Wayanad's Top 10 Attractions You Can't Miss

Spread across the green folds of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a breathtakingly gorgeous Kerala district, a serene and picturesque haven amidst the chaos of Bangalore in the Western Ghats. Wayanad is just 280 kilometres from Bangalore and is one of the sought-after weekend getaways to be found by nature lovers, adventure tourists, and city-battered individuals seeking refuge. The drive from Bangalore to Wayanad is about 6 to 7 hours, twisting along scenic roads flanked by green forests, curving ghats, and hill mists. Wayanad is a paradise of diversity, with dense forests on all four sides, massive spice plantations, and rice fields that radiate an emerald sheen. Its salubrious climate and untouched beauty make it a wonderful hideout throughout the year. The region is teeming with flora and fauna and has the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, offering elephant, deer, leopard, and other bird sightseeing. Trekking and adventure sports enthusiasts have numerous trekking trails to provide, the most sought-after one being the trek to Chembra Peak, where a heart-shaped lake at the top adds to the attraction of the trek.

Wayanad is also interesting for those fascinated with history and culture. Prehistoric periods are made to unveil for the tourists in the prehistoric Edakkal Caves whose Neolithic petroglyphs were carved centuries ago. Ancient tribes and temples are a repository of good heritage. Tranquil waterfalls like Soochipara and Meenmutty, serene lakes like Pookode, and panoramas like Lakkidi and Neelimala are all part of Wayanad's multi-attraction appeal. Boating, ziplining, trekking, or just enjoying nature, Wayanad has it all to give one a refreshing respite. Among Wayanad's finest attributes is the way rural beauty coexists with welcoming shelters. Homey homestays and leafy-village atmosphere eco-resorts, often in plantation, to upscale treehouses set in broad expanses of rolling hills - each stay here would be as the scene itself. A romantic getaway on your own, a family outing, or a bachelor sojourn to the great outdoors, Wayanad offers something for every type of traveller. One of the most satisfying and easy getaways from Bangalore, Wayanad is precisely the combination of adventure, leisure, and exploration, something for all who seek to rediscover themselves in synchrony with nature and unwind in the embrace of the Western Ghats.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Wayanad

1. Edakkal Caves – A Taste of Bygone Times: Walk up the Ambukuthi Hills and you are in front of the fabled Edakkal Caves. They are no natural caves—They're the entrance to the Stone Age. The walls have over 8,000 years of petroglyphs adorning them. The site is a historical ride. The hard trek to see the caves is all worth it for the rolling hills landscape and the pre-historic etchings that transport you to another era.

2. Chembra Peak – The Heart-Shaped Lake Trek: At 6,890 ft, Chembra is Wayanad’s highest peak and a haven for trekkers. The trail is moderately challenging, making it ideal for backpackers seeking a fulfilling day hike. On your way to the summit, you’ll discover the famous heart-shaped lake, a natural wonder that adds a fairytale charm to the journey. The views from the top? Soul-stirring.

3. Meenmutty Waterfalls – Adventure Paradise: A 300-foot three-tiered cascade, Meenmutty is Wayanad's biggest waterfall. Reaching it is through trekking along thick forest and boulder areas, so ideal for a little off-the-beaten-path experience. Water falling into the depths is raw and bracing—nature at its best exhibition.

4. Banasura Sagar Dam – Mountains Meet Water: The Banasura Sagar Dam is India's largest earth dam, and it has a stunning scenery of mountains mirrored in calm water. Take a pedal boat on rent or simply relax with your backpacking crew on the shoreline. It is a relaxed spot to rejuvenate before your next untamed trek. The surrounding hills offer trekking trails for a short and picturesque trek as well.

5. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary – Into the Wild: Situated at the north end of Wayanad, is the sanctuary, raw nature in an uncooked state. Go for a jeep safari and prepare with eyes open to spot elephants, bison, deers, and leopards too if lady luck favours you. Tholpetty is a sure bet for the nature enthusiast and those interested in coming close to the biodiversity of Wayanad.

6. Soochipara Falls – Rock Climbing Meets Refreshment: Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is another name for Soochipara. This is another adrenaline destination. You arrive at the cacophonous waterfalls after a short trek in the woods—ideal for a refreshing dip or simply standing there in awe of nature's power. The cliffs of the falls are heaven for climbers, so go ahead, thrill-seekers here's one for you!

7. Kuruva Island – A Walk Through a River's Heart: Kuruva Dweep is a chain of green, treeless islands along the Kabini River. Bamboo rafts and wooden bridges link the islands to each other, and every step is discovery. Push into the thick clumps of bamboo and hear the exotic bird call it Wayanad's take on the rainforest of the Amazon.

8. Pookode Lake – A Peaceful Paddle: This peaceful freshwater lake, India map-like, is ringed by hills and forests. Perfect for a peaceful morning paddle boat or kayak trip, Pookode Lake provides a peaceful view in contrast to Wayanad's more untamed treks. There is a small aquarium and handicrafts shop close by, ideal for some peaceful moments.

