Kerala’s Western Ghats are known for cradling within them a beautiful destination that remains a top choice for all kinds of travelers – Wayanad. This rural district is home to sprawling tea and coffee plantations, biodiverse forests, fascinating national parks, cascading waterfalls, and a history that makes you fall in awe of Wayanad. If a Wayanad trip is something that you’re looking forward to, this is the right article for you. Our travel guide to Wayanad provides all the essential information you need to know – from best places to visit, local food to eat, and where to stay – we have it all!
Best Time To Visit Wayanad
Hold on! Before you plan your Wayanad trip, it is essential to know how Wayanad’s climate works. No travel guide to Wayanad is complete without adequate information about the best time to visit this place.
- Summer (March to May): Pleasant compared to most South Indian destinations, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall transforms Wayanad into a lush green paradise. Temperatures can range between 15°C and 25°C.
- Winter (October to February): Cool, dry, and comfortable with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
October To February: Best Time To Visit Wayanad
For most travelers, the best season to visit Wayanad is often between October and February. This is the time when the weather is cool, skies are clear, and outdoor activities like sightseeing, wildlife safaris, and camping are at their best.
This season is ideal for all kinds of travelers as it allows them to explore this place comfortably. However, if you love overflowing waterfalls, misty hills, and the rainfall, the monsoon season – June to September – is ideal.
Wayanad Weather In Summer (March To May)
The Wayanad temperature in summer is much milder than many other destinations in South India, thanks to its elevation and green cover. Average temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C, making it suitable for sightseeing throughout the day with short afternoon breaks.
During May, temperatures may reach their peak in the noon, so it is recommended to go for sightseeing in the early morning hours or in the evening. Most activities are open during this time, including tea plantations, coffee estates, lake boating, resort vacations, cave explorations, and more.
Wayanad Weather In Monsoon (June To September)
The Wayanad weather in monsoon is known for its heavy rainfall, mist-covered valleys, and lush forests. Average temperatures remain between 18°C and 29°C. This is the time when Wayanad looks like a literal paradise, with mist covering up hilltops, waterfalls overflowing with sheer grace, and the air turning cool and crisp. Visitors should carry waterproof clothing, trekking shoes with good grip, and flexible travel plans, as heavy rain may affect outdoor activities.
Wayanad 3 Days Trip Cost & Itinerary
A 3-day, 2-night itinerary is ideal for covering Wayanad’s major attractions while allowing enough time to relax. Here is an estimated budget breakdown for a 3-day Wayanad trip:
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| Accommodation | INR 2,000 to INR 3,500 | INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 | INR 12,000 to INR 25,000+ |
| Food | INR 1,000 to INR 2,500 | INR 2,500 to INR 4,000 | INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 |
| Local Transport | INR 2,000 to INR 3,500 | INR 4,000 to INR 6,000 | INR 7,000 to INR 10,000 |
| Sightseeing & Entry Fees | INR 700 to INR 1,200 | INR 1,200 to INR 2,000 | INR 2,000+ |
| Activities | INR 500 to INR 1,500 | INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 | INR 5,000+ |
Travel Guide To Wayanad: Suggestive Wayanad 3-Days 2-Nights Itinerary
Day 1
- Soochipara Waterfalls: Soochipara Waterfalls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls) cascades down from nearly 200 meters in three tiers. The waterfall requires a short trek of about 20 minutes and is the most spectacular during the monsoon months.
- Edakkal Caves: It lies near the ancient trade route connecting the Malabar Coast to the mountains of Mysore and is unlike any other cave. It consists of a natural rock shelter known for prehistoric carvings believed to be over 6,000 years old.
- Phantom Rock: Also known as Cheengeri Mala, Phantom Rock is a natural rock formation deriving its name from its uncanny resemblance to the face of the legendary comic book superhero, the Phantom.
Day 2
- Pookode Lake: One of Wayanad’s most popular attractions and is the smallest and the highest altitude lake in Kerala.
