INTRODUCTION
Wayanad derives its name from the words vayal (paddy) and naad (land), meaning “Land of Paddy Fields.” One of Kerala’s most beautiful hill towns, Wayanad features unusual sceneries and beautiful locations. Wayanad provides a wide range of attractions, including wildlife sanctuaries, challenging hikes, thrilling treks, some of the most beautiful waterfalls, and much more. Mother Nature has endowed Wayanad with an aesthetic beauty and ethereal charm. It is about a 5-hour journey from Bangalore and is the ideal destination for a weekend break. We outline the top attractions in Wayanad in this article.You can also visit pangarchulla trek.
Places to visit on DAY-1:
Lakkidi point:
One of the highest points in Wayanad is Lakkidi Point. The vantage point provides stunning views of the cliffs and valleys in the area. A visual pleasure are the high mountain peaks, lush foliage, and bird’s-eye perspective of the deep valley below with its twisting roadways.
Pookot lake:
One of Wayanad’s most popular tourist destinations is Pookot Lake. It is a freshwater lake that is naturally formed, and the mountains are evergreen. In this lake, there are also boating facilities.
On DAY-2:
Banasura sagar dam:
second-biggest earth dam in Asia and the largest earth dam in India. This dam is a breathtaking example of natural beauty because it is undisturbed and surrounded by hills. Both the enthusiastic and the lazy may rely on the jeep service to take them all the way to the top of the dam.
Soochippara waterfall:
The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls are a wonderful gift from nature and are close to Meppadi. The most crowded and well-liked waterfall is this one.
Kanthanpara waterfall:
The only waterfall in Wayanad that doesn’t require a trek is Kanthanpara waterfall. From the road, a short trail goes directly to the waterfall. Since it is less well-known than Soochippara Falls, the area is calmer and less stressful.
On DAY-3:
Meenmutty waterfall:
The second-largest waterfall in Kerala and its only three-tiered waterfall are both located 29 kilometres from Kalpetta. Meen (fish) and Mutty are combined to form the word Meenmutty (blocked). one of the Wayanad District’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls.
Your journey to the waterfall will pass through Wayanad’s stunning and abundant forest.
Muthanga wildlife Sanctuary:
The second-largest wildlife refuge in Kerala is Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is close to the Karnataka border and blessed with lush green trees and a variety of species.
This wildlife sanctuary is home to animals including elephants, spotted deer, bison, tigers, wild bears, etc.
Things to do at Wayanad:
Jungle safari at sanctuary:
If you don’t go on a forest safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, your vacation in Wayanad won’t be complete. The sanctuary is situated in northern Kerala and shares a boundary with Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, among other wildlife reserves. The largest reported tiger and Asian elephant populations can be found at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. During a jeep safari through the sanctuary’s Muthanga and Tholpetty Forests, visitors can enjoy seeing tigers, elephants, wild canines, sloth bears, sambar deer, leopards, Indian pangolin, and a variety of other creatures.
Bamboo rafting:
One of the best things to do in Wayanad is bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island. A 3.8 square kilometre protected area is known as Kuruva Island or Kuruvadweep. It is a populated island surrounded by lush green forests that provide habitat for uncommon bird species, medicinal plants, orchids, and butterflies. Due to the island’s proximity to the Kabini River’s tributaries, it is the ideal location for bamboo rafting. The state’s Forest Department keeps an eye on Kuruva Island, therefore you must obtain permission before visiting. Your tour will be accompanied by a guide who will assist you in discovering the variety of flora and fauna in the area.
Trekking to Chembra peak:
You must include Chembra Peak in your Wayanad vacation itinerary if you enjoy trekking and are looking for exhilarating activities to partake in. Eight kilometres south of Kalpetta, close to Meppady town, is where you’ll find Wayanad’s highest peak, which you may hike to the summit of for an uplifting experience. After an hour of hiking uphill, you will reach the heart-shaped pond sitting amid lush meadows. The journey begins along the tea estates. You must, however, arrive at the trailhead before 2 PM and acquire a permit from the forest department. Additionally, keep in mind that plastics are not allowed up top, so carry your water bottles.
Tea estate tour:
One of Kerala’s most famous exports, along with that of Wayanad, is tea. Green tea plantations may be found all around Wayanad, which is home to them. You will be in awe at the vistas of the tea gardens no matter where you travel, whether you embark on a road trip, a journey through the jungle, or a hike up a hill. Most significantly, you may observe the complete tea-making process in the factories and plantations that are nearby. One such location is the 18th-century Ripon Tea Factory, which offers tours of tea estates and tea tastings.