TOP TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN WAYANAD, KERALA
Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam is situated in the Wayanad District of Kerala, the state often referred to as ‘the garden of India’. Tourism in Kerala and around Wayanad is increasing year after year as people come from all over the world to appreciate the great natural beauty and abundant wildlife that the area has to offer. On top of all of the nature there are also many other aspects to Wayanad tourism. Temples, caves, tea plantations and lively towns are dotted around the district, all easily accessible from the Kalari Sangam. Unlike much of Kerala, the climate in Wayanad stays pleasant all year round due to its position in the mountains – even the monsoon can be enjoyed in the area and many people come to spend the rainy season here.
Some of the nearest tourist points form Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam, Wayanad, Kerala
Valliyoorkavu Temple – 1 km (from Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam)
Valliyoorkavu is an ancient temple located high in the Hills at Valliyoorkavu, 3 kilometers from Mananthavady town of Wayanad district in Kerala. Situated near the banks of the Kabani River only a kilometre from the Sangam this beautiful temple is easily within walking distance. Once a year in the middle of March the temple holds a fourteen day long arattu festival to celebrate the manifestation of the temple’s idol. The annual festival is the largest of its kind in Wayanad, attracting over two lakhs people over the course of two weeks. It is particularly important to Wayanad’s large tribal population.
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Chembra Peak – Famous Wayanad Tourism spot – 41 km
- Chembra, Kerala 673586
At 2100 metres the summit of Chembra Peak is the highest point in all of Wayanad. During the season this beloved mountain offers fantastic trekking opportunities with breathtaking views of most of Wayanad on a clear day. The three hour trek from base to peak takes you through the stunning scenery of Wayanad’s lush tea plantations and is capped off near the top by a beautiful heart shaped lake. The lake is a hotspot for romantic couples and nature lovers alike and offers the best view point on the mountain.
Trekking the peak is good all year round although the rainy season is not recommended. A small fee must be paid to the forestry office before entering the park. Occasionally the peak will be closed due to weather conditions or risk of fire – be sure to check before you go!
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Banasura Sagar Dam – 26 km
- Padinjarathara, Kerala 673575
This massive dam, which impounds the Kadamanthodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasura Sagar Project consisting of a hydroelectric dam and a canal system started in 1979. It is the biggest earth dam in India and the second biggest in Asia which makes it one of the top attractions of tourism in Wayanad. Sitting in the shadow of the Banasura Hills the dam has created a dramatic reservoir that serves to supply drinking and irrigation water to thousands of local residents. The reservoir also contains several picturesque islands that can be visited by boat. Boating and trekking are very popular tourist activities.
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Thirunelli Temple – 30km
- Mananthavady, Kerala 670646
The Thirunelli temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. The temple, thought to be up to one thousand years old, is situated 30 kilometres away from the sangam, in the hills of Wayanad surrounded by beautiful forests. Many myths and legends surround the temple. For example, it is said that Parasurama, the creator of Kalaripayattu, visited Thirunelli to perform the last rites of his father. The road there will take you through up to three wildlife sanctuaries depending on which direction you come from. A trip here will also bring you close to Gundika Shiva Temple situated in a small cave, which is also well worth a visit.
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Soochippara Falls – 51km
- Vellarimala, Kerala 673577
The Soochipara Falls (literally meaning Needle Point Falls) is a dramatic waterfall nestled in beautiful forest scenery in Wayanad tourism near Vellarimana. The water tumbles over a 200 m high cliff – that is also used for rock climbing – and falls into a crystal clear pool below. The Falls are much more impressive during the rainy season but far more accessible during the dry season. From the Falls one has access to gorgeous views of surrounding jungle and tea plantations.
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Lakkidi View Point – 45km
- Lakkidi, Kerala 673576
At the Gateway to Wayanad, high above the sprawling jungle plains below, Lakkidi Viewpoint offers an unrivalled bird’s eye view of a spectacular niche of Wayanad. Looking down the lush mountainside one can see the winding road twist this way and that as it climbs the hills into the Wayanad District making nine hairpin turns in the process. During the rainy season Lakkidi is renowned for having a particularly high rainfall – one of the highest in the world – and becomes the scene of serene mists and haunting fogs. For the best views visit in the early morning or catch the dramatic sunset in the evening.
