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Wayanad is a trekking haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The forest area of the western Ghats comes alive during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Wayanad offers the perfect blend of green undulating hills, deep valleys and dense forests. The place is home to several endangered and rare species of birds and animals that can be visited on different Wayanad trekking trails and wildlife sanctuaries. There are snakes like Malabar Pit Vipers, shieldtails, king cobras, and other birds like Orange-headed thrush, Malabar trogon and Grey hornbill. Several trails lead you through rolling tea and coffee plantations that offer the trekkers a great experience of walking through nature.
Location
Photo: Karkiabhijeet / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the northeast side of Kerala, Wayanad is Nilgiris Mountains in the east while also sharing its borders with Coorg. Several fast-flowing rivers like Kabini, Panorama and Mananthavady add to the beauty of the whole region.
How To Reach
Photo: Dil Shad Roshan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode railway station (85 km away)
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport (90 km away)
Nearest Bus Station: Wayanad bus stand
Top Wayanad Trekking Trails
Wayanad trekking trails are a treat to visit for any nature enthusiasts. There are several trekking trails that one can choose from depending upon their difficulty level and distance covered.
1. Chembra Peak Trail
Photo: Robin S Kishore / Wikimedia Commons
Chembra Peak is one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats and is easily visible from several locations in Wayanad. It is one of the trekking spots in Wayanad and the highlight of this trail is the heart-shaped lake located at the top. Shaped perfectly like a heart, it is one of the few lakes one can find on the shola grasslands. It takes around 2 to three hours to trek to the lake from Meppadi which winds through thick forests, tea plantations and overgrown grasslands. The view from the lake opens up on cloudy vistas of watchtowers, tea plantations and local flora and fauna.
Starting Point: Meppadi
Total Distance From Kalpetta: 11.5 kms
Elevation: 6890 feet
2. Banasura Hills Trek
Photo: Dil Shad Roshan / Wikimedia Commons
Considered to be a moderately difficult trek, the Banasura Hills trek takes you through rolling grasslands blanketing the valley. The trail itself offers spectacular views of Pakshipathalam and Chembra Peak. Deriving its name from its Starting Point Banasura Sagar Dam which is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in the continent, the trek offers a perfect setting to watch the interplay between the sun rays and descending fog on the distinctive cone-shaped Banasura hills.
Starting Point: Banasura Dam
Distance From Kalpetta: 20.4 kms
Elevation: 6801 ft
3. Pakshipathalam Trek
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Translating into ‘Abode of birds’ in Malayalam, Pakshipathalam is one of the Wayanad trekking places located in the Brahmagiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The place is home to diverse flora and fauna and is quite known for its colourful and rare birdlife. In addition to the trail, there are many caves located near the trails that can be explored while trekking on the hills. Taking one through steep descents and ascents, the Pakshipathalam trek is an adventurous trail that is perfect for a moderate trekking trail enthusiast.
Starting Point: Thirunelli Temple
Elevation: 5708 ft
Distance From Kalpetta: 48.8 km
4. Paithalmala Trek
Photo: Rawbin / Wikimedia Commons
A prominent hill station of Kerala, Paithalmala is enclosed by Coorg Valley on one side and Kannur on the other. The trail offers a refreshing combination of semi-evergreen shola grasslands, misty valleys and green forests that add novelty to the region. In addition, there is an observation tower along the trail that offers a bird’s eye view to all the visitors of the surrounding area. It is a 5 km trek up the hill that gives a mesmerising view of the green Paithalmala forests and even the Arabian Sea on a clear day.
Starting Point: Kappimala
Elevation: 4500 ft
Distance From Kalpetta: 133 kms
5. Cheengeri Hills Trek
Photo: zapCulture / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This is a newly discovered Wayanad trekking trail that is fast becoming popular among trekking beginners. There is no tree cover along the trail. One gets to climb on granite rocks that are older than the Himalayas themselves. The trail takes around 2 hours to reach the top and offers some amazing views of the Muttimala, Karapuzha Dam and Chembra Peak.
Starting Point: Ambalavayal
Elevation: 3460 ft
Distance From Kalpetta: 21 kms
6. Tadiandamol Trek
Photo: Toomas Tartes / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This trek is quite popular among the trekking community visiting Wayanad. In fact, it is one of the most talked about treks among people looking to start their trekking journey in the Western Ghats. The view from the Tadiandamol peak is a stunning sight with green hills spread out as far one can see extending in all the directions. There are pepper plantations and coffee estates spread throughout the trek with colourful local flora and fauna like nutmeg trees, betel nut trees, fishtail palms and several other trees interspersed in between.
Starting Point: Kakkabe
Elevation: 5734 ft
Distance From Kalpetta: 127 kms
7. Soochipara Falls Trek
Photo: Yjenith / Wikimedia Commons
This trekking trail takes a person along a well-laid-out trail to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Wayanad district- the Soochipara Falls. Cascading down from a height of 656 feet, the Sentinel Rock Falls or Soochipara Falls offers an enrapturing experience to all trekkers. One can even try their hand at rock climbing too.
Nearest Village: Meppadi
Trekking Distance: 4 kms (total)
8. Aranamala River Trek
Photo: Akshay Nair / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Considered to be easy or difficult depending upon the water in the stream, Aranamala Hill Station is located around 12 km from Meppadi. The trail offers bolting views, an ethereal environment, dancing waterfalls and Cardamom plantation pictures for all to view. One of the highlights of the trip is the view of Aramala Stream emptying into the Aramala River. The difficulty level of this trek increases in the monsoon season when the water in the river swells up. To ensure a safe trekking experience, it is a must to take a local guide on this trek.
Total Trekking Distance: 4 kms river trek
Where To Stay
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There are several hotels and resorts located in Wayanad that offer a comfortable and hygienic stay to travellers. Some of the best options that one can choose from depending upon their pockets are Hillaya Resort, Lakerose Wayanad Resort, Resort Wayanad, Wayanad Mist Villas, Sterling Wayanad, and many more.
Where To Eat
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Due to the popularity of Wayanad as a popular tourist and trekking destination of Kerala, there are several eating joints located in the district where one can taste local as well as world-class cuisine. Some popular eating joints include Jubilee Restaurant, Wilton Hotel, Wayanad Restaurant, Plan B Multicuisine Restaurant, and several others.
Other Factors To Consider
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- The best time to visit Wayanad trekking trails for a pleasurable trekking experience is during the winter season which spans from November to February. This is because the weather is cool and natural fauna is at its best.
- The average cost of trekking in Wayanad per person starts at around 4-5000 INR. This includes the trekking guide cost, all the necessary equipment and other necessary items. The cost may vary at different trekking points depending upon the difficulty level.
Wayanad Trekking trails are one of the most exciting and adventurous trekking trails of Southern India. The beautiful locales of green hills, deep valleys and misty clouds interspersed with tea and coffee plantations offer a great adrenaline rush and mesmerising views to a trekker. You can plan a trip with TripXL to visit these exciting trekking trails of Wayanad and experience the magic of a lifetime.
Cover Photo: pcdazero / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
