Wayanad district in Kerala happens to be one of the most stunning places to visit in the country and there are great locations here which will make your vacation picture perfect. The district is known for its lush green mountains and stunning beaches and backwaters. People from all over the country come to Wayanad to take in the beauty of nature, and it also happens to be a haven for adventure seekers. The streams and waterfalls, the peaks and gorges- all the miracles of nature seem have converged together and no wonder Kerala itself is known as God’s Own Country. If you are in Wayanad, then here are some of the things that you must try out here:
Trek to Chembra Peak: One of the must do activities in Wayanad is to trek to Chembra Peak. Those who are avid trekkers will love the various trekking trails that lead from the deciduous forests and cut through the high grasslands and rocky river beds. There are a number of trails here and one can opt for the Chembra peak Trek, the Banasura Sagar dam trek, and even the Brahmagiri Peak Trek. However, trekking to the Chembra peak is the most popular trail because the peak is located at an elevation of 2100 metres above sea level. It happens to be the tallest peak in Wayanad and once up, you will get a splendid view of a lake at the top of the hill which has never dried up. The Brahmagiri Trek is also beautiful, and the beauty of the region will leave you spellbound. This happens to be the second tallest summit in the district and is a haven for photographers because some truly breathtaking pictures can be captured here. The Banasura Sagar dam trek is also extremely delightful, because the dam provides a wonderful view of the river on which it has been built. One will be crossing forest lines and there are caves to explore on the route which makes the trait all the more thrilling and exciting.
Best time to visit: October to March
If you are in Wayanad, and if you love nature and birds, then do not forget to visit this amazing Bird Sanctuary which houses some really endangered species of birds. Ornithologists can spend hours in this forested land and if you have a recorder then it will be a treat to be able to capture the various sounds that the birds make. You can opt for the three hour Trek through the Sanctuary and have a look at the ecosystem of the forest up close and personal. The word Pakshipathalam, translates to meaning “birds in the nether region”, and in this case it happens to be a cave in the Northern side of the Brahmagiri hills. According to legends, it is said that Lord Garuda of the Hindu mythology, who is the king of birds, looked after his subjects here. So, if you love history and wildlife this sanctuary will prove to be a wonderful combination of both.
Best time to visit: Round the year, but winter months if you want to look at migratory birds.
One of the best things to do in Wayanad, is to visit the Kuruva Dweep. This Island lies in the Kabini River and the delta here is comprised of a number of Islands. Ecological isolation of the islands have lent some geographical particularities and the ecosystem here is quite unique, supporting a large variety of flora and fauna not to be seen anywhere else. The island is stretches across 950 acres and is evergreen. It can be reached from the mainland through bamboo rafts or one could also walk through the Jungle on natural trails. It is one of the best feeling ever because the greenery and the coolness of the water are a direct contrast to the heat and chaos of city life. There are also two small freshwater lakes around the islands and they are a favourite spot for migratory birds. If you are looking for a spot to have a picnic, then this will be an ideal location. You have to keep in mind that the island is open only from October to May and remains closed from June to September during the monsoons.
Best time to visit: October to May, early mornings
This is one of the largest archaeological museums in the entire state and there are artifacts which date back to the Neolithic ages. There are other precious works of art and items of great historical value and they are stored in four different blocks of the museums. The first block displays The Hero stones which are basically the statues and figures of brave Warriors of the bygone era and there are sculptures and paintings depicting higer hunts and primitive wars. It is said that the artifacts here are as old as dating back to the 14th and 16th century. Another blocks display tribal artifacts and all kinds of tribal jewellery, head gear, fishing gear, hunting gear, farming implements and even musical instruments are on display here. If you want to have a look at items from the Neolithic Age which is roughly around the 17th century AD, then you have to head to the last block where there are terracotta figures and stone idols. All the items here date back to the 12th century and have been excavated from the Malabar region. The museum also has a multimedia theatre in its premises and it as a 50 minute show depicting the details and unknown secrets of Kerala.