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Edakkal Caves – 42km
- Nenmeni, Kerala 673595
The Edakkal Caves are one of the more astonishing attractions that Wayanad tourism, or indeed Kerala, has to offer. With a combination of fantastic natural beauty and incredibly ancient human art the caves are a must see for all who come to Wayanad. Rediscovered in 1890 the caves were once home to a neolithic community who made their mark on the stone walls in the form of patterns and drawings of human and animal figures. Some of the carvings have been dated back to 6000 B.C.E – over 8000 years old! They are open almost all year round (check before going) from 9:30AM to 4:30PM and can be reached by a short trek from the town below. There is a small fee to be paid on entry.
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Banasura Hill – One of the best tourist destinations in Kerala – 22km
- Padinjarathara, Kerala 673575
Standing over Wayanad at over 2000m above sea level, Banasura Hill is one of the tallest mountains in the Western Ghat mountain range. Named after the thousand-armed mythological Hindu king of the same name, Banasura is itself steeped in local mythology and folklore. On its slopes live the same tribespeople who once helped the Kalaripayattu legend Pazhassi Raja to inflict carnage on the troops of the British East India Company. Also inhabiting the mountainside are animals such as monkeys, wild boar, deer and elephants. The trek to the summit takes three hours and offers fantastic views of the surrounding area and the Banasura dam.
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Pookot Lake
- Kunnathidavaka, Kerala 673576
Pookot is a natural freshwater lake nestling amid evergreen forests and mountain slopes at an altitude of 770 meters above sea level, in Wayanad, Kerala.Get Directions. It is an important tourism destination in Kerala due to being the smallest and highest natural lake in the state.
Kuruvadweep – 13km
- Pakkom, Kerala 673579
Situated in a 950 acre section of the Kabini River, Kuruvadweep is a cluster of small river islands that are home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. The area is accessible to tourists via specially crafted hand-made bamboo rafts that are used to explore the calm waters of the slowly moving Kabini around the islands. Among the islands are two fresh water lakes that attract several species of migratory birds and many other animals and insect species. Kuruvadweep offers a fantastic day out for nature lovers looking for a relaxing time on a beautiful river.
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Meenmutty Falls
- Thondernad, Kerala 670731
Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Get Directions. During the rainy season they become dangerous because of the powerful water flow and many people have died already.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Special Kerala tourism package – 49km
- Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Covering a huge area of 344 square kilometres the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is one of the top tourism sites in Wayanad. Since being established in 1973 the sanctuary has become a cornerstone of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve project. Come here to see the vast range of wildlife that Kerala has to offer. Tigers, elephants and bison roam the park in the early morning, visiting the many waterholes found dotted around the area. Monkeys, wild dogs, peacocks and many, many other animals can be found here. Guests must be guided around the park by a professional guide – this is for safety purposes but will also give you the best chance to see some of the more shy animals. The sanctuary is open from 7:00 to 10:00AM and then from 3:00 to 5:00PM. For the best chance of seeing a tiger, be there at 7:00AM!
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Kanthanpara water Falls
- Meppadi, Kerala 673577
Kanthanpara water falls is a unique picnic spot where you could spend quality time with your family or friends. There are two waterfalls surrounded by plantations and the forest which makes this place secluded and extremely relaxing.Get Directions
Karalad Lake
- Thariyode, Kerala 673575
The naturally beautiful Karalad Lake is located in Thariode and about 16 kilometer away from Kalpetta and 3 km away from Banasura Sagar Dam. This is the second largest fresh water lake in Kerala after Pookode lake.Get Directions
Kabini River
- Koodalkadav,Kerala 670646
The Kabini, also called Kapila, is a river in southern India. It originates in the Wayanad by the confluence of the Panamaram River and the Mananthavady River.Get Directions. It flows eastwards towards the state of Karnataka. It forms an island called Kuruva which is an uninhabited wildlife reservoir.
Puliyarmala Jain Temple
- Puliyarmala, Kerala 673122
Anantnath Swami Temple (also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala.Get Directions
Neelimala View Point
- Vaduvanchal, Kerala 673581
The Meenmutti waterfalls, gushing down and then flowing in cascades further down its course is an awesome sight to watch from this viewpoint near Vaduvanchal in Wayanad tourism .Get Directions
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
- Ambalavayal, Kerala 673593
Wayanad Heritage Museum, also known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is a museum at Ambalavayal, 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, in Wayanad district, Kerala, India.Get Directions. The Museum displays tribal relics and artifacts ranging from the Neolithic age to the 17th century.
