Entry is open from all domestic states for all kinds of travel.
The closest airport to Wayanad is Cochin International Airport. Flights for Cochin are available from Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and 8 other locations.
There is no direct train available for Wayanad.
With the government taking safety measures, you can safely visit Wayand and enjoy its natural beauty by planning your stay in the luxury hotels. We recommend you also practice good personal hygiene to stay safe throughout your trip.
Kerala has reopened religious institutions, hotels, dine-in restaurants and shopping malls that stayed shut for more than two months due to the lockdown in India. Read more.
Kadakampally Surendran, the Tourism Minister of the Indian state of Kerala has recently brought to light the state’s plans to start welcoming domestic tourists from the month of September. Read more.
The recent development is restriction loosening, travellers would have to self-register on the Jagratha portal and wait for their approval for entry in Kerala. If they haven't registered, they would be registered on entry at the borders of the state. Read more.
It is mandatory for all travellers entering Kerala to stay home-quarantined for 14-days. Read more.
After Wayanad opens for tourism, the hotels have started their operations and are welcoming guests for a comfortable and safe stay. Some of the hotels where the tourists can plan their stay are Contour Island Resort and Spa, LakeRose Wayanad Resort, Abad Brookside Wayanad, Wayanad Wild and Petals Resort Wayanad.Read More
Known for its soothing temperature all around the year, Wayanad is the ultimate destination to escape the scorching sun of North India. This place doesn’t only offer its cool temperature but along with that, it has untouched woods, misty mountains, and long spread plantations. Often called the spice garden of India, Wayanad is laid with many tourist places and vast orchards of various spices like cardamom, Black pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Black cumin and more. These green orchards of distinct spices give this place a different fragrance which is further enriched with the aroma of coffee plantation, nutrition of organic fruits and vegetables and waving paddy fields.
Having said this much about the greenery in the city, it is understood that it will have numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks protecting the rural life of the forests. Adding to all the natural beauty you have India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Having mighty mountains, dense woods, and gushing rivers, Wayanad is a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many more adventurous activities.
You can trek to India’s largest Earth Dam, Banasura Dam or trek to witness the sun setting behind the mountains from Wayanad’s highest peak, Chembra Peak. The list doesn’t end here, you have the chance to explore potentially Neolithic age at Edakkal Caves. You will find some petroglyphs- prehistoric rock carvings used as a communication tool.
Moreover, you will find some amazing examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs through the monuments like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple and much more. All these threads weave into an amazing tapestry that will glorify your photo album as well as the album of your life.
A trekking paradise, Chembra is the highest peak in the Wayanad Hill Range that will take your breath away. Encompassed by verdant greenery of the Western Ghats, Chembra Peak is one of those attractions in Wayanad that one just cannot ignore for its mesmerising views and it is one of the famous places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.It is where the clouds brush your cheeks and your eyes are greeted with solace of calm and quietness in the midst of nature.It is known for offering an enchanting vista of the heart-shaped lake also known as the Cupid Lake. It also offers an unparalleled view of Banasura Sagar Dam surrounded by the majestic tea plantations located along the foothills of Chembra Peak.Height: It is 2,100 metres (6,890 ft) above sea levelLocation: Kalpetta, WayanadBest Time to visit: The best time to visit is between the months of September and March.Entry fee: The entry charge for the peak is INR 50/USD 0.77Timings: Chembra Peak is open to tourists during the day time.Distance from Wayanad: It is about 40 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.
One of the most spellbinding places to visit in Wayanad, Banasura Sagar Dam is a picturesque tourist hotspot. Known for being India’s largest earthen dam, it boasts of extensive natural beauty with beautiful flora and fauna, majestic hills and mesmerising waterfalls. The Banasura Sagar is a photographer’s delight and offers the most beautiful views from the top of the hill.It is also famous among adventure enthusiasts who look forward to thrilling activities like boating, trekking, horse racing and camel rides. For the avid trekkers, Banasura hill peak is hailed as one of the most challenging treks. Along with that Banasura Hill Resort adds to the charm of this place that is known as the only ‘earthen’ resort in the country.Location: Banasura Sagar Dam, Padinjarathara, KeralaBest Time to visit: November to May offers the most ideal time to visit Banasura Sagar DamEntry fee: INR 10/ USD 0.15 per personTimings: The opening timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pmDistance from Wayanad: It is just 2.3 kilometres away from the bus station.
