Wayanad is known for its pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a perfect escape from the harsh summer heat of North India. The region is filled with untouched forests, misty mountains, and vast plantations. Often called the spice garden of India, Wayanad is home to orchards of cardamom, black pepper, star anise, fenugreek, black cumin, and many other fragrant spices. These plantations blend with the aroma of coffee estates, organic fruits and vegetables, and wide paddy fields, creating a fresh and calming atmosphere.
Wayanad’s rich greenery naturally supports numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves, and national parks that protect its forest life. The famous Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest, is also located here. With tall mountains, dense woods, and flowing rivers, Wayanad has become a hotspot for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many other adventure activities. Travellers who want to explore all these experiences often choose Wayanad tour packages for a planned and easy trip.
You can trek to the impressive Banasura Sagar Dam or climb up to Chembra Peak to witness a beautiful sunset behind the hills. Wayanad also carries a deep connection to history through the Edakkal Caves, where you can see petroglyphs that belong to the Neolithic age. The region is also rich in culture, with ancient temples like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, and old Jain temples showcasing Wayanad’s architectural heritage.
All these beautiful landscapes, ancient monuments, and adventure-filled experiences make Wayanad one of the highlights of Kerala tour packages, giving travellers a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture.
Months – March to May
Avg. temperature – 20°C to 35°C
Weather – Warm during the day but pleasant in the hills
Crowd density – Moderate
Budget – Moderate
Clothes to pack – Light cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable trekking shoes
Months – June to September
Avg. temperature – 18°C to 28°C
Weather – Heavy rainfall with lush greenery and misty hills
Crowd density – Low
Budget – Low
Clothes to pack – Raincoat or umbrella, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothes, mosquito repellent
Months – October to February
Avg. temperature – 15°C to 28°C
Weather – Cool and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and trekking
Crowd density – High
Budget – High
Clothes to pack – Light jackets, full-sleeve clothes, comfortable walking or trekking shoes

Famous for its dramatic rock formations and carvings, the Edakkal Caves have been a go to spot for various nature lovers. Reaching here is an adventure in itself as you will have to cross some of the most rocky areas.
These caves stand 1200 metres high above the sea level and rest in the lap of Ambukuthi Hills. If you are an archaeologically curious person then this place will offer you many fascinating pieces like the steep pathways made by the pressure of the waters.
Location: Nenmeni, Kerala 673595.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 15 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Being one of the largest earthen dams in India, the Banasura Sagar Dam is a masterpiece in itself. Famous among the adventure enthusiasts, this dam hosts various activities such as boating, camping and trekking.
In the evening times, the surroundings of this dam get lit up with small food stalls where you can relish upon various local snacks. Apart from the activities, this place is also suitable for small picnics.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala, India.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 10 to INR 15 per person.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Home to a heart shaped lake, this mountain peak is a very famous location among the tourists and locals alike. Located at a height of 2100 metres, this peak is the highest one in Wayanad, thus offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the valley.
A go to spot for campers and mountaineers, this peak offers its visitors with serene pathways and some dramatic slopes. While camping here, one can enjoy blissful views of the Nilgiris and the Kozhikode range.
Location: Chembra, Kerala, India.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 100 per person.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day.
Being the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various rare species of flora and fauna.
From bird watching to trekking and from wildlife safaris to nature walks, one can enjoy an array of adrenaline rushing activities here. Founded in 1973, this wildlife sanctuary has been housing various species of animals like tigers, elephants, deers and langurs resting in their natural habitat.
Location: Bathery- Puthuppally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 150 to INR 300 per person.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Gushing from a height of 300 metres, this waterfall falls amongst the highest waterfalls of Wayanad. The foamy water falling from such a height creates a very beautiful pool of water which is used by the tourists to enjoy swimming.
Around the waterfall, you can camp as well and can enjoy a delightful night with the sounds of a gushing stream. Being a four tiered waterfall, this location acts as one of the most beautiful backdrops for your memorable pictures.
Location: Kallar Meenmutty Falls Road, Kallar, Kerala 695551.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 500 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
This lush green island is located in the middle of Kabini River and lets you enjoy a proper beach like vibes. Apart from being loaded with colourful flora, various activities can be enjoyed here as well.
