With thick forests, majestic hills, and charming waterfalls, Wayanad is a paradise for environmentalists. The land also has the largest tribal population in Kerala. The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary located here has a variety of rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Other places like Vythiri, Kuruva Dweep, Chembra Peak, and Soochippara waterfalls are endowed with exquisite natural beauty. Eight scheduled tribes, each with their unique customs can be found in Wayanad. Thus the land is significant from the anthropological, botanical, and zoological standpoint.
Edakkal cave in the district is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The walls of the cave, located at a height of 1200 meters above sea level, are engraved with elaborate images of humans and animals. Historians trace back the stone carvings to the late Neolithic period; almost 6000 years back. The historic town of Sultan Bathery, the ancient temple at Thirunelli, Puliyarmala Jain temple adds to the excitement of the trip to Wayanad.
Tourist Places in Wayanad
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Spreading over an area of 344.44 square kilometers, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an exciting place to visit in Wayanad. Since its establishment in 1973, it has become an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Consisting of rare and endangered species of animals and plants, the area is a paradise for nature lovers. It is at once refreshing and calming to take a trek through the moist deciduous forest. Tourists love to see Tigers, Elephants, Bisons, monitor lizards and birds like Peacocks, Jungle fowl, Babblers, and so on. Thus the place is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala.
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Edakkal Caves
The only known place in India with stone-age carvings, Edakkal caves allures a great many tourists to it. The cave is not an easy place to access as it is at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. But the climb is worth the trouble as it showcases some of the most spectacular views that can be found in Kerala. The most famous attraction here is the cave paintings dating back to 6000 BC. One can make out the images of animals, people, and tools from the carvings, which experts believe have some links with the Indus valley civilization. The view of the verdant valley and mountain ranges from the point is as enthralling as the history of the place is amusing. Hence Edakkal is ranked top in the list of the best tourist place to visit in Kerala.
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Soochipara waterfalls
Nestled deep in the forest, the Soochipara waterfall is an exquisite sight in Wayanad. The sparkling water that flows down with great fury is an amusing sight. The three-tiered cascade has a beauty like no other. Tourists prefer to take a bath in the cool water and picnic on its banks. Adventure lovers enjoy the trek through the deciduous forest and report feeling rejuvenated. A few also indulge in rock climbing in the cliff face that is almost 200 meters high.
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Sulthan Bathery
A historic town in Wayanad, Sultan Bathery is an exciting tourist destination. The place got the name Sultan’s Battery when Tipu Sultan used the Jain temple here as his artillery battery, which later transformed colloquially to Sultan Bathery. From 930 AD, there are records of this place as many dynasties conquered the land. The centuries-old Jain temple is a foremost attraction in the town. With vast paddy fields, varied vegetation and hilly terrain the place beckons tourists. Hence Sultan Bathery is a busy tourist destination in Kerala.
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Pookode Lake
Pookkode is a freshwater lake near Kalpetta, Wayanad. It is located at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level and spreads over an area of 5 hectares. Hence it is simultaneously the highest and the smallest lake in Kerala. The curious factor about the waterbody is that its shape resembles that of the map of India. Panamaram river, which flows through the valley and joins the Kabani river, has its origin from Pookode lake. If not these peculiarities, the breathtaking beauty of the calm water attracts many travelers to the region.
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Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli is an ancient Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. Though the exact date of establishment of the shrine is unknown, some documents prove that it was a prominent pilgrim center even during the 9th century AD. Some devotees argue that the Thirunelli Temple is the same as the Sahyamalaka Kshetra mentioned in the Hindu texts like Puranas. Located amidst a thick forest the lush greenery and the view of faraway mountain ranges from the point are very calming. Other attractions near the temple like the Papanasini stream, which is believed to absolved all sins of the pilgrims, and the Panchatheertham temple pond, which is associated with many myths, are worth a visit. Thus the place is considered a great destination to learn the legends and enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala.
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Lakkidi View Point
Known as the Gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is a charming tourist destination in Kerala. The viewpoint is located at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level and provides an exquisite view of the verdant valley and the nearby hills. Mist covers the spot during mornings and evenings, which accentuates its charm. Many tourists flock to the region to enjoy the serene sunrise and sunset. Hence Lakkidi viewpoint is one of the most popular picnic spots in Kerala.
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Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam is a lovely location that beckons nature lovers. It is a safe haven where many rare varieties of birds find their natural habitat. Those who are curious about the life of avian species and adventure lovers alike find the place quite alluring. If it is the colorful birds that attract the nature lover, it is the possibility of trekking that appeals to the adventure enthusiast. Located at the height of 1700 meters above sea level, Pakshipathalam is also one of the finest trekking spots in Kerala. There are local tribal guides who can lead you to the deep forest and show the enchanting beauty of the region.
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Wayanad Heritage Museum
Located 12 kilometers from Sultan Bathery, the heritage museum is one of the largest archeological museums in Kerala. It is a huge repository of innumerable artifacts collected from the Ambalavayal, Sultan Bathery, and forests of Wayanad. The tressures in the museum include stone weapons, carved rocks, idols, and weapons used for hunting in the Megalithic era. They paint a clear picture of the tribal culture that existed in the land during the time. The hero stones, jewelry, sculptures made of clay and soft rocks, proclaim the expertise of the people of the medieval period. Many artifacts in the 16th and 17th centuries also find their place in the museum. Thus the Wayanad Heritage Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history and ancient culture of Kerala.
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Banasura Hill
Banasura hill is the tallest mountain in Wayanad. With a height of more than 2000 meters, its top point kisses the clouds. The place is famous among tourists because of its vast green pastures and verdant valleys. The vegetation includes some of the rare varieties of medicinal plants. The area around the hill is still alive with memories of Pazhassiraja, a fallen hero who resisted the British colonial rule. It was in the thick forest that the rebel king engaged in guerilla warfare and inflicted setbacks to the British forces. Thus the history and charm of the land are second to no other tourist destination in Kerala.