Located in the middle of Kabini river, Kuruva Island is a natural paradise that is replete with diverse flora and fauna in the most beautiful surroundings. It is blessed with evergreen forests all around that makes it a mesmerising picnic spot away from all pollution and noise of the city and it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.One of the most exciting things about Kuruva Island for tourists is their famous boat rides on bamboo rafts. Trekkers also visit Kuruva Island to explore the pristine environment and witness the most exotic species of plants, animals and birds here. The enthralling beauty of this island attracts many people who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of their lives and surround themselves in the serenity of nature.Location: Kuruvadweep, KeralaBest Time to visit: Kuruva Island could be visited from October to MayEntry fee: INR 80/ USD 1.23 for Indians and INR 150/USD 2.3 for foreignersTimings: The visiting hours are from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Mondays are holidayDistance from Wayanad: It is located 36 kilometres away.
If you wish to know how bamboo constitutes an important factor in both the lifestyle and livelihood for the people in Wayanad, then a visit to The Bamboo Factory comes highly recommended. This educating and inspiring experience gives a sneak peek into the lives of the locals in Uravu. This place is a great stop to witness the wonder of sustainable tourism and explore the ancient traditions that are still preserved in Wayanad.The Bamboo Factory stands for uplifting the lives of many rural craftsmen along with offering tourists a unique experience by getting to know how bamboo is converted into your favourite items. Tourists at Bamboo Factory also get a chance to talk to these talented craftsmen and know more from their experiences.Location: 100 Acres Road Thrikkaipatta, KeralaBest Time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit here.Entry fee: The cost to visit here is approximately INR 500/ USD 7.7 per personTimings: One can visit here between 10 am and 4 pm.Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is around kilometres.
One of the most beautiful heritage sightseeing places in Wayanad, Jain Temple is known for its interesting history. It was built in 13th century A.D. and largely came to prominence when this ancient temple was used by Tipu Sultan to store ammunition and it is one of the serene places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.The ruins of Jain Temple in Sulthan Battery resonate the vital presence and influence of Jain community in the state of Kerala.Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Jain Temple boasts of Vijayanagara style of architecture and has preserved beautiful and intricate carvings on its granite pillars. It is revered as one of the holiest places for the Jains and a festival is celebrated during Mahavir Jayanthi. This historically important temple in Kerala is a great visit to appreciate the art and culture of this place.Location: Jain Temple Rd, Sultan Bathery, KeralaBest Time to visit: September to March is the best time to visit the temple.Entry fee: NoneTimings: The temple is open for visitors during the day.Distance from Wayanad: It is around 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.
If you’re browsing for the most serene Wayanad tourist places, Pookode Lake should incite your curiosity. Surrounded by the evergreen beauty of Western Ghats and verdant forests, Pookode Lake is a gorgeous freshwater lake. One of the most interesting features of this lake is that it virtually appears to be in the shape of India’s physical map. Boasting of picturesque excellence and a mesmerising ambience, this freshwater lake is the initiating point of Panamaram stream in Kerala.Pookode Lake offers many activities like boating and boasts of a freshwater aquarium, a children’s park and a shopping centre where tourists can empty their pockets on excellent spices and handicrafts. Another big attraction of Pookode Lake is the widespread presence of wild animals and birds who can be spotted around the lake.Location: Pookode Lake, Kunnathidavaka, KeralaBest Time to visit: August to May are the best months to visit hereEntry fee: INR 10/ USD 0.15 for one personTimings: The opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pmDistance from Wayanad: Pookode Lake is located 27.3 kilometres from the Bus station in Wayanad
Offering an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places to visit in Wayanad. It is famous for harbouring a diverse number of flora and fauna. Taking a wildlife safari is the most thrilling activity that one should undertake at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to make their Wayanad vacation memorable.This natural habitat is a great sightseeing place to spot elephant herds, deer, langurs, panthers, tigers, Indian bison and the rare Slender Loris. Moreover, this wildlife sanctuary offers a wonderful experience for tourists with their tree huts which are open for stay. This beautiful attraction allows the tourists to seek some natural solace and take delight in the company of the wonderful wildlife roaming freely in their natural surroundings.Location: It is located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road.Best Time to visit: Winters are the best time to visit Tholpetty Wildlife SanctuaryEntry fee: The entry fees is INR 115/ USD 1.77 for Indians. For foreigners, the entry fees is INR 300/ USD 4.62Timings: The timings are 7:00 am to 10:00 am in the mornings. For the evenings, the timings are from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pmDistance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is 45 kilometres.
Travel back in time to the Stone Age with a visit to Edakkal Caves that are located on the Ambukuthi Hills. Edakkal literally translates to ‘a stone in between’ and this cave and showcases a natural masterpiece and it is one of the famous places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.It is associated with many myths and considered as one of the most sacred places to visit in Wayanad. Edakkal caves are not actually considered to be caves in a scientific sense yet remain a great piece of archaeological curiosity for tourists. These caves are identified as a Neolithic settlement and present the evidence of a pre-historic society of highly civilised people. These caves draw in a number of history buffs and students of archaeology who wish to explore these mysterious caves.Height: It is located at a height of 1200 metres above sea level on the Ambukuthi Hills.Location: Wayanad, Nenmeni, KeralaEntry Fee: INR 15/USD 0.23 per personBest Time to visit: The most preferred time to visit Edakkal Caves is during the months of December to May.Timings: The visiting time to Edakkal caves is from morning 9:30 to evening 4:30.Distance from Wayanad: It is located 48 kilometres from here.
