Wayanad tourist places: a 3-day plan
By Ganesh ·
The best places to visit in Wayanad (Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar, Chembra, Pookode, Kuruva Island, Muthanga and Thirunelli) grouped into a 3-day plan, with costs, how to reach and the best time to go.
The short answer: the top tourist places in Wayanad are Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake, Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls, Kuruva Island, the Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuaries, Thirunelli Temple and the Lakkidi viewpoint at the top of the Thamarassery ghat. Plan three days: one for the south (Kalpetta, Vythiri, Meppadi side), one for the east (Sulthan Bathery, Edakkal, Muthanga) and one for the north (Mananthavady, Kuruva, Thirunelli, Tholpetty).
Updated for 2026. Prices, timings and opening rules below are approximate. Check locally before you go.
Wayanad at a glance
Wayanad is a hill district of north-east Kerala on the Western Ghats plateau, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is all spice and coffee plantations, forest, dams and rocky peaks, at 700–2,100 m. The main towns are Kalpetta (the district headquarters), Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady. Distances inside Wayanad are short on the map but roads are winding, so group sights by area.
In July 2024 a major landslide struck the Mundakkai and Chooralmala area near Meppadi. Most of Wayanad's tourist places are far from that zone and reopened, but some trails and roads in the Meppadi area may still have restrictions. Check the Kerala tourism and district updates before planning treks there.
Best places to visit in Wayanad
Edakkal Caves (near Ambalavayal)
A steep 30–45 minute climb leads to a rock shelter with carvings thousands of years old. One of the oldest sets of petroglyphs in South India. Entry numbers are limited each day, so arrive early, especially on weekends. Wear shoes with grip.
Banasura Sagar Dam
One of the largest earth dams in India, with islands in its reservoir and the Banasura hills behind. Boating and an easy walk along the dam; sunset is the best time.
Chembra Peak
The tallest peak in Wayanad (around 2,100 m) is known for a heart-shaped lake on the way up. The trek needs a forest-department permit and a guide, numbers are capped and the trail has been closed at times. Confirm it is open before you go.
Pookode Lake
A natural freshwater lake near Vythiri wrapped in forest, with pedal boats and a walking path. A good half-hour stop on the way into Wayanad from Kozhikode.
Waterfalls: Soochipara, Meenmutty, Kanthanpara
Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) falls is reached by a forest walk; Meenmutty is a bigger, multi-tier fall with a longer trail. Both are spectacular after the monsoon but may close during heavy rain.
Kuruva Island
A cluster of river islands on the Kabini, crossed on bamboo rafts. Visitor numbers are limited and it closes during the monsoon. Go in the morning.
Muthanga and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuaries
Both are part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which joins Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mudumalai. Forest-department jeep safaris run in the early morning and late afternoon; you may see elephants, gaur and deer. Safari slots are limited and the sanctuaries may close in the dry season for fire risk.
Thirunelli Temple
An ancient Vishnu temple in the forest below the Brahmagiri hills, about 30 km from Mananthavady. Combine it with Tholpetty on the same morning.
Lakkidi viewpoint and the Chain Tree
Lakkidi sits at the top of the Thamarassery ghat's nine hairpin bends, with views down the valley. The Chain Tree nearby is linked to a local legend.
How to reach Wayanad
- By air: Kozhikode (Calicut) airport is around 90–100 km from Kalpetta (about 3 hours). Kannur airport and Bengaluru are other options.
- By train: Kozhikode is the nearest major railway station; buses and taxis go up the Thamarassery ghat.
- From Bengaluru: about 280 km via Mysuru. The national highway through Bandipur and Muthanga has a night traffic ban (roughly 9 pm to 6 am), so time your drive.
- From Kochi: about 250–270 km, 6–7 hours by road via Thrissur and Kozhikode.
Best time to visit Wayanad
October to May is the main season: dry trails, safaris running and pleasant days. December and January are cool and misty. June to September is monsoon. Wayanad is at its greenest and waterfalls are full, but heavy rain closes some treks, islands and safaris, and landslide risk is real on steep slopes. Search interest peaks in May and December; book stays early for those months and long weekends.
Sample 3-day Wayanad itinerary
- Day 1 (Vythiri and Kalpetta): Lakkidi viewpoint on the way up, Pookode Lake, then Banasura Sagar Dam for the late afternoon and sunset.
- Day 2 (Sulthan Bathery side): Edakkal Caves at opening time, Phantom Rock nearby, an afternoon Muthanga safari (book in advance where possible).
- Day 3 (Mananthavady side): Kuruva Island in the morning, Thirunelli Temple, and an evening Tholpetty safari or a plantation walk.
How much does a Wayanad trip cost?
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Homestay or budget hotel (per night) | ₹1,500–₹3,500 |
| Plantation resort, villa or treehouse (per night) | ₹5,000–₹15,000+ |
| Taxi for a full day of sightseeing | ₹2,500–₹4,000 |
| Entry tickets (caves, dams, lakes, falls) | ₹30–₹100 per person per place (camera fees extra) |
| Forest jeep safari | varies by sanctuary; check the forest department counter |
| Meals per person per day | ₹500–₹1,200 |
A 3-day trip for two staying in a good homestay and hiring a taxi is typically ₹15,000–₹30,000 excluding travel to Kozhikode; treehouse resorts push it well above that.
Practical tips
- Most sights open around 9 am and close by 5 pm, and some close one day a week. Check timings for Edakkal and the falls.
- Carry leech socks or salt for forest walks in and just after the monsoon.
- Book stays near the area you will explore first to save driving time.
- Respect wildlife: no stopping or getting out of the car on forest highways.
- Cash is useful for entry counters in smaller places, though UPI is widely accepted.
Plan it on Sancharees
Drop Kalpetta, Edakkal, Banasura and Kuruva into a Sancharees trip to see how far apart they really are, keep your homestay and safari bookings together, and share the day plan with everyone travelling.
FAQ
How many days are enough for Wayanad?
Three days covers the main sights in the south, east and north of the district; two days works if you pick one or two areas.
Is Wayanad safe to visit after the 2024 landslide?
The landslide hit a specific area near Meppadi. Most of Wayanad's tourist places are open; check official updates for trails near Meppadi and avoid steep areas during heavy monsoon rain.
Is Wayanad good in the monsoon?
It is beautiful and quiet, but some treks, Kuruva Island and safaris may close and roads can be slow. Keep plans flexible.
Which is better, Wayanad or Munnar?
Munnar is about tea hills and viewpoints; Wayanad has more variety (caves, dams, wildlife and waterfalls) and is closer to Bengaluru.
Photo: Chembra Peak Heart Lake by Ravi Dwivedi, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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