Wayanad
Discover Wayanad: Kerala’s Tranquil Paradise
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a picturesque district in Kerala known for its lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and abundant wildlife. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking peace and tranquility. Wayanad is home to serene waterfalls, ancient caves, spice plantations, and abundant wildlife, offering a diverse range of experiences. Here's a guide to the must-visit places in Wayanad.
🌿 Edakkal Caves: A Peek into Prehistoric Times
The Edakkal Caves are a historic and archaeological wonder, known for their ancient petroglyphs (rock engravings) that date back to the Stone Age. The caves are located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on Ambukuthi Hill. A hike to the caves takes about 30 minutes and rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Activities: Trekking, photography, historical exploration
Ticket Price: ₹30 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: October to March (for trekking and exploring)
🌊 Soochipara Waterfalls: A Majestic Sight
Soochipara, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfall, is a stunning three-tiered waterfall located in Vellarimala, about 22 km from Wayanad. The waterfall cascades from a height of 100 meters and is surrounded by dense forests, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Activities: Swimming, photography, trekking
Ticket Price: ₹30 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: June to September (monsoon for full flow), or October to March for pleasant weather
🦁 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A Nature Lover’s Haven
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, spanning over 344 square kilometers. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. The sanctuary is divided into three regions: Muthanga, Tholpetty, and Kurichiat, each offering unique wildlife experiences.
Activities: Safari, wildlife photography, birdwatching
Ticket Price: ₹200 (Indian), ₹500 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: November to April (for wildlife sightings)
🏞️ Pookode Lake: Tranquil Waters in the Hills
Pookode Lake is a scenic freshwater lake located amidst the lush hills of Wayanad. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and offers boating and a peaceful environment for relaxation. It is also a great spot for birdwatching and photography.
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Pookode lake |
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| Children playing Area |
Activities: Boating, photography, nature walks
Ticket Price: ₹20 (Indian), ₹50 (Foreigners). For boating have to take separate ticket as per the no. passenger and type of boat
Best Time to Visit: October to March (for pleasant weather)
🌳 Chembra Peak: The Heart-shaped Lake
For adventure enthusiasts and trekkers, Chembra Peak is a must-visit. It is the highest peak in Wayanad, offering a challenging trek and an awe-inspiring view from the top. The highlight of the trek is the heart-shaped lake, located halfway up the peak, which adds a magical touch to the journey.
Activities: Trekking, photography
Ticket Price: ₹50 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: October to March (ideal weather for trekking)
🍂 Banasura Sagar Dam: Scenic Views and Boating
The Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and second largest in Asia, located at the foot of Banasura Hill. It is named after Banasura the son of Hindu Mythological king Mahabali. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the reservoir and the mountains. The area also has opportunities for boating, making it an excellent place for relaxation and photography. Inside you will not get any food items but outside you will get some snacks type of food and ice cream as well. Inside there is space for playing for children. To go from bottom of the Dam to top of the dam Bus service is available which cost 25 rupees per person for return ticket and for one way 15 Rupees.
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| Some History About Banasura Sagar Dam |
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| Dam View |
Must Try Activities:
Boating:
For Boating and entry ticket you can book online and offline. Here Speed boat, Padel boat and boat for group also available. Speed boat will give good thrill and it cost Rs. 1000 for 5 people. For children also Boating is there. Below 5 years ticket not required.
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| QR code for ticket booking |
Zipline:
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| Zipline |
Activities: Boating, sightseeing, photography
Ticket Price: ₹20 (Indian), ₹50 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather)
🌲 Kuruva Island: Nature’s Retreat
Kuruva Island is a unique river delta located in the Kabini River, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. The island is made up of a cluster of small islands, dense forests, and bamboo groves. Visitors can explore the island on foot or by boat, making it an ideal spot for nature walks and birdwatching.
Activities: Boat rides, nature walks, birdwatching
Ticket Price: ₹100 (Indian), ₹300 (Foreigners)
Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather)
How to Reach Wayanad
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (about 65 km from Wayanad)
- By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), about 65 km from Wayanad. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad. If there is no direct flight to Calicut then you can try flight to Coimbatore which is around 200 Km away.
Where to Stay in Wayanad
Wayanad offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget hotels. You can stay amidst nature and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
- Luxury Resorts: Vythiri Village Resort (₹8,000 - ₹15,000 per night), Wayanad Wild (₹6,000 - ₹12,000 per night)
- Budget Hotels: Green Gates Hotel (₹2,500 - ₹5,000 per night), Chandini Tourism (₹1,500 - ₹3,000 per night)
- Homestays: Edakkal Hermitage (₹2,000 - ₹4,000 per night), Nature’s Treat (₹2,500 - ₹5,000 per night)
Must-Try Food in Wayanad
Wayanad offers a delightful array of traditional Kerala dishes that are a must-try during your visit.
- Appam with Stew: Soft appams served with flavorful vegetable or chicken stew. Available at Wayanad Cuisine and The Wayanad Kitchen.
- Malabar Parotta with Beef Curry: A delicious flaky parotta served with spicy beef curry. Try it at The Misty Hills Restaurant.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: A traditional Kerala breakfast dish made of steamed rice cakes served with spicy black chickpea curry. Available at The Spice Garden Restaurant and Vythiri Village Restaurant.
- Banana Chips: Wayanad is known for its crispy banana chips made from raw bananas. Available in local markets and shops.
What to Buy in Wayanad: Souvenirs and Handicrafts
Wayanad is known for its unique handicrafts, spices, and organic products. Here’s what you can buy during your visit:
- Spices: Kerala is famous for its fresh spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. These can be purchased from local spice markets. Price: ₹50 - ₹300 depending on quantity
- Tea and Coffee: Wayanad is known for its plantations, so you can buy fresh tea and coffee at local markets. Price: ₹100 - ₹500 depending on the quality
- Handicrafts: Wooden sculptures, bamboo products, and stone carvings are popular souvenirs. Price: ₹100 - ₹2,000 depending on the item
Best Time to Visit Wayanad
The best time to visit Wayanad is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The monsoon season (June to September) brings out the lush greenery, but it can also be rainy and slippery, making trekking and sightseeing more challenging.
How Many Days to Stay in Wayanad
A stay of 3 to 4 days is ideal to explore Wayanad’s main attractions, including waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking spots. This will also allow you to unwind and experience the region’s tranquil beauty.
Wrap-Up: A Tranquil Escape in Wayanad
Wayanad is a beautiful fusion of nature, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you’re trekking up the Chembra Peak, boating at Pookode Lake, or exploring ancient caves, Wayanad offers something for everyone. So pack your bags and embark on a journey to Wayanad, where every corner offers a serene escape into nature. 🌿🌊
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