Activities to do in Wayanad
Night Camping With Campfire, Visit the Edakkal Caves, Trek to Neelimala View Point., Cave Camping, Bamboo Rafting in Kuruva Island., Trek to Chembra Peak., Wildlife Safari at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Visit the Edakkal Caves & many more.
With its verdant green surroundings and scenic views, Wayanad is another destination that has touched the hearts of many. With an array of activities to do in Wayanad tourist are hovering to this place to uncover its beauty to its core. With charming waterfalls, enchanting caves, resorts, and homestays, this prominent town is celebrated for its zest estates and natural life. Among the prettiest ranges of Kerala, Wayanad has a large number of places for its guests.
Some portion of a woods hold, Wayanad is situated on the fringe of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Strolling through the sprawling flavour estates, taking that trek into the pre-memorable buckles and encountering a resort occasion is one of the numerous things you can do to experience Wayanad. Generally speaking, a flawless end-of-the-week thought from urban areas of South India this destination tempt you to go honeymooning in Kerala. Beat the heat in the hilly Malabar region to experience the refreshing climate and traditional lifestyle of the place.
Here are some of the best things to do in Wayanad:
1. Capture the Splendid View of Tea Estates:
Take a long walk through the green agricultural district of Kerala that produces some of the favourite blends of tea in the country. Strolling through these tea estates, you will get acquainted with the tea culture of Wayanad. Primarily located in the Kalpetta region, most of these plantation areas are run by the primitive tribal population Thus a visit to these scenic plantations also allows you to delve into the lives of the locals and know more about their cultures and traditions.
You Must Checkout: Wayanad Packages For Family
2. Boating at Pookode Lake:
Another of the place in Wayanad which will definitely make your day is the famous Pookode Lake. This lake is very famous for the thrill seekers and nature lovers. Settled between evergreen jungles and the Western Ghats, Pookode Lake is spread over more than 13 section of land and is 40m deep.
This is a standout amongst the most favoured visitor spots in Wayanad. The most amazing feature about the lake is that it has the shape of our Indian map. One can also witness a lot of blue lotus and numerous freshwater fishes.
3. Cycling in Wayanad:
Though, trekking is considered one of the most exciting things to do in Wayanad, cycling through the rock-strewn and less frequented paths of Wayanad is thrilling too. Riding through the dewy tea estates, pictorial coffee plantations, rugged terrains and the lush green meadows is itself a refreshing experience!
As Wayanad shares its border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, you can also traverse down the paths that lead to the tea estates of Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu. Depending on your cycling skills, you can also choose the most befitting routes for you.
4. Trek to Chembra Peak:
Bestowed with verdant hills, Wayanad offers a unique hiking experience. Towering at around 6,900ft, Chembra Peak is amongst the most popular trekking spots in Kerala. To get here, you have to reach the forest office located 5km from Meppadi town.
Once the permission passes for trekking are acquired, you can proceed towards the peak; it is always wise to seek prior permission for the same. Halfway to the peak, a heart-shaped lake that never dries will catch all your attention for sure!
5. Visit the Edakkal Caves:
While you are visiting Wayanad there is another attraction which is a must visit for you. Twenty-five kilometres from Kalpetta lays two caves which exhibit nature's skill and philosophy of architecture are known as the Edakkal caves and it is one of the best things to do in Wayanad.
These caves are found 1,200 m over the ocean level on Ambukutty Mala. The name "Edakkal" actually signifies 'a stone in the middle'. Here you can see a give in framed by an overwhelming stone straddling a gap in the stone.
6. Adventure at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary:
In the midst of green trees, spread across 344 kilometres of land is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It consists of two wildlife sanctuaries - Tholpetty in the north and Muthanga in the southeast.
The tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. The aim of this place is to preserve the biological heritage of the region. Stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo plantations, tall grasslands, rare herbs and medicinal plants are the treasures of these forests.
7. Explore the Kuruva Islands on Bamboo Rafts:
A group of three scenic islands, the Kuruva Islands is located in the middle of a tributary in Kabini River. Located around 40km from the Banasura Hills, these cluster of islets can be easily accessed by small boats, bamboo rafts or fibre boats and it is one of the finest Wayanad things to do.
Amongst all these, the bamboo rafts are the most popular options to visit these islands in order to have a glance at the ambrosial beauty of the islands. Offering a rustic charm and feel of Kerala's local life and culture, these rafts take visitors through some of the most remote areas.
8. Boating in Banasura Sagar Dam:
If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in Wayanad with your friends and family then head out to the Banasura Sagar Dam. With its scenic beauty and soulful surrounding, this dam has become famous for boating and it is one of the famous Wayanad things to do.
The dam holds an extensive region of water and its beautiful excellence is upgraded by the chain of mountains on the background. It is developed in the Banasura Lake and the close-by Mountains are known as Banasura Hills
9. Trek to Neelimala View Point:
If you are planning to visit Waynard this time then another of the place which is a must-visit for you is the Neelimala View Point. This is another of the best things to do in Wayanad which you should not miss.
A complete heaven for the thrill seekers Neelimala View point is known for offering the best trekking trails in Wayanad with scenic views. Get soaked in by the beauty of the region as you witness the whole place from the top alongside the pleasant vision of Meenmutty Falls.
10. Visit to Soochipara Falls:
Also known as Sentinel Rock, Soochipara (needle rock) waterfall is a must visit destination when in Wayanad. The pool at the foot of the falls is perfect for a fast plunge. This is a standout amongst the most appealing falls in the area where one can see the water hits the sharp spikes of stone at the base and consequently it got its name Sentinel Rock waterfalls and it is one of the best things to see in Wayanad.
Also Checkout: Kerala Tour Packages 4 Nights 5 Days
More Wayanad Activities
Our Partners
Wayanad Things To Do FAQs
What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
What all adventure activities can be done in Wayanad?
2. Camping: Promising an evening full of music and surroundings full of glittering stars, camping in Wayanad adds the required thrill to any trip. The locations are beautiful and offer the best sceneries to marvel at.
3. Trekking to Chembra Peak: Offering you a thrilling trek through Meppadi Forest and multiple rocky terrains, a trek to Chembra Peak will take you to the spectacular views of Kozhikode and Nilgiri district.
4. Edakkal Caves: Located at a height of 1200 metres, these caves are located between the slit of two huge rock formations. Many ancient carvings and paintings can be found here.
5. Jungle Trek in Kalladi Forest: What can be more thrilling than trekking in a big forest covered with lush and beautiful greens. The high hillocks and located in these woody rainforests challenge many trekkers.
Also Checkout: Kerala Tour Packages From Surat
What are the best things to do in Wayanad at night?
2. Dipping in Kalindi River: Get a chance to experience stream walk and river dripping, that too in the midnight. In addition to this, the moon light illuminating the gushing water adds some extra stars to this experience.
3. Trek to Valley of Clouds: A trek towards the Valley of Clouds starts from the lush tea gardens and leads you towards the peaks touching clouds. In the night time, the shining mountain peaks around you offer a sight to behold.
4. Visit Neelimala Viewpoint: Offering a panoramic view of the whole valley, this viewpoint stands high at a peak. The exciting and delightful night here brings a lot of surprises including a shining night sky followed by a beautiful sunrise.
Can we go on road trip from Bangalore to Wayanad? How much is the distance?
The distance between Bangalore and Wayanad is about 300 kilometers and driving your own vehicle would take between 6 and 7 hours to complete the journey. The road condition is fairly good and you will love the scenic route.
A road trip from Bangalore is also the best way to reach Wayanad. While you have the flexibility to make stops, having your own vehicle also comes to be a cheaper and more importantly, a much more comfortable trip.
What are the romantic things to do in Wayanad?
2. Farm Tour: Walk hand in hand with your beloved and enjoy the vast farms while admiring the beauty of your surroundings. From berries to fruit shrubs, a variety of plants can be found in Wayanad.
3. Visit Pakshipathalam Caves: Buried deep in the woods are these mysterious caves which provide the visitors to enjoy some serious history goals. A visit here with your beloved will offer you many beautiful sites of rock formations.
