Adjacent to Nilgiris, Wayanad is a rich tropical forest that receives plenty of rainfall from monsoons. Much like Coorg, it is a district with plenty of amazing places. It’s the nearest place in Gods own country for a weekend getaway.
Explore the top amazing things to do in Wayanad for a wonderful holiday. Wayanad is one of the most scintillating tourist attractions in Kerala that has plenty of nature and natural resources. Every nook and corner is oozing beauty and charm. There are milky-white waterfalls crashing on the rocks. There are deep forests abounding with ferocious beasts.
There are serene valleys laden with floral carpets, and there are mystic hills and mountains offering numerous adventures. Camping, hiking, trekking, bicycle tours, tribal tours, wildlife safaris, farm stay and relaxing walks – Wayanad will never allow a dull moment. This is why it has become a hub of all kinds of travellers from all over the world. It is also one of the best tourist destinations in India.
Now that we have acquired an initial idea of a vacation in Kerala let us move ahead and find the best places to visit in Wayanad and things to do:
1. Banasura Sagar Dam
The Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the best tourist attractions here and is built on the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River. It is a dam and canal system that has many islands as well. They were formed by the land that got submerged under the water when the dam was constructed. With an imposing and stunning view of Banasura Hills, the dam attracts people from all over.
You can enjoy boating, bird watching, picnics and trekking here. The wonderful reservoir view can be absorbed from the peaks of the nearby mountains. The scenic views from the Banasura Dam are also excellent. You can plan your stay at Nature Resort Wayanad near Banasura Sagar Dam and witness the beauty in its glory.
2. Kuruvadweep
Kuruva Islands or Kuruvadweep is yet another gem of an attraction in Wayanad that offers a stunning evergreen forest. They have a sheer abundance of wildlife and elephants. So, they are explored via the bamboo rafts built in traditional Kerala style that glide over the waters of the river delta.
The rafting lasts from one to two hours and passes from various streams and tributaries of River Kabini. You can enjoy a tranquil water tour of the islands that have lush green forests on all sides while letting the entire environment calm the nerves. If you wish, you can enjoy rafting in fibre boats as well.
3. Edakkal Caves
Dating back to the dawn of civilization in South India, the Edakkal Caves are wonderful historical and natural attractions. The caves were believed to be inhabited in various time periods in history and are reachable after a trek. The caves are located on an ancient trade route and are believed to have been a housing of Neolithic man.
The caves also have rudimentary balconies guarded by railings to witness the stunning views of the hills and mountains nearby.
4. Neelimala View Point
Wayanad is enveloped with forests on all sides, which means that there are many opportunities for camping. The tourist camps are available with and without night fires. You can also book the various camping packages and spend some time in the lap of nature, letting the nerves unwound. Many packages offer camping on private estates with barbecues.
Some of the best places to enjoy camping in Wayanad are base of Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Makkamkunnu and Ambukuthi Mala.
Neelimala View Point is a place where you can witness the stunning beauty of the hills, mountainous landscape and verdant valleys. The scenery is impressive and fantastic on all sides. The mist-covered mountains and valleys seem like a sight out of heaven.
5. Chembra Peak
Considered as one of the best offbeat destinations in India, Chembra Peak in Kerala is located in the Wayanad district in the lap of the misty Western Ghats. You can always expect an exciting and mesmerizing trekking trip while you at this beautiful place. You can even enjoy delighting views from Hridaya Saras, a heart-shaped lake, while on the move to reach the peak.
You can go on an exciting trekking trip to the Chembra Peak in Kerala which is one of the best offbeat destinations in India. It is located in Wayanad district, in the lush, misty Western Ghats. Chembra Peak is a mountain peak with medium height and stunning valleys that is a famous hangout of adventure lovers.
You can enjoy trekking, mountain climbing, camping and picnics here. If you are a daredevil, you can also enjoy mountain biking here. It’s mandatory to get permission passes from the Forest Department for the safety of trekkers and preservation of wildlife. Also, en-route the peak, you’ll come across a heart shaped lake locally named Hridaya Saras with stunning panoramic views.
6. Pookode
Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake in Wayanad that is famous for blue lotuses, boating, fish and the scenic views. There is a children’s park, aquarium and handicrafts shop nearby. This is a perfect destination for weekend getaways as well. So, you can find many locals here.
7. Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple
Thirunelli Temple is nestled amidst the Brahmagiri Hills in Wayanad and is more than 3000 years old. It is dedicated to Vishnu, Nagam, Ganesh and Hanuman. Apart from the religious significance, this temple also offers stunning views from the hilltop. So, you must visit this temple on your vacation.
Theyyam dancers who perform dance forms like Kathakali, Theyyam and Koodiyatam wear very elaborate costumes. Performers convey folklore through dances.
8. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The lush green forests of Wayanad are teeming with wildlife. There are tigers, elephants, bison and wild buffaloes etc. The migratory birds and other common wild animals are also in plenty. So, you can enjoy an enthralling safari tour at Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife reserves.
Resorts in Wayanad
There are many resorts in Wayanad for a honeymoon that offer packages and activities for the honeymooners. From suite decorations to traditional welcome and from spa therapies to traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massages – a honeymoon at Wayanad will give you memories to cherish for a lifetime. What makes the vacation even better is the availability of luxurious nature resorts in Wayanad. They offer excellent services and holiday packages with lots of activities and facilities.
Some of the pros that the nature resorts in Wayanad offer are holiday packages, honeymoon packages, guided tours, camping, trekking, mountain trails, hiking and tribal tours, wildlife safaris, spa and massage sessions at the in-house spas and wellness centres, stunning views of the greenery and hills nearby and luxurious accommodation. You can also book the camping packages via the nature resorts in Wayanad that offers many packages.
With the plethora of these and many other amazing activities, Wayanad is an exotic adventure. So, when are you exploring it?