Escape the scorching sun of North and South India on a trip to Wayanad in 2024. Engulf yourself in the fragrance of the aromas of the coffee, cardamom, black pepper, and tea in Wayanad. This Kerala district has a separate charm when it comes to basking in India’s lush greenery. Wayanad in Kerala is a treasure trove of lush greenery and is still unexplored by mass tourism. Snuggled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, the best places to visit in Wayanad are dotted with immaculate greenery. One amazing fun fact about Wayanad is that it is home to the oldest tribes. Here temperature and climate remain soothing all year, making it one of the best hill stations in Kerala.
Those who love coffee would be in constant retreat as the coffee-based farming system is a notable feature of Wayanad tourism. You will find ample long-spread coffee plantations for that perfect Instagram makeover. Moreover, the best places to visit in Wayanad are less conspicuous to tourists and an unexplored Kerala gem.
Here are the 8 best places to visit in Wayanad in 2024:
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
- Chembra Peak
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Phantom Rock
- Pookot Lake
- Thirunelli Temple
This hilly paradise of Kerala warrants a visit in 2024, irrespective of the type of traveler. Now dive deep into the 8 best places to visit in Wayanad:
1. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Entry Fee: 30 INR (approx.) per person for Indians and 60 INR (approx.) for foreigners.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (approx.) all the week
Do you wish to enjoy solace and privacy in the lap of mother nature? If you are shaking your head in agreement, visit Meenmutty Waterfalls. It is nestled in the lush green zone of the Meppadi forest range on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. Meenmutty Waterfalls are three-tiered falls, each measuring a length of 300 ft (approx.). The cascading falls are the 2nd highest waterfall in Kerala, as water gushes from 984 ft (approx.). Post-monsoon and winter is the best time to visit Meenmutty Waterfalls if you want to indulge in trekking and a little bit of swimming. Many honeymooners count Meenmutty Waterfalls as one of the best places to visit in Wayanad for couples.
You will come across Kapok trees and rock formations along the way to the trek to Meenmutty Waterfalls. One needs to trek for around 1 hour from the parking space to reach the falls. The streams near the parking zone allow tourists to plunge. If you are lucky, you might see the movie’s shooting as Meenmutty Waterfall has graced the background of many Bollywood or Tollywood films.
Important Travel Tips
- Children have to pay 15 INR (approx.) as an entrance fee.
- Confirm the season before you visit, as the falls remain inaccessible during the monsoon.
- Get ready to shed an additional fee of 75 INR (approx.) for a still camera.
2. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance from Wayanad: 31 kilometers (approx.)
Entry Fee: 150 INR (approx.) per person for adults and 360 INR (approx.) per person for children.
Safari Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM (approx.) and 2 PM to 5 PM
As the name suggests, the wildlife sanctuary is integral to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is snuggled between Karnataka’s Bandipur and Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai National Park. The best way to enjoy the wilderness of Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is by embarking on an early morning safari to spot the elephants, wild boars, and rare birds. However, it is a complete matter of luck if you come across big wild cats. Due to the presence of pachyderms, this place is touted as Project Elephant Site. If you wish to see the elephants roam freely in their natural habitat, visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary with your near or dear ones. It is one of the family-friendly places to visit in Wayanad.
Important Travel Tips
- Still, camera and video camera charges are extra.
- Go for a jeep safari early in the morning to witness wildlife at its best.
- Confirm the season you are visiting and whether the wildlife sanctuary is open.
3. Wayanad Heritage Museum
Entry Fee: 20 INR (approx.) per person for adults and 10 INR (approx.) per person for children.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (approx.) all the week
Dig the in-depth take on various facets of the history of Wayanad and the entire Kerala state at Wayanad Heritage Museum. As the name suggests, this place is a storehouse of ancient artifacts dating back to the 2nd century A.D. From ancient tribal artifacts to weapons, you will learn a lot on a guided trip about the tribes who have ruled the mountains of Wayanad in the erstwhile era. If you have kids in your family, Wayanad Heritage Museum should be on your itinerary for education and learning purposes. Inside the museum, you will also find Hindu gods idols, making it a must-visit tourist attraction in Wayanad.
Important Travel Tips
- Video camera and still camera charges are extra.
- To learn about the Adivasi culture of Wayanad, you must embark on a guided excursion.
4. Chembra Peak
Entry Fee: 20 INR (approx.) per person for Indians, 30 INR (approx.) per person for foreigners, and 15 INR (approx.) for students.
Visiting Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM (approx.) all the week
Greet your eyes with solace and calm, and let clouds brush your cheeks at Chembra Peak. It is the highest peak in Wayanad and, thus, a famous vantage point for couples and backpackers. Located at an elevation of 2,100 m (approx.), it is the highest peak in Wayanad. The crowd-pulling factor of Chembra Peak is trekking to reach the top to adore the natural heart-shaped lake. Upon reaching the hilltop, you will be rewarded with unparalleled views of Banasura Sagar Dam and emerald tea plantations lined along the foothills of Chembra Peak. Make sure to confirm if trekking is still available or not because Kerala High Court had ordered to stop the treks. The base camp for reaching Chembra Peak is Meppadi. One can reach the parking space of the peak via a jeep ride. Furthermore, you need to embark on a short 3 kilometers (approx.) steep trek to reach the summit. Indulge in a serene walk amidst the lush green nature.
