Explore Wayanad
Caves, wildlife, and waterfalls just minutes away.
Caves, wildlife, and waterfalls just minutes away.
Edakkal Caves are a remarkable archaeological site on Ambukuthi Hills, renowned for prehistoric petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age — making them the only known site in India with Stone Age rock carvings. Guests can hike up to the caves at 1,200 metres above sea level and marvel at 8,000-year-old engravings of human figures, animals, and ancient scripts. Located near Ambalavayal in Sulthan Bathery, they are among the most iconic landmarks in all of Wayanad.
Standing at 2,100 metres, Chembra Peak is the highest summit in Wayanad and one of Kerala's most celebrated trekking destinations, sitting about 8 km south of Kalpetta near Meppadi. The trail rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramas of Wayanad, Kozhikode, and the Nilgiris, but the undisputed highlight is a natural heart-shaped lake midway up that reportedly never dries out. Trekking permits are issued at the Meppadi Forest Office and a guide is mandatory.
Spread across 345 sq km and established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — popularly called Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary — is the second largest wildlife reserve in Kerala and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, connecting with Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. The sanctuary shelters elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and a rich array of birdlife, with jeep safaris offering the best chance of wildlife sightings. It is located about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery.
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, nestled in the foothills of the Banasura Hills — the third highest peak in the Western Ghats — near Kalpetta. The sprawling island-dotted reservoir is a scenic spectacle, and visitors can enjoy speed boating, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, and zorbing at the DTPC adventure camp on its shores. A handicrafts and spices emporium nearby makes it a great stop for shopping too.
Pookode Lake (also spelled Pookot Lake) is a serene natural freshwater lake covering about 8.5 hectares, surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded slopes just 2–3 km from Vythiri. Geographical surveys have noted the lake's outline resembles the map of India, and it teems with rare freshwater fish and blue lotus flowers. Guests can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and leisurely nature walks along its forested banks.
Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a dramatic three-tiered cascade dropping approximately 200 metres in the Vellarimala mountain range, about 13 km from Meppadi and 24 km from Kalpetta. The waterfall plunges into a wide natural pool that is ideal for swimming, and the surrounding montane and evergreen forests make the short trek to the base a rewarding experience. The picturesque route from Meppadi passes through some of Wayanad's finest tea gardens.
Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, often called the 'Kashi of the South,' is an ancient Vishnu shrine estimated to be over 1,000 years old, set amidst the pristine forests at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills. The temple is celebrated for its classical Kerala-style architecture, the sacred Papanasini River flowing beside it — believed to wash away sins — and the Panchatheertham pond said to bear Vishnu's footprints. It is a deeply revered pilgrimage site and a nature retreat rolled into one.
The Wayanad Heritage Museum at Ambalavayal is considered the largest and best-maintained archaeological museum in Kerala, offering an in-depth look at the history and tribal culture of the region. Exhibits include traditional artifacts, tools, handicrafts, mural paintings, antique coins, and artefacts related to the indigenous Adivasi communities such as the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Kattunayakans. It is an essential cultural stop for guests who want to understand the rich heritage of the Wayanad plateau.
Kuruva Island is a pristine uninhabited river island in the Kabini (Kabani) River, spanning over 950 acres of dense, biodiverse evergreen forest that shelters rare flora, fauna, and exotic birds. The island is accessible only by bamboo raft, making the crossing itself one of the most memorable experiences in Wayanad. It is a protected eco-zone, keeping the island wonderfully free from noise and pollution, and is ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
Edakkal Caves are a remarkable archaeological site on Ambukuthi Hills, renowned for prehistoric petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age — making them the only known site in India with Stone Age rock carvings. Guests can hike up to the caves at 1,200 metres above sea level and marvel at 8,000-year-old engravings of human figures, animals, and ancient scripts. Located near Ambalavayal in Sulthan Bathery, they are among the most iconic landmarks in all of Wayanad.
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Standing at 2,100 metres, Chembra Peak is the highest summit in Wayanad and one of Kerala's most celebrated trekking destinations, sitting about 8 km south of Kalpetta near Meppadi. The trail rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramas of Wayanad, Kozhikode, and the Nilgiris, but the undisputed highlight is a natural heart-shaped lake midway up that reportedly never dries out. Trekking permits are issued at the Meppadi Forest Office and a guide is mandatory.
View Directions →
Spread across 345 sq km and established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — popularly called Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary — is the second largest wildlife reserve in Kerala and forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, connecting with Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. The sanctuary shelters elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and a rich array of birdlife, with jeep safaris offering the best chance of wildlife sightings. It is located about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery.
View Directions →
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, nestled in the foothills of the Banasura Hills — the third highest peak in the Western Ghats — near Kalpetta. The sprawling island-dotted reservoir is a scenic spectacle, and visitors can enjoy speed boating, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, and zorbing at the DTPC adventure camp on its shores. A handicrafts and spices emporium nearby makes it a great stop for shopping too.
View Directions →
Pookode Lake (also spelled Pookot Lake) is a serene natural freshwater lake covering about 8.5 hectares, surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded slopes just 2–3 km from Vythiri. Geographical surveys have noted the lake's outline resembles the map of India, and it teems with rare freshwater fish and blue lotus flowers. Guests can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and leisurely nature walks along its forested banks.
View Directions →
Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a dramatic three-tiered cascade dropping approximately 200 metres in the Vellarimala mountain range, about 13 km from Meppadi and 24 km from Kalpetta. The waterfall plunges into a wide natural pool that is ideal for swimming, and the surrounding montane and evergreen forests make the short trek to the base a rewarding experience. The picturesque route from Meppadi passes through some of Wayanad's finest tea gardens.
View Directions →
Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, often called the 'Kashi of the South,' is an ancient Vishnu shrine estimated to be over 1,000 years old, set amidst the pristine forests at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills. The temple is celebrated for its classical Kerala-style architecture, the sacred Papanasini River flowing beside it — believed to wash away sins — and the Panchatheertham pond said to bear Vishnu's footprints. It is a deeply revered pilgrimage site and a nature retreat rolled into one.
View Directions →
The Wayanad Heritage Museum at Ambalavayal is considered the largest and best-maintained archaeological museum in Kerala, offering an in-depth look at the history and tribal culture of the region. Exhibits include traditional artifacts, tools, handicrafts, mural paintings, antique coins, and artefacts related to the indigenous Adivasi communities such as the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Kattunayakans. It is an essential cultural stop for guests who want to understand the rich heritage of the Wayanad plateau.
View Directions →
Kuruva Island is a pristine uninhabited river island in the Kabini (Kabani) River, spanning over 950 acres of dense, biodiverse evergreen forest that shelters rare flora, fauna, and exotic birds. The island is accessible only by bamboo raft, making the crossing itself one of the most memorable experiences in Wayanad. It is a protected eco-zone, keeping the island wonderfully free from noise and pollution, and is ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
View Directions →