Wayanad, tucked away in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is well-known for its wildlife and spice farms. This charming area, which is situated between 700 and 2100 meters above sea level, is favored with lush woods, mist-covered hills, and shimmering waterfalls, making it a haven for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Wayanad, whose name comes from the Tamil phrase “Vayal Nadu,” which means “Land of Paddy Fields,” is known for its terraced fields and lush valleys, which support the region’s booming agricultural sector.
Wayanad is well known for its flourishing spice plantations, tea estates, and coffee farms in addition to its natural and cultural features. Visitors can take guided tours of these establishments to gain knowledge about the production and handling of different spices and crops. Foodies experiencing Wayanad‘s culinary pleasures will find a fascinating gourmet trip with the region’s traditional Kerala cuisine, which features flavorful dishes like Malabar biryani, appam with stew, and fish curry.
A great weekend getaway idea from South India‘s cities is Wayanad. Three national parks will be passed by if you are traveling by car from Bangalore: Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumalai. The winter months of October through March are the ideal times to visit Wayanad because of the excellent weather that makes them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor sports.
Destinations In Wayanad
1. Banasura Sagar Dam
The charming Banasura Sagar dam is located in the Wayanad district, nestled in the folds of the Banasura hills. The second-largest earthen dam in Asia and the biggest in the nation is the Banasura Dam. From the top of the dam, there is an amazing view of the vast reservoir. There are plenty of opportunities for adventures like speed boating, and the hike to Banasura Peak is replete with streams, a variety of plants and animals, lush tropical greenery, and breathtaking waterfalls. Mounds of soil, rock, sand, or clay are used to build an embankment dam, alternatively referred to as an earthen dam. A breathtaking view of Banasura Lake can be seen from the hilltop.
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to unique and endangered plant and animal species. The protected areas of Bandipur in Karnataka, Nagarhole in Tamil Nadu, and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu encircle it. Established in 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is an essential component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the first of India’s 14 biospheres. Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad are the two sections that make up the 345-square-kilometer sanctuary. In the area, bamboo trees and eucalyptus trees are farmed.
3. Chembra Peak
The highest point in the Wayanad Hill Range, 2000 meters above sea level, is Chembra Peak, which is 8 km south of Kalpetta and near Meppady. In addition to the entire Wayanad district, a sizable portion of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Niligiri districts are visible from the summit of Chembra. Travelers can explore this sanctuary, which is surrounded by lush flora, a heart-shaped lake, and the peak itself.
4. Edakkal Caves
The Wayanad district of Kerala is home to the naturally occurring alcoves known as the prehistoric Edakkal Caves, which are renowned for their magnificent rock and wall carvings. The caverns are located 1200 meters above sea level and have enormous dimensions of 96 feet by 22 feet, respectively. Due to its unstable location, one must hike for 1.5 hours (about 4,000 feet) to reach the cave’s entrance and an additional 45 minutes to reach the cave’s mouth. Because the Edakkal caves include engravings from the Neolithic era or the late Stone Age, they are significant historically and archaeologically. It is assumed that the inside stonework of the cave dates from between 5000 and 1000 BC.
Edikkal means ‘stone in the middle’ and describes its shape perfectly. A natural cave is created by combining a small rock with 2 large rocks. They are not caves, but natural cavities in the rock with a heavy stone on top. So the cave has 2 levels. The first floor of the cave can be explored through a small opening. Directly opposite these sections, you will come to another opening in the ceiling this time. Here you enter the second level, which is, which is the largest in terms of size. To explore the cave, visitors must pass through uneven rocks, iron ladders, and mushroom-covered stone walls. The walls are covered with animal and human figures, some largely plain. The detail of the paintings is astonishing considering how long they survived.
5. Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls, a three-tiered waterfall near Vellarimala, Wayanad, is sometimes referred to as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. This waterfall, which is surrounded by montane, evergreen, and deciduous woods, is recognized as one of the best. Some of the most beautiful tea farms in Wayanad may be seen on the route from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls.
At 200 meters high, this captivating waterfall has a cliff face that is perfect for rock climbing. It’s also possible to enjoy swimming and taking baths in the spacious pool created by the waterfall’s waterfall. Following hills from Kerela and Tamil Nadu, the water from Soochipara eventually enters the Chulika River, also known as the Chaliyar River.
6. Kuruva Dweep
Kuruvadweep is a stunning tiny island on the River Kabini in Kerala’s Wayanad district. It is the only island in India with fresh water all around it. Kuruvadweep’s location and geographical features make it a popular tourist destination. Travelers from all over the world come here because of its captivating beauty, and its natural setting makes it a popular place for walks in the outdoors. Visit the island to take in the breathtaking views and get a sense of being near nature. Thus, residents frequent it. Because of its deep forests, which support a wide range of plants and wildlife, the island is frequently visited by scientists and outdoor enthusiasts. While some places are best explored on foot, others require boat or raft exploration. Officials from the Forest Department take great pride in maintaining the islands’ natural state and lack of pollution. Therefore, this is the location for tourists looking for pristine natural settings.
8. Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery, formerly known as Ganapativatom, is a charming and serene town in Kerala’s Wayanad district. After the famous monarch Tipu Sultan of Mysore stormed the area and utilized the nearby Jain Temple as a battery, the location gained its new moniker. The town of Sulthan Bathery receives a lot of visitors throughout the year because of its lovely weather, fantastic shopping choices, and amazing historical buildings.
Sulthan Bathery, a town situated at a height of 1000 meters above sea level, has an amazing topography, with gorgeous hills interlaced with plains, cliffs, and valleys. Sulthan Bathery is known for its business and tourism operations, and it is currently the largest town in the entire Wayanad area.
Along with a plethora of opportunities to explore the city and its environs, the primary draws for tourists are the prehistoric caverns, jungle paths, glistening streams and rivers, and lush vegetation of the undulating hills. This town is a good option for all types of travelers, offering things to see and do at the Edakkal Caves, Chethalayam Falls, Jain Temple, Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, and St. Mary’s and Yakoob Church.
9. Pookode Lake
Located approximately 2 km from Vythiri, is a naturally occurring freshwater lake nestled amidst evergreen trees and forested hills. Pookode Lake, sometimes referred to as Pookot Lake, is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Wayanad. The lake, which is reachable by a motorized road, is a great location for a trip, particularly with loved ones. In addition to the scenic vista, visitors enjoy strolling around, buying handicrafts, visiting the freshwater aquarium, and boating.
The Pookot Lake is the source of the Panamaram River, one of the Kabini River’s principal branches, which flows into the Panamaram Valley. As you head back towards Vythiri from Lakkidi, you will pass the Pookode Lake. It is located 2 kilometers from Vythiri and 3 kilometers from the valley view area. You can easily hire a car, bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to go to the lake.