Important Travel Tips
- Go on a guided excursion for ease of mind.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.
- For kids and elders, it is a moderate-level trek, so plan accordingly.
5. Banasura Sagar Dam
Best Time to Visit: Early summer, post-monsoon, and winter.
Entry Fee: 10 INR (approx.) per person
Parking Charges: 10 INR (approx.) per person
Visiting Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM (approx.) all the week
This tourist place in Wayanad is a pure photographer’s delight. Watch the mountains fold in the backdrop of the dam. Banasura Sagar Dam is India’s largest earthen dam and is a remarkable tourist spot in Wayanad for leisure activities like zip-lining, boating, and 12D shows. If you are coming from Vythiri town uphill, expect to reach it within 1 hour (approx.). You will enjoy your drive through emerald tea plantations. As you reach closer to the dam, get mesmerized by the blue water lake, which is embraced by the greenery of Western Ghats. Moreover, the presence of food stalls dotted inside and outside is ice to the cake. Let them enjoy striking cars and other kid-friendly activities if you have kids with you.
Important Travel Tips
- The average cost of zip lining is 300 INR (approx.) per person.
- The average cost of boating starts from 600 INR to 1000 INR (approx.)
- Kids below 10 years and adults above 65 years are not allowed.
- Carry sufficient cash with you.
6. Phantom Rock
Best Time to Visit: Early summer, post-monsoon, and winter.
Entry Fee: Free for all
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (approx.) all the week
Raise your hands if you love exploring the architectural structure. As the name suggests, Phantom Rock is shaped in a phantom skull and, thus, named this way! If you love trekking or moderate-level hiking with friends, this is the must-visit place in Wayanad. Locals who reside here call this place the name of Cheengri Mala. When you visit Phantom Rock, you will be rewarded with the mother nature views drenched in lush greenery. At a staggering height of 2600 ft (approx.). Phantom Rock is a paradise for backpackers. You must visit Phantom Rock along with Edakkal Caves or Karapuzha Dam.
Important Travel Tips
- It can be accessed by walking from the main road.
- 30-45 minutes is the ideal duration to visit Phantom Rock.
7. Pookot Lake
Best Time to Visit: Early summer, post-monsoon, and winter.
Entry Fee: 20 INR (approx.) for adults, including Indians and foreigners.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (approx.) all the week
Nothing is better than boating in the explicit waters of Pookot Lake with your near or dear ones. This place will incite your curiosity as the lake is snuggled by the beauty of the Western Ghats and verdant forests. Pookot Lake is a freshwater lake where boating the shimmering waters is the best thing to do! Did we mention this lake looks like India’s physical map? There is a children’s park on the lake banks where kids-friendly activities are enjoyed. Take your binoculars or cameras to catch the migratory birds in action. The lush greenery encircling you will rejuvenate your mind. So, what stops you from visiting the highest saltwater lake in Kerala at an elevation of 770 m (approx.)?
Important Travel Tips
- Self-pedaling and assisted boats are present for boating.
- Cycling along the lake banks is another great thing at Pookot Lake.
- Parking might be a problem as one needs to find space or park nearby the lake.
8. Thirunelli Temple
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Entry Fee: 20 INR (approx.) for adults, including Indians and foreigners.
Visiting Hours: 5:30 AM to 12 PM and 5:30 PM to 8 PM all the week
Enlighten your spiritual side at Thirunelli Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to this hotel’s legend, Lord Vishnu’s statue is installed by Lord Brahma itself! A holy mountain stream Papanasini flows through Thirunelli Temple, where dozens of spiritual souls flourish. The elevation of Thirunelli Temple is 900 m (approx.), making it an easy trekkable temple in Wayanad, bounded by forest ranges and Brahmagiri Hills. The ride to the temple while passing through the forest area is rewarding! Expect to see flora and fauna. If you are coming from Bangalore, Mysore, or any other long-distance location, a visit to Thirunelli Temple must be on your Wayanad itinerary.
Important Travel Tips
- Know about which mode of transportation is best to reach the temple.
- Pay respect to the rituals performed at Pinnappara – the sacred rock.
- Only Hindu people are allowed to enter the temple.
Ready to spellbound the lush greenery lover in you to the core? Bask in the splendor of Kerala in 2024 by exploring the best places to visit in Wayanad.
Akshay Negi
Copywriter with eagle eyes who writes copies backed by market research. Akshay uses the persuasive power of NLP to influence readers. Maybe that’s the reason why Akshay became a writer the way other people became monks and nuns. His approach geeks out on studying the personas of the human mind. Thrill yourself from head to toe by feeding your hunger for more travel-related content written by him.
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