Between December to February: Wayanad get extremely cold and temperature drops of up to 10°C can be recorded. Travels who are looking to spend some time camping or are in a look out for a romantic getaway will find this time perfect.
Between March to May: Although it's sunny the atmosphere at Wayanad during this time is comfortably pleasant. It is the best time to enjoy activities like trekking and taking soothing dips in waterfalls and lakes across the city.
Between June to September: Surprise showers of rain are common around this time and the temperature can drop too. However, tourists can indulge in sightseeing and witness beautiful waterfalls around the city. This season is also preferred by adventurous for trekking and travelling around the jungles of Wayanad.
By Bus: A Lot of Bus services are available from Bangalore to Wayanad. The journey takes close to 10 hours. Your bus journey will commence from Kalasipalayam in Bangalore and will end at Kalpetta from where you'll need to change and take a bus to Wayanad.
By Road: By road the journey from Bangalore to Wayanad can take up to 7 hours including breaks and pit stops to enjoy the scenic beauty throughout the journey.
By Air: There are no direct flights to Wayanad so, the next best option is to take a flight to the nearest airport, Karipur International Airport. From here there are ample cabs available to Wayanad.
By Train: You won't find any direct trains to Wayanad from Bangalore. However, trains from Bangalore to Nanjangud are available. From here, you can take a cab or local taxi to Wayanad which is about 100 km from Nanjangud.
Traveling to Wayanad is completely safe, whether you are traveling alone, with your partner or with a group of friends. The mountains offer specialized tours, be it a romantic vacation or an adventure weekend.
The roads are smooth and there wouldn’t be any problem reaching the place. All the major sightseeing spots too are well connected and smoothly regularized to make it safe and easy for tourists and travelers.
Wayanad is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Bangalore. Taking just about 7 hours, it’s an amazing drive.
You can even take an overnight bus and reach Wayanad by the morning. Everything is perfectly cut to make Wayanad a great weekend getaway from Bangalore.
There are several great destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways near Wayanad. Wayanad is home for several resorts that offer private accommodations in the lap of the hills and it would be just amazing to have your partner by your side. It nature, love and a lot of memories in the making.
The idea of camping in the dense forests of Wayanad helps you behold the elegance of nature in its raw form. Click here to discover more.
Night Camping with Campfire in Wayanad - Book at Rs. 1799 only
Camping in Wayanad Hills at Seagot Banasura - Book at Rs. 1500 only
Camping Experience in Wayanad - Book at Rs. 2,120 only
Camping in Tea Estate of Wayanad With Barbecue - Book at 2020 only
Wayanad Camping at Base of Chembra Peak - Book at Rs. 2420 only
Though Wayanad is marketed as a weekend getaway, there is a lot to explore and experience. Places like Kuruva Islands itself demand a day trip.
If you are looking for a complete Wayanad package, a weeklong vacation would be a great way to comfortably space your itinerary.
Cave camping is a truly amazing experience. Being able to gaze at the clear starry sky with complete darkness all around and complimented by the mystical charm of a cave, it cannot get any better.
The caves in Wayanad go back to the Stone Age where you get to see the inscriptions and painting by the early man. Living in a cave that had once been used by early humans is another kind of excitement. The caves are further naturally air conditioned and you would be sheltered from the rain.
It is necessary that you seek the permission of the forest department before setting up a camp. In some cases, you are even allowed to set up a bonfire and spend the night dancing, just like our early ancestors would have spent their nights.
Cave camping in Wayanad is completely organized and you have amenities like guides, night treks, flashlights and welcome drinks. Alcohol and smoking during cave camping is strictly prohibited. Popular cave camping sites include:
1. Edakkal Caves
2. Kothagiri
3. Makkamkunnu
The Banasura Sagar dam is about 27 kilometers from Wayanad and can be easily reached via the Kambalakkad – Padinjarethara Road. The journey takes about an hour. At the Banasura Sagar Dam, you can go for Bamboo Rafting Speed boating or just checking out the natural scenery that makes the only earthen dam of India.
It’s a perfect place for photography. Further, several treks start at Banasura Sagar Dam and you can always be a part of an organized group.
You can go for a waterfall trek across the Meenmutty falls. Also, if you trek in the Kuruvu Islands, it will take you through several small streams and waterfalls. It is completely safe to do a waterfall trek. However, it is advised that you are properly dressed and also have a local guide along.