9. Neelimala Viewpoint – Fog, Forests & Frames: Concealed among greens, Neelimala Viewpoint offers the explorer a bird's eye perspective of the Meenmutty Falls and misty valleys. The trek there is as much jungle walking as hill climbing leeches during monsoon, so be prepared. There, your camera shall eternally thank you.

10. Pakshipathalam – The Bird Watcher's Trek: Accessible by a forest trail of about 7 km in length, Pakshipathalam is an isolated haven in the Brahmagiri Hills. There are plenty of birds and even some species of bats that are not known to us. It is challenging to trek but worth it in terms of seclusion and vistas. Only for serious backpackers seeking isolated trails.

Adventurer or wanna-be, Wayanad got something for you:

1. Trekking (Chembra & Brahmagiri): Wayanad's hill country and forest tracks guarantee that it is a paradise for trekkers. Among several of its tracks, one of the most popular is the trek to Chembra Peak which leads one to the mythical heart-shaped lake deep in the hills. For tougher adventures and tougher outings into nature, there is the Brahmagiri Trek which consists of dense forests, wildlife exploration, and wide-open views along the Karnataka-Kerala border.

2. Bamboo Rafting: Drift on serene waters beneath dense forests on a bamboo raft—the eco-friendly, laid-back thrill that's nature-savvy too. A most apt activity to bask in the tranquility of Wayanad without straying too far offbeat. It's especially à la mode near spots near Kuruva Island where the unspoiled landscape forms part of the experience.

3. Ziplining: Zip over plantations and valleys while ziplining over the grasslands of Wayanad. Since many adventure parks and resorts provide this amenity, ziplining here provides an adrenaline rush with a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the landscape.

4. Wildlife Safari: Roll with nature on a safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a guided jeep safari and get a glimpse of elephants, bison, leopards, and small mammals and birds in their natural surroundings. Something one would never forget for wildlife lovers and photographers.

5. Camping and Bonfires: Wind up your day amidst stars in peaceful camping in the hills or plantation. Local food, bonfire, and night music at the acoustic price at most Wayanad camps are ideal for couples, families, or even individuals in general to de-stress and find a warm atmosphere surrounding them amidst nature.

Cuisine of Wayanad

• Malabar Biryani – spicy rice typically made with mutton or chicken.

• Bamboo Rice Payasam – a sweet dessert made from Bamboo rice, a healthier but lesser-known cereal harvested from flowering bamboo.

• Kappa and Meen Curry – tapioca fish curry boiled with a home favourite here.

• Kadala Curry with Puttu – black chickpea curry with steamed rice cakes, a breakfast favourite here.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad

1. Winter (October to February) – Best Time to Visit

   It is the ideal time to visit Wayanad. The weather is pleasant and good, between 10°C and 25°C, just perfect for trekking, camping, and sightseeing. Clear blue skies and fresh air beautify the landscape of spots like Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and Pookode Lake. It is also the ideal time to visit wildlife safari with the animals coming within view during the dry season.

2. Summer (March to May) – Best Season for Heat Escape

   As it is too hot in most parts of South India, Wayanad is very cool as it is located at a high altitude. It is between 20°C and 35°C in temperature and thus is an ideal refuge for people for heat escape. Trekking is relatively warm during the day, but the morning and evening are cool enough for any outdoor activity.

3. Monsoon (June to September) – Best for the Reclusive & Romantic

   Monsoon turns Wayanad into heaven with a green shroud. The unadulterated green landscape, misty mountains, and thundering waterfalls like Soochippara and Meenmutty are stunning. It is the best season for nature lovers and photographers, although trekking routes are slippery. It is also the season for secluded staycations, spa vacations, and basking in the sheer grandeur of the Western Ghats.

How To Reach

By Road – Most Popular Mode

• The most convenient way to get to Wayanad from Bangalore is by car driving. 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Two options:

• Route 1: Bangalore → Mysore → Gundlupet → Sultan Bathery (Most scenic route and most popular)

• Route 2: Bangalore → Kanakapura → Chamarajanagar → Gundlupet → Wayanad (Not a touristy one, bikers will like this one)

• Roads are superb and scenic, especially while driving within Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Be aware of night travelling at Bandipur which is prohibited from 9 PM to 6 AM, therefore book in advance.

By Bus – Economical and Handy

• KSRTC and private day buses operate from Bangalore to Wayanad, most of them taking you to Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, or Mananthavady. Semi-sleeper and sleeper and AC coach facilities are available. Travel overnight and be snug and tight like a backpacker or independent traveller.

By Train – Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode (Calicut)

• Wayanad has no rail head. Closest to Wayanad, is the Kozhikode Railway Station at roughly 85-km. You can travel by train to Bangalore and then cab or local transport up to Wayanad from there. If you want to incorporate Wayanad into a Kerala coast tour, it's the ideal choice.

By Airport – Closest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ)

• The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is roughly 100 km from Wayanad. It can be reached by a bus or a taxi from the airport to your destination. There are numerous domestic and international flights to Calicut, so it is a convenient option for individuals who are travelling from outside of Karnataka.

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring the Wayanad trip from Bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Wayanad that not many get to encounter.