Having fresh water all around the island, this place is famous for offering bamboo raft rides. Apart from all this, the Kurava Island is conveniently located and is considered to be one of the best locations to enjoy a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala.
The Soochipara Falls is a seasonal waterfall and its beauty can only be enjoyed around the monsoons. Being a three tiered waterfall, this is a favourite spot of photographers and couples. Cascading from a very high spot, the waterfall creates a small pool below it which is surrounded by big rocks, thus offering locations with perfect backdrops. If you want to enjoy a visit here, then it is advised to plan a trip around the months of July to September.
Location: Vellarimala, Kerala 673577.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 50 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Located around the town of Vythiri, the Pookode Lake is a beautiful waterbody sitting atop hilly areas. Since this water body has very calm waters in it, people can easily enjoy boating here.
The lake is also a famous spot for picnics and people from all over the Visit here to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Covering an area of 8.5 sectors, this vast lake will provide you with various beautiful sceneries. Overall, if you're looking for a place which is serene as well as quiet then the Pookode Lake is the perfect spot for you.
Location: Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 10 to INR 50 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If you're looking for a place which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna and offers you a beautiful natural atmosphere to enjoy walking, trekking and safaris then make sure that you visit Tholpetty wildlife Sanctuary.
Housing many rare species of animals like tigers, foxes and leopards, this place lets you see many jungle animals resting in their natural habitats. Adding more fun to your trip, the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary also lets you avail elephant riding facilities or take a jeep to ride through the thick forest. Here, you will get to experience the beauty of nature and a very calm surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Tholpetty, Kerala 670646.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 150 to INR 300 per person.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Spread over an area of 950 acres of land, the Kuruva Island is a group of three beautiful islands in the middle of the gushing stream of Kabini River. This part of the river is famous for offering bamboo rafting through the mangroves.
Proper gears are provided to everyone who indulges in this activity and specially trained sailors help you traverse through the beautiful waterways. On your way you might enjoy various sceneries of rare species of trees. This place is also famous for being a perfect bird watching spot and many rare words can be seen here resting on the back of trees.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala.
Price: INR 300 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Being a freshwater lake, the Pookode Lake is frequent and by various nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Providing you a chance to traverse through its beautiful waters, this lake is a splendid spot to enjoy a session of boating.
On rowing your boat, you will get a chance to spot a wide variety of fishes, lotuses, and various species of water birds. Two types of boating will be available here including a paddle boat and a rowing boat.
Location: Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala.
Price: INR 30 for paddle boat and INR 50 for rowing boat.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Another blissful adventure which can be enjoyed in Wayanad city is taking a bicycle and traversing through the beautiful lanes of the city. On your way you will come across various blissful sceneries of tea plantations, coffee estates and lush green meadows.
Being a refreshing experience, it is advised to take up cycling early in the morning to enjoy dew drops all around. The best area to enjoy this activity is around the tea estates of Nilgiris. You can also visit the areas like Kalpita and Chandel to experience some dramatic terrains and rugged areas.
Location: Kalpetta, Nilgiris, etc.
Price: INR 100 to INR 500 for renting a bicycle.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Preached at a height of 6900 feet above the sea level, The Chembra Peak is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Wayanad. The path to the top goes through Meppadi forest department, and one is required to take permission to cross it.
Being a very easy trek, the Chembra Peak can be easily reached within two to three hours. On the top of the peak, you will find a very beautiful heart shaped lake around which you can also choose to camp. From the peak, you can relish upon some of the most scenic and dramatic views of Nilgiris, Malappuram and Kozhikode hills.
Location: Chembra, Kerala, India.
Price: INR 100 to INR 400 per person.
Being a very important part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is home to an array of rare species of animals and birds. Providing you a chance to traverse through its thick forest, this place offers Safari and nature walk facilities.
If lucky enough, you might get a chance to spot various animals and birds and rest in their natural habitat. From Tigers to Panthers and from peacocks to langurs, This world of century houses various regional flora and fauna.
