Looking for the best places to visit in Wayanad for your next expedition? Wayanad is a beautiful hill station with remarkable landscapes, enchanting greenery, and rich cultural history. The peaceful region provides a route of escape from the hustle and bustle of regular city life. It has various tourist attractions, including waterfalls, ancient caves, lush verdant gardens, and wild reserves. From the historical carving of Edakkal caves to serenity of Pookode lake and architecture marvel of Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayand has it all.
13 Best Places to Visit in Wayanad
Here are the 13 best places to visit in Wayanad, complete with entry timings and fee details, to help you efficiently create your itinerary for the trip
1. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Ashwini6 / Wikimedia Commons
Edakkal Caves are one of the most popular adventurous places to visit in Wayanad. The biggest attraction of the Edakkal Caves is the ancient rock carvings from the Neolithic era. Tourists can trek on the numerous trekking trails to the peak to experience the mesmerising view of the surroundings.The carvings represent human and animal figures and different symbols, from which one can understand how life would have been in the prehistoric age. The route to the caves leads through the lushness of the grasslands, giving a view of the Western Ghats.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children
Suggested Read: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Banasura Sagar Dam
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in India. Surrounded by beautiful hills, this dam provides some serene views of the surroundings.The dam creates a vast reservoir to explore many small islands. The dam is ideal for picnics and nice, long nature walks, with the cool breeze adding to the romance of this picturesque landscape. Due to the mesmerising landscapes and numerous attractions, Banasura Dam is a priority among the top in the list of Wayanad tourist places.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
3. Chembra Peak
Photo: Premdasan / Wikimedia Commons
Chembra Peak is one of the highest peaks in Kerala with a majestic view.The major attraction of the peak includes the heart-shaped lake on the way and trekking is popular among tourists. People usually head for this lake, sometimes called ‘Hridaya Saras,’ for photographic and leisurely purposes.The trail to Chembra Peak is moderately difficult, with a heart-winning panoramic view of hills and valleys, making it one of the perfect destinations for beginners or experienced trekkers in the bucket list of places for Wayanad trip.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹15 for children
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kumily
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Mrriyad / Wikimedia Commons
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Wayanad to experience the beauty of wildlife. It is a haven for wildlife lovers with common sights including elephants, deer, birds, etc.This sanctuary was established in 1973 and has two divisions: one in the north, known as Tholpetty, and another in the south, known as Muthanga. In this sanctuary, jeep safaris provide an exciting opportunity for viewing wildlife.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
5. Soochipara Falls
Soochipara Falls, also called Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a scenic 3-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala. Dense forests surround the falls, making this spot serene for nature lovers.
The cascading water drops from a peak of approximately 200 metres, making it a breathtaking sight. Visitors can also experience fresh swimming in the pool at the base of these falls and behold the brilliant beauty of nature. A brief trek down the scenic trail will deliver one to this fantastic journey.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹15 for children, ₹30 for adults
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kollam
6. Pookode Lake
Situated amidst perennial green forests and a scenic landscape, Pookode Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful freshwater lake. This lake, shaped like the map of India, is surrounded by verdant landscapes and has arrangements for boating for tourists to explore the tranquil waters.There is also a freshwater aquarium and children’s park nearby, adding to the beauty of the lake. The cool climate and the surrounding scenic beauty make Pookode Lake a prime attraction on Wayanad tourist places list
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
7. Thirunelli Temple
Photo: Vijayakumarblathur / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruneli temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in a beautiful valley and offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for tourists to experience. Believed to be over a thousand years old, people often call it ‘Kashi of the South.’According to legend, the nearby Papanasini stream can heal any illnesses, and devotees take a dip in its waters. Its picturesque surroundings and spiritual ambience make Thirunelli Temple one of the top religious places to visit in Wayanad.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Vellayani Temple
8. Kuruva Island
Photo: Akhilgeorgekutty / Wikipedia
Kuruva Island is a group of islands surrounded by the Kabini River. It is spread across 950 acres and forms a protected river delta area, home to numerous plants and animals.Tourists can access the islands using rafts or boats, which is usually a kind of adventure one gets to experience.Kuruva Island is where tourists experience the natural beauty of Wayanad, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹80 for adults, ₹50 for children
9. Lakkidi View Point
Photo: Sudarshan Solairaj / Wikimedia Commons
Lakkidi View Point is a place that allows for a wide-angle view of the mist-covered mountain peaks, in addition to the beautiful swirling roads of Wayanad. Lakkidi is situated about 700 metres above the mean sea level and is referred to as the ‘Gateway to Wayanad. It gives a panoramic view of the lush mountains that get wrapped up with white clouds. Lakkidi View Point promises that one will always have the best experience amidst the natural, pristine settings of Wayanad among all of the other places to visit in Wayanad.
Timings: At all time
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Kuthira Maliga Palace Museum
10. Meenmutty Falls
Photo: Anil RV / Wikimedia Commons
Meenmutty Waterfalls is located in Wayanad and offers an agile view, continuously falling from a height of about 300 metres in three tiers. The falling gushing waters stand inside dense forests and rocky terrains; hence, one has to trek a bit across while enjoying the scenic beauty of lush greenery and streams. Tourists can enjoy the view of cascading water and witness the beauty of Wayanad.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30
11. Jain Temple
Photo: Joseph Laser / Wikipedia
Jain Temple is one of the popular religious tourist attractions in Wayanad. It is a marvel of history and dates back to the 13th century. Popular for its intricate architecture and rich cultural value, this monument is highly recognized.
Carvings and ancient sculptures in this monument unveil the Jain traditions and much more. The ambience of the temple is serene and offers great spiritualistic moments under the well-preserved pillars and detailed artwork.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Konni Elephant Museum
12. Phantom Rock
Phantom Rock is a natural skull-shaped rock formation near Ambalavayal in Wayanad. It is an unusual geological wonder and attracts tourists, nature lovers, and photographers.
The rock is surrounded by rich landscapes that offer great views of the nearby mountains and valleys. Phantom Rock is ideal for short walks and nature walks to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Wayanad. Due to its rich beauty, Phantom Rock comes among the top tourist places in Wayanad.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
13. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikipedia Commons
Situated in the Brahmagiri Hills of Wayanad, the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is an ideal getaway for bird watchers and nature lovers. Among the popular places for Wayanad trip, this sanctuary stands out with its rare and exotic species of birds that inhabit the dense forest with rocky terrain.Tourists can also do a sanctuary trek that forms a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Being surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Wayanad, the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary emerges as a haven for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Timing: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for kids
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kozhikode
Wayanad is the perfect holiday destination for any individual, composed of a potent mix of nature, adventure, and history. Wayanad would be the ideal vacation destination because from ancient rock carvings hardly preserved in Edakkal Caves to serene beauty in Pookode Lake, Wayanad has niches to cater to. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore and embrace this magical part of Kerala.
Cover Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons