25 Best Tourist Places in Wayanad You Must Visit in 2026

Wayanad is the misty, mountain district of Kerala tucked into the Western Ghats, and it remains one of South India's most rewarding hill destinations for anyone chasing waterfalls, wildlife, ancient caves and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you are travelling with family, planning a trek with friends, or looking for a quiet backwater-to-hill-station combination, this guide to Wayanad tourist places lists the 25 spots worth building your itinerary around, along with addresses, timings, entry fees, how to reach each one, and honest notes on who each place suits best.

This list is updated for 2026. As a Kerala-based holiday operator, Backwater Holidays runs trips through Wayanad regularly, and this guide reflects what we actually recommend to travellers who book with us — not just a repackaged list of attractions.

Wayanad Tourist Places at a Glance

1. Peaks & Viewpoints in Wayanad

1.1 Chembra Peak

At roughly 2,100 metres, Chembra is the tallest peak in Wayanad and the district's signature trek. The route passes the famous heart-shaped lake around the halfway point, a natural formation that has become one of the most photographed spots in Kerala. The final stretch to the summit needs prior forest department permission and is usually restricted to a limited number of trekkers per day, so it is worth booking a guided slot in advance.

• Address: Chembra Peak Trekking Base, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala 673577
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹400–₹500 per person, including mandatory guide charges
• Timings: Trekking permits are issued from 7:00 AM, with last entry around 10:00 AM
• Ideal duration: Half day (4–6 hours round trip)
• How to reach: 10 km from Meppadi town; taxis and local jeeps are available from Kalpetta

1.2 Neelimala Viewpoint

A shorter, family-friendly trek near Meppadi that rewards visitors with sweeping valley views and, on a clear day, a distant look at Meenmutty Falls. It is less strenuous than Chembra Peak, making it a good choice if you want the "misty viewpoint" experience without a full-day hike.

• Address: Near Meenmutty, Vellarimala Road, Meppadi, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹30–₹50 per person
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• How to reach: About 8 km from Meppadi; the last stretch is a walking trail from the parking area

1.3 Kurumbalakotta & Aranamala

Two lesser-known hillocks favoured by trekkers who want to avoid crowds. Kurumbalakotta offers converging views of both the Eastern and Western Ghats, while Aranamala is a genuinely off-beat trail through forest and grassland.

• Address: Near Meppadi and Vythiri respectively, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Free or a small local/guide charge depending on the trail
• Timings: Best attempted early morning, daylight hours only
• How to reach: Best accessed with a local guide or homestay host, as trailheads are not well signposted

2. Caves & Heritage Sites

2.1 Edakkal Caves

Perched on Ambukutty Mala near Sulthan Bathery, Edakkal is not a cave in the conventional sense but a natural cleft formed between two massive boulders. Inside are Neolithic-era rock engravings believed to be several thousand years old, making it one of the most significant prehistoric sites in South India. The climb up is short but involves some rock scrambling, so comfortable footwear is essential.

• Address: Edakkal Caves Road, Ambalavayal, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad 673592
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹50 for Indian nationals, ₹300 for foreign nationals (camera charges extra)
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; closed on Mondays
• How to reach: 12 km from Sulthan Bathery town, well connected by road; a shared jeep covers the final steep stretch to the base of the climb

2.2 The Chain Tree, Kanjirangatt

A large tree near Vythiri wrapped in iron chains, tied to a well-known local legend. It's a quick photo stop rather than a full attraction, best combined with a visit to nearby viewpoints or waterfalls.

• Address: Kanjirangatt, near Lakkidi, Vythiri, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: Open all day, roadside stop
• How to reach: Located directly on the Kozhikode–Wayanad ghat road, easy to combine with Lakkidi viewpoint

2.3 Varambetta Mosque

One of the oldest mosques in the Wayanad region, notable for its centuries-old architecture. It draws visitors of all backgrounds interested in the area's layered religious history, and hosts a well-attended annual festival in March.

• Address: Varambetta, near Mananthavady, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Free
• Timings: Open through daylight hours; avoid prayer times if visiting purely for sightseeing
• How to reach: Roughly 5 km from Mananthavady town centre by road

3. Waterfalls Around Wayanad

3.1 Soochipara Falls

Also known as Sentinel Rock Falls, this three-tiered cascade near Vellarimala is reached after a short forest trek. A natural pool at the base is open for swimming during the season, making it one of the more interactive waterfall visits in the district.