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Valliyoorkavu Temple
Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathy temple is a historic Hindu shrine located in the district of Wayanad. Constructed in the 14th century AD, the temple has a long history. It is one of the few places that still follow the Dravidian traditions. Here the Goddess Durga is manifested in three forms, namely Vana Durga, Bhadrakali, and Jala Durga. The 14-day festival conducted annually in the temple is as fascinating as its rituals are intriguing. Ceremonial procession from Cheramkode Bhagavathy Temple called Oppana Varavu, Rudhirakkolam – a symbolic fight between the demon king Darika and the deity – are some of the amusing customs. Kalamezhuthu, a traditional ritual, is also performed during all the 14 nights of the festival. For the tribal people of Wayanad, the temple and its festivities are of great importance.
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Puliyoorkavu Jain Temple
Puliyoorkavu Temple or Anantnath Swami Temple is a religious worship place for Jains. Located 6 kilometers from Kalpetta, the temple is one of the very few Jain temples in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Anantanatha, the 14th Thirthankara in the Jain lineage. The history and rarity of the temple attract tourists to the destination. The shrine’s architecture and design are peculiar. Hence it is considered one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
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Kalpetta
Kalpetta is an important town, considered the headquarters of Wayanad district. It is famous for its enchanting beauty, and tea and coffee plantations. Located at an elevation of 780 meters above sea level, the region showcases some of the best views of the mist kissed mountains. Because of the proximity to the famous tourist locations and availability of international standard hotels and resorts, tourists prefer to stay in Kalpetta during their visit to Wayanad. Attractions like Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Myladippara trekking center, Chembra peak, and Meppadi Garden Village beckons tourists to the region.
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Pallikunnu Church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church or locally Pallikkunnu church is a famous pilgrim center in Northern Kerala. Built by the French priest Fr. Jefreno in 1905, the shrine is dedicated to Lourde Matha. Tourists find the place quite interesting as it has many peculiarities. The rituals and practices of the church are similar to those prevalent in a Hindu temple. The annual festival of the church, held in February, extends over two weeks and draws a multitude of devotees and tourists from wide and far. The architecture of the church, which alludes to the French style is also fascinating.
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Koottamundu Glass Temple
Koottamundu Glass temple is a spectacular monument on the slopes of Vellarimala. It is a Jain temple dedicated to the third Tirthankara, Parswanatha Swami. Inside the sanctum, the icons of Parswanatha Swami and Padmavathi Devi are worshipped. The peculiarity of the temple is that its inside walls are adorned with mirrors. The numerous reflections create a fascinating optical illusion. Tourists hence visit the temple to enjoy the enchanting experience and learn about the history of the Jain religion in Kerala.
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Varambetta Mosque
Varambetta mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Wayanad. Dating back three centuries, the shrine is a popular tourist and pilgrim destination. The architecture of the religious center is at once ancient and stunning. Constructed in remembrance of a Sufi saint, the mosque welcomes everyone from all religious faiths. As the destination is located only 15 kilometers away from Kalpetta, it receives many tourists. Thus Varambetta mosque is a busy tourist destination in Kerala.
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Pulpally Seethadevi Temple
Seethadevi temple at Pulpally is one of a kind Hindu temple in Kerala. Its uniqueness is that it is the only known shrine dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the children of Lord Rama. According to the legend, Seetha gave birth to Lava and Kusha in the ashram of sage Valmiki. It is believed that the ashram was located in Pulapally. Hence in the 18th century, the famous king Pazhassiraja built the temple. He used to conduct meetings with his army chieftains in the courtyard of the temple. The place is thus historically significant.
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Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
An alluring location in Wayanad, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Its rich biodiversity and charming beauty are second to none. Part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, the sanctuary is renowned for its scientific approach to conserve the flora and fauna. Animals like elephants, tigers, deers, and monkeys are sighted in the wildlife reserve. The tribes in the region have unique lifestyles and rituals. To ensure their welfare, the government of Kerala is doing everything possible. Those interested in Anthropology find the tribal people intriguing as it provides them the opportunity to study the ancient human culture closely. Tourists can enjoy an elephant ride through the forest arranged by the forest department.
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Poopoli flower show
Poopoli is an annual flower fest conducted in January. It is acclaimed as the biggest flower show in Kerala. Tourists love the great variety of flowers on display in the stalls here. The charm of flowers and the creative designs made from them enchants the visitors. Each year the conductors of the fest come up with innovative ideas to attract tourists to the venue. The newest approaches in plant rearing, like vertical gardening, are introduced in the fest. Hence the venue is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Kerala.
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Chethalayam Waterfall
Chethalayam waterfall is a mesmerizing location in Wayanad. The seasonal cascade attracts tourists to it with the silvery glow of clear water. Many visiting the area enjoy a refreshing bath in the cool water. The pristine surrounding of the cascade is suitable for picnicking. Adventure enthusiasts will surely enjoy the trekking trail through the forest. Thus the place offers something for everyone making it a buzzing tourist destination.
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Chain tree
Chain tree beckons tourists not with its beauty but with its spooky history. Only the local tribesmen knew the way through the forest of Wayanad. Legend has it that the British officials learned the route from a tribal man named Karinthandan and killed him afterward. But his spirit started haunting the passersby. Hence a priest was called on to capture the soul. He exorcised Karithandan and chained the entity to a tree. There are many scary stories associated with the region that one will find fascinating. A surprising fact is that over the years the chain that was tied to the growing tree has also grown in length. Many tourists flock to the area to see this wonder and learn the legend of Karinthandan.
