Wayanad Adventures: Best Tour Packages & Early Deals

Found within Kerala's Western Ghats, Wayanad is a hill station of unusual renown for its green scenery, misty peaks, and multi-hued fauna. This tranquil district offers an even mix of nature, adventure, and culture to make Wayanad the best holidaying spot in South India. Pristine landscapes, history, and flourishing culture offer Wayanad something to create an unforgettable mark in the heart of every visitor. The virgin beauty is the gem of Wayanad. The region is endowed with dense forests, rolling coffee and tea plantations, scenic waterfalls, and tranquil lakes. The emerald green attire is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers as well. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is one of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a place of interest, where elephants, tigers, leopards, and other flora and fauna species inhabit. The jungle safari within the sanctuary is a fascinating experience of the diversity of the region. Wayanad is also renowned for the picturesque waterfalls which beautify this hill station. Meenmutty Falls, the best among all the waterfalls of Wayanad, is a three-step waterfall with scenery to stimulate. Soochippara Falls or Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is another attraction where tourists can go trekking and rock climbing. Kanthanpara Falls with its beauty and serene ambience is now the destination for peace-lovers. For trekkers, there are not many trekking trails in Wayanad that lead one to the panoramic viewpoints. Chembra Peak, the summit of Wayanad, is the trekkers' paradise. The prime attraction of this trek is the heart-shaped lake, which remains full of water the whole year. Edakkal Caves, a prehistoric settlement that dates back to 6000 BC, is another trekkers' paradise, with ancient petroglyphs. The caves are an exhibition of the prehistoric settlement existence of man and a spine-tingling trekking experience.

History And Significance

Wayanad is one of the northern Kerala districts that are as well-known for nature as for history and culture. Wayanad does have an old history dating from the prehistoric era, and remnants of human civilization at those times are carvings and petroglyphs. The nation experienced the uprise and downfall of various dynasties, colonisation, as well as socio-cultural evolution over the last two centuries or so, and it is a very historically endowed as well as a very intriguing country to go visit. One sees the early habitation of humankind at Wayanad within the Edakkal Caves, which house prehistoric carvings as well as paintings from about 6000 BC. The pictographs and prehistoric carvings tell us quite a lot about ancient men of humankind and their lives and how they lived among themselves, although concerning other civilizations as well during their period. The caves are one of the principal highlights of South India's Neolithic settlement.

Before that, Wayanad was an open target to all the subsequent dynasties such as the Kadambas, Vijayanagara Empire, and Hoysalas who ruled the region under their economic as well as cultural overlordship as well. But Wayanad was only in the Zamorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) and was a thriving centre of cultivation as well as trade. The fertile soil and dense forest of Wayanad produced bountiful crops such as spices, wood, and drugs, which drew the traders of the whole world. The most fascinating chapter in the history of Wayanad is resistance to British imperialism. It was a battleground in the later half of the 18th century in Tipu Sultan's fight against Mysore. Wayanad was under Tipu Sultan, who was earlier for Hyder Ali, and the anti-British East India Company. Naturally, following the defeat of Tipu Sultan by the British in the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1799), the territory came under British occupation and Wayanad was annexed.

Local Attraction of Wayanad

Emerald-canopied, peaceful, and very biodiverse Wayanad is where all the adventure-seeking people, nature enthusiasts, and history lovers combined have to go. But never is the beauty of the place confined. There are no unusual places anywhere in Wayanad as well, so it's a very cosy place to start with an experience of local attractions. From wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations to religious and heritage hubs, they are some of the most varied and picturesque tourist spots in and around Wayanad.

1. Bandipur National Park (86 km)

   In terms of numbers, India's most frequented wildlife refuge and one of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is Bandipur National Park. The park is famous for possessing an enormous population of elephants, tigers, leopards, and birds. Bandipur's thick forest jeep safari is exciting for the traveller to observe these animals in their natural surroundings. The park is beautiful and perfect for wildlife photography.

2.  Nagarhole National Park (93 km)

   Nagarhole National Park, the marvel of Karnataka, falls in the Western Ghats' biodiversity. Nagarhole National Park is a treasure house of biodiversity and houses the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, elephant, sloth bear, and other species of deer. A dense canopy of forests, balm of serene streams flowing through it and dense fauna, invite it to it as one of the best adventure games for thrill entrants as well as nature enthusiasts. Tourist safaris are a close encounter with the wilds and a view of extraterrestrial plant and animal forms.

3.  Ooty (109 km)

   Ooty or Udhagamandalam is a picturesque hill resort of Tamil Nadu and a popular weekend retreat around Wayanad. The "Queen of Hill Stations" is famous for its rolling tea plantations, serene Ooty Lake, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site. The tourist can walk around and also see spots like the Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, and the colonial bungalows giving the town its yesteryear feel. The pollution-free environment and natural beauty are why Ooty is an ideal holiday resort away from the madding crowd.

4. Mysore (130 km)

   Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is an extremely old city renowned for its royal heritage, regal palaces, and traditional culture. Mysore Palace, the stunning Indo-Saracenic wonder, is one among numerous such tourist attractions in the tourist belts, especially during Dussehra when it shines so splendidly. Chamundi Hill Temple, Brindavan Gardens, and St. Philomena's Church are among numerous such tourist attractions. Sandalwood items, silk sarees, and the renowned Mysore Pak are also Mysore's pride.

