Top 10 Tourist Spots in Wayanad
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad blends emerald forests, roaring waterfalls and misty mountains. Below are ten must‑visit attractions, each painted with its own charm.
1 · Chembra Peak
Soaring 2,100 metres, Chembra Peak is Wayanad’s highest summit and a trekker’s badge of honour. The moderately tough trail winds through spice plantations and shola forests before unveiling the heart‑shaped Hridaya Saras lake, a natural icon said never to dry up. From the summit, clouds part to frame the Nilgiri hills on one side and Kozhikode’s plains on the other. Forest Department permits limit daily footfall, keeping the ecosystem pristine. Cool breezes, frequent mist blankets and the rewarding panorama make Chembra a perfect dawn‑to‑dusk adventure for hikers, photographers and couples seeking a touch of romance above the clouds.
2 · Edakkal Caves
Perched 1,200 metres on Ambukuthi Hill, Edakkal Caves aren’t technically caves but giant fissures formed by a prehistoric earthquake. Inside, Stone‑Age petroglyphs—hunting scenes, tribal icons and animal motifs—date back over 6,000 years, linking Wayanad to the cradle of human civilisation. A 45‑minute uphill walk, punctuated by steps and viewpoints, leads visitors to the cavernous gallery. The natural skylight filtering through the split roof gives the carvings a dramatic glow. Archaeologists still debate many symbols, fuelling curiosity and imagination. Edakkal delivers history, geology and adventure in one compelling package.
3 · Banasura Sagar Dam
Asia’s largest earthen dam, Banasura Sagar stretches across the Karamanathodu tributary, forming a sprawling reservoir dotted with lush islets. Framed by the Banasura hill range, the site offers speed‑boat rides, kayaking, and gentle nature trails along the embankment. During monsoon, the dam overflow creates miniature waterfalls at its flanks, while post‑rain months reveal emerald islands perfect for photos. A small hydel‑project viewing deck explains sustainable power generation. Families flock here for picnics; thrill‑seekers come for trekking to Banasura Peak rising behind the dam. The combination of engineering marvel and scenic splendour earns it a prime spot on any Wayanad itinerary.
4 · Soochipara Waterfalls
Also called Sentinel Rock Falls, Soochipara drops 200 metres through a narrow granite chute into a crystal pool ideal for safe dips. The three‑tier cascade is reached via a 20‑minute descent shaded by teak and eucalyptus trees buzzing with cicadas. Lifeguards monitor swimmers, and rock‑climbing on the adjoining cliff is allowed for trained adventurers. Best visited June–October, the falls thunder with monsoon vigour, veiling the gorge in cool spray. Eco‑shops at the entrance sell bamboo handicrafts and steaming black tea, rounding off a refreshing half‑day escape.
5 · Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is a natural, freshwater marvel shaped uncannily like India on the map. Encircled by evergreen forests and rolling meadows, the lake invites visitors to pedal‑boat, row or simply stroll its well‑paved perimeter path. The on‑site freshwater aquarium displays regional fish such as Malabar Mahseer. A handicrafts emporium sells aromatic spices and handcrafted curios, making souvenir shopping convenient. Early mornings cloak the surface in mist, reflecting blue hills and giving birdwatchers a treat with cormorants and kingfishers. Clean, family‑friendly and accessible, Pookode provides a tranquil interlude amid Wayanad’s rugged terrain.
6 · Kuruva Island
Kuruva Dweep is a 950‑acre river delta on the Kabini, comprising dense evergreen forest and mangrove‑lined channels. Bamboo rafts ferry visitors across gentle currents, adding a rustic thrill. Inside, wooden walkways protect fragile roots while guiding you past orchids, giant ferns and occasional hornbills. Picnic spots on sandy banks let you dip tired feet in cool waters. Access is controlled by the Forest Department to safeguard the biosphere; plastic is banned, reinforcing an eco‑conscious vibe. Kuruva is ideal for slow travel—unplugged hours listening to bird calls and river murmurs.
7 · Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty, meaning “fish blocked”, is Wayanad’s tallest waterfall, tumbling 300 metres in three dramatic tiers. Reaching it involves a 3‑kilometre forest trek, rewarding trekkers with thunderous soundscapes and mist‑laden air rich with petrichor. Viewpoints at each tier let you witness the cascade’s power without compromising safety. The final plunge forms a jade‑green pool hemmed by boulders, dreamlike in the filtered sunlight. Visit between October and February for manageable flow and pleasant weather. Adventurous souls rate Meenmutty as Wayanad’s most exhilarating natural spectacle.
8 · Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this 344‑square‑kilometre sanctuary has two safari zones—Muthanga and Tholpetty—linked to Bandipur and Mudumalai parks. Dawn and dusk jeep rides reveal elephants, gaurs, dholes, peacocks and, with luck, an elusive tiger. Deciduous forests merge into moist teak groves, harbouring 200+ bird species including Malabar Grey Hornbill. The Forest Department enforces strict anti‑plastic rules, enhancing conservation. Naturalists on each jeep share insights into animal behaviour, making safaris educational. For wildlife enthusiasts, this sanctuary is Wayanad’s beating heart.
9 · Neelimala View Point
Neelimala offers a thrilling balcony over Wayanad’s southern valleys. A short off‑road ride from Vaduvanchal and a 1‑kilometre walk through coffee estates lead to a rocky escarpment where constant winds cool sun‑kissed explorers. From here, you can spot Meenmutty Falls plunging in the distance and trace serpentine village roads far below. Sunrise paints the sky crimson; post‑monsoon evenings gift cloud oceans rolling beneath your feet. Minimal crowds make Neelimala perfect for solitude seekers and drone videographers alike.
10 · Thirunelli Temple
Surrounded by Brahmagiri Hills’ dense forest, 1,000‑year‑old Thirunelli Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and nicknamed “Kashi of the South”. Its granite‑pillared courtyard exudes timeless serenity, while the nearby Papanasini stream is believed to wash away sins. Trekking trails radiate into Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, letting nature lovers combine spirituality with adventure. Mornings resonate with vedic chants and flute notes that echo through misty slopes, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Thirunelli epitomises Wayanad’s seamless blend of culture and wilderness.
