place. It’s eerie, mysterious, and a reminder of forgotten stories. 

Q5. Can I see waterfalls in Wayanad that aren’t overrun by tourists? 

While Soochipara and Meenmutty Falls are famous, Kanthanpara Falls remain relatively untouched. It’s smaller, but far more serene - ideal for a quiet picnic or nature photography, with an easy walk to the base. It's a favourite among locals but often missed by outsiders.