• Address: Sentinel Rock Waterfalls Road, Vellarimala, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹50–₹100 per person; lifejacket rental extra for swimming
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• How to reach: 10 km from Meppadi; the final approach is a 10–15 minute walk from the parking area

3.2 Meenmutty Falls

The largest waterfall in Wayanad, dropping in three stages through dense forest. Reaching the base requires a longer trek, so most casual visitors admire it from the Neelimala viewpoint trail instead of hiking all the way down.

• Address: Meenmutty, off Ooty Road, Vellarimala, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹30–₹50 per person
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• How to reach: About 29 km from Kalpetta; the trek to the base takes 1.5–2 hours each way

3.3 Kanthanpara Falls

A compact, easily accessible waterfall near Meppadi, popular with families because the walk to the falls is short and well maintained.

• Address: Kanthanpara, near Meppadi, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹30 per person
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• How to reach: 5 km from Meppadi town, accessible by a short, mostly flat walking path

4. Lakes & Dams

4.1 Banasura Sagar Dam

Reputed to be the largest earthen dam in India, Banasura Sagar sits against a backdrop of forested hills near Padinjarathara. Boating on the reservoir and short treks to the surrounding hillocks are the main draws, and the site is well set up for a half-day visit with the family.

• Address: Padinjarathara, Wayanad, Kerala 673122
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹40 per person; boating charged separately
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• How to reach: 21 km from Kalpetta town; regular taxis and buses run to Padinjarathara

4.2 Pookode Lake

A natural, heart-shaped freshwater lake surrounded by dense forest, close to the Vythiri–Lakkidi stretch. Pedal boats and row boats are available, and the short walking trail around the lake makes it one of the easiest, most relaxed stops on any Wayanad itinerary.

• Address: Pookode, Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala 673576
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹40–₹60 per person; boating charged separately
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• How to reach: 15 km from Kalpetta on the main Kalpetta–Vythiri road, well signposted

4.3 Karapuzha Dam

Less crowded than Banasura, Karapuzha has been developed in recent years into a proper tourism hub with a landscaped garden, an adventure park with ziplining, and a play area for children — making it one of the more "tourist-ready" dam sites in Wayanad, especially at sunset.

• Address: Karapuzha, near Kalpetta, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Garden entry is largely free; zipline and adventure activities are charged separately
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• How to reach: 8 km from Kalpetta town centre, an easy taxi ride

4.4 Kuruva Island

A cluster of uninhabited river islands on the Kabini, reachable only by bamboo raft — the only place in Wayanad where this experience is offered. The islands are protected forest, home to rare birds and orchids, and are closed during peak monsoon months.

• Address: Kuruva Island, near Mananthavady, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹80 per person, plus separate bamboo rafting charges
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM; closed during peak monsoon
• How to reach: 17 km from Mananthavady town; the island is only accessible by raft from the designated entry point

5. Wildlife Sanctuaries

5.1 Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

The second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, spread across dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest near Sulthan Bathery. Jeep safaris here offer a realistic chance of spotting elephants, deer and a wide variety of birdlife.

• Address: Muthanga, near Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala 673592
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹300–₹400 per person, safari vehicle charges included/extra depending on group size
• Timings: Safaris run 7:00 AM–10:00 AM and 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
• How to reach: 16 km from Sulthan Bathery, on the Wayanad–Bandipur–Mysore highway

5.2 Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the north of the district, Tholpetty is well known for its early-morning and evening safaris, including occasional night safaris, and tends to be quieter than Muthanga.

• Address: Tholpetty, near Mananthavady, Wayanad
• Entry fee: Approximately ₹300–₹400 per person, safari charges included/extra depending on group size
• Timings: Safaris run 7:00 AM–10:00 AM and 3:00 PM–5:30 PM
• How to reach: 20 km from Mananthavady, close to the Kerala–Karnataka border

6. Temples & Pilgrim Spots

6.1 Thirunelli Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set against the Brahmagiri hills and regarded as one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Wayanad. The temple's stone architecture and forested setting draw visitors well beyond its religious significance.

