Places To Visit In Wayanad

Adorning the northern hills of Kerala is the beautiful district of Wayanad, maintained by the District Tourism Promotion Council, Wayanad.  This area is famous for its large number of camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, caves, bird-watching sites, flora, fauna and an overall plethora of magnificent sights. The ethereal beauty of the hill station seems to multiply with the presence of spice plantations that dot the whole region. There are caves that date back to prehistoric times and attract quite a share of adventurers. This area has been a tourist favourite over the years.

 

Here are some best places to visit in Wayanad:

 

Edakkal Caves

A trip to Edakkal Caves is like a journey into our forgotten past. Located 10 kms from Sulthan Bathery, they have provided historians with great information regarding the lives and habits of our ancestors. The caves are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock. The carvings inside are extremely beautiful. We are talking about Edakkal Caves, which still remain a wonder and a mystery for archaeologists and historians alike.

 

Chembra Peak

Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad district and lives up to its billing of being a picturesque location. It has managed to maintain its pristine nature over the years. Situated 2100 m above sea level, this peak offers a breath-taking view of rare flora and fauna. One can come across many exotic species in these parts. The route to the peak itself has a brilliant view along with a heart shaped lake, waterfalls and lush greenery the whole way. It is a prime spot for trekking but prior permission needs to be taken before going on these treks.

 

Thirunelli Temple

The Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Lord Maha Vishnu. It is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala and is surrounded by pleasing hills and lush green forests. It stands at the height of 900 meters, overlooking the mountainous landscape and thick forests, nestled on one side of the Brahmagiri hills, at the Karnataka border. The Thirunelli Temple is also known as the Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of the South.

 

Lakkidi View Point

The view point is renowned for a captivating view of dusk and dawn along with being a spot from where one can watch the sloshing brooks, verdant vegetation and the haughty mountain peaks. On a clear sunny day, one can get a clearer view of both sunrise and sunset over the emerald carpeted mountains which make this viewpoint exotic when compared with others. Visitors can also relish bird watching as this place is home to many common as well as a couple of rare avian faunas. While in the view point, you can relish a bird’s eye view of the Deep south Valley and the stunning winding roads.

 

Banasura Hill 

Banasura Hill is one of the tallest mountains in the Western Ghats of the Wayanad district, Kerala, India. The hill is named after Banasura, a mythical character of Indian legends. It is one of the highest peaks exceeding 2,000m between Nilgiris and Himalayas after Chembra Peak. The narrow trail that leads up to the top of the hill winds through thick tropical vegetation. The flora includes some rare medicinal plants. The fauna found en route consist of monkeys, wild boars, deer and wild elephants, etc.

 

Kuruvadweep

Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island comprises a cluster of islets over the middle of Kabini River in Wayanad that is popular for the boat rides it offers on specially crafted bamboo rafts. Spread over 950 acres of land, Kuruva Island is popular for its diverse flora and fauna. These islands contain two small fresh water lakes. They are also a known safe haven for migratory birds along with hornbills, parrots and many butterfly species. Nature lovers throng to this remote destination in large numbers. Trekking enthusiasts will find some of the most beautiful and natural trails here.

 

Meenmutty Waterfalls 

Imagine water crashing onto the ground from over a 1000 ft. in three separate levels while an entire rainforest plays its role as the patient, supporting audience. This and much more await you at Meenmutty Waterfalls, one among Wayanad’s delightful treasures. It can be only accessed after an arduous 2 km jungle trek, the visuals on display at the summit are worth the effort.

 

Soochipara Waterfalls

Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls) is perhaps the most picturesque spot located in the periphery of Wayanad. It is a treat for eyes to see the milky white stream of water making its way to the rivers by passing through the rocky cliffs and clinging trees. The waterfall at the end joins Chaliyar River. Tourists will have to trek for around 30 minutes in downward inclination to reach the main pool, where exciting activities like swimming, bathing and other recreational activities take place now and then.

 

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad is among the most beloved treasures of God's Own Country and here it is that its eponymous wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1973. Spread over a sprawling area of 344 sq. km., Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the personified version of famous wildlife sanctuaries in the South. The wildlife sanctuary is a small part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. There are two parts of the wildlife sanctuary- Muthanga towards the east partnering with Tamil Nadu and Tholpetty in the north side bordering Karnataka.

 

Pookot Lake

Pookot Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in the Wayanad district in Kerala, South India. A major tourist destination in the district, Pookot is a natural freshwater lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level. It is 15 km away from Kalpetta. It is the smallest and highest altitude freshwater lake in Kerala. The Pookot Lake, located 3km south of Vythiri town, is the most frequented tourist spot in the entire Wayanad district of Kerala.

 

Neelimala View Point

Promising one of the most enthralling trekking experiences in Wayanad tourist places, Neelimala View Point is a must visit for adventure aficionados. It presents some amazing trails that cross the most picturesque landscape of Western Ghats. Tourists are in for a charming surprise as Neelimala View Point offers gushing streams and verdant valleys on the way up to the hill. This place is a splendid tourist spot where you can appreciate the company of nature with the misty clouds and its pristine ambience.

 

Phantom Rock

Phantom Rock is a renowned place that is as unique as its names. It's an archaeological wonder that can be hardly spotted anywhere else in the world. The rock is naturally casted in the shape of the phantom skull and hence is famous by the name of Phantom Rock all over the world.

 

Wayanad Heritage Museum

Wayanad Heritage museum is situated at Ambalavayal, about 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. It is one of the largest and best archaeological museums in Kerala. Gear up to be astonished by history and ancient relics when you pay a visit to Wayanad Heritage Museum. It is known to be one of the most eminent museums in Kerala and is a storehouse of fascinating artefacts that go back as long as second century A.D