Wayanad is a beautiful tourist destination in Kerala. Nestled among the Nilgiri hills and the dense evergreen forests, this quaint district is the ideal tourist destination for nature lovers and photographers who want to explore the beauties of Kerala. The Wayanad plateau is home to numerous tourist places which can be travelled to by road and on foot. From waterfalls to sanctuaries, there’s no scarcity of Wayanad tourism places.
The hills, slopes, streams, and waterfalls can be included in the itinerary when travelling to Kerala. If you’re a resident of Kerala and are looking for offbeat places in Kerala, you should definitely try out Wayanad tourism places.
15 Wayanad tourism places
Here are some top 15 things to do and see in Wayanad for tourists who want to visit the district.
Edakkal Caves
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Edakkal Caves are among the most popular Wayanad tourism places. These Caves have prehistoric paintings and murals, dating back to 6000 B.C.E. Travellers will have to trek for a total of 45 minutes and cross Ambukutty Mala to reach the cave. There are numerous steps made for tourists, but you have to be careful when making the 45 minutes descent back to the base. It is an amazing place of interest for archeology and history enthusiasts.
Soochipara Waterfalls
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Soochipara waterfall is among the two waterfalls on the Wayanad tourist places list. This waterfall is also a three-layered waterfall located at Vellarimala. The waterfall lies at the heart of dense green woodlands and is also known as the Sentinel Rock Waterfall. It will only take about 20 minutes to reach from Meppadi. The name Soochipara has its roots in the words “soochi” and “para” which signify “rock” and ‘needle’. The waterfall is located 2 km away from the parking area. The roads are not ideal for tourists to reach the waterfalls by car. This 200 ft waterfall and its peaceful ambience will be the best place for repose after a tiring tour of some of Wayanad’s tourism places.
Banasura Sagar Dam
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Banasura Sagar Dam is a quiet place to visit if you are looking for Wayanad tourism places nearby. The Dam is located on the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River. The beautiful blue waters on a sunny day will steal your breath. The place is rather quaint in the evening and afternoon, but the mornings are flocked with tourists. It can be the perfect picnic spot. You can enjoy the local cuisine at the nearby street food stalls.
Kuruvadweep
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Kuruvadweep Island is a quaint place for nature lovers. This small island is nestled between dense woods and is a protected river delta, making it an excellent Wayanad tourism place. Located near the Kabini River, the Kuruvadeep island has a rich share of flora and fauna. It also contains the famous evergreen forests of Western Ghats. You will also find beautiful bamboo bridges and small picnic places for having a day out at Wayanad tourism places.
Pookode Lake
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Your tour of Wayanad would be incomplete without a trip to the Pookode Lake. The Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake in South India, nestled between a dense evergreen forest on all sides. A small wall through this green flora will take you to the Pookode Lake in no time. The Lake is also connected to the Panamaram rivulet which later forms the Kabani River. Experts even say the Lake is shaped like the Indian Map. You can spend a day at the lake in peace and quiet and enjoy its scenic beauty. Photographers will find this place in Wayanad perfect for some nature shots.
Chambra Peak
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The Chembra Peak is a great Wayanad tourism place. It lies eight kilometres away from Kalpett and nearby to Meppady. It will require a day tour from Wayanad. Chembra Peak offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills and serves as the perfect place for trekking and small hiking activities. The Chembra Peak lies 2,100 metres above sea level and is the tallest peak in Wayanad. Trekkers will also find a heart shaped lake which is perfect for photography. However, you will need authorization from the Forest Department to undertake one-day and two-day treks.
Neelima View Point
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Neelima View Point is an adventurous Wayanad tourism place. This viewpoint can be reached through an easy trek through the slopes of the Nilgiris. The site offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The Meenmutty Falls is a special attraction as you can only find it on the way to Neelima View Point. The trek might not be suitable for non-trekkers, but travel enthusiasts can dedicate a day to this tourist spot to enjoy the natural beauty of South India. You will encounter some beauty and soothing sights and can even rest and explore midway if the trek appears to be too tiring.
