Wayanad is a tourist place that belongs to the Kerala State. It is surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats. This northeast destination of Kerala is nothing short of a green paradise. From gushing waterfalls to verdant valleys and from wildlife sanctuaries and clear lakes, Wayanad is the go-to destination for peace seekers and nature lovers. Not only for this reason but also the ancient temples and caves part of the top Wayanad tourist places, make Wayanad, the best destination for people with different types of interests.
Above all, you can find different Wayanad tour packages to suit your interests. This Kerala destination is reachable via different modes like road, rail and air. So, tourists from across India can reach it with ease. Wayanad Tourism focuses well on the key attractions in the hill station. In this blog post, I am here to share some details about the 20 best tourist places in Wayanad.
Top 20 Wayanad Tourist Places
Waterfalls
1. Soochipara Waterfalls
When you are particular about visiting waterfalls, you should know the best time to visit Wayanad. For instance, the best time to visit Soochipara Waterfalls is between September and March. Not only this waterfall but also the other waterfalls in Wayanad will be in full flow during August and September. Towards January, the water flow retards. When you visit during monsoon, trekking down to reach the base of the waterfall can be very slippery.
This waterfall is three-tiered and it is surrounded by dense forests. Soochipara in Malayalam means Needle-like-rock. As the name implies, the water flows on a needle-like sharp spike of rocks at the base. The natural pool that is created below the falls attracts visitors with cool lucid water. You can take a dip in the water. You can find a small lake called Cheenikkund at the peak of the fall. You can get a rare chance of wild animal sighting here.
2. Kanthanpara Waterfall
Located around 40 km from Wayanad Bus Station, Kanthanpara Waterfall can be part of your Kerala trip. This waterfall holds the pride of being one of the most attractive waterfalls of the Western Ghats. It is one of the idyllic places with glistering and soothing waters. With a visit to this waterfall, you can get a purest form of nature therapy.
You can plan a visit to this waterfall between October and May. Even though it is a less-crowded waterfall, you can spend some quality time amidst nature at this waterfall.
3. Meenmutty Waterfalls
During your Wayanad tour, you can consider including this waterfall. This is one of the most popular Wayanad tourist places. You can choose one of the two paths available to walk to this waterfall. One path will take you to the side view of the waterfall, where you can get wet in the running water.
When you choose the other path, you can get a top view of the falls. However, on this path, you cannot get wet. This view is popular for the view alone. This path is not suitable for aged people and those, who cannot walk long. You can find facilities to change your dress if you would like to get wet at Meenmutty.
Religious Sites
In case, you are a religious person or if you wish that you should choose one of the Wayanad tour packages with religious sites, you can check whether the package has the following temples:
4. Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple
You can expect to get a divine experience at the Thirunelli Temple dedicated to Mahavishnu. Most visitors feel that they get a divine experience at the temple. Many tourists including me admired the locality as well. You can expect to get a spiritual experience at this ancient temple.
The temple is located on the side of Brahmagiri Hills. One of the key features of the temple is its location at an altitude of around 900 metres in a valley entirely bounded by forest and mountain ranges. The name Thirunelli comes from Nelli, which is nothing but gooseberry. The temple has a gooseberry tree and there is a legend associated with this temple.
Thirunelli Temple is thought to have been constructed by Lord Brahma. He was roaming around the earth. When he was travelling, he identified the attractiveness of the Brahmagiri Hills. He came down to the spot and found an idol of Vishnu under a Gooseberry tree. He installed the idol there and named the temple Satyamalaka Temple. Based on an appeal made by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu converted the waters of the area holy. The Lord also blessed the waters to get rid of the sins of devotees. This is why the river here is called Papanasini. It means that that river washes away all your sins when you take a dip.
5. Thrissillery Shiva Temple
The Thrissilery Shiva Temple is yet another spot promoted by Wayanad tourism. As the name implies, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can reach this temple within a 19 km drive from Thirunelli. The temple has been built following Kerala-style architecture. You can find unique proportions and carvings in this temple complex.
