Wayanad district lies in the state of Kerala and it is situated amidst the Western Ghats. Being quite close to nature, the place has many beautiful valleys, magnificent waterfalls, splendid wildlife sanctuaries, and other landscapes for nature lovers. One can also find numerous ancient caves and temples that provide a variety of adventurous opportunities to try out. The place is also famous for its backwaters, spices, hill stations, etc. The following are some of the top places to visit in Wayanad.

Wayanad is the only plateau in Kerala and it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and Tamil Nadu to the south-east. There are many trekking points in this district and Chembra Peak is the highest point in this place. It also has many rivers flowing through it such as the Kabini River and its tributaries.

Certain facts about Wayanad

Climate	summers are quite hot; winters are chilly and fresh
Best time to visit	October to May
Nearest Airport	Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode, 100 km
Nearest Railway Station	Kozhikode Junction, 110 km
Major Attractions	Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kuruva Island, Soochipara Falls, etc.
Activities to do	Bamboo Rafting, Go Caving, Enjoy in the Lap Of Nature, Trek, Experience Village Life, Learn History, Temple visit, etc.
Best way to reach	Wayanad is not connected directly by rail or air. Therefore, one needs to reach to the nearest railway station or the airport and catch a taxi or cab to reach to here.
Elevation	700-2100 m
Languages spoken	Wayanad Chetti, Malayalam, etc
Ideal number of days needed	3-4 days

List of places to visit in Wayanad

Here is the list of the most important and beautiful places to explore in Wayanad:

Banasura Sagar Dam

This dam is believed to be the largest earthen dam in all of India and it is also the second largest dam in Asia. It is surrounded by greenery from all sides and thus, it is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. People love to spend quality time here and relax with their friends and family.

This is also an option for boating on the lake and for adventure lovers, it provides an opportunity to hike up to the Banasura peak. It is also a great picnic spot that attracts the locals as well as most of the tourists to this place. It is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and the best time to visit this dam is from September to March.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

It is spread over an area of 344 km² and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This wildlife sanctuary is home to many exotic, endemic, and endangered species of plants and animals. It’s a great place for wildlife enthusiasts and is blessed with trees such as bamboo, teak, oak, eucalyptus, etc.

Most of the people who come here go for the safari ride which offers a great opportunity to witness animals such as deer, elephants, bison, etc. Other animals at this place include tigers, snakes, crocodiles, peacocks, etc. An ideal time to visit here is from October to February and one can reach this sanctuary by taking a bus or a taxi from the nearest railway station or the airport.

Kuruva Island

This island is spread over an area of 950 acres and it is located in the Kabini River. It is said that it is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad, especially for couples. It is surrounded by crystal clear water from all sides and on the island, you will find evergreen forests that house many exotic species of animals.

This place is also preferred by those who are seeking peace and want to escape from the loudness of city life. There are also many rare species of birds and trees that can be witnessed if you are one of those lucky tourists. To explore the island, you need to cover a few areas on foot, other places can be covered via boat or raft. Few adventurous activities to do on this island include trekking, water activities, jungle walks, etc.

Edakkal Caves

These caves are believed to have almost 8000-year-old carvings of the Neolithic Era. It is mostly preferred by history lovers, archaeology students, and mystery seekers. There are many legends, and stories related to these caves and while you visit this place, you will get engrossed in its ancient mysteries. It is located at a height of 1200 m and it has many fascinating paintings on its walls. It is open every day from 9 AM to 4 PM, except for Monday.

Chembra Peak

It is the highest peak of Wayanad hill and its height is almost 6890 feet from sea level. It offers a great trekking experience but for that one needs a permit from the forest department. It has lush green vegetation and a peaceful atmosphere that attracts tourists itself. There is also a heart-shaped lake that lies on the way to the peak. From the top of the peak, you can witness Banasura Dam and many tea plantations. The best time to visit here is from September to March.

Neelimala View Point

This viewpoint offers some of the most exciting experiences in Wayanad. It has a very quiet and relaxing atmosphere as the air is very fresh and the mist of clouds, and crystal clear water in the streams, make Neelimala View Point one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. Once you reach the top, the whole area looks very green and you can also see Meenmutty falls from the top. The place is also a blessing for birdwatchers as many rare and exotic species of birds are found here.

Pookode Lake

It is a freshwater lake that is famous for the variety of fishes found here and also for many different kinds of birds that come to visit this lake. One of the most fascinating things about this lake is that its shape is exactly like the map of India. Here, one can go boating, visit an aquarium to watch a variety of fishes, and shop for local handicrafts and spices.

This lake is located in the middle of evergreen forests and a mountain range that lies at an altitude of 770 m above sea level. Pookode Lake is also the smallest and the highest freshwater lake in Kerala. Kabini River originates from this lake only. One can find an abundance of a blue lotus at this place. And at the entrance of the lake, there is also a handicraft shop where you can buy exotic items such as handmade soap, Ayurvedic products, handicrafts, etc.

Soochipara Falls

This fall is totally worth your time as it is a great spot to come and relax, take a deep in the pool formed at the base of this waterfall. It is generally preferred by the tourists during the summer month as most of them come to escape the scorching heat of the city.

The water is quite cool and clear that leaving visitors refreshed and thrilled. It is open from 12 AM to 12 PM and it falls from a height of 656 feet. There are lush green forests nearby and a huge rock making this place a beautiful landscape for photography.

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Frequently asked questions about Wayanad