10 Wayanad Tourist Places You Must Visit This Year

Wayanad is a top choice for visitors exploring Kerala’s hill stations. With its picturesque roads, lush Western Ghats, and wildlife like elephants and deer, Wayanad stands out for its natural beauty. This pristine area has a unique ecology and maintains its original charm. Many interesting places to visit in Wayanad offer cultural and natural attractions. The best resorts in Wayanad cater to families, tourist groups, and couples, providing various activities for everyone.

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Most Popular Kerala Tour Packages

Kerala Tour Packages	No. of Nights / Days	Price*
Kerala – Quick Kochi	3 Nights / 4 days	Rs. 11 949
Kerala Delight With Kovalam	7 Nights / 8 days	Rs. 29 999
Kerala Delight	5 Nights / 6 days	Rs. 21 999
Kerala-Backwater in Kerala	3 Nights / 4 days	Rs. 13 199
Scenic Kerala	4 Nights / 5 days	Rs. 20 099

As you drive into Wayanad, the mountain roads surrounded by lush rainforests set the stage for a memorable vacation. This hill station in Kerala offers a wealth of experiences.

Wayanad stands out from other hill stations with its unique charm. Whether you visit popular spots or explore hidden gems, you’ll discover stunning natural beauty. Choose a cozy stay or book one of the top resorts in Wayanad, and your trip will be unforgettable.

Don’t forget to visit these must-see places in Wayanad during your Kerala holiday.

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1. Natural wonders of Kalpetta

Kalpetta, the main town of Wayanad district, is a key destination on your Wayanad travel list. Surrounded by mountains and lush coffee and tea plantations, it’s a must-visit spot in Wayanad.

• Visit the stunning Kanthanpara, Meenmutty, and Soochippara Waterfalls for a refreshing experience. Two of these waterfalls are near Kalpetta, making it one of the top spots in Wayanad. Many of the best resorts in Wayanad are around Kalpetta, where you can even stay in a tree house and enjoy the jungle setting.

• Explore nature on a trek to Vaduvanchal, where you’ll find scenic spots like Phantom Rock, Cheenigeri Mala, Neelima View Point, and Chethalayam Falls. Kalpetta also offers cycling trips on well-maintained trails. Cycling is an eco-friendly way to see Wayanad’s popular spots without harming the environment. Many of the best places in Wayanad are off the beaten path, and cycling can take you to these hidden gems.

• While visiting Kalpetta, one of the top places in Wayanad, you can buy souvenirs from the local market. The Kalpetta market offers a variety of items, including coffee, tea, pepper, honey, crafts made from bamboo and coconut shells, and ivory handicrafts.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 85.4 km from Calicut International Airport

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2. Eco-friendly Meenangadi

Meenangadi stands out among the scenic places to visit in Wayanad. Known for its rich historical and cultural heritage and numerous plantations, Meenangadi is a must-visit.

One of the pristine areas near Wayanad, Meenangadi, is renowned for its ecological conservation efforts. It’s also on its way to becoming India’s first carbon-neutral town, making it one of the best tourist spots in Wayanad. This unique aspect offers a valuable lesson in sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices.

• St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, built in 1958, is a popular tourist spot in Kerala. Its unique architectural style makes it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. Don’t miss this distinctive attraction when visiting Wayanad.

• Manikavu is a highly revered Hindu holy place in Wayanad. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to house a self-manifested Shivalinga, continuously bathed by water from a stream. This sacred site is a must-visit for anyone exploring Wayanad.

• Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the lush green plantations of tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, and rubber in Meenagadi. Known for its eco-friendly practices, Meenagadi has become a popular spot on the Wayanad tourist places list.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 99.3 km from Calicut International Airport. Most of the key attractions in Wayanad are easily accessible from Calicut.

