Wayanad Travel Guide

Wayanad Travel Guide is a comprehensive work about the various tourist attractions in and around Wayanad in Kerala, South India – a place which has preserved its natural beauty in all its sacredness.

Wayanad is situated on the southern tip of Deccan plateau. It doesn’t matter whether you are an adventurer, nature lover, historian, archaeologist or romantic. Wayanad has lot of surprises in store for each of you with its lush green thick forests, rippling lakes and streams, amazing waterfalls, authentic historical memorials, exquisite picnic spots, rich heritage and culture etc.

Wayanad Historically Important Sites

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal caves are situated at a distance of 24km from Sulthan Bathery. They are famous for the drawings on the rock that can be dated back to the new Stone Age. Its historical importance lures archaeologists, researchers and tourists to this place. The pictorial representations on the rocks are reminiscences of a pre historic era. You can reach the caves by means of a kilometre trek from Edakkal. The caves are open to visitors from 9am to 4pm, on all days except on Mondays.

Pazhassi Tomb

It is located in Mananthawady in Wayanad. It is the tomb of Veera Pazhassi raja, the erstwhile King of Kerala, who is eulogized as the Lion King of Kerala. He was a great freedom fighter who used guerilla warfare to fight against the British. It also holds an underground museum, where the important articles related to Pazhassi Raja are displayed. The Pazhassi tomb is open from 9am to 4pm.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum

It is located at a distance of 12km from Sulthan Bathery. It is considered to be the premium heritage museum in Kerala. It holds the artifacts and belongings of the tribal people of Wayanad. It is open from 9am – 6pm.

Bathery Jain Temple

Located at Sulthan Bathery, this temple can be dated back to the 13th century. Even though it is a temple it was used for many purposes over the ages. Originally it was a shrine, later it was transformed into a centre of trade and commerce. During the reign of Tipu Sulthan it was a storehouse of their weapons. The temple is noted for its historical importance. It is open for 9am to 6pm.

Chain Tree

It is situated at Lakkidi, which is at a distance of 14 km from Kalpetta. There is an interesting legend connected to this tree. It is believed that a British Engineer discovered the difficult mountain pass to Wayanad with the help of a tribal guide named Karinthandan. The selfish Engineer later killed the tribal guide so that he could take the entire credit of the discovery. The tribal guide’s soul wandered around the place creating havoc for the travelers. Later a priest captured the wandering soul and chained him on the Chain tree. The tree got its name from this legend.

Muniyaras

Muniyaras are a group of old burial vaults that were discovered as a result of excavations done at the foot of the Ambukuthi Hills. From the Muniyaras, relics of Stone Age tools and pottery were discovered. They are displayed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum. It is located at a distance of 13 km from Sulthan Bathery.

Jain Temples

Jain temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are the famous archaeological sites in Wayanad. These temples are decorated with artistically designed pillars. An aura of mystery can be sensed in the atmosphere of the temples.

Wayanad Places of Natural Beauty

Pookot Lake

This freshwater lake is situated amidst the wooded hills. Boating and a ride in water circle are the tourist activities in Pookot Lake. A fresh water aquarium, a children’s park, a handicrafts and spices emporium are also located near the lake. The lake is located at a distance of 15km from Kalpetta.

Kuruva Island

The picturesque island located on the Kabini River is a much visited tourist spot. The island houses a variety of rare species of birds, herbs and orchids. It is open from 9.30 – 17.30

Meenmutty Waterfalls

It is the largest and the most amazing waterfalls in Wayanad. It is located at a distance of 29km from Kalpetta. It is open from 7.00 – 16.00

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls

Also known as Soochipara falls, it is located at a distance of 23kms from Kalpetta. If you are excited, you can plunge yourself into the pool at the bottom of the hill. It will be a refreshing experience. It is open from 8.30 – 16.00

Kanthanpara Falls

It is located at a distance of 22 km from Kalpetta. Kanthanpara falls is an adorable tourist spot with its surroundings that is stunningly beautiful and with the nearby lush green forest.

Banasura Sagar Dam

It is hailed as the largest earth dam in India and the second largest one in Asia. A vast expansive sanctuary, speed boating arrangements and a park that is beautified with evergreen trees are the major attractions of the place. It is open from 9.00 – 18.00.