Location: Bathery- Puthuppally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 150 to INR 300 per person.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Having the title of Asia's second largest earthen dam, the Banasura Sagar Dam is a very famous spot among thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts. To reach this dam, one is required to traverse through various thrilling trails, thus making it a trekkers paradise as well.
The crystal waters of this dam are famous among the people who wish to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One can also indulge in a session of boating here and enjoy the serenity all around them.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala, India.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 10 to INR 15 per person.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Dating back to 6000 BC, these caves are a historical gym and have been attracting loads of history buffs throughout the year. The dramatic terrains of these caves provide the visitors with numerous beautiful backdrops.
Traversing through these caves, you will be crossing the pathways which will be 22 feet wide and 96 feet long. From the inside, you will be crossing various tunnels, walls of which will be covered with stone carvings and colourful paintings.
Location: Nenmeni, Kerala 673595.
Entry Fee/Price: INR 15 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Experience the beauty of the Western Ghats from a different perspective and enjoy your way through the forests using a ropeway. The forests of Wayanad are a perfect spot to enjoy this activity and you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries of the waterfalls, local flora and fauna. Also famous in the name of flying fox, this activity will provide you a chance to soar high above the ground and enjoy the much required thrill.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala.
Price: INR 300 to INR 500 per person.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What can be more thrilling and fun other than enjoying a comfortable stay amidst the best of nature. The tree houses of Wayanad are loaded with all the basic facilities and amenities and make sure that you enjoy numerous adventure activities.
Apart from this, almost all the homestays here are loaded with luxuries like swimming pools, restaurants and much more. A stay in these tree houses provide the tourists with a perfect amalgamation of thrill and fun.
Location: Ooty highway Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673595.
Price: INR 2000 to INR 10,000 per person depending on the stay you choose.
1. Chembra Peak Trek: Taking you towards the heart shaped lake, this one is truly the most beautiful trek one can enjoy in Wayanad. It will take you around 4 hours to cover the distance of 9 KM to the top, and on the way, you might stumble across various scenic news and paved paths.
2. Pakshipathalam Trek: To enjoy this trekking experience, one is required to avail the permission from the District Forest Authority. Covering over a distance of 16 KM, you will have to trek for 8 to 9 hours to finally reach the top.
3. Brahmagiri Peak Trek: Exhibiting some of the best trekking terrains, the way to this peak is loaded with many scenic vistas. Taking around 9 hours to get complete, this trek is not for the beginners.
4. Thusharagiri Falls: Rooted deep within nature, this waterfall is located at a height and to reach here you will have to trek for around 4 to 6 hours. Upon reaching the waterfall, you will be mesmerised by the view of two different streams of a river being added up and creating three beautiful waterfalls and the waterfalls further creating a big pool of water
1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest sanctuary in Kerala and was founded back in 1973. This wildlife sanctuary houses a wide range of animals including tigers, langurs and a big population of deers.
2. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Housing a very big population of elephants and other wildlife like tigers, foxes and leopards, this wildlife sanctuary will let you enjoy some of the most scenic trails. One can also indulge in safari sessions here.
Homestays in Wayanad are the best options for experiencing the true essence and culture of Kerala. The locals are very accommodating and do the best to host you with a hassle free vacation.
1. Vythiri Village Homestay
2. Summer Villa
3. Spice Garden Homestay
4. Enteveedu Homestay
5. Peter’s Hill View Residency
6. Melvin’s Homestay
7. Sundara Mahal Homestay
8. Misty Meadows Homestay
9. Dhanagiri Homestay
10. Annapara Homestay
Wayanad is known for its spices, pure honey, coffee, tea, bamboo products and several naturally derived products. The top places to shop include:
1. Trident Arcade, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
2. Dubai Shopping Center, Corporate Hospital, Assumption Junction, Sulthan Bathery
3. Easwaran Namboodiri, near Vivekanand Hospital, Kalpetta Ho
4. Santhi Pappadam, Market Road, Wayanad
By Bus: A Lot of Bus services are available from Bangalore to Wayanad. The journey takes close to 10 hours. Your bus journey will commence from Kalasipalayam in Bangalore and will end at Kalpetta from where you'll need to change and take a bus to Wayanad.
