Top Wayanad Visiting Places: Complete Local Guide to 16 Must-See Spots
Planning a trip to Wayanad? This is your practical, no-fluff guide written in a natural tone—perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors. You’ll find quick facts, how to reach, best seasons, safety tips, and detailed mini-guides to 16 handpicked places across waterfalls, peaks, forests, lakes, and viewpoints. Use the table of contents to jump straight to any spot.
Quick Navigation
- About Wayanad
- Plan Your Trip (Best Time, Travel, Safety)
- Top 16 Wayanad Visiting Places
- Wayanad FAQs
About Wayanad
Wayanad is Kerala’s 12th district (formed on 1 November 1980) with Kalpetta as its headquarters. Set in the lush Western Ghats, it borders both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The lifeline river is Kabini (Kabani), forests cover ~38% of the district’s 2,131 km². The region is famed for coffee, cardamom, pepper and tea, and for evocative landscapes—hills, forests, valleys, tribal hamlets, lakes and ancient rock art.
| Wayanad Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala, India |
| District HQ | Kalpetta |
| Total Area | ~2,131 km² |
| Forest Cover | ~38% |
| Major River | Kabini (Kabani) |
| Border | Karnataka & Tamil Nadu |
| Trip Themes | Wildlife, trekking, waterfalls, viewpoints, lakes, history |
Plan Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | What to Expect | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov – Feb | Pleasant days, cool nights, clear views | Trekking, safaris, sightseeing |
| Summer | Mar – May | Warm days, clearer skies in mornings/evenings | Sunrise/sunset viewpoints, lakes |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Heavy rain, lush greenery, slippery trails | Waterfalls (take care), green drives. Note: Some sites like Kuruva Island often close in peak monsoon. |
How to Reach
| City | Distance to Kalpetta (approx.) | Typical Route |
|---|---|---|
| Kozhikode (Calicut) | ~75 km | NH766 via Thamarassery Ghat (Lakkidi) |
| Mysuru | ~130 km | Via Gundlupet – Muthanga |
| Bengaluru | ~280 km | Via Mysuru – Gundlupet – Muthanga |
| Kochi | ~260 km | Via Thrissur – Kozhikode – Thamarassery |
Safety & Etiquette
- Leeches: In forested/monsoon trails (like 900 Kandi), use salt or lemon to remove leeches—do not yank.
- Wildlife hours: Exit deep forest areas before sunset; stick to marked trails and official guides.
- Permits: Many treks and sanctuaries require Forest Department permission/guides.
- Weather: Trails get slippery in rain; wear proper shoes, carry rain gear and water.
Top 16 Wayanad Visiting Places (Local Notes, Routes & Tips)
1) 900 Kandi (Nine Hundred Kandi)
Love dense jungle tracks, birdsong and off-beat viewpoints? 900 Kandi is your vibe. From Chundale on the Meppadi–Chooralmala–Soochipara route (after the ‘Kalladi’ makham), take the narrow tar road. Part concrete, part rough—best for bikes or 4×4. Expect small waterfalls, thick forest on both sides, and a giant rock viewpoint with sweeping valley views.
Local tip: Check your ankles for leeches in monsoon; carry salt or lemon. Turn back before sunset as wildlife activity increases.
Distance: ~20 km from Kalpetta.
2) Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad WLS)
Part of the larger Bandipur–Mudumalai–Wayanad landscape (~2500 km² across three states). Expect herds of elephants, deer, gaur (Indian bison), and birdlife; big cats are elusive but present.
Good to know: Tree-hut stays and guided treks are available around Muthanga/nearby villages like Chunda. Follow official safari timings, stick to park rules.
3) Banasura Peak & Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasuramala (second only to Chembra in Wayanad) rises to about 6670 ft (≈ 2033 m). The trail passes through medicinal herbs, streams and grasslands with views to Manikkunnu, Chembra, Thariyodumala, Sugandhagiri and the Brahmagiri range.
Trekking (Varampetta Forest Conservation Committee):
| Package | Duration | Group Size | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Trek | ~3 hours | Up to 10 | 750 |
| Medium Trek | ~5 hours | Up to 10 | 1200 |
| Full Trek | Long | Up to 5 | 1500 |
Views: From the summit, Banasura Sagar Dam looks like a tiny blue pool far below.
4) Edakkal Caves
Two massive boulders create a “stone-between-stones” chamber on Ambukuthi hill (~4000 ft). The site preserves rock engravings—humans, animals, wheels—some attributed to late Stone Age traditions. A short, stepped hike leads up; go early for cooler weather.
