Places to Visit in Wayanad

Located in the middle of Kabini river, Kuruva Island is a natural paradise that is replete with diverse flora and fauna in the most beautiful surroundings. It is blessed with evergreen forests all around that makes it a mesmerising picnic spot away from all pollution and noise of the city and it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

If you wish to know how bamboo constitutes an important factor in both the lifestyle and livelihood for the people in Wayanad, then a visit to The Bamboo Factory comes highly recommended. 

This educating and inspiring experience gives a sneak peek into the lives of the locals in Uravu. This place is a great stop to witness the wonder of sustainable tourism and explore the ancient traditions that are still preserved in Wayanad.

The Bamboo Factory stands for uplifting the lives of many rural craftsmen along with offering tourists a unique experience by getting to know how bamboo is converted into your favourite items. Tourists at Bamboo Factory also get a chance to talk to these talented craftsmen and know more from their experiences.

Location: 100 Acres Road Thrikkaipatta, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit here.

Entry fee: The cost to visit here is approximately INR 500/ USD 7.7 per person

Timings: One can visit here between 10 am and 4 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is around kilometres.

One of the most beautiful heritage sightseeing places in Wayanad, Jain Temple is known for its interesting history. It was built in 13th century A.D. and largely came to prominence when this ancient temple was used by Tipu Sultan to store ammunition and it is one of the serene places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

The ruins of Jain Temple in Sulthan Battery resonate the vital presence and influence of Jain community in the state of Kerala.

Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Jain Temple boasts of Vijayanagara style of architecture and has preserved beautiful and intricate carvings on its granite pillars. It is revered as one of the holiest places for the Jains and a festival is celebrated during Mahavir Jayanthi. 

This historically important temple in Kerala is a great visit to appreciate the art and culture of this place.

Location: Jain Temple Rd, Sultan Bathery, Kerala

Best Time to visit: September to March is the best time to visit the temple.

Entry fee: None

Timings: The temple is open for visitors during the day.

Distance from Wayanad: It is around 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

Offering an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places to visit in Wayanad. 

It is famous for harbouring a diverse number of flora and fauna. Taking a wildlife safari is the most thrilling activity that one should undertake at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to make their Wayanad vacation memorable.

This natural habitat is a great sightseeing place to spot elephant herds, deer, langurs, panthers, tigers, Indian bison and the rare Slender Loris. Moreover, this wildlife sanctuary offers a wonderful experience for tourists with their tree huts which are open for stay. 

This beautiful attraction allows the tourists to seek some natural solace and take delight in the company of the wonderful wildlife roaming freely in their natural surroundings.

Location: It is located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road.

Best Time to visit: Winters are the best time to visit Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Entry fee: The entry fees is INR 115/ USD 1.77 for Indians. For foreigners, the entry fees is INR 300/ USD 4.62

Timings: The timings are 7:00 am to 10:00 am in the mornings. For the evenings, the timings are from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is 45 kilometres.

Famous for its mesmerising scenery, Lakkidi View Point is known for its nine hairpin caves and offers a resplendent view of the mountains in Wayanad. The whole trip of Lakkidi View Point promises an unforgettable charm of natural beauty that should add to their bucket list of attractions in Wayanad. 

Offering a bird’s eye view of the magnificent surroundings, this place leaves you in search of words to describe the panoramic vista that your eyes behold. It is also a famous picnic spot and often known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’. 

Lakkidi is also known for receiving the second highest rainfall in the world and its misty environment makes it an unforgettable tourist place in Wayanad.

Height: It is located at an elevation of 700 metres above sea level.

Location:  Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal Highway, Lakkidi, Kerala

Best Time to visit: One should visit Lakkidi View Point at the time of early morning or early evening to get the best views.

Timings: The visiting hours are from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Distance from Wayanad: The distance to reach here is approximately 32 kilometres.

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. 

This beauty of this popular trekking and camping site is accentuated by the Meenmutti waterfall that brings out the most wonderful view of the place.

Location: Neelimala Viewpoint, Vaduvanchal, Kerala

Best Time to visit: January to May and September to December is the most preferred time to visit here.

Entry fee: The entry fees here is INR 500/ USD 7.7 for a jeep that could carry 6-7 people

Timings: Tourists could visit Neelimala Viewpoint any time between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

One of the most religious places to visit in Wayanad, Thirunelli Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known as the Kashi of the South, Thirunelli Temple has an interesting legend associated which says that Lord Brahma himself installed the idol of Lord Vishnu here and made this temple. 