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3. Calm and peaceful Pozhuthana

The small village of Pozhuthana is a fascinating tourist spot in Kerala. Known for its hilly terrain and flat valleys with tea plantations, it is one of Wayanad’s most beautiful places to visit. Besides its pristine beauty, Pozhuthana is also famous for bamboo rafting, which is a major tourist attraction.

• Take a refreshing dip in the Pozhuthana River, which flows gently like a lake. This river resembles backwaters, attracting many tourists and photographers. With its stunning scenery, the Pozhuthana River is one of the best scenic spots in Wayanad and should not be missed.

• Try river rafting here, enjoying the scenic view of green hills and valleys as you glide through the river. In addition to rafting, you can also hike in Sugandagiri Forest. Though not as popular among Wayanad tourist spots, its beauty is equally charming and pristine.

• If water activities aren’t your thing, you can bike along scenic roads through tea estates and jungles! The lush greenery and endless trails make Pozhuthana one of Wayanad’s most beautiful places. The roads are perfect for driving enthusiasts, especially those looking to explore mainstream Wayanad attractions while doing something offbeat.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 99.3 km from Calicut International Airport.

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4. The Peak of Love at Meppadi – Romantic places to visit in Wayanad

Located on the state highway between Kozhikode and Ooty, Meppadi is one of Kerala’s most scenic hill stations. It is famous for Chembra Peak and the heart-shaped lake, making it a popular weekend getaway. Meppadi is a must-visit for anyone exploring Wayanad, especially couples who consider the trek to Chembra Peak and the lake a highlight of their trip. The trek is easy and suitable for beginners, with several nearby resorts offering comfortable stays and guides for a smooth experience.

• Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. Standing 2,100 meters above sea level, it offers a fantastic trekking experience through lush forests. If you’re exploring Wayanad, trekking to Chembra Peak should be on your list of things to do.

• If you plan to explore the forest, you’ll need permission from the Meppadi Forest Department.

• The heart-shaped lake at the top of the hill is stunning, and from it, you can see the lush green mountains and drifting clouds.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 91.5 km from Calicut International Airport.

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5. Time travel at Edakkal

About 25 km from Kalpetta, the Edakkal Caves offer a glimpse into ancient human history. These caves are among the earliest known centers of human habitation and are a must-visit for anyone exploring Wayanad. As a major attraction in Wayanad, Edakkal Caves draw many nature lovers looking for a unique experience during their trip to Kerala.

• According to ancient folklore, the Edakkal Caves were created using arrows from Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Ram.

• The Edakkal Caves are thought to date back to the Indus Valley civilization, making them a significant site for archaeologists globally. This key attraction in Wayanad features over 400 inscriptions and carvings. Because of their rich history and unique features, the Edakkal Caves are one of Wayanad’s top places.

• The caves are a popular spot for trekking. They are open to visitors from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the entry fee is ₹20.

Useful Info:

• The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is 114 km away.

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6. Be fascinated by the folklore of Banasura

Banasura is one of the top attractions in Wayanad, known for its beautiful dam and scenic hiking trails. This spot is surrounded by fascinating legends and stories from the past. If you enjoy history and mythology, Banasura is a must-visit in Wayanad. Banasura stands out as the most mysterious among the many interesting places in Wayanad.

• Named after King Banasura, who gained Lord Shiva’s favor by playing the ‘mridanga’ with his thousand hands during the famous ‘Tandav’ dance, this place is rich in fascinating folklore.

• Banasura Sagar Dam is situated on misty hills, the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm.

• Besides the dam, river, and local legends, Banasura also offers tours to nearby islands. The Kuruva Islands, a group of three beautiful islands, are located 40 km from Banasura. This area is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad due to its charming surroundings. You can use small bamboo boats or fiber rafts to reach these islands, creating a great vacation experience. The stunning beauty of the Kuruva Islands makes them a must-visit spot near Wayanad.

• Nearby tourist spots include a wildlife sanctuary, a variety of flowering trees, and opportunities for boating.

Useful Info:

• The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is 99 km away.