Pazhassi Raja Tomb – 4km
- Mananthavady, Kerala 670645
The final resting place of Kerala legend and Kalaripayattu hero Pazhassi Raja. In the late 18th Century the great Pazhassi Raja ruled a kingdom in the north of Kerala around Wayanad during the period of the British East India Company’s aggressive expansion through India. Not only did the Raja face a threat from the highly advanced military of the ruthless Brits but he was also forced to protect his kingdom against the well drilled soldiers of the kingdom of Mysore, commanded first by Hyder Ali and then his merciless son TIpu Sultan. Going very much against the grain at the time, Pazhassi Raja chose to defy the Brits and make a stand. With a band of fearless guerrilla warriors, often armed only with swords and bows and arrows, the Raja waged war against the much better supplied Company armies, inflicting havoc on their supply chains and scout patrols. Many of his soldiers were of the warrior caste of north Kerala and were well trained in the art of Kalaripayattu – their brave resistance makes a particularly striking story for Kalari practitioners. The site of the tomb in Mananthavady stands alongside a museum about the Raja and his ragtag army as well as a secondary museum about the local tribal people. Situated in a peaceful garden overlooking Mananthavady, a couple of kilometres from the sangam, the tomb is well worth a visit.
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Karapuzha Dam– Tourism attraction in Wayanad, Kerala
- Ambalavayal, Kerala 673593
Karapuzha Dam located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, is one of the biggest earth dams in India. Karapuzha Dam is located in the greenish and natural regions of Wayanad on the Karapuzha River, a tributary of the Kabini river. THe main goal of the dam is hold water for irrigation and the construction was completed in 2004.Get Directions
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary – 30km
- Brahmagiri Hills, Kerala 670646
Located in the lush hills surrounding Kalpetta the Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary is home to an uncountable variety of brilliantly coloured tropical birds. A walk through the reservation will be accompanied by the soundtrack of thousands of chattering birds calling out to each other and fluttering around the treetops. One such bird is the Edible Nest Swift whose elaborately crafted nests are used to make birds nest soup. Elephants, leopards and bison also prowl the forest floor. A tour guide can be hired for the best chance of spotting the rarer birds and over night camping is optional at extra cost. A visit here will also bring you close to the Thirunelli Temple, which is worth a visit. Opening times: 6:00AM to 6:00PM
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Papanashini River
- Thirunelly, Kerala 670646
The river begins as a spring in the Brahmagiri Hills region near Tirunelli Temple. It meets the Kalindi River of Kerala (not the more famous Kalindi which is also known as Yamuna).Get Directions. The name means washes away all sins. It is a very famous pilgrim destination.
Korome mosque
- Korome, Kerala 670731
Above 500 year old Korome Mosque is actually built in the traditional Hindu Nair style. The colors, carvings, steps, and all hold similarities to ancient temple architecture.Get Directions. It is located 23 km away from Mananthavady.
Pallikkunnu Church
- Pallikkunnu, Kerala 673122
Church is a famous pilgrim centre of north Kerala. This Latin Catholic church in the name of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’, was built by a French priest Fr. Jefreno in 1908 at Meenangadi.Get Directions
Phantom Rock – 40km
- Kumbleri, Kerala 673591
Towering above the surrounding landscape in central Wayanad, Phantom Rock gets its ominous name from its skull like appearance. Situated close to the Edakkal Caves outside Kalpetta a visit to Phantom Rock provides a great opportunity to surround oneself in nature in the beautiful nature of Wayanad. The area offers good trekking, camping and breathtaking views.
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Ancient Jain Temple Ruins – Check Kerala tourism map
- Panamaram, Kerala 670721
This temple was an ancient religious center for Jains in Wayanad. Though severely damaged, the temple has excellent stone sculpturing tradition prevalent in ancient times.Get Directions
Chethalayam Water Falls part of Kerala tourism
- Kidanganad, Kerala 673592
Visitors walk through a great display of nature to reach the waterfall. Great many trees stand proudly over a grassy landscape. Colourful butterflies and birds fly around.Get Directions
Seetha Lava Kusha Temple
- Ponkuzhi, Kerala 673592
The temple was constructed during the period of the great warrior Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja. The temple pond is one of largest in Wayanad, Kerala.Get Directions
R A R S
- Ambalavayal, Kerala 673593
The Regional Agricultural Research Station is located in Ambalavayal town is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. This station conducts research on spices, tropical, etc.Get Directions
Tourism wayanad,Kerala – Chain Tree of Karinthandan
- Kunnathidavaka, Kerala 673576
Once during the colonial rule, Lakkidi was a secret route for local adivasis of Wayanad. An English engineer took help from a local chieftain called Karinthandan…Get Directions
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