14 Top places to visit in Wayanad in 2024 | Our Backpack Tales Guide |

The sole plateau of Kerala derives its name from two words; ‘vayal’ and ‘naad,’ meaning ‘land of the paddy.’ True to its heritage, Wayanad boasts diverse and vast attractions that make it a unique hill station. Splendid waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, breathe taking views – Wayanad has it all. One among the least explored of all hill stations in South India, Wayanad is sure to leave you wanting more. Here is the list of some of the top places to visit in Wayanad. Wayanad is also one of the top places to visit from Bangalore.

Table of Contents

Best Wayanad Tourist Places To Visit

1. Lakkidi viewpoint

Lakkidi View Point is top place to visit in Wayanad

On the way to the entrance to Wayanad is the highest view point-the Lakkidi viewpoint. It is located in the curves of the Thamarassery ghat pass, and the viewpoint can be a bit crowded at times. The snake-like roads en route to Wayanad can be seen from the Lakkidi viewpoint. Visitors are advised to look out for the traffic. Lakkidi is one of the most beautiful Wayanad viewpoints.

2. Chain tree

A tree can be a bizarre item in places to see in Wayanad, but a tree full of chains sure is not. Local legends claim a spirit inhabiting this tree, and the locals placed the chains to control the spirit. The spirit is said to be of Karinthandan, a tribal who was betrayed by the British to gain access to the enormous resources of Wayanad. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Wayanad.

The chain tree in Wayanad comes after Lakkidi viewpoint towards Vythiri.

3. Pakshipathalam Bird sanctuary

Pakshipathalam is a bird sanctuary spread across the states of Kerala and Karnataka. The Karnataka side of the sanctuary is called Bhramagiri hills. Aside from hosting a wide variety of exotic birds, the sanctuary also has other attractions like Munickal caves, Pakshipathalam watchtower, trekking area, etc. The watchtower is one of the top Wayanad viewpoints you can visit. The river Papanashini, believed for its ability to wash away the sins, irrigates the area. The Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is 32km away from the town of Kalpetta.

4. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

Spread across 345 km and with four ranges, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is home to lush varieties of plants and animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian elephant, Deer, Indian bison, etc. The sanctuary is also a biodiversity spot like Eravikulam National Park in Munnar with a large variety of endemic species. A trek into the woods and a random visit by a peacock can be an unforgettable experience in your vacation. This makes the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary a must-see place in Wayanad.

5. Edakkal caves

Edakkal caves in wayanad is a top place to visit in Wayanad

If you’re into trekking, then Edakkal cave is the place for you. Trekking to the cave via the rocky terrain. Within the cave are petroglyphs that take you back to the stone ages. Well preserved and maintained, the colourful carvings of animals, hunters, and plants are separated from the visitors with a glass screen. Edakkal caves are among the documented Neolithic sites of south India, with prehistoric activities dating back to 6000 BCE.

Edakkal caves are located at Nenmeni, 17 km from Wayanad via Ambalavayal Meenangadi road, and are one of the major wayanad tourist places.

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6. Kalpetta

Kalpetta is the main town from which most of the tourist locations of Wayanad are easily accessible. The city is famous for its waterfalls, lakes, and dams and includes many picturesque spots to visit in Wayanad. It is to be noted that the tourist places in Wayanad are not close to each other and are pretty spread out. With Kalpetta being the central point, you can access most locations quite easily. Kalpetta is at a distance of 13 km from Wayanad.

7. Soochipara waterfalls

Soochipara waterfalls in wayanad tourist places

At a distance of about 20km from Kalpetta, Soochipara waterfalls in Wayanad are a breathtaking location. The water is flowing in a three-tiered fashion into a pool, creating a plunge pool beneath it. The route to the falls includes short trekking with stone-paved steep stairs leading deep into the adjacent side of the waterfalls. For the elderly, however, the trek back might be a bit challenging. This is one of the top places to visit in Wayanad.

