Things to Do in Wayanad
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is a picturesque hill station that offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and culture. With its lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and rich biodiversity, Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in local culture, or simply relax and unwind, Wayanad has something to offer everyone. Here’s your ultimate travel itinerary for things to do in Wayanad.
Also Read: Top 5 Tourist Places in Wayanad For 1 Day Trip
Best Things to Do in Wayanad
- Explore the Edakkal Caves: These ancient caves are known for their prehistoric petroglyphs, which date back over 8,000 years.
- Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam: India’s largest earth dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and reservoir.
- Trek to Chembra Peak: This is the highest peak in Wayanad, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests.
- Discover the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, this sanctuary offers a unique safari experience.
- Experience Pookode Lake: This picturesque freshwater lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers boating facilities.
- Visit the Thirunelli Temple: This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located amidst the serene Brahmagiri Hills.
- Explore the Soochipara Waterfalls: These cascading waterfalls are a great place to relax and unwind amidst nature.
- Discover the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Another wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad, known for its rich biodiversity and elephant population.
- Visit the Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery: This ancient temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Explore the Wayanad Tea Museum: Learn about the history and process of tea-making in this museum located in a scenic tea estate.
Top 10 Things to Do in Wayanad
- Bamboo Rafting in Kuruva Island: Explore the pristine beauty of Kuruva Island on a bamboo rafting expedition.
- Zip-lining at Karlad Lake: Experience the thrill of zip-lining over the picturesque Karlad Lake.
- Cycling through the Tea Plantations: Rent a bicycle and explore the scenic tea plantations of Wayanad at your own pace.
- Visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum: Learn about the rich history and culture of Wayanad at this museum located in Ambalavayal.
- Stay in a Treehouse: Experience the unique charm of Wayanad by staying in a treehouse amidst the lush green forests.
- Attend a Tribal Dance Performance: Immerse yourself in the rich tribal culture of Wayanad by attending a traditional dance performance.
- Try the Local Cuisine: Indulge in the delicious local cuisine of Wayanad, known for its use of fresh spices and ingredients.
- Visit the Chain Tree: Learn about the local legend behind this ancient tree, located near Lakkidi viewpoint.
- Explore the Chethalayam Falls: This lesser-known waterfall is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Wayanad.
- Take a Nature Walk: Explore the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings of Wayanad on a guided nature walk.
Things to Do in Wayanad in 2 Days
If you have only two days to spend in Wayanad, you can still experience a lot of what this beautiful region has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary for things to do in Wayanad in 2 days:
Day 1:
Morning:
- Edakkal Caves: Start your day early and head to the Edakkal Caves, one of the most famous attractions in Wayanad. The hike to the caves is scenic and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon:
- Banasura Sagar Dam: After exploring the caves, visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, which is about a 40-minute drive away. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the dam and take in the breathtaking views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
Evening:
- Pookode Lake: Head to Pookode Lake, which is about a 30-minute drive from the dam. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake and take a stroll around its picturesque surroundings.
Day 2:
Morning:
- Chembra Peak Trek: Start your day early with a trek to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek is challenging but offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests.
Afternoon:
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: After the trek, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Take a safari through the sanctuary to spot some of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Evening:
- Local Markets: Spend your evening exploring the local markets in Wayanad. You’ll find a variety of handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs to take back home.
This itinerary will give you a good taste of what Wayanad has to offer in just two days. Of course, if you have more time, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to explore in the region.
Adventure Things to Do in Wayanad
- Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island
- Zip-lining at Karlad Lake
- Trekking to Chembra Peak
- Wildlife Safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Rock Climbing at Soochipara Waterfalls
Unique Things to Do in Wayanad
- Stay in a Treehouse
- Attend a Tribal Dance Performance
- Visit the Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery
- Explore the Chain Tree and learn about the local legend
- Visit the Wayanad Tea Museum and learn about tea-making
Things to Do in Wayanad at Night
- Visit the local markets and shopping in Wayanad for souvenirs
- Enjoy a bonfire under the starlit sky
- Attend a cultural performance or event
- Stargaze at the clear night sky
- Take a night walk through the lush greenery
Offbeat Things to Do in Wayanad
- Visit the Uravu Bamboo Village and learn about bamboo craftsmanship
- Explore the Neelimala Viewpoint for stunning views of the Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Visit the Phantom Rock, a natural rock formation resembling a skull
- Explore the Pazhassi Raja Tomb, a historical monument dedicated to a local warrior king
- Visit the Thirunelli Temple and take a dip in the sacred Papanasini river
Wayanad offers a plethora of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, Wayanad has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip to this enchanting hill station and create memories that will last a lifetime.