This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has been constructed around 1000 years ago. It was built by Chera Kings. Apart from the main deity Lord Shiva, the temple has smaller shrines of other gods. You can expect a tranquil and calm ambience. The temple has a pond with cold water and many say that the pond never dries. The outer walls of the temple have been made using stone and they have engravings.
6. Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathy Temple
This is a holy establishment that plays an integral role in the life of the local tribes of Wayanad. The temple conducts a 10-day festival in January or February every year. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The goddess is worshipped in three forms. They are Jala Durga, Bhadrakali and Vana Durga. You can reach the temple within a 3 km drive from the Mananthavady town in Wayanad.
Peaks in Wayanad
Again, if you plan to climb the peaks in the hill station, you should look for the best time to visit Wayanad. Only when you visit the peak in the right season, you can experience the beauty of the panoramic views.
7. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak located in Meppady near Wayanad is officially known as Chembra Kodumudi. It holds the pride of being the highest peak in Wayanad. On the way to the peak, you can find a heart-shaped lake. This is a major attraction in this place as the lake is said to have never dried up. When you trek for 4 km, you can reach the peak to get excellent views of the region.
Trekking enthusiasts suggest that this peak is a must-visit when you are in Wayanad. From this peak, you can see the entire Wayanad and its attractions from a bird’s eye view. When you start around 7 am, you are sure to get the best experience. Most trekkers feel that it is a bit hard to trek but your trek will be well-rewarded with the stunning views from the top.
8. Banasura Hill
Among the tourist places in Wayanad, most people recommend visiting the Banasura Dam. This dam is located at the foot of Banasura Hill. If you are ready for a three-hour climb amidst nature, you can plan your trek to this hill. You can expect a spectacular view from the top. However, for a climb, you need to get permission from the North Wayanad Forest Division Office. This office is located in Mananchavady.
You can cover the Banasura Dam site visit when you finish your trekking. This dam holds the pride of being the largest earth dam in India. You can enjoy speedboat rides and there are also other adventure activities like ziplining and kayaking. If you cannot climb, transportation facilities at Rs.10 is available. You can also find a park at the base. You can swing here on the natural swings made from long trees.
9. Kurumbalakotta Hill
Kurumbalakotta is a mountain hillock that is located around 3200 feet above sea level. You can get a splendid view of the region from the top of the hill. The important factor that makes this hill to be part of your Wayanad trip is that it is located right in the centre of Wayanad. The hillock is part of the Deccan Plateau.
The interesting thing about this hill is that here you can see the confluence of Eastern and Western Ghats. Trekking to this hill is a tough task as there is no specific path for trekkers to climb on. So, if you are an adventurous trekker, you will love this place for sure. The best time to visit this hillock is between September and March.
Museums
If you wish that museums should be part of your Wayanad tour just because you are a history buff, you can consider the following museums:
10. Wayanad Heritage Museum
This museum located in Ambalavayal in Wayanad houses different interesting artefacts. The collections here showcase the heritage, culture and history of the Wayanad region. This museum holds the pride of being one of the best and largest archaeological museums in Kerala. You can gain insights into the rich history of this region and the tribal communities of Kerala from this museum.
11. Wayanad Tea Museum
Among the Wayanad tourist places, you should not forget to visit the Wayanad Tea Museum. You can understand the process of tea production at this museum. It will be the best learning experience. Also, you can sample some tea varieties. If required, you can also buy tea from the outlets in this museum. You will get to see tea varieties that you have never heard of earlier.
12. Pazhassi Raja Museum
This museum is located in Mananthavady. You can drive about 17 km from Wayanad to reach this museum. This iconic monument attracts tourists from different parts of Kerala. Apart from a museum that displays the things used by the fierce warrior and ruler Pazhassi Raja, you can find a tomb here. Thousands of people pay homage to the warrior, who played a crucial role during India’s freedom struggle.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
13. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
If you are a nature and birdwatcher, you can get your binoculars ready for an exhilarating visit to the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is surrounded by thick evergreen forests. I should say that this sanctuary is heaven for avian species. You can spend an entire day here spotting different bird species.
14. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Check whether the Wayanad tour packages you compare have Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary otherwise called Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the list. This sanctuary has the world’s largest record of tigers and Asian elephant populations.
This area is renowned for having the world’s largest recorded population of Asian Elephants and Tigers. Both of these species, along with the Vulture are considered flagship species here. Not only these species, you can find many other species of wild animals in this sanctuary.
15. Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
In Wayanad District of Kerala, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the hidden gems for nature lovers. The rare fauna of species along with lush greenery make this spot a must-visit not only for nature lovers but also for wildlife enthusiasts. The western ghats provide an ideal backdrop for this sanctuary. This sanctuary contributes a lot to Wayand tourism.
Water Bodies in Wayanad
I stated about the waterfalls in Wayanad above. If you are more into water bodies like lakes and rivers, you should know the best time to visit Wayanad. Only when you visit at the right time, you will see the water bodies full of water. Here are a few water bodies in Wayanad that you can include in your list of tourist places in Wayanad to visit:
16. Pookot Lake
In your Wayanad trip, you can include Pookot Lake, which is otherwise called Pookode Lake. It is a natural freshwater lake located at an altitude of 770 metres above sea level. It holds the pride of being the highest-altitude freshwater lake in the state spread over 5 hectares. The lake is the point of origin to the Panamaram River which flows through a valley to reach Kabini River. You can choose this lake for a family outing and boating.
17. Kuruva Island
Your Wayanad tour will get an unforgettable inclusion at Kuruva Island. This is a protected river delta. It encompasses a combination of islands over the centre of the Kabini River in Wayanad. It is spread over 950 acres of land and has a densely populated flora and fauna. When you get deep into the island, you will get to see different species of trees and bridges made out of bamboo trees. Not only for relaxation, this is the best spot for photography as well.
18. Karlad Lake
Among the Wayanad tourist places that offer serene escape, Karlad Lake is a key attraction. As against the busy backwaters of Kerala, Karlad Lake offers a tranquil setting ideal for those looking for solitude and peace. The lake has clear waters that reflect the attractive hues of the nearby vegetation.
Other Attractions
Apart from the places under the different categories discussed above, you can find Wayanad tour packages with other attractions as well. For instance, here are a few other attractions you can visit in Wayanad:
19. Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery is a small town located in the heart of Wayanad. It is one of the prime locations promoted by Wayanad Tourism. This place is encapsulated in the densities of a wide range of flora and fauna. The town gets its name from the ancient Bathery Jain Temple located here. This temple can accommodate 1000 devotees at the same time. In Sultan Bathery, you can dine, shop and visit religious places. You can also choose this town for a stay in Wayanad.
20. Pallikkunnu Church
Without any religious boundaries, this church is visited in large numbers both by locals and tourists. You can visit the church without feeling concerned about the best time to visit Wayanad. The church has one of the oldest architecture in the town. The church is also referred to as Our Lady of Lourdes.
Conclusion
Apart from these 20, there are many other tourist places in Wayanad. You can expect a combination of different kinds of attractions including theme parks, national parks, dams, water bodies and, waterfalls in Wayanad. Your Wayanad trip will become wholesome when you choose one of the Wayanad tour packages that includes a few attractions under different categories. In turn, all your family members will feel satisfied with the visit.
If you would like to explore the cultural side of Kerala, cultural tours are also organized by tour organizers. If you are particular about taking religious trips, you have different choices as well. So, plan your trip to Wayanad and choose a combination of attractions.
Do not forget to visit my other posts related to Kerala:
Top 100 Kerala Tourist Places to Keep on Your Bucket List
Guide About Thekkady, The Best Kept Secret Of Kerala
Kovalam Beach Kerala – Things to Do at Kovalam Beach
4 Days in Wayanad Itinerary – Things To Do & Places to Visit in Wayanad
Kerala Itinerary – 10 Days in Kerala Tour Plan