Wayanad
Known as the land of paddy fields, Wayanad is a rich highland destination filled with forests, farms, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, culture and heritage.
Location: Wayanad is situated on the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau and lies within the Western Ghats of Kerala.
It is bordered by Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram in Kerala, while Karnataka’s Coorg and Mysore regions lie to the north and east. Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri district lies towards the southeast.
The district is known for cool climate, mist-covered hills, spice plantations, tribal communities, forest corridors, ancient caves and peaceful village landscapes.
Wayanad at a Glance
Altitude
700 to 2100 metres above mean sea level.
Area
Wayanad covers around 2132 sq. km.
Main Towns
Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery and Mananthavady.
Climate
Pleasant year-round, chilly from December to February.
Rainfall
Average annual rainfall is over 2300 mm.
Main Crops
Coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, ginger and turmeric.
Language
Malayalam is local. English is widely understood.
Shop For
Spices, coffee, tea, bamboo crafts, wild honey and local products.
Major Tourist Locations
Discover the many sides of Wayanad through misty hill stations, wildlife forests, ancient caves, river islands, reservoirs, freshwater lakes, waterfalls, tea estates, tribal heritage, museums and sacred landmarks.
Vythiri
Vythiri is a serene hill station with misty hills, forests, tea gardens, coffee plantations and spice estates. Located close to Lakkidi, it is known for Pookode Lake, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Chain Tree and peaceful village-life experiences.
Kuruva Island
Kuruva Island, also called Kuruvadweep, is a 950-acre river delta in the Kabini River. Its evergreen forests and bamboo groves shelter rare orchids, medicinal plants, birds and butterflies, while visitors can enjoy bamboo rafting and guided nature walks.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tholpetty is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambar deer, hornbills, kingfishers, reptiles and a wide variety of forest life.
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is India’s largest earthen dam and the second-largest of its kind in Asia. Surrounded by hills and reservoir islands, it is especially scenic during the monsoon and offers boating, trekking and zipline activities.
En Ooru
En Ooru is Kerala’s first tribal heritage village. It introduces visitors to tribal huts, crafts, pottery, weaving, basketry, organic farming, ethnic food, cultural performances and traditional medicine.
Edakkal Caves
Located on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal Caves are among South India’s most important archaeological sites. Their ancient rock engravings depict human figures, animals, tools, symbols and geometric patterns linked to prehistoric settlement.
Chembra Peak
Rising to about 2,100 metres, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad. It is celebrated for trekking, panoramic valley views, tea plantations, evergreen forests and the iconic heart-shaped lake known as Hridaya Saras.
Karlad Lake
Karlad Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in Wayanad. Its activity zone offers kayaking, boating, ziplining, rock climbing, zorbing, bamboo rafting, camping and nature walks.
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake near Lakkidi is a high-altitude freshwater lake enclosed by evergreen forest. Visitors come for boating, blue lotuses, an aquarium, children’s park, handicraft shops and shaded walking paths.
Bathery Jain Temple
This 13th-century landmark in Sultan Bathery was built in the Vijayanagara style. It is noted for carved stone pillars, floral motifs, Jain symbols and its later historical association with Tipu Sultan.
Wayanad Heritage Museum
Located in Ambalavayal, the museum presents Wayanad’s story from the Neolithic era to the 16th century. Its collections include hero stones, tribal tools, ornaments, terracotta figures, idols and traditional musical instruments.
Priyadarshini Tea Environs
Priyadarshini Tea Environs is a 500-acre estate near Mananthavady that supports tribal rehabilitation. Experiences include tea-factory visits, tea tasting, museum tours, trekking, camping, treehouse stays and scenic viewpoints.
Soochipara Waterfalls
Also called Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Soochipara is a three-tiered cascade that falls into a natural pool. The surrounding forest setting is popular for trekking, seasonal swimming, rock climbing and photography.
Thirunelli Temple
Set amid the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known as the Kashi of the South, it is valued for its rituals, forest setting, Kerala-style architecture and the sacred Papanasini stream.
Stories That Shape Wayanad
Wayanad carries traces of prehistoric life, tribal knowledge, Jain heritage, colonial resistance and responsible tourism.
Prehistoric Past
Edakkal Caves reveal early human settlements through rock carvings and symbols.
Pazhassi Raja
The forests of Wayanad played a major role in resistance against British rule.
Tribal Life
Paniyas, Kurichiyas and Kattunayakans preserve traditional knowledge, craft and agriculture.
Responsible Tourism
Vythiri became an important model for eco-friendly community tourism.