Top Places to Visit in Wayanad in One Day
Wayanad is a district located in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats and is known for its scenic beauty, lush green forests, misty hills, waterfalls, and wildlife. The district is home to several indigenous tribes and has a rich cultural heritage. Some popular tourist attractions in Wayanad include the Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Thirunelli Temple. Wayanad is also famous for its coffee and spice plantations, which attract a large number of tourists.
If you only have One day to explore Wayanad, here are some of the top places you can visit:
Day 1 :
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Chembra Peak – This is the highest peak in Wayanad and a popular trekking destination.
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Banasura Sagar Dam – The largest earthen dam in India, surrounded by hills and forests.
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Edakkal Caves – A prehistoric site with rock carvings and ancient inscriptions.
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is one of the popular tourist destinations in Wayanad, Kerala. It is the highest peak in Wayanad with an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level. The peak is a part of the Wayanad hill ranges and is surrounded by lush green forests and tea plantations. Visitors can trek to the top of the peak and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the beautiful heart-shaped Chembra Lake. The trek to the top of the peak is a moderate to difficult one and takes around 3-4 hours. Permits and a guide are mandatory for trekking to the peak.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second-largest in Asia, located in Wayanad district of Kerala. It was built across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of the Kabini River. The dam is named after Banasura, a mythological character who was the son of King Mahabali. The dam provides water to the Kakkayam Power Project and serves as an important tourist destination. The dam is surrounded by scenic hills, forests, and islands, and is a popular spot for boating and trekking. The dam also has a park and a children’s play area. The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is from October to May.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are natural caves located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. These caves are famous for their ancient rock art paintings, which are believed to be at least 6,000 years old. The caves are situated at a height of about 1,200 meters above sea level, on top of Ambukutty Mala. To reach the caves, visitors have to trek up a steep hill through a scenic forest. Once inside the caves, visitors can see the fascinating prehistoric art, which depicts human and animal figures, along with symbols and other patterns. The caves are a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is spread over an area of 344.44 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several endangered and rare species of flora and fauna. It is home to several species of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, sloth bear, sambhar, spotted deer, barking deer, and wild boar. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species of birds including the crested hawk-eagle, crested serpent-eagle, Malabar grey hornbill, and the black woodpecker.
The sanctuary offers several activities for tourists such as wildlife safaris, trekking, and bird watching. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active.
