Top Places to Visit in Wayanad in Three Days
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 Three days to explore Wayanad, here are some of the top places you can visit:
Day 1 :
-
Chembra Peak – This is the highest peak in Wayanad and a popular trekking destination.
-
Banasura Sagar Dam – The largest earthen dam in India, surrounded by hills and forests.
-
Edakkal Caves – A prehistoric site with rock carvings and ancient inscriptions.
-
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Day 2 :
-
Pookode Lake – A scenic freshwater lake surrounded by hills and forests, offering boating and other activities.
-
Thirunelli Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, surrounded by mountains and forests.
-
Soochipara Waterfalls – A picturesque waterfall with a natural pool for swimming and other activities.
Day 3 :
-
Meenmutty Waterfalls – Another popular waterfall with scenic views and trekking opportunities.
-
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary – A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity.
-
Lakkidi View Point – A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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.
Day 2:
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 770 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush greenery, hills, and forests. The lake is approximately 40 acres in size and is a popular tourist destination in Wayanad. It offers various activities such as boating, hiking, and nature walks. The lake is also home to a variety of freshwater fishes and is surrounded by a dense forest that is home to various species of animals and birds. The lake is known for its serene and picturesque surroundings and is a must-visit destination in Wayanad.
Thirunelli Temple
Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been constructed over 1000 years ago. The temple is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture with intricate carvings and wooden pillars.
The temple is also known as “Thekkan Kasi” or “Southern Kashi” due to its importance as a pilgrimage site. It is believed that taking a dip in the nearby Papanasini River can wash away one’s sins. The temple also has a sacred pond called Panchatheertham, which is believed to have medicinal properties.
The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is located near the Brahmagiri hills. It is a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. The temple also hosts a yearly festival called Vishu Mahotsavam, which is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May). During this festival, the temple is beautifully decorated and various cultural events are organized.
Soochipara Waterfalls
Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a popular waterfall located in the Vellarimala mountain range in Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests, and the water cascades down from a height of about 200 meters, creating a pool at the bottom. The waterfall is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. Visitors can trek through the forest to reach the waterfall and can also indulge in activities such as rock climbing and rappelling. The best time to visit Soochipara Waterfalls is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfall is in full flow.
Day 3:
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall located in Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is surrounded by lush green forests and is one of the largest waterfalls in the region. The waterfall is located around 29 kilometers from Kalpetta and can be reached through a short trek of around 2 kilometers through the forest. The waterfall cascades down in three tiers from a height of about 300 meters and is a popular destination among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The waterfall is also believed to have medicinal properties due to the presence of herbs and plants in the surrounding forest.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It was established in 1973 and covers an area of 344 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endangered species such as the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian bison, and several species of deer. It is also known for its rich avian population, with over 200 species of birds recorded here.
Visitors can take a jeep safari or elephant safari to explore the sanctuary and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers trekking options through its forests and hills. It is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm every day, and an entry fee is charged for visitors.
Lakkidi View Point
Lakkidi View Point is a popular tourist spot located in Wayanad, Kerala, India. It is situated on the Thamarassery Ghat Pass and is at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the town of Vythiri. The viewpoint is surrounded by lush greenery and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Lakkidi View Point is easily accessible by road and is a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Wayanad.