Homestays in Wayanad are the best options for experiencing the true essence and culture of Kerala. The locals are very accommodating and do the best to host you with a hassle free vacation.
1. Vythiri Village Homestay
2. Summer Villa
3. Spice Garden Homestay
4. Enteveedu Homestay
5. Peter’s Hill View Residency
6. Melvin’s Homestay
7. Sundara Mahal Homestay
8. Misty Meadows Homestay
9. Dhanagiri Homestay
10. Annapara Homestay
Wayanad is known for its spices, pure honey, coffee, tea, bamboo products and several naturally derived products. The top places to shop include:
1. Trident Arcade, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
2. Dubai Shopping Center, Corporate Hospital, Assumption Junction, Sulthan Bathery
3. Easwaran Namboodiri, near Vivekanand Hospital, Kalpetta Ho
4. Santhi Pappadam, Market Road, Wayanad
There are several hospitals across the Wayanad District. In case of an emergency, the first point of contact would be the doctor on call at your resort. For more serious emergencies, top hospitals nearby include:
1. Leo Hospital
2. Vinayaka Hospital
3. MES Hospital
4. Jyothi Hospital, Mananthavady
5. Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital
6. Mayo Hospital
7. Victory Hospital
8. Fatima Mata Mission Hospital
9. Assumption Hospital
9. District Hospital
10. Karuna Hospital, Sultan Bathery
There is no such restriction on smoking or drinking in Wayanad. However, it is required that you engage in the same in private compounds. Smoking or drinking in open spaces, sanctuaries or protected sites is a punishable offence.
Wayanad is situated in the middle of the Western Ghats rainforests. It forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and consequently is a great opportunity for wildlife sighting. Several endemic and rare animals, birds and plants inhabit the jungles of Wayanad.
A wildlife safari is a must for any outdoor / wildlife / nature lover. Photographers flock to Wayanad is search for rare fauna all round the year. The top places to go for a wildlife safari include:
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Ooty is just about 100 kilometers from Wayanad and can be traveled in 3 hours.
Cycling is an amazing way to explore the ghats and tea estates of Wayanad. It is recommended that you hire a cycle to check out the rural beauty of the place.If you have been planning for a laid back experience, cycling can be the perfect advice in Wayanad. The best places for cycling in Wayanad include:
- Plantation trails
- Chundale
- Soochipara Falls
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Muthanga
- Kuruva Islands
Kuruvu Islands is located about 30 kilometers from Wayanad and it would be an amazing experience if you love outdoors. It’s completely different from the experience of the hills. Located along the banks of the Kaveri River, it is an ecosystem of its own and hosts several wild flora and fauna.
It can however be reached by a boat across the river and the journey would take about an hour. Top activities to do in Kuruva Islands include:
- Rainforest treks
- Waterfall exploration
- Bird watching / photography
- Cycling
The most exotic place in the Wayanad district is the Kabani bamboo village in Trikaipetta. It is a beautiful place to visit and hosts the famous Bamboo Factory and you can even learn the way by which they make the products out of the bamboo plants.
It can be beautiful learning experience for both the adults as well as the children. Learn a trick or two about bamboo craft!
Phantom Rock will be a risky climb but is totally worth the adventure. It offers an amazing view of the Wayanad landscape and the trek itself is exciting. You will have to take one of the few jungle trails to reach the open space around the Phantom Rock. Climbing it would be a back breaking task, if you are not quite adept to rock climbing.
An ancient form of Ayurvedic massage, a session would cost you about INR 3000 for a 30-minute session. Top resorts like Vythiri also offer Kalari Massage sessions The top places to get a Kalari Massage in Wayanad include the:
- Ayurkendra Herbal Village and
- Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam
The Pookode Lake is about 25 kilometers from Wayanad along the NH 766. It would take about an hour of drive to reach it. The Pookode Lake offers amazing
- Cycling trails
- Boating experience
- Photography opportunity
- Bird watching
- Walking trails
1. The best time to visit and enjoy the secrets of Wayanad is between the months of October and May. Around this time the place is blooming with exotic new tropics and the overall temperature is present.
2. The best route to take from Bangalore to Wayanad is through the roads and the route is encapsulated with lush green trees and various pit stops with scenic landscapes.
3. Waterfalls and lakes in the town are in abundance so remember to carry extra clothes.
When visiting Wayanad, it is essential that you carry:
- A bag that would be easy to carry on treks
- Water bottle
- Torch / flashlights – it’s a must
- Sleeping bag
- Small sling bag / shoulder bag
- T-shirts
- Jeans / cotton pants / tights
- Sun cap / scarf
- Hiking shoes
- Warm jacket – mornings in Wayanad are cold, regardless of the time of the year
- Vomit bags – hope you won’t need to use them
- Personal medicines
- Mosquito repellants
- Books
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