Encompassed by the breathtaking beauty of Brahmagiri Hills, this temple is known for its tranquil ambience. Devotees at Thirunelli Temple pay their respects at the holy mountain stream known as Papanasini believed to have medicinal powers where rituals are performed and the sacred rock Pinnappara. 

It is also a popular belief that rituals performed for the dead at this temple attains eternal peace and salvation for the deceased souls.

Location: Thirunelly Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala

Best Time to visit: One should visit Thirunelli Temple from the month of September to March.

Timings: The temple remains open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and then from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

One of the most interesting sightseeing places in Wayanad, Phantom Rock is an archaeological structure that you should not miss out on your vacation and it is also one of the best places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

It is famous for the rock that is shaped in the form of a phantom skull and thus derives the name of this tourist attraction. This place is an exciting spot for trekkers and hikers offering some amazing opportunities for photography.

Locally known as Cheengeri Mala, this place offers a surreal respite from the crowds and noise. The landscape here is picturesque and surrounded by beautiful greenery that accentuates the brilliance of this archaeological wonder. 

For the lovers of history, Phantom Rock is a wonderful getaway in Wayanad and attracts many tourists who are looking for offbeat things to do in Wayanad.

Height: This rock is at height of 2600 feet above sea level.

Location: Phantom Rock Path, Kerala

Best Time to visit: It can be visited throughout the year.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the bus station and Phantom Rock is approximately 40 kilometres.

If you wish to give a boost to your Wayanad vacation with a bit of eco tourism, then Bamboo Forest is one of the most surreal places that you should not miss out upon. 

These unique forests are known for preserving the most endangered flora and fauna and also constitute an integral part in the daily life of tribals who depend on the forests.

These forests extend up to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a natural habitat for many animals like bison, cheetah, wild bears etc. 

Bamboo Forest in Wayanad are protected by government authorities and known for collecting a grain called ‘bamboo rice’ that is used in many traditional food recipes in Wayanad.

Location: Muthanga, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to visit: The months from October to February are considered to be the best time to visit here.

Timings: It is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and then from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is approximately 60 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

Known amongst the most exciting Wayanad tourist places, Chain Tree is famous for its many myths and legends. One of the legend states that the road leading up here was built by a foreign engineer on the route given by a tribal youth who was shot dead by the engineer and his ghost is stuck there and it is one of the finest places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

Another legend goes by that the British killed the Mahout as they didn’t want the route to be discovered by the Portuguese. After that it was believed that a priest chained the spirit to this ficus tree and thus giving its name. 

It is reported that the chain is growing along with the tree through the years. With such an intriguing history, Chain Tree surely deserves your touristy curiosity the next time you visit Wayanad.

Location: National Highway 766, Lakkidi, Kunnathidavaka, Kerala 

Best Time to visit: One can visit here any time throughout the year.

Entry fee: Free

Timings: It is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 on all the days of the week.

Distance from Wayanad: It is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the bus station in Wayanad.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an esteemed natural habitat of many rare and endangered flora and fauna and a wonderful getaway for wildlife lovers. 

It is one of those rejuvenating retreats where people can appreciate sustainable tourism with a bit of adventure and recreation. The two most important areas in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is Muthanga and Tholpetty.

Offering an excellent opportunity to see the elephant herds, deer, langurs and tigers roam freely in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an absolute delight. 

Tourists here can also indulge in bird watching or undertake trekking in the forest with advance booking. Being a vital part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot that one must add to their places to see in Wayanad.

Location: Bathery- Puthupally Road, Wayanad District, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 

Best Time to visit: The months from October to February are considered to be the best time to visit here.

Entry fee: INR 10/ USD 0.15 for Indians and INR 100/ USD 1.54 for foreigners

Timings: It is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and then from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is approximately 60 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

Get your binoculars ready for an enterprising day at Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by thick evergreen forest, this place is a haven for avian species where people can spend all day spotting these beautiful birds. 

There is a popular legend that says Garuda, ‘the king of birds’ looks after his subjects here and the place is famously known for the 'Edible Nest Swiftlet.' To make the most of the experience, tourists can undertake an exciting trek through the sanctuary and witness the flight of exotic birds. 

It is one of the most wonderful attractions in Wayanad for ornithologists and nature lovers who wish to escape the clamour of city life with a refreshing vacation.

Height: It is at an altitude of 1740m above the sea level.

Location: Thirunelli Pakshipathalam Trek, Pothumoola, Panavally, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to January is the most preferred time to visit here.

Entry fee: INR 50/ USD 0.77 per person

Timings: The opening hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 50 kilometres away from the bus station.