By Road: By road the journey from Bangalore to Wayanad can take up to 7 hours including breaks and pit stops to enjoy the scenic beauty throughout the journey.
By Air: There are no direct flights to Wayanad so, the next best option is to take a flight to the nearest airport, Karipur International Airport. From here there are ample cabs available to Wayanad.
By Train: You won't find any direct trains to Wayanad from Bangalore. However, trains from Bangalore to Nanjangud are available. From here, you can take a cab or local taxi to Wayanad which is about 100 km from Nanjangud.
Traveling to Wayanad is completely safe, whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with a group of friends. The mountains offer specialized tours, be it a romantic vacation or an adventure weekend.
The roads are smooth and there wouldn’t be any problem reaching the place. All the major sightseeing spots too are well connected and smoothly regularized to make it safe and easy for tourists and travelers.
Wayanad is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Bangalore. Taking just about 7 hours, it’s an amazing drive.
You can even take an overnight bus and reach Wayanad by the morning. Everything is perfectly cut to make Wayanad a great weekend getaway from Bangalore.
There are several great destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways near Wayanad. Wayanad is home for several resorts that offer private accommodations in the lap of the hills and it would be just amazing to have your partner by your side. It nature, love and a lot of memories in the making.
Though Wayanad is marketed as a weekend getaway, there is a lot to explore and experience. Places like Kuruva Islands itself demand a day trip.
If you are looking for a complete Wayanad package, a weeklong vacation would be a great way to comfortably space your itinerary.
Cave camping is a truly amazing experience. Being able to gaze at the clear starry sky with complete darkness all around and complimented by the mystical charm of a cave, it cannot get any better.
The caves in Wayanad go back to the Stone Age where you get to see the inscriptions and painting by the early man. Living in a cave that had once been used by early humans is another kind of excitement. The caves are further naturally air conditioned and you would be sheltered from the rain.
It is necessary that you seek the permission of the forest department before setting up a camp. In some cases, you are even allowed to set up a bonfire and spend the night dancing, just like our early ancestors would have spent their nights.
Cave camping in Wayanad is completely organized and you have amenities like guides, night treks, flashlights and welcome drinks. Alcohol and smoking during cave camping is strictly prohibited. Popular cave camping sites include:
1. Edakkal Caves
2. Kothagiri
3. Makkamkunnu
The Banasura Sagar dam is about 27 kilometers from Wayanad and can be easily reached via the Kambalakkad – Padinjarethara Road. The journey takes about an hour. At the Banasura Sagar Dam, you can go for Bamboo Rafting Speed boating or just checking out the natural scenery that makes the only earthen dam of India.
It’s a perfect place for photography. Further, several treks start at Banasura Sagar Dam and you can always be a part of an organized group.
Homestays in Wayanad are the best options for experiencing the true essence and culture of Kerala. The locals are very accommodating and do the best to host you with a hassle free vacation.
1. Vythiri Village Homestay
2. Summer Villa
3. Spice Garden Homestay
4. Enteveedu Homestay
5. Peter’s Hill View Residency
6. Melvin’s Homestay
7. Sundara Mahal Homestay
8. Misty Meadows Homestay
9. Dhanagiri Homestay
10. Annapara Homestay
There are some famous tea plantation stays in Wayanad:
- Elstone Tea Estate
- Sentinel Rock Estate
- Jessie tea estate
- Achoor estate
- Chundale estate
Check out some of the famous restaurants to visit to taste local cuisines of Wayanad:
1. Jubilee Restaurant
2. Clayhut A Village Restaurant
3. Wilton Hotel and Restaurant
4. Malabar Restaurant
5. The Bungalow
6. Cafe Qatar Restaurant
7. Petals Resorts Wayanad
8. Food Lounge
9. Chaithram Restaurant
10. Wynn Berry
There are several hospitals across the Wayanad District. In case of an emergency, the first point of contact would be the doctor on call at your resort. For more serious emergencies, top hospitals nearby include:
1. Leo Hospital
2. Vinayaka Hospital
3. MES Hospital
4. Jyothi Hospital, Mananthavady
5. Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital
6. Mayo Hospital
7. Victory Hospital
8. Fatima Mata Mission Hospital
9. Assumption Hospital
9. District Hospital
10. Karuna Hospital, Sultan Bathery
There is no such restriction on smoking or drinking in Wayanad. However, it is required that you engage in the same in private compounds. Smoking or drinking in open spaces, sanctuaries or protected sites is a punishable offence.