4. Safari at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: A safari here will offer you a much required thrill on your romantic adventure as you pass through the deep green forest and get a chance to spot animals like elephants and deers.
Also Checkout & Book: Kerala Tour Packages From Nagpur
Why is Wayanad so special?
Which is better Coorg or Wayanad?
Which places are best for trekking in Wayanad?
- Chembra Peak, 6,900 feet
- Pakshipathalam, 1,740 kilometers above sea level
- Banasura Hill, elevation of 6,810 feet
- Brahmagiri Peak, 1,608 meters above sea level
- Thusharagiri, across several waterfalls
Several other small treks start at Banasura Sagar Dam.
What sort of activities are enjoyable by children in Wayanad?
If you are accompanied by kids to Wayanad, do check out:
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chetalayam Falls
- Wayanad View Point
- Kanthanpara Waterfalls
- The Spice Tour
- Muniyara Wayanad Caves
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
- Kuruva Islands
- Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Is Wayanad a good destination for Camping? Which places are famous for camping in Wayanad?
Camping in Wayanad is an amazing experience. Whether you are setting up an overnight camp under the stars or a makeshift camp during your treks, it amounts to an exciting feeling.
Sitting in your small shelter under the clouds with the mountains all around is something that you remember for a lifetime. The best camping opportunities in Wayanad are offered in:
- Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chembra Peak (day camping)
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Pookode Lake
- Phantom Rock (day camp)
Some resorts also offer night camping with bonfire. You will not have to carry your own tent. However, it is better to reserve your tent beforehand if you are traveling during the tourist season.
Which are some of the affordable resorts to stay in Wayanad?
- Royal Palm Resort
- PPS Tourist Home
- The Kallat Hotel
- Wyndvalley Garden Resort
- Coffea Aroma Resort
- Rain Country Resort, Lakkidi
- Petals Resort
- Shroy Resort
- Rippon Mount Resorts
- Ayurveda Yoga Villa
- Chandragiri Inn
- Planet Green Plantation Resort
- Hiliya Resort
- Emarald Western Ghats Resorts
- Vedanta Wake Up
- Upavan Resort
Which homestays are good for stay in Wayanad?
- Olivia Residency and Home Stay
- Wayanad Home
- County Pep Holiday Home
- Pappy’s Nest
- Aranyakam Homestay
- Himadri Homestay
- Teaoute Holiday Homes
- Kudajadri Drizzle Homestay
- Three Leaves, Sulthan Bathery
- Chembra Holiday Home
- Dream Homestay, Sulthan Bathery
- Spiceland, Kalpetta
- Clement Homestay, Kalpetta
- Mountain Mist Homestay, Pulpally
- Iris Homestay, Kalpetta
- Green Villa Homestay
- Mountain Wind Homestay
- Coffee Mint Homestay
- Sree Gautham Homestay
- Blueberry Homestay
- Baby’s Homestay
- Whistling Rocks, Bathery
- Coffee Heritage Homestay
- Dew Villa
Which are must visit waterfalls in Wayanad?
Top waterfalls in Wayanad include:
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Soochipara Waterfalls
- Kanthanpara Waterfalls
- Chethalayam Waterfalls
Where can we go for wildlife safari in Wayanad? Which sanctuaries are good for wildlife safari?
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:
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Which temples are famous in Wayanad?
- Thrissilery Shiva Temple
- Pulpally Seethadevi Temple
- Anantha Natha Swami Temple
- Thrikkaipetta Shiva Temple
- Bathery Mahaganapathi Temple
- Puliyarmala Jain Temple
- Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple
- Panamaram Jain Temple
- Kunnam Betta Ayyappan Temple
How difficult is Chembra Peak trek? How much is the cost of the trek?
Located in the Mepaddy District of Wayanad, the Chembra Peak is the highest point in Wayanad and will take about 14 kilometers of journey (round trip). This trek in Wayanad is of average difficulty and if rated from a scale of 1 to 10, it would be a trek of grade 5.