Take a dip in the cool waters of Thusharagiri Waterfalls for a wonderful retreat to rejuvenate your mind and body. Literally meaning ‘snowcapped mountains’, Thusharagiri Waterfalls is one of the most majestic cascades of Western Ghats and it is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

It is comprised of Erattumukku, MazhavilChattom, and Thumbithullum Para and certainly a scenic wonder for all the adventure enthusiasts. The picturesque backdrop of the misty mountains and verdant plantations makes it an unforgettable sight.

It is largely known for offering an exciting trek from Thusharagiri to Vythiri and rock climbing opportunities for those who seek an adrenaline rush. It is also known as one of the most romantic places in Wayanad along with being a famous picnic spot for tourists.

Height: It is at a height of 75 metres.

Location: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thusaragiri, Kerala

Best Time to visit: The best time to visit Thusharagiri waterfall is from September to December

Entry fee: INR 30/ USD 0.46 per person

Timings: It is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is 52 kilometres.

Dedicated to Goddess Sita and his sons, this temple is one of the most spiritual places to visit in Wayanad. It is believed that Sita stayed here during her exile and her sons Lava and Kusha grew up here. 

This temple is revered by devotees as one of the most important locations in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple has the largest pond in all the temples of Kerala and famous for the temple festival that is celebrated annually in the month of January. 

The famous temple was built by Shri Pazhassiraja who also managed the temple. Another outstanding feature of this temple is the presence of a large number of termite mounds that are present here as it is believed that Goddess Sita cursed the leeches that bit Lava and Kusha.

Location: Pulpally, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Seetha Lava Kusha Temple.

Entry fee: Entrance is free

Timings:  The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 11:30 am and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 40 kilometres.

If you are looking for the best picnic spots in Kerala, then Arippara Waterfalls is a great destination to visit on your Wayanad vacation. This place boasts of exceptional natural beauty where you can see the water flowing in the midst of thick green forests. 

A great place to enjoy a cool plunge in the swimming pool that forms below the waterfalls, Arippara Waterfalls is a great retreat to spend some time with your loved ones. 

Offering a fun and frolic getaway with the added charm of breathtaking scenery, Arippara Waterfalls is a wonderful place that you must add to your itinerary the next time you’re vacationing in Wayanad.

Location: Arippara Water Falls, Anakkampoyil Rd, Kerala

Best Time to visit: November to May is the best time to visit Arippara Water Falls

Entry fee: INR 10/ USD 0.15 per person

Timings: Visitors can come at Arippara Waterfalls from 9 am to 5 pm

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 57 kilometres.

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. 

Some of the famous items which you can spot here are ancient terra cottas, tribal artefacts, 14-16th-century sculptures etc. 

There are also many relics that were unearthed from the neighbouring places and have great archaeological importance. Wayanad Heritage Museum is a great place to know more about Wayanad’s Adivasi population and explore the historical items that narrate their own stories. 

This museum is a great tourist attraction for those who are looking for an educational and recreational experience in Wayanad.

Location: Heritage Museum, Government Hospital Road, Ambalavayal, Kerala

Best Time to visit: September to March is the best to visit Wayanad Heritage Museum.

Entry fee: INR 20/ USD 0.31 per person

Timings: It opens from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 42 kilometres.

Beginning in the Brahmagiri Hills, Papanisini river is one of the most important pilgrim tourist places in Wayanad. Literally, it translates to ‘washes away all sins’ and the river is considered to have divine powers. 

Tourists flock here during Amavasya to take a dip in its waters and offer their prayers. The enchanting setting of the lush green hills and the gushing waters of the stream makes this river an idyllic spot.

This holy mountain stream also has a sacred rock Pinnappara where the last rites of the dead are performed. 

It is a popular belief that Lord Rama and Lakshmana performed the ‘pithrukarma’ of their father King Dasaratha, standing on this rock. Surrounded by such majestic surroundings and having attached so many popular legends, this place is one of the most interesting Wayanad tourist places.

Location: Thirunelly Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala

Best Time to visit: One should visit here from the month of September to March.

Timings: The temple remains open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and then from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

This beautiful waterfall in Wayanad is all you need to escape the worries of life and dive into the scenic beauty of nature. It is a seasonal waterfall and located close to the famous Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and it is one of the famous places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

It is an ideal trekking retreat with some panoramic spots that will take your breath away. With some exotic flora encompassing the trail of this waterfall, it is considered to be one of the most serene Wayanad tourist places. 

Along with admiring the breathtaking beauty of nature, Chethalayam Waterfalls is popular for being a favourite picnic spot for the tourists in Wayanad. For the thrill seekers, a trekking experience at Chethalayam Waterfalls promises an enterprising opportunity.

