Wayanad, in northeast Kerala, is a beautiful green paradise filled with plantations, wildlife, and forests. It’s surrounded by protected areas like Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, providing a large space for animals to roam freely. This region is known for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Tourists flock to see the misty mountains, lush valleys, sparkling springs, and wildlife. Wayanad offers attractions like waterfalls, caves, resorts, and homestays, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to experience nature’s beauty and tranquility.

Best time to visit Wayanad:

Wayanad has different seasons, each offering its own charm. In summer, it’s hot but still pleasant with a cool breeze from the forests, though rain in May can be unpredictable. Monsoon is the best time to visit as the rain makes everything glow, covering the mountains in mist. This is when trekkers flock to the Western Ghats to see flourishing flora and many animals and birds. Winter is ideal for sightseeing and honeymooning, and staying in a homestay offers an authentic Kerala experience.

How to reach Wayanad?


Via Air: The best way to reach Wayanad is by air. The nearest airport is Calicut Airport, just 65 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi to reach Wayanad. Many flights are available to Calicut Airport.

Via Train: If you prefer traveling by train, you can book a train to Kozhikode, the nearest railway station about 90 kilometers from Wayanad. The journey offers charming views, but if you’re coming from Delhi, it might take about one and a half days to reach Kozhikode. However, Kozhikode is well connected to many cities in India.

By Road: Wayanad has excellent road connectivity, and you can conveniently book buses from Mangalore, Mysuru, Kochi, and Trivandrum to reach there. The journey is scenic, and traveling by car allows you the freedom to stop and admire the views along the way. So, plan a memorable trip with your loved ones and enjoy the beauty of the Western Ghats.

 

Things to Do in Wayanad:

En ooru – Tribal Heritage Village: 

En-ooru-wayanad

The En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village Pookode is an important place for showcasing tribal culture, with its main attractions being the traditional tribal huts that offer a glimpse into tribal life and architecture. Located in the serene tourist destination of Wayanad, India, this village shares ancestral stories and tribal customs. The village provides visitors with modern facilities and eco-friendly tribal homes. A project funded by the Departments of Scheduled Tribes Development & Tourism aims to introduce tribal products like medicines and crafts to visitors and offers a platform for showcasing tribal music and customs in an amphitheater. The Kerala Government is working to elevate the village to a heritage site by promoting ethnic diversity and rural culture and supporting tribal livelihoods through language preservation and economic initiatives.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:

wayanad-wild-life-sanctury

The wildlife at the Wayanad Sanctuary is huge, and going on safaris is one of the best ways to see all the different animals there. Muthanga and Tholpetty are well-known for seeing lots of animals like elephants, bison, deer, monkeys, tigers, leopards, and bears, as well as many birds and insects. Riding through these carefully planned trails will give all our visitors a real taste of what the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is all about.

Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island:

kuruva-island-babndoo-rating

Kuruvadweep, also called Kuruva Island, is a protected area spanning 950 acres in Wayanad district, Kerala. You can enjoy bamboo rafting here in the lush forests and explore the nearby rivers and streams. Before you start, make sure to wear life jackets for safety. Then, hop on the bamboo raft and paddle for over 2 hours through the calm waters, enjoying the green forests and other beautiful sights. An experienced guide will accompany you, helping you navigate the bends of the river. The island also has bamboo walkways and bridges for easier navigation, especially during the rainy season. The dense forests are home to butterflies and birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Boating in Pookode Lake:

Pookode-lake

The entry fee for Pookode Lake is Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children, whether they’re Indian or foreigners. Visitors can have fun boating and kayaking at the lake, with charges being reasonable. Boating ticket prices range from Rs 30 to Rs 50, depending on the type of boat and the number of people. Kayaking costs Rs 100 for 30 minutes. Additionally, there’s a charge of Rs 100 per camera for video cameras and Rs 10 for still cameras.