At 6,900 feet above sea level, it is a trek of considerable credits. If you are trekking in the monsoons, however, the trek gets riskier as there is greater chance of slipping off.
The permission for the Chembra Trek needs to be taken from the forest office. The cost of entry is about INR 500 for a 10 member team. If you are carrying cameras, the cost is INR 25 for each camera.
Can we do cycling in Wayanad? Which places are good for cycling?
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:
- Chundale
- Plantation trails
- Soochipara Falls
- Muthanga
- Banasua Sagar Dam
- Kuruva Islands
Can we go for spice plantation visit in Wayanad?
A plantation visit is highly recommended, whether you are traveling with your partner or with a group of friends. The plantation tours last for about 3 hours in which you go around the vast acres of terraced greenery and come close to how the estates function.
You can try your hand at plucking leaves and also check out the processing units. The Spice Trail of Wayanad is also a good fun if you are traveling with kids.
Which caves are famous in Wayanad? What can be done there?
- Edakkal Caves, Kalpetta
- Edakkal Caves, Sulthan Bathery
- Thovarimala Ezhuthupura, Sulthan Bathery
- Muniyara Wayanad Caves
The Edakkal Caves is a must visit for its paintings and inscriptions that date back to the Stone Age. You will however need to be careful while exploring the caves as it can get excitingly risky.
Can we go Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary? How much is the cost?
The Tholpetty 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. Located just about 16 kilometers from Sulthan Battery, 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 maruti, rosewood, kari maruti, 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 normal still camera. If you are carrying a professional video camera, the charges would be INR 150.00 per camera.
What all things couples can do in Wayanad?
If you are traveling with your partner, the places in Wayanad that you can’t miss include:
- Kuruva Island – explore on foot
- Edakkal Caves – Stone Age inscriptions and paintings
- Chembra Peak – a trek for life
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – for exotic wildlife
- Pazhassi Raja Tomb – a spiritual connection
- Explore the tea plantations
- Spice Trail, Wayanad
Where can we do bamboo rafting in Wayanad?
Bamboo Rafting is at the Kuruvu Island and it is a one of a kind of experience. You will be wading across the Kabini River along the lush rainforests. The raft takes you across several rivers and streams.
Bamboo Rafting in the Kuruvu Island is offered for about 2 hours and is conducted by the boating association. You will be given safety jackets for the tour.
Which are some famous lakes for boating in Wayanad?
- Pookode Lake
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Karlad Lake
How far is Banasura Sagar dam from Wayanad? What all can be done there?
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.
Is Wayanad a good destination for family vacation? What places and activities family can do in Wayanad?
Wayanad can be a great experience if you are planning a vacation with your family. There something that every member of the family would feel good about. Not too far from Bangalore, it is easy to reach.
The hills are well connected by good roads and this also ensures that even elderly members of the family won’t have a problem. If you are in Wayanad with your family, do experience:
- Thirunelli Temple
- Soochipara Waterfalls
- Meemutty Waterfalls
- Papanashini River
- Kabini River Tour
- Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
- Puliyarmala Jain Temple
- Boating at Pookot Lake
- Explore the Kuruva Islands
- Kanthapara Waterfalls
- Pazhassi Raja Tomb
- Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
- Jain Temple Wayanad
- 1980’s Restaurant
Is it advisable to visit Wayanad in monsoon?
Wayanad in the monsoons is a different kind of experience altogether with the rains come the greenery. The forests around look their best and the waterfalls are in the full volumes. Monsoons are when Wayanad is in its full form.
While the rains could be a problem, it is completely safe to visit Wayanad. In fact, monsoons are also the favorite time for photographers, trekkers and all kind of outdoor lovers.
Can we stay in tree house in Wayanad? How much will be the cost?
Several resorts offer a tree house experience in Wayanad. The post popular is however the Vaithiri Village Resort Treehouse.
The prices for a night at the completely equipped Treehouse range between INR 7000 and INR 20,000. The prices come down during the off season.
Newly Added Wayanad Experiences
Wayanad Things To Do Reviews