Karlad Lake

It is a rare tourist spot noted for its serenity and tranquility. Boating facilities are available here. There are facilities for building tents and holding conference in the natural ambience. It is located at a distance of 16km from Kalpetta. It is open from 9.00 – 18.00

Pazhassi Park

At a distance of 1.5km from Mananthawady, Pazhassi Park is located on the banks of the Kabini River. It has vast area reserved as the children’s play area. River rafting through the Kabini River starts at the Pazhassi Park. It is open from 9.00 – 18.00.

Karapuzha Dam

Karapuzha dam is one of the largest earth dams in India. The surrounding places of the dam with half submerged hills and emerald colored islands is the best place for breeding aquatic birds. Kayaking and canoeing will start in the future. The park near the dam is best known for its beauty and it is one of the best picnic spots. It is situated at a distance of 14km from Kalpetta.

Rose Park

It is a garden that is filled with a thousand varieties of rose, the queen of flowers. A theme park and a nursery are the major attractions here. It is open from 8.30 – 18.30.

Wayanad Adventure Tourism

Chembra Peak

Chembra is the tallest peak in Wayanad. It is situated at an altitude of 2100m above sea level. It is the favorite destination of adventure tourists for trekking. One day trekking facility is also available. The Love Lake is a major attraction of this place. It is open from 8.00 – 14.00.

Banasura Hills

It is located at a distance of 21km from Kalpetta. Banasura hills are the dream destination for adventure tourist. At a height of 2000m the bird’s eye view of the entire Wayanad district is possible. Permission of the forest department is essential to enter this part of the district.

Kaduva Kuzhi

Located at a distance of 16km from Sulthan Bathery, it is an underground cave without any light. There is a small lake near it.

River Rafting

The river rafting facility is provided by the District Tourism Promotional Council, Wayanad during the months of June to January.

Wayanad Wildlife Tourism

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

It is situated between the Nagarhole and Bandipur national park of Karnataka on the north east and the Mudumalai sanctuary of Tamil Nadu on the south east. The sanctuary forms an inevitable part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

It is situated along the northern edge of the Wayanad district. This sanctuary is rich in bio diversity. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Wayanad Pilgrimage Tourism

Thirunelli Temple

It is known for its Kerala architecture. Devotees come here in large numbers to perform their ancestral rites. It is a well-known pilgrim center in Kerala and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located at a distance of 21km from Mananthawady.

Papanasini, Thirunelli

It is a fresh mountain spring that is located at a distance of 500m from Thirunelli temple. It is believed that if you bath in Papanasini, all your sins will be cleansed.

Thrissileri Temple

It is known for its Kerala style architecture. It is one of the famous pilgrim center in Wayanad. The deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. It is believed that the ancestral rites at the Thirunelli temple is incomplete without any offerings to the Thrissileri temple.

Pallikkunnu Church

It I s located at a distance of 12kms from Kalpetta. The shrine is dedicated to Lourdes Matha. It was built by the French Missionary Fr. Jeffrlne in 1905. A horde of devotees from across the state reach here during the Annual pilgrimage festival during the month of February.

Varambetta Mosque

It was originally built by the Nair community in the Kerala architectural style. It is a symbol of communal harmony which is upheld by Kerala. The mosque can boast of a history of about 300 years. Members from all communities participate in the Annual Uroos festival that is celebrated in this mosque.

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple

It is a temple of great importance for the tribal people of Wayanad. It is dedicated to the mother goddess in the form of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga. It is located at a distance of 2km from Mananthawady.

Class Temple, Kuttamanoa

It is located at a distance of 20km from Kalpetta. It is dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha of Jainism. The mirrors inside the temple reflect the Lord inside the shrine.

Experience Wayanad

Village Life Experience

It is a half day/one day tour conducted by the District Tourism Promotion Council to experience the tribal life of Wayanad. It helps us to be acquainted with the culture and tradition of Wayanad.

En Uru

It is a forthcoming tribal tourism project in Wayanad. The project is located in 25 acres of land near Lakkidi. It is only at a distance of a 900m walk from the national highway. Tribal colonies showing the tribal way of life, stalls selling tribal products, a food court for the ethnic dishes, a leisure area with light and sound show, an Amphitheatre, a large activity area are the main highlights of En Uru.

How to reach Wayanad

The nearest airport is Calicut Airport
The nearest railway station is Calicut railway station.
It is well connected by roads from Kozhikode, Mysore, Ootty and Kannur.