Location: Chethalayam Waterfalls, Chethalayam, Kidanganad, Kerala

Best Time to visit: The post monsoon season is the best time to visit Chethalayam Waterfalls.

Timings: It is open from 6 am to 5 pm

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 45 kilometres from the bus station in Wayanad.

One of the biggest earth dams in India, Karappuzha Dam is known for its panoramic landscape. It offers a picturesque vista of the Karappuzha river and a man-made wonder with beautiful surroundings. 

Some of the popular activities for tourists here are boating and nature walks. This perfect picnic spot for tourists allows one to behold beautiful aquatic birds and relax in the most refreshing ambiance. 

A dam is also a wonderful place for the shutterbugs who want to unwind with their cameras and click some unforgettable pictures. Definitely worth a visit among sightseeing places in Wayanad, you must take out some time in your itinerary to appreciate this amazing place.

Location: Karapuzha Dam, Kerala

Best Time to visit: The monsoons are the best time to visit Karappuzha Dam when the water reaches up to the brim.

Entry fee: No entry fee

Timings: The timings are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entry closes at 4:30 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It takes a distance of 38 kilometres by road to reach here from the bus station.

Paying tribute to one of Kerala’s great king Pazhassi Raja, this tomb is one of the must-visits for history buffs among places to visit in Wayanad. Known as the ‘Lion of Kerala’, Pazhassi Raja was known for his bravery and guerrilla warfare against the British. 

This tomb is built over the land where he was cremated after the British shot him. One of the main attractions of this place is the museum and the sword of Pazhassi Raja that is kept here. 

It is maintained by the Kerala State Archaeology Department and has on showcase many mural paintings, antique coins and other historical artefacts. Pazhazzi Tomb is also a great place to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Wayanad with an interesting trip.

Location: Pazhassi Raja Museum, Mananthavady, Kerala

Best Time to visit: Pazhassi Tomb can be visited throughout the year.

Entry fee: INR 20/ USD 0.31

Timings: The timings are from 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Monday.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 20 kilometres.

One of the most picturesque waterfalls of Western Ghats, Kanthanpara waterfalls is one of the most idyllic places. With its soothing ambience and the glistening waters, tourists can find the purest form of nature’s therapy with a visit to Kanthanpara waterfalls. 

Kanthanpara waterfalls is easily accessible for tourists and one of the most refreshing places to visit in Wayanad. It is encompassed by the brilliant greenery and makes it a compelling case for all the tourists to enjoy some time in the realm of nature. 

Although its one of the underrated tourist destinations in Kerala, Kanthanpara waterfalls is a postcard-perfect landscape that offers a serene place for camping activities.

Height: It is at an altitude of 30 metres

Location: Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Meppadi, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to May is the best time to visit Kanthanpara waterfalls

Timings: It is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 40 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

If you wish to experience some solitary happiness in the most beautiful surroundings, Kolagappara is a wonderful retreat for you. This remote village in Wayanad is the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the crowds. 

One of the most eminent attractions of this place is the elephant shaped rock that stands out in the whole landscape. This rock makes it a climb worthwhile for those interested in rock climbing and other adventure activities.  

Offering a mesmerising view of the hill and the river, this place is often known to attract the most enthusiastic trekkers to savour an adrenaline rush. With a pleasant climate and widespread greenery, it is not easy to ignore the breath-taking beauty of this place in Wayanad.

Height: It is at an altitude of 3000 feet above the sea.

Location: Kolagappara, Kolagapaara, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to February is the most preferred time to visit here.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is around 40 kilometres.

Offering some visual treat to the eyes, Banasura Hills is a serene getaway and one of the tallest mountains of the Western Ghats. 

With rolling green meadows, thundering Meenmutty Waterfalls and the panoramic view of Banasura Sagar Dam, this place is a rejuvenating retreat to behold one of the most unforgettable vistas of your life.

Banasura Hills is one of the most famous places to visit in Wayanad among avid trekkers who want to challenge themselves with an ideal winter trek. 

The trek passes through the scenic valleys and makes the adventure worthwhile. Boating is another activity that tourists can look forward to indulge in at Banasura Hills for a mesmerising trip in Wayanad.

Height: Banasura Hills are at an elevation of 2073 metres above sea level.

Location: Banasura Hill, Wayanad, Kerala

Best Time to visit: September to January is the best time to visit Banasura Hills for activities like trekking.

Timings: It is open 24 hours.

Distance from Wayanad: It is located 4 kilometres away from the bus station.