Kerala Tour: Exploring Wayanad’s Top Attractions

Kerala, located in Southern India, is a coastal state endeared with verdant foliage, relaxing backwaters, and tea plantations. The emerald fields, dense forests and mist-covered hills, makes Kerala one of the best destinations for a soul-soothing vacation. Not to forget, the beaches, sun-soaked shores, and delicious cuisine have won the hearts of many tourists. The state boasts robust infrastructure, diverse accommodations, and top-quality tourism facilities that pull in tourists every year. 

Kerala has constantly won numerous recognition and accolades for being an excellent holiday destination. In 2022, Kerala was recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Places by Time Magazine. After all, who can resist the natural attractions and sights nestled in its towns and district. If you too, are planning to travel to the God’s own country, one such district to add in your Kerala trip itinerary is Wayanad.

Kerala Tour: About Wayanad 

One may ask—what makes Wayanad so special and why should I bother adding it in my Kerala tour packages  itinerary? Well, to answer this, you need to know that this district is teeming with exciting spots that are too good to miss. This charming district in Kerala has something that satisfies the wanderlust of every sort of traveller. Are you planning a honeymoon trip? Spend time at Wayanad tree top’s house and visit viewpoints. Have a fascination for adventure? Wayanad provides excellent opportunities for paragliding and ziplining. Want to spend your vacation admiring nature and wildlife? Visit Wayanad wildlife sanctuary and watch the cascading flow of Meenmutty waterfalls. 

There are so many places to explore in Wayanad, but we have listed the top 7 attractions. The list of attractions comprises a mix of natural attractions, historical sites, and temples that will provide you with a wholesome experience. 

1. Edakkal Caves 

Located on Ambukuthi Hills at an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level, Edakkal Caves is amongst Wayanad’s top attractions. The caves testifies the presence of one of the earliest settlements known to mankind. Edakkal Caves feature prehistoric inscriptions and rock carvings dating back thousands of years. The carvings are believed to be from the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age. No wonder, archaeologists and history buffs have always found this site fascinating. One needs to trek for about 2 hours 20 minutes before reaching the entrance of the caves. The best time to visit the Edakkal Caves is in November to March.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

2. Soochipara Waterfalls

Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Waterfalls, is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad. The waterfall is encircled by huge rocky terrains and dense forests. It is a sight that can soothe even the most perturbed mind. This waterfall cascades from a height of 100 to 200 ft and its splashes create a cool and relaxing environment. The falls joins the Chaliyar River and makes a pool where you can dip your feet and relax. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing and trekking. 

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM 

3. Meenmutty Walterfalls

The majestic Meenmutty waterfall is one of the top attractions in Wayanad. These falls come gushing down and hit the rocks, forming ethereal effervescent spray. Cascading from a height of 300 meters and split in three-tiers, Meemutty is the second largest waterfall in Kerala. You have to trek for 2-3 hours though a dense forest to catch the scenic view of this waterfall. It is a great place to visit for adventurers, nature lovers and photographers. 

Note: Don’t visit the Meenmuuty waterfall in the rainy season as the flow and speed of cascading waters get heavy. Hence, it is not suitable for sightseeing. 

Timings: 9 AM and 5 PM

Entry Fee: ₹30 per person (adult Indian), ₹15 for children, and ₹60 for foreigners. 

4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 

Wayanad is also home to exquisite  flora and fauna thriving in its wildlife sanctuary. The best way to explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is through a jeep safari. It is one of those attractions in Wayanad that a person of any age can enjoy. The teeming greenery, fresh air, and a myriad species of birds, animals, and plants captivates you. The activities here aren’t just limited to jeep safaris. You can also engage in a bird watching tour or an elephant ride. This wildlife sanctuary is home to amazing wildlife such as tiger, panther, bonnet macaques, bison, and elephants. You will also spot reptiles like termite hill gecko, flying lizard, flap shell turtles and birds like owl, babbler, black woodpecker, etc. 

Timings: 7 AM and 5 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indian adults, ₹10 for children under the age of 12, and ₹110 for foreign nationals.

5. Banasura Sagar Dam

Built on Banasura lake in Kalpetta, Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams in India. Tourists, photographers and nature enthusiasts come here to enjoy the sound of gushing waters and verdant greenery around the dam. Encompassed by stunning natural beauty, boating, horse riding, trekking, etc are some popular activities to participate in around this dam. The Banasura Sagar Dam offers a postcard perfect backdrop for your photographs. The ideal time to visit the Banasura Sagar Dam is between September to March. 

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: ₹40 per person (for adults) and ₹20 (for kids).

6. Chembra Peak

Want to watch the panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats? Head to Chembra peak in Wayanad. It is the highest peak in Wayanad district and also boasts Chembra peak Heart Lake. This peak is located approximately 8 kilometres south of Kalpetta and located at an altitude 2,100 meters above the sea level. Needless to say, this peak provides one of the best trekking trails in Wayanad. Once you reach the top, you will see tourists and trekkers gathered around a heart-shaped lake. It is said the lake never dries up. However, please take permission from the forest department before ascending this peak. 

Timings: Visit this attraction between 7 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians and  ₹30 for foreigners.

7. Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple 

Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple is referred to as the “Kashi of the South’ and is a significant pilgrimage site in Kerala. The temple lies at an altitude of 3000 feet and is reached by crossing three wildlife sanctuaries. The pillars of this temple are carved with intricate murals. You can also visit the cave temple Gunnika, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is  present near the main temple complex. Many pilgrims come to this temple to perform sacred rites for their ancestors. 

Temple Timings: 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 8 pm

These are the top seven attractions in Wayanad that you must not miss on your trip to Kerala. There are plenty of other attractions too that deserve a mention including Neelima View Point, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake, Bamboo Forest.