Wayanad, often called the “land of green hills,” is one of Kerala’s most picturesque districts. Rich in natural beauty, Wayanad offers waterfalls, dams, caves, wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations, and mountain peaks. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural traveler, Wayanad has something for everyone.
This guide covers the top attractions, entry fees, distances, accommodations, and dining options in Wayanad.
1. Tea Gardens in Wayanad
Wayanad is famous for its sprawling tea plantations, which are a treat for nature lovers and photographers. Popular tea estates include:
- Tea Plantation
- Tea Garden Holiday Home
- Vythiri Tea Garden Retreat
- Chateau Woods
- Kallat British Resort
- Rippon Eco Woods
- Horrison Tea Estate
- Parison Tea Estate
- Achoor Tea Estate
- Woodrose Resort
Tip: Stay at one of the tea garden resorts to enjoy serene mornings surrounded by lush greenery.
2. Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak, at 2,100 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Wayanad. Surrounded by hills, valleys, and tea plantations, the trek is a dream for adventure seekers.
- Starting point: Meppadi
- Trek length: 4.5 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Trekking time: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The trek passes waterfalls and lush greenery, making it one of Wayanad’s most picturesque locations.
3. Banasura Dam
The largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia, Banasura Dam is nestled at the foot of Banasura Hills.
- Distance from Kalpetta: 21 km
- Activities: Speed boating, kayaking, coracle rides, trekking
- Nearby attraction: Pookode Lake (22 km)
Surrounded by coconut and betel nut plantations, Banasura Dam is a perfect picnic spot with a small park for families
4. Lakkidi View Point
Situated at 700 meters above sea level, Lakkidi View Point is famous for:
- Nine hairpin bends
- Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views
- Rich biodiversity (second-highest rainfall in the world)
- Distance: 32 km from Wayanad
- Location: Kozhikode – Mysore – Kollegal Highway, Lakkidi, Kerala
5. Meppadi
A charming village surrounded by tea plantations and lush hills, Meppadi is ideal for trekking and exploring hidden gems like Attamala and Puthumala.
Nearby attractions:
- 900 Kandi forest: Jungle walks, swimming in streams, jeep safaris, tent stays, off-road biking, glass bridge, ropeway, and skywalk
- Connectivity: Located on the state highway between Kozhikode and Ooty
6. Kalpetta
Kalpetta is Wayanad’s district headquarters and a hub for:
- Coffee and tea plantations
- Gateway to Chembra Peak and Neelimala View Point
- Hotels, restaurants, and shopping options
- Pin Code: 673121
- Best time to visit: Winter months
7. Sultan Bathery
This historical town was named after Tipu Sultan’s army, which used the ancient Bathery Jain Temple as an ammunition depot.
Top attractions:
- Edakkal Caves
- Phantom Rock
- Karapuzha Dam
- Chingeri Hill
- Ancient Jain Temple
- Distance from Kalpetta: 25 km
- Pin Code: 673592
8. Vythiri
Vythiri is famous for its spice plantations, jungle resorts, and tribal traditions.
- Popular resort: Vythiri Resort (rainforest cottages, spa, wellness center)
- Nearby: Karalad Lake (8 km), a serene hidden retreat
11. Camping in Wayanad
Wayanad is the perfect place for camping with options like:
- Adventure camping
- Tent camping
- Farm camping
Top campsites: Blue Mango Camping, Wayanad Backpackers Tent Camping, Campper Arrow Hill Camp, Cloud Nine Camping, Camp Monk, Cave Camping, GET Camping.
Activities: Jungle safaris, tribal interactions, peak climbing, forest stays
12. Longest Ziplining
Wayanad offers the longest zipline in South India (approx. 300 meters) at Karlad Lake.
- Location: Pozhtana, Wayanad
- Other ziplines: Muddy Boots Zipline, Wayanad Adventure Camp, Karapuzha Dam
13. Soochipara Waterfalls
Also called Sentinel Rock Waterfall, this three-tiered waterfall is located on the Chaliyar River.
- Distance: Meppadi – 13 km, Kalpetta – 24 km, Sultan Bathery – 46 km
- Visiting time: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Activities: 2 km trek, photography
- Entry & camera fee applicable
14. Zeno Village – 900 Kandi
Zeno Village offers luxurious stays in villas and treehouses.
- Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, spa, wellness center
- Adventure stays: Mountain tent camping, forest stays
15. Sky Park @ 900 Kandi
A new adventure park with:
- Glass bridge (South India’s first)
- Adventure swings and rope activities
- Located 15 km from Meppadi
16. GReaT Trails Wayanad by GRT
A luxury resort amidst tea plantations offering:
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Premium dining
- Spa facilities
17. En Ooru Heritage Village
Also called Enrroe Village, this tribal heritage village at Pookode showcases:
- Tribal culture and traditions
- Cafeteria and local market
- Jeep ride tours
- Entry fee applicable
18. Wildvibes
A budget stay inside the forest, Wildvibes spans over 70 acres with:
- Forest streams and wildlife
- Glamping stays
- Contact: +91 8921 838 640
19. Mananthavady
A key municipality in Eastern Wayanad.
Top attractions: Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Pazhassi Park.
20. Pulpally
Known as the “Land of Black Gold”, Pulpally is home to:
- Seetha Devi Lava Kusa Temple
- Adrak Mountain Mist Forest Resorts
- Kanthanparai Waterfall
- Eddakal Caves
- Jain Temple and Kelakavala Big Banyan Tree
Travel Tips for Wayanad
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Local transport: Buses, taxis, and jeep safaris
- Stay options: From luxury resorts to budget campsites
- Entry fees: Check for waterfalls, heritage villages, and wildlife sanctuaries
Table showing top attractions, distances, entry fees, best time to visit, and nearby hotels/resorts
| Attraction | Distance from Kalpetta | Entry Fee | Best Time to Visit | Nearby Hotels/Resorts |
| Chembra Peak | 8 km | ₹100–₹300 (trek permit) | Oct–May | Meppadi Tea Garden Retreat, Vythiri Resort |
| Banasura Dam | 21 km | Free | Oct–May | Banasura Hill Resort, Green Gates Hotel |
| Lakkidi View Point | 32 km | Free | Oct–May | Lakkidi View Resort, The Windflower Resort |
| Meppadi | 12 km | Free | Oct–May | Meppadi Tea Estates, Cloud 9 Resort |
| Sultan Bathery | 25 km | Free | Oct–May | The Windflower Resort, Green Valley Resort |
| Vythiri | 14 km | Free | Oct–May | Vythiri Resort, Silverwoods Hideaway |
| Kuruvadweep | 28 km | ₹50–₹100 | Oct–May | Banasura Resort, Puzhakkal Resorts |
| Thirunelly Temple | 35 km | Free | Oct–May | Thirunelly Homestay, Kabini River Lodge |
| Soochipara Waterfalls | 24 km | ₹20–₹50 | Oct–May | Meppadi Jungle Stay, Silver Oaks Resort |
| Zeno Village – 900 Kandi | 18 km | ₹200 (if camping) | Oct–May | Zeno Villas, Mountain Tent Camping |
| Sky Park @ 900 Kandi | 15 km | ₹150–₹300 | Oct–May | Green Mountain Resort, Skyview Stay |
| GReaT Trails Wayanad | 6 km | Free | All Year | GReaT Trails Resort |
| En Ooru Heritage Village | 12 km | ₹50–₹100 | All Year | En Ooru Stay, Pookode Homestay |
| Wildvibes | 22 km | ₹100–₹150 | Oct–May | Wildvibes Glamping |
| Mananthavady | 45 km | Free | Oct–May | Pazhassi Resort, Mananthavady Homestay |
| Pulpally | 55 km | Free | Oct–May | Adrak Mountain Mist, Pulpally Homestay |
| Tea Gardens | Various | Free | Oct–May | Tea Garden Retreats, Rippon Eco Woods |
| Camping Sites | Various | ₹200–₹500 | Oct–May | Blue Mango Camping, Campper Arrow Hill |
| Longest Ziplining (Karlad Lake) | 18 km | ₹250–₹350 | Oct–May | Karlad Lake Resort, Adventure Stay |
| Chembra Peak Trek | 8 km | ₹100–₹300 | Oct–May | Meppadi Tea Garden Retreat, Vythiri Resort |
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