Best time to visit: Museum timings
There is hardly a better place to satiate your craving for street shopping other than in Wayanad. There are a number of stores and souvenir shops here for you to carry back items for your friends and family. Most of the items that you see here are made by hand because the people of Wayanad love art and craft. The best thing is that most of them are made of sustainable items, and there are some things that you cannot miss out on like organic honey and high quality organic spices. There are also garments and the herbal portions, bamboo articles, garments and textile and hand carved cane and wood items to be taken home. There are markets selling all kinds of books and stationery and apart from the roadside stores and boutique stores, there are also major malls which sell all kind of branded and international items. You can also buy shoes, handbags, organic makeup and other fashion products. The Dubai shopping centre is known for selling high-quality electronics and other items like mobile phone and watches. Most importantly you have to have your share of herbal and organic products from Wayanad which includes essential oils, spices, potions and organic makeup products and health care products. Do not forget to replenish your stock of tea and coffee as well.
Best time to visit: Round the year
Kerala is known for its wellness centers and there are a number of top Ayurvedic health centers here which are perfect for indulging in a spa treatment or a herbal massage. There is no better way to spend a vacation then indulging in some self pampering and the massages are the best way to do so. The potions and oils that are used for the massages are completely organic and they are made from age old recipes that have been compiled with the help of the wisdom of sages and wise men. Not only are these great for self pampering treatment, but they are also known to cure recurring health issues like headaches and pain in the joints . The spa ad massages are not just cosmetic treatments, but are also extremely therapeutic and some of the resorts in Wayanad come with top class spas which are internationally acclaimed as well. There is no better way to rejuvenate your mind and soul then having a spa treatment at Wayanad.
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
This happens to be a tiny village in Kerala but because it is located in a hilly terrain and is surrounded by valleys, getting to this village is quite an adventure in itself. You have to trek through forest and cross a slow flowing river and that is mostly done on a bamboo raft, which is one of the secrets of the Kerala backwaters. The trail is very tranquil and serene and you will get to witness amazing scenery on either side as you cross down the river. In fact it will seem as if you have travelled back in time. Do not forget to take a hike in the Sugandhagiri forest and you can also ride a bicycle through the many tea plantations. Sop by under a canopy of trees by the forest and indulge in a lovely picnic.
Best time to visit: November to March
These caves are located about 25 kilometres away from the town of Lalpatta and rise about 1200 metres above the sea level. These caves are a must visit in Wayanad because of the petroglyphs or rock engravings, which date back to the Neolithic age. This happens to be some of the oldest caves known to mankind and it was said that the superintendent of police of Malabar district found these caves during one of his hunting expeditions. The caves are famous because they have paintings of animals, letters and symbols, which supposedly date back to 6000 BC and are proof of the people who lived here millions of years ago. Inside the caves, you will also find stone carvings from the Stone Age which are sure to leave you awestruck. Reach the cave is to track from Ambukuthi hill and it was one of the most exciting ways to also explore the surroundings. There are a number of coffee plantations around the area and there are shacks which serve delicious local food. The caves date back to even before the Indus Valley Civilization and have attracted archaeologists and historians from all across the world.
Best time to visit: November to February
This is also known as The Sentinel Rock and to reach the falls you have to travel through dense forest and huge hills. The waterfall falls in three layers and it falls from a height of 300 feet 100 feet and forms a pool below which is also perfect for swimming. The water from the falls is known to join the Chilika River. The place literary means rock that looks like a needle and the waterfall gets its name from a rock that is shaped like a needle and it is located right beside the falls. Because of the unique terrain of the region, one can also go for rock climbing and go trekking for 1.5 kilometres, and one can get a beautiful view of the Western Ghats.
Best time to visit: Right after the monsoons
The lake lies just about 15 kilometres from Kalpetta and looks like a scene straight out of a postcard. The lake is very still with the surrounding hills and trees reflected in it and with the birds that fly in the sky above. The shape of the Lake is also unique, because it takes on the shape of the India map. Many lotuses grow on the surface and there are a variety of fish which are exclusive to this lake. The Panamaram rivulet here is the main tributary of the Kabini River and it flows later into the Panamaram valley. The lake is spectacular for photography and pedal boating is also permitted here. There is also a freshwater aquarium in the vicinity and there are children’s parks and shopping centres as well, so a day out here is a day well spent. You will get to buy spices and local handiwork from the stalls that line the streets of the neighbouring village.
