Best places to visit in Wayanad for 1 day trip

Pookode Lake : 

Pookode Lake, known as Pookot Lake too, is a nice lake in Wayanad. It’s in the middle of green forests and the Western Ghats, making it a beautiful spot for people visiting Wayanad. Families often go there for a fun time, to go boating, and to enjoy the quietness. You can sit back and watch animals and birds from the nearby forests. The lake has lotus flowers and water lilies, and there’s also a freshwater aquarium, a park for kids, and a shop selling handmade crafts.

Pookode Lake Timings and Entry Fee:

You can visit Pookode Lake from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Boating is also available during these hours, but the last chance to get in for boating is at 4:30 PM. If you want to enjoy boating at Pookode Lake, it’s best to arrive early. The lake stays open all year long.

Lakkidi view point: 

Lakkidi View Point is a top place for tourists, often called the “Gateway of Wayanad.” It’s up high and gives you a great view of the city. From there, you can see beautiful hills, green valleys, and winding roads. You can enjoy the amazing sights all around Wayanad. Driving up to the viewpoint is exciting. It’s best to visit Lakkidi View Point at sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful views.

Lakkidi view point timings and entry fee:

Lakkidi View Point is open all day, but it’s recommended to visit between 5 AM to 7 PM, especially during the winter months from November to February for the best experience. You can spend about half an hour there, and the mornings and evenings are the most comfortable times. The entry fee is free for everyone, so you can visit whenever you like without any charge.

Phantom Rock:

Phantom Rock, also called Cheengeri Mala, is a rare sight in the world. It looks like a skull naturally, which is why it’s called Phantom Rock. This rock stands high at 2600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush greenery. When you reach the top, you’ll see a beautiful view of the city surrounded by nature’s colors.

Phantom Rock timings and entry fees:

The place can be reached easily through well-kept roads, and the last 500 meters require a walk through a narrow lane, adding to the adventure for trekkers and hikers. It’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and there’s no charge for entry.

Chain Tree:

The Chain Tree in Wayanad, found around 15 kilometers from Kalpetta, is a famous natural wonder. It’s said that a tribal boy named Karinthandan helped a British engineer through the tough terrain of Wayanad. But when the job was done, the engineer betrayed and killed him to claim credit for finding the route. The village priest tied his soul to a chain and attached it to a tree, which is why the tree is now chained, according to local stories. Despite these events, the tree continues to grow well, with its branches reaching high and a heavy iron chain keeping it firmly rooted to the ground.

Chain Tree timings and entry fees:

The Chain Tree in Wayanad is open all day and a free entry, but it’s safer to visit before evening because the hilly terrain can be tricky to navigate in the dark. People usually stop here for just 5-10 minutes. You can see the tree and pay your respects to the chained soul any time from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Banasura Sagar dam:

The Banasura Sagar dam is a famous place to visit in Wayanad. It’s built on the Karamanathodu River, which is part of the Kabini River. This dam is really important because it’s the biggest earthen dam in India. They made it by stacking lots of stones and big rocks together to make a strong wall.

When you visit the Banasura Sagar dam, there are many fun things you can do like trekking and boating. Trekking is a big favorite here. You can go on a trek through the dark forests of Banasura Peak. There are also other adventure activities you can try at Banasura Sagar like speed boating, horse riding, and camel riding. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even try ziplining.

Banasura Sagar Dam Timings and Entry Fee:

The dam is open every day of the year, from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, speed boating closes at 4 PM.

For entry to Banasura Sagar Dam, adults pay ₹40 and kids pay ₹20. A shuttle ride to the top of the dam and back costs ₹15 for one way or ₹25 for both ways. There are extra fees for cameras and parking.

Speed boating costs ₹1000 for a ride with 5 people, while coracle riding costs ₹450 for a couple. Ziplining at Banasura Sagar Dam costs ₹300 per person.

En Ooru:

En Ooru is a tribal heritage village found in Lakkidi, Wayanad. It’s Kerala’s first tribal heritage village. The main idea behind this village is to share the diverse tribal traditions with people. It’s a way for city dwellers to understand how tribes live in their villages and what they do for a living. While many tribal communities with different cultures live in Kerala’s forests, it’s not always easy to access them. En Ooru aims to change that.

En Ooru Timings and Entry Fee:

To reach the destination, visitors can avail of a jeep service as private vehicles are required to be parked 2 kilometers away. The jeep ride costs 20 rupees, and there’s an entry fee of 50 rupees per person. The operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry fees are as follows: infants (0 – 5 years) can enter for free, children (5 – 10 years) pay ₹20, and adults (10 years and older) pay ₹50.

Tea Estate Zip Line:

The Tea estate zip Line in Wayanad offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the lush greenery of tea plantations. You can find many adventure companies organizing these zipline adventures. With safety harnesses and trained guides, participants can zip along the lines, feeling the rush of adrenaline as they glide over the tea gardens. It’s an experience that combines thrill and natural beauty, making it a must-do activity for adventure seekers visiting Wayanad.