• Address: Thirunelli, near Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala 670646
• Entry fee: Free (donations accepted); minor charges for special rituals
• Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• How to reach: 32 km from Mananthavady, through scenic forest roads

7. How to Reach Wayanad

Wayanad has no airport or railway station of its own, so most visitors arrive by road after flying or taking a train to a nearby city. Here's how the main routes break down:

7.1 By Air

• Calicut International Airport (Karipur): The nearest airport, about 95 km from Kalpetta, roughly 2.5–3 hours by road.
• Kannur International Airport: About 105 km from Kalpetta, with a growing number of domestic and international connections.
• Bengaluru International Airport: A longer option at around 280 km, sometimes preferred by travellers combining Wayanad with a Bandipur/Mysore route.

7.2 By Train

• Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station: The nearest major railhead, about 75 km from Kalpetta.
• Kannur Railway Station: An alternative railhead, about 90 km away, well connected on the Konkan and main coastal lines.

7.3 By Road

Wayanad is well connected by state highway from Kozhikode, Kannur, Mysore and Bengaluru. The Kozhikode–Wayanad route via the Thamarassery ghat road (with its famous 9 hairpin bends) is the most commonly used approach from Kerala's coastal cities, while travellers from Karnataka usually enter via Sulthan Bathery on the Mysore–Bandipur route. Regular KSRTC and private buses connect Kalpetta to Kozhikode, Mysore and Bengaluru.

8. Suggested 3-Day Wayanad Itinerary

• Day 1: Edakkal Caves in the morning, Banasura Sagar Dam in the afternoon, sunset at Karapuzha Dam.
• Day 2: Early trek to Chembra Peak or Neelimala Viewpoint, followed by Soochipara Falls.
• Day 3: Morning safari at Muthanga or Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Pookode Lake in the afternoon, and a stop at Thirunelli Temple on the way back.

If you have four to five days, add Kuruva Island's bamboo rafting and one of the lesser-known trekking trails such as Kurumbalakotta or Aranamala. If Wayanad is one leg of a longer Kerala trip, it pairs naturally with a stay in Munnar or a houseboat stint in Alleppey.

9. Travel Tips for Visiting Wayanad

• The best season to visit is October to May; the monsoon months bring heavy rain and some treks close.
• Book Chembra Peak trekking permits in advance, as daily numbers are limited by the forest department.
• Carry cash for entry fees at smaller sites, as card payments are not always available.
• Wear proper trekking shoes for Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, and the waterfall trails.
• Try local Malabar cuisine, especially biryani and puttu-kadala, at eateries in Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery.
• If you're combining Wayanad with the backwaters, plan the hill-station leg first — travelling from cool hills down to humid coastal Kerala is more comfortable than the reverse.
• Wildlife safaris fill up quickly in peak season (December–January); book Muthanga or Tholpetty slots a day ahead where possible.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Wayanad Tourist Places

How many days are enough to visit Wayanad?

Two to three days are enough to cover the main Wayanad tourist places such as Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak and Pookode Lake. Four to five days are recommended if you also want to include wildlife safaris and the lesser-known waterfalls.

What is the best time to visit Wayanad?

October to May is ideal, when the weather is cool and most trekking trails and viewpoints are open.

Which are the top must-visit places in Wayanad?

Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Soochipara Falls, Kuruva Island, and the Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuaries are consistently rated the top attractions.

Is Wayanad good for a family trip?

Yes. Easy, low-effort spots like Pookode Lake and Karapuzha Dam sit alongside more adventurous options, so the district works well for families, couples and solo trekkers alike.

How do I reach Wayanad?

The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport (about 95 km) and Kannur International Airport (about 105 km). The nearest railway station is Kozhikode, roughly 75 km away. Wayanad has no railway station or airport of its own, so most visitors cover the last stretch by road.

What is the nearest airport to Wayanad?

Calicut International Airport (Karipur), around 95 km from Kalpetta, is the nearest airport to Wayanad, with Kannur International Airport a close second option at about 105 km.

About This Guide

This guide is put together by the team at Backwater Holidays, a Kerala-based holiday planning company that runs regular tours through Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey and the wider backwaters region. The recommendations here are drawn from routes and attractions we plan for travellers every season, cross-checked against the latest publicly available timing and fee information for each site. Details such as entry fees can change; we recommend confirming current rates locally or with your tour operator before travelling.