Things To Do In Wayanad

Wayanad is a lap of nature, situated on the Deccan Plateau, screened by Deciduous and Evergreen forests. This little district in Kerala becomes a great tourist spot for those in love with quiet cool forests, animals and a passion for everything nature. There are a lot of activities to do in Wayanad, from rock-climbing to river rafting at Sentinel waterfalls, sightseeing to safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, pilgrimage at the various churches, mosques, temples as well as a walk down the history of mankind through Edakkal Caves.

There is so much to see at Wayanad, from the thick, deciduous trees to the monkeys jumping from branch to branch, elephants in wild herds to the Bengal Tiger lazing under the sun at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. 

There are rows and rows of tea plantations down the Sentinel Waterfall, with their thick fragrance alive in the air. Spend a leisurely lunch here on a picnic and just drink in the vista.

Or you can go to the Pazhassi Memorial to know the history of a man who fought guerrilla war against the British. His memorabilia survives and reminds its visitors of valour and sacrifice everyday.

There is Edakkal caves too, where you can get lost in the petroglyphs that were made by the prehistoric man some 6000 years ago. 

The Sentinel Waterfall is the right destination for those seeking adventure. This three tiered rock formation boasts of a trek up to the summit, some white water rafting, rock climbing as well as swimming. 

For those who seek hiking, the hike up Ambukuthi Hills leads you to Edakkal caves, a cocoon of human history and the stronghold of Deccan Plateau’s connection to ancient human habitation.

You can also trek up the Chembra peak, which is the highest peak in the district at 2100 m above sea level.

Wayanad is a land of Houses of God. You find temples, churches, mosques and Jain temples, all ensconced happily in this small little district. Your holiday will be incomplete without visiting these shrines.

Take a trip to the Pallikunnu Church to seek blessings from Mother Mary and see the Latin Catholic church with its ancient architecture.

Visit the Thirunelli Temple of Lord Vishnu to seek peace in its sanctum, as well as observe how thousands of devotees come here to bathe in Papanasini river and wash their sins.

There are also ruins of Jain Temples at Panamaram and Sulthan Bathery Town, each with its own stories.

Or take a trip down the Varambetta Mosque, the oldest mosque of Wayanad, also know for its ancient structure.

Start your jeep safari with vistas of deep green tree covers and canopies, peacocks dancing their way to welcome you into their home, herds of elephants and gaurs at leisure, while vultures fly high. You may also spot the occasional Bengal Tiger on your way, along with some other rare and endangered species. 

One of the oldest petroglyphs known to mankind are found here and the place is full of echoes of what the prehistoric man would have been. The stone carvings are said to be 6000 years old and establish the Deccan Plateau as a spot of inhabitation by humans all those years ago. The history buff in you will be left gasping for more after this trip is done.

Treks up Chembra hill (the highest peak in Wayanad) are difficult and long. You will see some coffee plantations on your way up. Revel in the thick, heady fragrance of raw coffee berries and feel light with all the cleansing air. Permissions to trek have to be acquired before you start. 

Remember Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar? And the cycle rides through rolls of tea plantations of Ooty? Well, the cycling tour of Wayanad is just like that, even better, for its untouched scenes and virgin roads. There are some rocky, tricky bends in the path, not for the weak hearted. Wayanad shares its borders with Tamil Nadu so you can also cycle down to Nilgiri plantations in Tamil Nadu, isn’t that cool?

Some of the best cycling routes originate from Chudale, Kalpetta etc. 

This dam is a scene out of heaven, famous for its boating activities. Pack your picnic baskets and take your family down to this place that is a cocoon of nature's best.

Location: 2.3 km from Wayanad bus stand