Wayanad Tourism And Travel Guide

Wayanad is a scenic little paradise of canopies of Deciduous and Evergreen trees, waterfalls and rolls of tea plantations. Situated at the southernmost tip of the Deccan Plateau, Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala. It boasts of hilly, mountainous regions, old prehistoric caves, ruins of forts and temples as well as is home to some of the most rare and endangered species. Reached easily by air with the nearest Airport of Calicut, Wayanad is best visited in its winter months (October-February). To know more about tourism in Wayanad, read on the Wayanad travel guide below. 

Wayanad may be located in the lap of forests and mountains but it is easily accessible by rail, road as well as air.

By Air: Calicut is the nearest airport, 65 km away. It is well connected to most cities of Kerala as well as rest of India.

By Road: The road network is pretty well-developed to Wayanad. State run as well as private buses ply many routes from Kozhikode. Some major cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai are connected to Kozhikode by regular buses.

By Rail: Wayanad does not have its own rail connectivity but is only 110 km away from Kozhikode Railway Station. You can take a taxi, book a car or board a public bus from Kozhikode to Wayanad.

Wayanad has a pleasurable weather all year round but is best visited in winter months between October to February. This time brings cool, chilly breezes and dry skies, perfect for outdoor activities.

Summer (March-May)

The temperatures in summer are not so high, anywhere between 20-30°C. Because of the green cover and waterbodies, Wayanad is not as hot as the rest of the country in summer.

Monsoon (June-October)

Wayanad receives an average rainfall of 300 mm with temperatures varying from 15-25°C. Because of frequent rain, most outdoor activities are unavailable. Therefore it is not advisable for first time travellers to visit during monsoon.

Winter (October- February)

Winter in Wayanad marks the peak of tourist season with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C and cold breezes. There is a rather pleasant nip in the air and outdoor activities are most fun during this time. 

Sightseeing:

Wayanad boasts of some of the best natural sights as it is blessed with lush evergreen forests, rocky waterfalls, rich flora and fauna. You can visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and sight herds of elephants, deer, guars, peafowls and tigers. Sentinel Waterfall offers some great picnic points with an overview of the rolling tea plantations below. There is also Pazhassi Memorial, to witness the history of Veera Pazhassi who fought a guerrilla war against the East India Company. 

Adventure Sports:

Treks up the Ambukuthi Hill are memorable and you can reach Edakkal Caves for more sightseeing. There is also the usual rock climbing and white water rafting at Sentinel Waterfalls. Hiking up the highest peak in Wayanad is another adrenaline rush. For this you can head to the Chembra peak.

Pilgrimage:

With a beautiful mix of churches, mosques, temples and Jain shrines, Wayanad is home to many religions and one spirituality. Nature becomes an unbreakable part of each of these shrines, be it the Pallikunnu Church of Mount Mary or the Thirunelli Temple of Maha Vishnu, Varambetta Mosque or Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple. You can visit each and find out more about how religion is inspired as well as amalgamated with history, culture and nature of this place.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Safari:

Take a jeep safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Sight the rare Bengal Tiger, deer, vultures, monkeys, elephants etc. Learn about the native medicinal plants and weeds with healing properties too on your way.

Edakkal Caves:

Home to one of the oldest and most perused petroglyphs, Edakkal is said to be 6000 years old. The images carved on stone walls are those of kings, queens, animals and prehistoric tools. Get your historic nerd glasses on and trek up to this time machine of humankind.

Cycling through Wayanad:

Wayanad has a few adventurous cycling routes for those willing to experience this place like a hermit traveller. Take your helmet and ride down through some pretty tricky bends and rocky curves, through untouched roads in the middle of rolls of tea gardens. You can also cycle across the border to Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu. A few cycling routes start from Chudale, Kalpetta etc.

Wayanad is THE place to eat authentic Malabar cuisine, made from fresh, simple, local ingredients. Try their fish moilee, a curry prepared in rich coconut milk, mustard seeds and tempered curry leaves. Appams are usually best eaten with chicken stew and to treat your sweet tooth, indulge in some payasam (the kheer of South India).