Best time to visit: Round the year
Located about 29 kilometres from Kalpetta, it is a beautiful waterfall that falls from a height of 300 metres. It also happens to be the tallest waterfall and Kerala and it can be reached through a 2 kilometre trek through the forest from the Ooty- Wayanad Road. The trek is completely worth the effort because you will see some panoramic views on your way here. This also happens to be a popular spot for family picnics.
Best time to visit: Right after the monsoons
If you love nature and animals, then there is no better place than the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, which happens to be the second largest in Kerala. The Sanctuary is spread over 345 square kilometres and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which happens to be among the first 14 Biosphere Reserves in India. In 1992, this sanctuary came under the elephant jurisdiction and since then has been a prominent location for protecting wild elephants. The flora and fauna inside the park is really unique and you will see deciduous forests, oak trees, teak trees, and there are over 45 species of mammals and 30 species of amphibians living here. There are also over 45 species of reptiles and 59 species of fish, along with over 200 species of birds and insects. Plan your trip to the Sanctuary beforehand because it remains closed from March to April.
Best time to visit: May to February, early mornings
Neelimala is famous for its stunning sceneries. It is a place from where you can take in the beauty of the Meenmutty waterfalls and the surrounding landscape. The waterfall is very exhilarating and you will find a lot of greenery and flowers on your way.
Best time to visit: Right after the monsoons
Another major viewpoint in the southern region of Wayanad, this is about 296 feet above sea level and is known as the Gateway of Wayanad. The viewpoint is located about 5 kilometres away from the town of Vythiri and from here you will get an amazing view of the surrounding Western Ghats as well. This region gets about 600 centimetres of rainfall every year, making it one of the greenest places in the entire country.
Best time to visit: During winters and right after monsoons
This waterfall is located about 40 minutes away from Kalpetta and a whole new perspective of the Western Ghats from here. The name Tushar Giri quite literally translates to snow capped mountains and although there is no snow to be found here, the waterfall gets its name because of the spray which creates a snowy aura, when it plunges down the hillside. The waterfall is a combination of three streams and the highest one of them plunges from a height of 75 metres. This region is also extremely popular among the trekkers and there are quite a few challenging trails. You can also come for rock climbing here but beware in the monsoons, because they tend to become quite wet and slippery. A number of birds have made this region their home, and so if you happen to camp at night, you are likely to be woken up by hundreds and thousands of chirping birds around you.
Best time to visit: November to March
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a very unique history because it is said that this region was once ruled by the Pandavas and it was they who built it. This region has also been the seat of the Vijayanagara empire, the Chola rulers and the Carnatic Kingdom and about 19 km away there is also a Vishnu Temple located at Thirunelly. You will also find some other shrines here which are dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati and Lord Hanuman. This temple is known for its brilliant carving and the ambience is very tranquil. One of the most famous festivals to be organised here is the Shivaratri. What is notable about this temple is that the shrine is said to be installed by Parusuram and the lake beside the temple has never dried up. The temple also serves very delicious prasad and it is really heavenly. The worship and the rituals of the temples have been followed from hundreds of years and hence there are certain very unique rituals which can be seen practiced only here.
Best time to visit: Round the year
This temple is located in Verimala and is only a short distance away from Kalpetta. It is a Jain temple, and is dedicated to Lord Pareshnath Swami. The environment is very serene, which is why people come here to pray and meditate. There are glass and mirrors installed inside the temple and they reflect the candle lights and make the interiors glow and dazzle. The workmanship of the temple is stunning to behold.
Best time to visit: Round the year
If you want to want to day with your family in fun and frolic, then this is the place. There are all kinds of rides here, and there are ziplining, wall climbing, and zorbing as well. Enjoy a movie at the 12 D theater and ride bumping cars and ump on the trampoline. The park is a great place to unwind and have some fun and there are ample parking facilities here as well. There are also eateries to take care of your hunger pangs.
Best time to visit: Park timings
These stunning locations around Wayanad will give you the opportunity to explore the district and uncover the hidden gems in the nooks and corners. You will end up having a wonderful vacation at these Wayanad attractions.
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