Love Waterfalls? Read about famous Athirapally waterfalls in Kerala

8. Chembra peak

The 2100m tall Chembra peak is one of the main destinations for trekking enthusiasts. The view of Wayanad and Kodaikanal atop the peak is breathtaking. Trekking hours are regulated from 7AMto 2 PM, and visitors have to complete the trek and return to the entrance by 5 PM. Make sure to obtain permission from forest officials before trekking. The heart-shaped lake on the way atop will be a cherry on the cake. The Chembra peak is at a distance of 34km from the city of Wayanad via the Muttil-Nedumbad road.

9. Pookot lake

Pookot lake in places to visit in wayanad

A visit to Wayanad is incomplete without the serenity of Pookot Lake. Surrounded by lush forests and the evergreen beauty of the Western Ghats, this freshwater lake is perfect for a lazy evening with friends and family. The lake is peculiar for its shape as it appears in the form of the physical map of India. The lake is also the initiating point of the Panamaram stream, which connects the entirety of Wayanad. Boasting picturesque locations, the lake is perfect for the aspiring photographer in you and one of the major attractions in Wayanad. Accessible through NH766, the lake is located at a distance of 25km from Wayanad.

10. Banasura Sagar Dam

Another place in your itinerary is Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India and the second largest one in Asia. The dam is located approximately 24 kms from the city of Kalpetta. The dam and its surroundings are a central focal point for film crews for its beautiful view. It is one of the main tourist places to visit in Wayanad. The dam is accessible with a few minutes of walk from the initial checkpoint. A small park is located near the dam’s walkway. Activities like speed boating and trekking are arranged at the premises of the dam. Be sure to avoid visiting at noon as the sun can be pretty harsh.

11. Wayanad heritage museum

Wayanad has a rich history of culture, and what better a place to explore a culture than a museum? Exploding with the richness of warriors and tales of ancient valour and freedom struggles, the heritage is rated high among Wayanad tourist places. The museum flaunts images of old gods and customs, stories of how the British exploited Wayanad to fuel the industrial revolution, and the tribal methods of living. The museum is located at Ambalavayal village, 12 km from Sulthan Bathery and 21km from Kalpetta.

12. Jain temple

Jain Temple in Wayanad places — Credits : Wikimedia

The Jain temple is located in the Sultan Bathery, very close to the city. It is the remains of a 13th-century Jain temple and is under the scrutiny of the archaeological survey of India. The symmetrical proportions and architectural brilliance. The temple was used as an artillery battery by Tipu Sultan and hence naming the town Sultan Bathery. It is a must among the Wayanad tourist places. The temple is located in the city of Sultan Bathery.

Have you ever visited Lepakshi Temple? – Read about the famous Lepakshi Temple here

13. Meenmutty waterfalls

Being a primary biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats hosts a wide variety of beautiful settings for beautiful waterfalls. The Meenmutty waterfalls are another three-tiered waterfalls falling from a height of 300 meters. The rocks and puddles in the lower areas provide a beautiful site to enjoy a serene view with dear ones. The waterfalls are at a distance of 29kms from Kalpetta.

Suggested Read: A weekend trip to Hogenakkal Falls

14. Kuruvadweep

Kuruva Dweep or Kuruva Island is a fascinating island surrounded by streams and Forests. The Island is accessible only through rafts. It is an uninhabited island and is top-rated among Wayanad tourist places. The Island provides an area for trekking and hosts a wide variety of photo spots. It also has bamboo bridges, orchids, and herbal plants. It is one of the places in Wayanad that is top-rated in the itinerary. The Island is located at a distance of 17km from Mananthawady.

Hope you enjoyed the list of top places to visit in Wayanad this 2021. Subscribe to Our Backpack Tales using the subscription box above, if you want to get these kinds of travel posts. Also share it with your travel companion whom you are going to visit Wayanad!