5) Pookode (Pookot) Lake
Easy family spot with a walkway around the 13-acre lake (max depth ~6.5 m). Pedal boating is popular. Located ~3 km south of Vythiri, about 2 km from Lakkidi ghat gateway.
6) Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Located ~20 km east of Mananthavady on Kodagu road. Expect herds of elephants, deer, gaur, langurs, and occasional big-cat sightings. Tree-hut style stays add to the experience.
| Entry | Timings (Safari) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Indians: INR 115 | Foreigners: INR 300 | Morning 7:00–10:00 | Evening 15:00–17:00 | Fees & slots can change; arrive early in peak season. |
7) Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Falls
Water drops from ~100–300 ft across tiers into a pool where confident swimmers can take a dip (check local conditions). Popular for rock faces and Western Ghats panoramas. Located ~22 km south of Kalpetta near Meppadi.
8) Aranamala Peak
Reached from Meppadi via Chooranmala road (turn at Kalladi). Expect steep grass slopes, meadows like green carpets and rocky outcrops. Cardamom orchards scent the path; some areas are protected by electric fencing due to wildlife. Crystal-clear hill streams add to the charm.
9) Kuruva (Kuruvadweep) Island
One of Wayanad’s signature experiences—bamboo groves, quiet backwaters and rare birds. Monsoon closures are common; check current status before you go.
From: Kalpetta ~40 km, Bathery ~34 km, Mananthavady ~17 km.
10) Pakshipathalam (Bird Sanctuary Trek)
A 7 km forest trek requires Forest Department permission and authorized guides. Massive boulder caves at the northern end of Brahmagiri host bats and birds; tradition says ascetics used one of the caves long ago. Near the Karnataka border.
11) Thamarassery (Lakkidi) Ghat Pass
Climbing from Kozhikode plains to Lakkidi (~700 m asl), this scenic ghat road offers sweeping valley views and dense roadside forest. Local legend remembers Karinthandan, the tribal guide associated with the pass’s discovery story.
12) Chembra Peak
Near Meppadi, Chembra requires Forest Office permission and an authorized guide. The trek reveals the photogenic heart-shaped lake and seasonal Neelakurinji blooms (12-year cycle). Start early; slots are limited on busy days.
13) Meenmutty Falls (Wayanad)
About 29 km south of Kalpetta near Vaduvanchal/Neelimala. A favorite for adventure lovers, with separate approaches to each tier. Along with Soochipara and Kanthanpara, Meenmutty feeds the Chaliyar. Best viewed Nov–May; take care during heavy rain.
14) Muneeswaram Kunnu
A gentle outing for sunrise/sunset chasers and those who enjoy unrushed countryside frames.
15) Kurumbalakota
Known for sunrise views over sea-like clouds on lucky days. Carry a light jacket; mornings can be windy.
16) Karlad Lake
Good add-on to a Banasura or Thariyod circuit; check for seasonal activities on site.
Suggested 2–3 Day Itineraries
| Day | North Wayanad Loop | South Wayanad Loop |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Thamarassery Ghat → Pookode Lake → Lakkidi viewpoints | Chembra Peak (AM) → Soochipara Falls → 900 Kandi (before sunset) |
| Day 2 | Tholpetty Safari (AM) → Pakshipathalam trek (permit) → Mananthavady town | Meenmutty Falls → Banasura Sagar Dam → Karlad Lake |
| Day 3 | Muthanga Safari (AM) → Edakkal Caves → Sultan Bathery | Aranamala / Kurumbalakota sunrise → Kuruva Island (status-dependent) |
Note on prices & permits: Trek/safari fees and opening rules change seasonally. Always confirm at the respective Forest Office on the day of visit.
Wayanad FAQs
Is Wayanad good for a family trip?
Yes—lakes (Pookode, Karlad), viewpoints (Lakkidi), easy waterfalls (Soochipara), and wildlife safaris (Muthanga/Tholpetty) make it family-friendly.
Which are the best off-beat spots?
900 Kandi, Kattukunnu and Aranamala feel wilder and less crowded than the usual list—go with proper shoes and day-light timing.
Can I swim at waterfalls?
Only where locals/guards say it’s safe (like the pool below Soochipara in calm flow). Water levels and currents change quickly—follow signage.
When does Kuruva Island close?
Often during peak monsoon due to safety and river levels. Check on the travel day for status.
Do I need a guide?
Yes for protected areas/treks like Chembra, Banasura, Pakshipathalam and wildlife sanctuaries. Guides improve safety and help with route finding.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Start treks early; clouds build by noon and slots can be limited.
- Carry cash for small entry/parking points in rural stretches.
- Respect wildlife and local communities; avoid litter and loud music.
- In monsoon, expect slower drives and occasional closures—keep flexible plans.
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