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7. Paradise Pookode

• Located about 15 km from Kalpetta, Pookode is one of the most beautiful spots in Wayanad and a top place to visit. This village is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who will be captivated by its stunning scenery.

• Rent a boat and enjoy a leisurely trip around the lake. It’s open for visits from 9 am to 5 pm.

• You can also explore the freshwater aquarium, the children’s park, and a shopping center famous for its handicrafts and spices.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 73.4 km from Calicut International Airport

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8. Divinity at Thirunelli

To experience the best of Wayanad and dive into its rich history, a visit to Thirunelli is a must. Thirunelli is known for its ancient heritage and was once ruled by various empires and kingdoms, including the Pandyas, Cholas, Malabar Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Chanda Sahib, Carnatic kingdom, and the British. Among nearby places, Thirunelli offers the most historical and cultural experiences to visitors.

• Thirunelli Temple is a key heritage site in Wayanad and is often called the ‘Kashi of the South.’ As a popular tourist attraction, the temple is open to visitors from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

• Thirunelli Temple is a significant heritage site in Wayanad because of its impressive design and architecture. The temple is renowned for its beautiful carvings, paintings, stunning views, and religious importance.

• Try the finest halwa, a sweet wheat, sugar, and ghee treat.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 140 km from Calicut International Airport.

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9. Learn something new at Ambalavayal

Ambalavayal is a must-visit village in Wayanad. It is surrounded by the lush green hills of the Western Ghats and enjoys pleasant weather. Key attractions here include the Heritage Museum and the Regional Agricultural Research Station.

• Wayanad Heritage Museum showcases archaeological artifacts dating back to the Neolithic age. History and heritage enthusiasts should visit this unique museum. It is well-known for its distinctive tribal artifacts from the Malabar region.

• Hero Stone is a key attraction in Wayanad. It features various rock carvings dedicated to heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect others. The site is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm. This unique and moving location is one of Wayanad’s top places to visit.

• The Regional Agricultural Research Station grows various crops, including coffee, pepper, rice, ginger, turmeric, clove, cinnamon, and summer and cool-season vegetables. It’s a great spot for anyone interested in or working with these crops and related industries.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 107 km from Calicut International Airport.

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10. Tholpetty and Muthanga

About 38 km apart, Tholpetty and Muthanga are two top wildlife spots in India. As some of the most scenic places in Wayanad, they offer many activities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Tea plantations separate these two wildlife sanctuaries.

• You can see peacocks, owls, cuckoos, babblers, and jungle fowls in the deciduous forests. Local tour groups often organize trips for weekend getaways, and photography enthusiasts can join groups to capture the area’s beauty. As a popular Wayanad tourist spot, there’s plenty to do and experience while exploring its natural attractions.

• The entire area can be explored in 2-4 hours. The forests are open to visitors from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. When planning your trip, include these forests on your list of top Wayanad tourist spots to make the most of your visit.

• The best time to visit for the best wildlife sightings is from November to May.

Useful Info:

• Distance from the nearest airport: 135 km from Calicut International Airport.

Now that you know the top places to visit in Wayanad, consider planning a memorable trip with Wayanad tour packages.

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Conclusion:

Wayanad is a classic southern hill station and a perfect weekend getaway. With so many things to see and do, you might need two or three visits or a longer stay to explore the area fully. There’s something for every kind of traveler. Popular spots like Kalpetta, Meenangadi, and Pozhuthana are must-sees, and many tourist spots are easy to access. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, trekking, and cycling.

Besides the well-known attractions, there are also offbeat and lesser-known places near Wayanad worth exploring. With top-notch resorts in Wayanad, your vacation will be enjoyable and memorable.

The best places in Wayanad offer romantic, spiritual, and thrilling experiences, stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and scenic drives. Nearby destinations like Coorg, Mangalore, and Calicut provide additional opportunities for a great trip. Ensure Wayanad is at the top of your travel list this season for an unforgettable experience.

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