Meenmutty Waterfalls
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Now, let’s explore the Meenmutty Waterfalls in a little detail. Meenmutty Waterfalls is located 29 kilometres away from Kalpetta. The waterfall has attracted tourists for its three-tiered waterfall, a rare sight to behold. The waterfall has a height of 300 metres and requires travellers to make a 2km trek through Wayanad-Ooty Road. People who are avid trekkers and travellers will find the trekking experience pretty thrilling and challenging. Photographers will also find this place ideal for some birdwatching and nature photography.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
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A list of Wayanad tourism places can never be complete without including its wildlife sanctuaries. The dense evergreen forests and beautiful hills provide the best living conditions for a variety of wildlife species. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is one such destination in Wayanad. This sanctuary is located between Wayanad and the Western Ghats. Travel enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see various animals living free in the open. The sanctuary is home to animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, bears, and monkeys along with various reptiles and bird species.
Karlad Lake
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Karlad Lake is popular on the Wayanad tourism places list. This freshwater lake has a rather calming hue, which tourists find very relaxing. In season, the lake fills up with beautiful water lilies and provides the best background for nature photography. The place is an ideal picnic spot for families who want to relax by a lake and spend the day in peace. The lake is surrounded by light woodlands that house birds and small animals. This lake can be visited between October and January. The entry fees are nominal as well.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Another important animal sanctuary in Wayanad is Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This beautiful sanctuary has an area of about 344.4 square kilometres and includes four ranges. The four ranges of the Sanctuary are Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat, and Tholpetty. The huge space houses many large animals and species like Indian Bison, tigers, elephants, deer, bears, and so on. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Nature lovers will also find rare varieties of flora in the Sanctuary, which is covered with dense vegetation.
Jain Temple
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Wayanad tourist places also include a beautiful historic Jain Temple. The Temple is located at the Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad. The Temple is believed to have been established in the thirteenth century. The design of the Temple hints at the Vijayanagar Dynasty architecture. The history of the temple is rather interesting. Initially a place of worship, it later went on to become a business exchange site and then the repository for Tipu Sultan’s armed forces. A square rock section with a cutting of Mahavir Jain can be found in the inward Sanctorum of the sanctuary which is encompassed by an open verandah. This marvellous granite structure is a site of historical importance and will take you back to the times of Kings and empires.
Lakkidi View Point
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Lakkidi is a passage to Wayanad located on the Peak of Thamarassery ghat pass. The snake-like shape of the roads is a view to behold from the Lakkidi Viewpoint. The pass contains nine clasp bends which start from Adivaram (Downhill) to Lakkidi. The beautiful green slopes, along with a melee of chasms and streams, create nature’s art on the hills. This spot is frequented by visitors looking for Wayanad tourist places, and travellers often find this place too stunning for words. There are various resorts and hotels on Lakkidi which offer tourists the opportunity to spend a day or two looking over these beautiful views.
Pallikkunnu Church
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The Pallikkunnu Church is also known as the Our Lady of Lourdes. This beautiful church was constructed in 1908 by a French Priest. The Church ranks among the oldest standing architectural buildings in Wayanad. The Church has a french-inspired arcing complete with detailed mural paintings on the walls outside and within. It is very well-maintained and conducts an annual fest in February which is a special attraction. The church is open to all visitors, and religion is no bar.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
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The Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is a dedicated nature reserve for rare birds of evergreen forests. A unique place among Wayanad tourist places, nature lovers and enthusiasts must include this destination on their list. The Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is a prized bird sanctuary in Kerala with many rare birds. The journey to the sanctuary is an attraction for trekkers looking for hidden Wayanad tourism places. Tourists will find some beautiful greenery, streams, and hills on the way. You can also have a quick picnic as long as you dispose of the garbage properly.
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