18 Top Tourist Attractions in Wayanad

Wayanad District, in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 1980 as the 12th district, carved out of Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The name Wayanad derived from ‘Wayalnadu’ means land of paddy fields. The picturesque plateau, having the largest concentration of tribal population in the state, was once known as Africa in Kerala. Kalpetta, the only municipal town in the district, is district headquarters. There are so many interesting places to visit.

EDAKKAL CAVES

This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta.There are two Edakkal Caves, natural rock cutout formations, formed by a large split in a huge rock roofed over by other large rocks, all fixed in position through natural processes. These caves are famous world-wide for their ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head-dresses and swastik forms and symbols. Archaeologists say the place was one of the earliest centres of human habitation. These caves are seen in the Ambukuthy mountains which is located in between Sulthan Battery and Ambalavayal. The caves contain several paintings and pictorial writings of the New Stone Age civilization which speak volumes of the bygone life and civilization.

AMBUKUTHY HILLS AMBUKUTHI MALA WAYANAD

Ambukuthy Hills also called as Ambukuthi Mala is a hill range located in Wayanad District of Kerala State of India. It is about 12 km Sulthan Bathery and the famous Eddakal Caves are located in this hill range at the height of 1000 meters . One have to come here for Eddakal Caves and have to walk 1 km down to reach the caves. It is famous historic place and great tourist attraction as these caves are of stone age as the carvings and marks on the caves says.

CHEMBRA PEAK

Chembra peak, which is highest peak in Wayanad is located 14 km west of Kalpetta. Located amidst panoramic surroundings, the peak is at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level. The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilerating.

THIRUNELLI TEMPLE

The temple is also known as the Sahyamala Kshetram. It is believed to be more than 3000 years old. Legend has it that this temple dedicated to lord Vishnu was built by lord Brahma (The Creator) himself – an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The Thirunelli Temple is set on the deep green Brahmagiri valley close to the Papanasini mountain spring that is believed to have curative effects on the human system. The Thirunelli Temple springs to life during temple festivals such as Chuttuvilakku, Puthari, Sivarthri, Sreekrishnajayanti and Navarathri.

Papanasini, the holy mountain spring believed to have divine cleansing powers to absolve the soul of all its sins, flows nearby. Also in the vicinity is a sacred rock where ritual offerings (known as bali) are made for the ancestors on the New Moon days of the Malayalam months Karkkidakom, Thulam and Kumbham. Besides the rituals during the two-day festival, art forms like Kathakali and Ottanthullal are performed.According to popular legend, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India was constructed by the creator, Lord Brahma himself and dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. Referred to as Thekkan Kasi, the Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, Kerala, South India is a very popular South India pilgrimage center.

VARAMBETTA MOSQUE

One of the oldest mosques in the district, Varambetta Mosque is situated about 15 km from Kalpetta. The mosque is about 300 years old.

Maithani Palli and Kalpatta Town Juma Masjid are other important Muslim pilgrim centres in the district.

SENTINEL ROCK WATERFALLS

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is located in Wayanad district of Kerala. Locally known as Soochipara (needle rock) waterfalls, the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. One of the most attractive falls in the district, the water hits the sharp spikes of granite at the base and hence the name, Sentinel Rock waterfalls.The waterfalls is located on Kozhikode – Vythiri – Gudallur Highway about 25 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad.

MUTHANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. This is an ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of the Nagarhole National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the neighboring State of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department. Best time to visit is from June to October.

KURUVA ISLAND

The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Kms east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.

POOKODE LAKE

Pookode is a natural fresh water lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level and having an area of 13 acre and 40 meter deep. It is 15 km away from Kalpetta.

The lake has the shape of India’s map. This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is only one of its kinds in Kerala. The lake has abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fishes. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds and flies.

The Panamaram rivulet – one of the main tributaries of the Kabani River – originates from it. Lying 3km south of Vythiri town, the lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad.

Spices and handicraft items are available for sale at Pookode. The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children’s park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.

PAKSHIPATHALAM

Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.

AMBALAVAYAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, it is one of the best heritage museums in Kerala. The exhibits here include rare 2nd century artifacts such as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.

CHETHALAYAM WATERFALLS

Chethalayam is Located 12 km from Sulthan Bathery on the Pulpalli Main Road, are the breathtakingly beautiful Chethalayam Waterfalls. One can get a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 km. from Chethalayam. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is another tourist spot not to be missed. Here you can see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear. About 15 km from Sultan’s Bathery, the Wildlife Sanctuary covers over 344 sq. km. and forms part of the area of Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur Sanctuary in Karnataka.

PAZHASSI RAJA TOMB

Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin-operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.

BANASURA DAM

Banasura Dam is 15 km north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot. Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, the beauty of this spot is captivating. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.

SOOCHIPPARA WATERFALLS

The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.

KALPETTA

This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

KANTHANPARA WATERFALLS

Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic.

LAKKIDI

One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird’s eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Wayanad district in Kerala has a pleasant climate for most parts of the year. The maximum and minimum temperatures are generally 35º C and 18º C respectively. Wayanad can be visited round the year except during the monsoon season, June to September.

Town:: By road, Wayanad is accessible from Calicut, Kannur, Mysore, Bangalore and Ooty. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has bus services from Trivandrum, Eranakulam (Kochi), Calicut (Kozhikkode), Mysore and Bangalore through Wayanad. Karnataka Road Transport Corporation also has bus services from Bangalore/Mysore to Calicut/Eranakulam following the route Mysore - Gundlupet - Sulthan Bathery(Wayanad) - Kalpetta(Wayanad). You can alight at Sulthan Bathery , Kalpetta or Vythiry depending upon the place of your accommodation.
Airport:: The nearest Airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode (Calicut) international airport at a distance of about 100 km from Kalpetta (Wayanad dist HQ). Mysore Airport (only domestic flights) is almost 140 km away from Kalpetta and Bangalore international airport is at a distance of approximately 280 km from Kalpetta.
Railway Station:: The nearest railway station from Wayanad is Kozhikode (Calicut) which is 75 km away from Kalpetta. Mysore railway station is at a distance 140 km from Kalpetta. Tourists coming from Chennai to Wayanad have the option of coming to Calicut or Mysore and further move to Wayanad.
District:: Wayanad
Longitude:: 11.580432
Latitude:: 76.078285