Wayanad Tourism

Wayanad is a hill district in Kerala formed in 1980 by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the headquarters of the Wayanad district and it is one of the popular hill stations near Bangalore and one of the best 2 day trip from Bangalore.

Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves and Soochipara Waterfalls are among the must include places in your Wayanad Tour Packages. Wayanad is also one of the top Kerala tourist places to visit. The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at an altitude ranging between 700 to 2100 meters nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal oriented. This district is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State with its production of cash crops like pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.

Wayanad has a rich history and the hills of Wayanad have several evidences of the New Stone Age civilization. There are pictures and pictorial writings on the walls of both the caves of Ampukuthimala, which lie between Sultan Bathery and Ambalavayal, that provide crucial information about the past era and civilization. In ancient times the land was ruled by the Vedar Rajas. Later Wayanad came under the rule of Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam Royal Dynasty. After becoming the King of Mysore, Hyder Ali invaded this land and brought it under his control. However, it went back to the Kottayam Royal Dynasty during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Finally this region came under the British rule.

Wayanad has a pleasant weather throughout the year and is one of the popular Kerala Tourism destinations. Famous Wayanad tourist places include Waterfalls (Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Kanthampara Falls), Dams / Lakes (Pookote Lake, Banasura sagar dam, Karappuzha Dam), Wildlife Sanctuaries (famous Wayanad WLS), Peaks / Trekking Destinations (Brahmagiri / Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak), Hill Stations (like Lakkidi) and several Pilgrimage centers (like Thirunelly Temple).

Wayanad is also famous for Tea and Coffee plantations. Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns in Wayanad after Kalpetta and these three towns are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district. Wayanad has the least population density in Kerala. The famous tribal events and folk dance performances by tribes are hosted between February and May. Onam, during August- September, Maha shivaratri and Vishu are the important festivals celebrated in Wayanad.
Kozhikode International Airport (85 km from Kalpetta) is the nearest airport and Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railway station 73 km away from Kalpetta. Wayanad is well connected by bus from Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore. There are regular bus services to Kozhikode from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum.
Best time to visit Wayanad is from September to May while the peak season is from October to March. It usually takes 1-2 full days to explore this area.

Wayanad: Places to Visit & Things to Do

1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
There are plenty of tourist spots in and around Wayanad. The most famous among them are Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary established in the year 1973. Extremely rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was established for the sole purpose of conserving and protecting the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna.

2. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is situated about 16 km east of Sultan Bathery. It is regarded as the biggest abode of wildlife in Malabar region of Kerala. Main wildlife here includes elephant, spotted deer, tiger, and panthers etc. you can enjoy elephant safari in this sanctuary.

3. Edakkal Cave
Edakkal caves are situated on Ambukuthi Hills about 10 kilometers from Sulthan Bathery, in Wayanad district of Kerala. It has been formed due to a large split in a huge rock, and the resulting landscape represent the world's richest pictographic gallery of its kind.

4. Thirunelli Temple
A piece of great temple architect Thirunelli temple is situated 29 kms north east of Mananthavady in the Brahmagiri hills. The temple comprises of 30 granite columns. Papanasini River running downhill adds beauty to the place. It is believed that a bath in holy water of the river washes away all the sins.

5. Banasura Dam
This is regarded as the largest earth dam of India. Many islands type of landscape emerges here during the monsoons, when the dam is full of water. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill can surely provide a hypnotizing sight to tourists.

6. Chembra Peak
Located about 2000 meters above the sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad hills and provide ideal conditions for trekking. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Wayanad, from the top of Chembra. The picturesque surroundings never fail to charm you with its beauty. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor. Tourists can camp for one or two days at the top of the peak.

7. Kuruva Island
The Kuruva Island having green lush cover of evergreen forests is situated on bank of river Kabini and it is an ideal picnic spot. You can spot rare species of birds, orchids and herbs here.

8. Pookot Lake
It is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forest and sloppy hills. A freshwater aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction here. Tourists here can enjoy boating. The weather here is lustrous and rich in the scenic beauty. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookat. The lake is situated 3 km east of Vythiri.

9. Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
Located at 22 km south of Kalpetta and locally known as Soochippara is a very popular leisure destination. It is famous as a picnic spot as well as a trekking center. It is about 200m high and ideal for rock climbing.