- Lakkidi View Point: Tourists often stop at the Lakkidi View Point for pictures and scenic views. Lakkidi has also emerged as a popular hill destination among tourists.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India. There are a number of adventure and outdoor activities, with boating, pedal boating, speed boating, and other activities.
- Local market & café hopping
Day 3
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is declared a Project Elephant site to conserve India’s Asian Elephants in their natural habitat. It also includes over 203 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Read our Wayanad 3 days 2 nights itinerary for in-depth information about how to plan a Wayanad trip.
Travel Tips For Wayanad
- Rent a car or scooter if you’re comfortable driving through hilly roads. You can use cabs or rickshaws for internal commuting otherwise.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes for attractions like Edakkal Caves and waterfalls.
- Carry a raincoat or umbrella, especially during the monsoon.
- Start sightseeing early to avoid crowds and heat, especially during the summer season.
- Mobile connectivity may be weak in some forest areas, so make sure you have offline maps in your mobile.
- Carry sufficient cash, as smaller shops may not accept digital payments.
- Follow all wildlife and forest department guidelines during safaris.
- Avoid littering and help preserve Wayanad’s natural beauty.
Where To Stay In Wayanad
Budget Stays
Budget travelers can choose from homestays, guesthouses, backpackers hotels and hostels. Most budget hostels here cost INR 600 onwards, making Wayanad a great choice for solo travelers.
Mid-Range Hotels
There are plenty of mid-budget hotels for families and travelers with a decent budget. From decent hotels and boutique stays to homestays, most mid-range hotels have good amenities like a swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, and others. Most mid-range hotels start at around INR 2,000 to INR 2,500.
Luxury Resorts
Wayanad is known for its premium resorts nestled amidst forests and plantations. These offer spectacular views along with providing top notch amenities. Luxury resorts often include:
- Infinity pools
- Spa treatments
- Private villas
- Treehouses
- Fine dining
- Nature walks
Many luxury resorts and premium hotels start at about INR 5,000 onwards per night.
Read our Where to Stay in Wayanad guide for in-depth information about where you should stay in Wayanad.
Food Cost In Wayanad
Wayanad is a haven for foodies! There are several local restaurants, legacy establishments, and local eateries offering Kerala cuisine at reasonable prices. Wayanad also has a good selection of cafes offering diverse cuisines, along with affordable eateries.
Food In Wayanad: Average Meal Costs Per Day
| Type | Approximate Cost |
| Breakfast | INR 100 to INR 250 |
| Lunch | INR 200 to INR 400 |
| Dinner | INR 250 to INR 500 |
| Snacks | INR 50 to INR 200 |
Wayanad Transport Cost
Reaching Wayanad and commuting internally is also a major cost in your Wayanad trip cost plan. Since Wayanad doesn’t have its own airport or railway station, most travelers usually arrive via nearest cities like Kozhikode, Kannur, Mysore, and Bengaluru. Transportation costs vary depending on your starting city.
Self-Drive Rental
You can opt for a self-drive car as it is one of the most convenient ways of exploring Wayanad. With an estimated rental cost of INR 2000 to INR 3000 per day, excluding fuel, the upfront cost of renting a self-drive car can be high. However, it is ideal for those travelers looking for comfort and convenience.
Two-Wheeler Rental
Renting a scooter or bike to explore Wayanad is a great option for solo explorers and adventurers. With an average daily rental of about INR 600 to INR 1200, renting a two-wheeler allows you to explore Wayanad at your own pace.
Taxi
If you’re a group of 4 to 6 people, renting a taxi for the entirety of your trip can be a good option. There are many tour operators that offer taxi packages, wherein they are in charge of local sightseeing through their vehicle. Such packages can cost anywhere between INR 2500 to INR 4500 per day depending on the itinerary.
Also Read: 7 Fun Things To Do In Wayanad For A Tranquil Holiday
Summing Up
Wayanad is a great place to explore regardless of your budget and travel style. In this travel guide to Wayanad, we’ve shared with you all the details you need to know about visiting Wayanad – from the best time to visit and itinerary suggestions to estimated budget and food and stay costs.