5. Kabini (105 km)

   Kabini, the serene wildlife haven of Karnataka, is famous for the Kabini Forest Reserve backwaters and rich density of biodiversity. The destination has a good elephant-to-human ratio and is one of India's finest spots to spot leopards and black panthers. A boat safari in the Kabini River is an adrenaline-pumping experience to be amidst nature. Nature, luxury resorts, and tranquillity make Kabini a perfect weekend getaway close to Wayanad.

6. Coorg (120 km)

   The more India's "Scotland," the more so is a scenic hill station of Karnataka Coorg (Kodagu). Famous for its coffee plantations, hilly and foggy countrysides, and valley greens, Coorg is a sportsman's haven. Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, and the origin of the river Kaveri at Talakaveri are the most happening places to catch. Trekking, river rafting, and camping are some of the very few adventure sports that make Coorg a holiday thrill spot for an adventure sportsperson.

7. Silent Valley National Park (122 km)

   Silent Valley National Park is a virgin heaven for nature and wildlife tourists and is located within the Palakkad district in Kerala. This high-cover-density rural landscape, high diversity, and serene environment are a perfect site for bird watching and eco-tourism. This dense forest with rare fauna and flora species such as lion-tailed macaque, an endangered species, is a perfect site for bird watching and eco-tourism. The park is a much sought-after site for all who are ready to experience the virgin beauty of Kerala.

8. Calicut (Kozhikode) (85 km).

   Calicut or Kozhikode is a prosperous sea town of Kerala rich in history and culture. One of the medieval spice trading hubs and the town through which Vasco da Gama, the very first Portuguese traveller to ever have landed on Indian soil, had passed years back in 1498. Today, it is widely famous for virgin beaches like Kappad Beach and Beypore Beach and mouth-watering Malabar delicacies. Colourful bazaars, historic landmarks, and warm locals make it a perfect combination of an other-worldly holiday outing.

9.  Sulthan Bathery (25 km)

   The most popular of Wayanad's historical towns, Sulthan Bathery gets its name from Tipu Sultan, who used the Jain Temple here as a battery (arsenal) for war. The town is now famous for greenery, spice plantations, and historical monuments. Jain Temple, Edakkal Caves, and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary are among the most frequented spots there. It is the ideal destination to visit in a bid to learn the history of Wayanad and inhale its peacefulness.

10.  Malappuram (110 km)

    Malappuram district of Kerala state is renowned for tradition, nature, and virginity. Serene mosques and temples are present here such as Thirunavaya Temple and the world-renowned Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Centre of Ayurveda. Wayanad hills, rivers, and carnivals, Malappuram is a warm refuge for tourists travelogs of the thoughtful visitor eager to discover Kerala heritage.

How to Reach Wayanad

Wayanad, a beautiful hill district of the Kerala state, is road, rail, and air connected and is easily accessible from any part of India. It does not have any railway station or airport in Wayanad but the facilities of nearby towns are within easy reach.

• By Airport: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode Airport), located at a distance of 90 km from Wayanad. Calicut International Airport gets regular domestic as well as international flights between the Indian cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi and international flights to Middle Eastern countries. The visitors can even get taxis or buses from the airport to Wayanad which will take 2.5 to 3 hours.

• By Rail: No railway head in Wayanad. The nearest is Kozhikode Railway Head, 85 km from Wayanad. Kozhikode is a major rail junction with railways linking Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, and Mumbai. Wayanad is within easy reach by road or taxi from Kozhikode on a scenic highway through the Western Ghats.

• By Road: Wayanad is properly connected with a vast network of roads. Wayanad is connected to Bangalore (280 km), Mysore (130 km), and Kozhikode (85 km) by NH 766 road. KSRTC and private bus corporations operate regular services connecting major Kerala as well as Karnataka towns. Road drivers have routes to Wayanad that pass through scenic roads, hairpin bends, and fog mountains in the route.

Best Season to Visit Wayanad

Wayanad, with greens surrounding it from all sides, misty hills, and a calm climate, is a place that can be toured any time of the year. But according to the type of experience you are looking for as the location varies in the type of experience offered during the various seasons of the year:

• Winter (October to February) – Ideal Time to Travel

  Winter season is best suitable for visiting Wayanad with favorable climatic weather of 10°C to 25°C. It is best suitable for trekking, sightseeing, and wildlife treks. Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and Soochipara Waterfalls can be visited at best during this season as favourable weather is the advantage point for these places. This is also the time to visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for the best wildlife tour.

• Summer (March to May) – Ideal for Hill Station Short Travels

  Wayanad has mild winters and warm summers ranging from 20°C to 36°C. The hill slopes keep the area cooler than the plains. Ideal to visit to enjoy tea and coffee plantations, lakes, and nature resorts. Afternoons are hot, however, so excursions must be carried out in the morning and follow-up evening sessions.

• Monsoon (June to September) – Ideal for Nature lovers

  Monsoons turn Wayanad into a green paradise, with flash floods rejuvenating forests and waterfalls. Trekking will be difficult owing to slippery trails, but it is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapists. Rain-washed scenery, mist-covered rolling hills, and thundering waterfalls make Wayanad even more postcard-perfect enchantment during monsoons.