Wayanad is situated in the middle of the Western Ghats rainforests. It forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and consequently is a great opportunity for wildlife sighting. Several endemic and rare animals, birds and plants inhabit the jungles of Wayanad.
A wildlife safari is a must for any outdoor / wildlife / nature lover. Photographers flock to Wayanad is search for rare fauna all round the year. The top places to go for a wildlife safari include:
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Ooty is just about 100 kilometers from Wayanad and can be traveled in 3 hours.
Cycling is an amazing way to explore the ghats and tea estates of Wayanad. It is recommended that you hire a cycle to check out the rural beauty of the place.If you have been planning for a laid back experience, cycling can be the perfect advice in Wayanad. The best places for cycling in Wayanad include:
- Plantation trails
- Chundale
- Soochipara Falls
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Muthanga
- Kuruva Islands
Kuruvu Islands is located about 30 kilometers from Wayanad and it would be an amazing experience if you love outdoors. It’s completely different from the experience of the hills. Located along the banks of the Kaveri River, it is an ecosystem of its own and hosts several wild flora and fauna.
It can however be reached by a boat across the river and the journey would take about an hour. Top activities to do in Kuruva Islands include:
- Rainforest treks
- Waterfall exploration
- Bird watching / photography
- Cycling
The most exotic place in the Wayanad district is the Kabani bamboo village in Trikaipetta. It is a beautiful place to visit and hosts the famous Bamboo Factory and you can even learn the way by which they make the products out of the bamboo plants.
It can be beautiful learning experience for both the adults as well as the children. Learn a trick or two about bamboo craft!
Phantom Rock will be a risky climb but is totally worth the adventure. It offers an amazing view of the Wayanad landscape and the trek itself is exciting. You will have to take one of the few jungle trails to reach the open space around the Phantom Rock. Climbing it would be a back breaking task, if you are not quite adept to rock climbing.
An ancient form of Ayurvedic massage, a session would cost you about INR 3000 for a 30-minute session. Top resorts like Vythiri also offer Kalari Massage sessions The top places to get a Kalari Massage in Wayanad include the:
- Ayurkendra Herbal Village and
- Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam
The Pookode Lake is about 25 kilometers from Wayanad along the NH 766. It would take about an hour of drive to reach it. The Pookode Lake offers amazing
- Cycling trails
- Boating experience
- Photography opportunity
- Bird watching
- Walking trails
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, also a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven for all wildlife and nature lovers. It is frequented throughout the year by photographers and nature lovers. It’s a rainforest that connects the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks. The sanctuary is itself spread across 400 sq km and hosts a lot of endemic flora and fauna.
The most talked about flora include maruthi, rosewood, karimaruthi, vengal and venteak. Top wildlife include the tiger, elephant, jungle cats, leopards, civet cats, wild dogs (dhole), monkeys and more. You will also be able to spot several bird species, including babblers, peacocks, woodpeckers, jungle fowls, owls and more.
The entry fee to the sanctuary is INR 10.00 for Indians and INR 100.00 for foreigners. For kids below 12 years of age, the entry fee is INR 5.00. You will also have to pay a guide fee of INR 100.00. Camera charges are INR 25.00 for a normal still camera.
If you are carrying a professional video camera, the charges would be INR 150.00 per camera. The visiting permit inside the sanctuary is for a maximum of 1.5 hours, starting from 7AM in the morning and till 5PM in the evening.
When visiting Wayanad, it is essential that you carry:
- A bag that would be easy to carry on treks
- Water bottle
- Torch / flashlights – it’s a must
- Sleeping bag
- Small sling bag / shoulder bag
- T-shirts
- Jeans / cotton pants / tights
- Sun cap / scarf
- Hiking shoes
- Warm jacket – mornings in Wayanad are cold, regardless of the time of the year
- Vomit bags – hope you won’t need to use them
- Personal medicines
- Mosquito repellants
- Books
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen