Wayanad is a green paradise nested in the northeast mountains of Kerala. As one of South India’s most enchanting getaways, it offers a perfect blend of mist-clad peaks, sprawling spice plantations, and gushing waterfalls. If you’re planning to escape from city life and plan a Wayanad trip, here are 10 places to visit in Wayanad that you must not miss.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Wayanad
1. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is the highest point in the district, located about 2,100 meters above sea level. Located roughly about 35 km from Wayanad’s town center, the peak is famous among locals for its adventurous and rewarding trek through rolling hills and lush tea estates. Halfway up the trek, you will come across a naturally formed, emerald-hued lake that is rumored to never dry up. Chembra Peak is ideal for sightseeing, photography, and nature trails.
Address: G36Q+PF Kottappadi part, Kerala
Distance from Wayanad town center: 35 km approximately
2. Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is among one of the most fascinating engineering marvels of South India. It is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second largest in Asia. The vast reservoir is dotted with small, half-submerged islands against a backdrop of mist-covered mountains, offering an otherworldly visual experience. You can try various activities like speedboat cruising, pedal-boating, and exploring the floating solar panels. With an adjacent park here, it is perfect for a wholesome family-friendly outing in Wayanad.
Address: Dam Road PO Vasudeva Edom, Pozhuthana, Kerala 673575
Distance from Wayanad town center: 19 km approximately
3. Edakkal Caves
If you’re a history lover, you’ll enjoy exploring Edakkal Caves. Located about 1,200 meters up on the Ambukuthi Hills, these are not technically deep caves but a natural rock shelter formed by a massive boulder wedged between two larger cliffs.
The caves are known for housing rare Neolithic petroglyphs dating back over 6,000 years. These intricate etchings depict human figures, animals, and ancient symbols, drawing history buffs and archaeologists from all over the world.
Address: Nenmeni, Kerala 673593
Distance from Wayanad town center: 24 km approximately
4. Pookode Lake
If you are looking for a gentle, relaxing afternoon, Pookode Lake is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Wayanad for families. This natural freshwater lake is shaped like India’s physical map and is entirely ringed by thick, emerald forests. Blue water lilies carpet the edges while pedal boats glide along the calm waters. A paved 1.5-kilometer walkway encircles the lake, making it great for a peaceful stroll beneath the canopy of forest trees.
Address: Kunnathidavaka, Pookode, Kerala 673576
Distance from Wayanad town center: 25 km approximately
5. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthanga)
Bordering the prominent national parks of Bandipur (Karnataka) and Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a crucial element of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It ranks at the top of Wayanad attractions for experiencing raw nature.
The Forest Department coordinates morning and evening jeep safaris that take you deep into the moist-deciduous bamboo thickets. Chances of you spotting wild Asian elephant herds, gaur, chital, and barking deer are high, so make sure you are prepared for it.
Address: M9C9+JFV, Bathery- Puthupally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Distance from Wayanad town center: 38 km approximately
6. Kuruva Island (Kuruvadweep)
Kuruva Island offers a starkly unique ecosystem compared to the high hills of Wayanad. Sprawled across 950 acres on the eastward-flowing Kabini River, it is a protected river delta consisting of a dense cluster of uninhabited islets.
The islands are famous for their silent bamboo groves, bridges woven out of hanging roots, and rare orchids. The island closes during the peak monsoon season (June to September) due to rising river levels, so make sure to skip it during the monsoon season in Wayanad.
Distance from Wayanad town center: 22 km approximately
7. Soochipara Waterfalls
Also referred to as Sentinel Rock Falls, Soochipara is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall crashing down from a sheer height of 200 meters. The name ‘Soochipara’ translates to “needle rock,” inspired by the sharp, needle-like cliff face flanking the falls.
The walk down to the falls takes you through beautifully terraced tea estates and moist forest trails. At the base, a massive pool of crisp, cold water collects, providing an ideal spot for an invigorating dip.
Address: Elavayal, Vellarimala, Kerala 673577
Distance from Wayanad town center: 36 km approximately
Also Read: Wayanad 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary: Complete Plan
8. Lakkidi View Point
Known as the “Gateway to Wayanad,” Lakkidi is located at the crest of the winding Thamarassery Ghat pass. Sitting at an altitude of 700 meters, Lakkidi View Point offers a dramatic, panoramic view of the steep, nine hairpin curves snaking down the mountain valley below. It is a phenomenal spot to visit during the early morning or late evening when the entire valley fills up with a sea of rolling white mist, making the roads look like silver threads cutting through the mountains.
Address: G269+VHF, Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal Highway, Lakkidi, Kerala 673586
Distance from Wayanad town center: 29 km approximately
9. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
While Muthanga sits to the south, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary occupies the northern reach of Wayanad near Coorg. Both sanctuaries make up the collective rank for ‘top tourist places in Wayanad’ for wildlife watching’, but Tholpetty features a distinct landscape heavy with teak and silver oak plantations.
Jeep safaris here circle around a primary watering hole where animals congregate to drink, raising your chances of spotting herds of elephants, langurs, Malabar giant squirrels, and diverse bird species.
Address: G269+VHF, Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal Highway, Lakkidi, Kerala 673586
Distance from Wayanad town center: 29 km approximately
10. Meenmutty Waterfalls
For those who prefer a side of raw adventure with their sightseeing, Meenmutty Waterfalls is an incredible choice. It is one of the largest and most pristine waterfalls in Kerala, tumbling down an impressive 300 meters across three distinct stages.
Reaching Meenmutty requires an arduous, 2-kilometer trek through dense, unbroken jungle patches. Because it is less commercialized than Soochipara, you can experience the unbothered sounds of nature and roaring water in relative solitude.
Address: MWGQ+5QJ, Banasuramala-Meenmutty Waterfalls Rd, Varambetta, Padinjarathara, Kerala 673575
Distance from Wayanad town center: 21 km approximately
Also Read: Complete Travel Guide To Thiruvananthapuram: Places, Food, Stay & Costs
Summing Up
These are some of the best places to visit in Wayanad. From Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam to Lakkidi View Point and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, we’ve shared with you the top places to visit in Wayanad. Beyond the best places to visit in Wayanad, if you’re looking for more information, refer to our guide for the best time to visit Wayanad and a Wayanad budget breakdown.