Trek to Chembra Peak:

chembra-peak

The Chembra Peak trek is renowned as one of the most breathtaking and exquisite treks in Kerala, if not the entire southern region. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this trek offers stunning vistas of majestic mountains surrounded by vibrant shades of greenery, with clouds adding to the scenic beauty. To embark on this adventure, trekkers need to obtain permits from the forest office in Meppadi, conveniently located on the way to Chembra from Meppadi town. The permit fee for the Chembra Peak trek is 750 rupees, which includes the guide fee, with an additional 75 rupees for each extra member beyond the initial ten. It’s worth noting that the permit fee remains 750 rupees regardless of the group size, so solo trekkers can consider teaming up with others to share the permit costs. Additionally, a still camera ticket costs 50 rupees for capturing memorable moments along the trek.

Tekking  in Kalladi Forest:

kallade-forest-trek

The Cardamom Forest in Wayanad offers an exciting adventure – jungle trekking! You’ll hike through tea gardens, rainforests, and spice estates, encountering diverse terrains and wildlife along the way. The trek starts at the base of the Chembra Ranges and lasts 6-7 hours, with December to March being the best time to go. Despite the humidity, trekking in the monsoon offers a unique experience. Guides ensure safety with preventive measures. Camping is possible along the journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and rejuvenate in the tranquility of the rainforest.

 Explore Wayanad Heritage Museum:

Wayanad-Heritage-Museum

The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum in Kerala is one of the largest archaeological museums in the state. It houses a rich collection of artifacts that shed light on the history of Wayanad. Excavations in and around Wayanad have unearthed these artifacts, revealing a tradition and culture dating back thousands of years. The museum preserves these exhibits in four blocks – Veerasmruthi, Gothrasmruthi, Devasmruthi, and Jeevanasmruthi. Veerasmruthi displays pictorial rock edicts called Veerakkallu or Hero Stones, honoring brave warriors of the past. Gothrasmruthi and Jeevansmruthi showcase tribal life artifacts like headgear, jewelry, weapons, and musical instruments. The Devasmruthi section exhibits artifacts dating from the Neolithic age to the 17th century, attracting scholars and students interested in archaeology. Additionally, there’s a multimedia theater near the museum offering shows for tourists.

Vaythiri tree house stay:

vythiri-tree-house

Vythiri Resort is conveniently located near popular attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam and Edakkal Caves. It’s easily accessible from Vythiri Bus Station, Calicut Railway Station, and Calicut Airport. The rooms are simple, with fan cooling, a desk, and attached bathrooms with showers and toiletries. Guests can indulge in massages at the on-site parlour and enjoy services like luggage storage, safety deposit, and laundry. The resort also offers a meeting space, garden, and organizes day trips. The restaurant, Thinna, serves a variety of cuisines. The resort’s tree houses, set amidst lush rainforests, provide a unique experience, with rustic charm and domestic comforts. Solar energy powers these tree houses, which utilize natural spring water. Due to space constraints, guests are advised to carry limited baggage to the tree houses.

Tea Estate tour:

Wayanad-tea-estate-tours

Tea lovers visiting Wayanad can explore some of the region’s famous tea plantations. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate stands out as one of the highest tea plantations globally, nestled at over 8,000 feet altitude on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. Visitors can enjoy a scenic jeep ride to witness the traditional tea-making process, from hand-plucking leaves to small-batch processing, resulting in tea renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma. Wayanad Tea Museum in Kalpetta offers a glimpse into the area’s tea heritage, with guided tours showcasing tea cultivation history and techniques. Chembra Peak Tea Estate provides an intimate experience of tea production, including tours and tastings of its high-quality blends. Thusharagiri Tea Estate, near Thusharagiri Waterfalls, specializes in organic tea, offering tours and tastings highlighting its pesticide-free cultivation methods.

Honey Bee Museum:

Honeyw-bee-meusuem-wayanad

The Honey Museum in Vythiri offers a unique experience amidst Wayanad’s stunning scenery. Guests can enjoy tasting different types of honey while learning about bees and honey’s health benefits. Usman Madari’s Bee Craft Honey Museum provides education on honey’s uses and features workshops on honey quality and healthcare. This immersive museum introduces visitors to the world of bees and their remarkable products.

Author - Jay

Jay is a passionate traveler and a Digital Marketer, The digital marketer traveler embarks on journeys to explore new cultures, seeking inspiration for creative online campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide

Proceed Booking