Wayanad is a rural district in Kerala state, southwest India. In the east, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush, forested region with areas of high altitude, home to animals including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and egrets.
Edakkal Caves at Wayanad.
Imagine trekking up to a cliff which overlooks the beautiful Western Ghats and popping into a cave that has carvings almost 8,000 years old?! You can do just this at one of the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala – Edakkal Caves at Wayanad. The caves are really a rock shelter that can be comparable to the Bhimbetka shelters in MP and have the only Stone age carvings in South India, dating back to 6,000 B.C. The climb up from the base to the cliff takes you through rocky paths eventually leading to a scenic view. It’s an experience of a lifetime!
Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad.
Soochipara Falls will make your heart leap with happiness! This waterfall is a testimony to tourism done right, the entire area is plastic-free which means you won’t come across those stray water bottles or wrappers while enjoying the waterfalls. It also helps that it is one of the best unknown places in Kerala and is tucked away in a beautiful valley in Wayanad. You have to go down a hilly trek with thick forests around to reach the thundering falls.
Chembra Peak, Wayanad.
Chembra Peak is sitting in Wayanad and attracts all the nature and adventure enthusiasts who are visiting Kerala. It is the highest peak south of Himalayas with a beauty that goes beyond words. Located at a height of 2100 m above sea level, Chembra peak offers exciting trekking and hiking opportunities. However, it is important to get prior permission from the Meppadi forest before you begin on the expedition. Also, on the way, you will come across a heart shaped lake, which never dries up and is named ‘hridaya thadakam’.
Neelimala View Point
Promising one of the most enthralling trekking experiences in Wayanad tourist places, Neelimala View Point is a must visit for adventure aficionados. It presents some amazing trails that cross the most picturesque landscape of Western Ghats. Tourists are in for a charming surprise as Neelimala View Point offers gushing streams and verdant valleys on the way up to the hill. This place is a splendid tourist spot where you can appreciate the company of nature with the misty clouds and its pristine ambience. This beauty of this popular trekking and camping site is accentuated by the Meenmutty waterfall that brings out the most wonderful view of the place.
Kolagappara.
If you wish to experience some solitary happiness in the most beautiful surroundings, Kolagappara is a wonderful retreat for you. This remote village in Wayanad is the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the crowds. One of the most eminent attractions of this place is the elephant shaped rock that stands out in the whole landscape. This rock makes it a climb worthwhile for those interested in rock climbing and other adventure activities. Offering a mesmerising view of the hill and the river, this place is often known to attract the most enthusiastic trekkers to savour an adrenaline rush. With a pleasant climate and widespread greenery, it is not easy to ignore the breath-taking beauty of this place in Wayanad.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.
Offering an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places to visit in Wayanad. It is famous for harbouring a diverse number of flora and fauna. Taking a wildlife safari is the most thrilling activity that one should undertake at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to make their Wayanad vacation memorable.This natural habitat is a great sightseeing place to spot elephant herds, deer, langurs, panthers, tigers, Indian bison and the rare Slender Loris. Moreover, this wildlife sanctuary offers a wonderful experience for tourists with their tree huts which are open for stay.
This beautiful attraction allows the tourists to seek some natural solace and take delight in the company of the wonderful wildlife roaming freely in their natural surroundings.
Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery.
One of the most beautiful heritage sightseeing places in Wayanad, Jain Temple is known for its interesting history. It was built in the 13th century A.D. and largely came to prominence when this ancient temple was used by Tipu Sultan to store ammunition.
The ruins of Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery resonate the vital presence and influence of the Jain community in the state of Kerala. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Jain Temple boasts of Vijayanagara style of architecture and has preserved beautiful and intricate carvings on its granite pillars. It is revered as one of the holiest places for the Jains and a festival is celebrated during Mahavir Jayanthi. This historically important temple in Kerala is a great visit to appreciate the art and culture of this place.
Add Wayanad to your bucket list now!