Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state, India with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. Wayanad has seen a recent tourism boom and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala. It is the only district in Kerala that shares its borders with both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states. For this reason, it is often visited by tourists from these states.
Banasura Sagar dam
Banasura Sagar dam across the Karamanathodu River, a tributary of River Kabini, in Kalpetta, is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The dam is ideally placed in the foothills of Banasura hills. Banasura hill is the third largest peak in the Western Ghats. The dam, located around 21 km away from Kalpetta is a beautiful tourist destination in Wayanad. Banasura dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders. One of the beautiful sights here is the set of islands in the dam’s reservoir, These islands with the Banasura hills in the background are a visual treat for those who visit the dam and its premises.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukuthi Hill to reach the caves. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill. The lush greenery and scenic landscape around and the cool breeze that carries the aroma of coffee will surely make your journey an unforgettable one. A telescope is installed a few feet from the caves. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country. Edakkal caves are famous for its pictorial paintings. To reach the caves, one has to trek through the Ambukutty Mala.
Kuruva Island
The island is situated 15 km away from Mananthavady, 58 kilometres from Sultanbathery and 40 kms from Kalpetta. The island is surrounded by streams and you can have a boat ride or rafting through this stream enjoying the enchanting beauty of the island. The boats and rafts are provided by the Kerala Tourists from different parts of the world enjoy the rafting here. The rafts are made up of bamboos providing you a thrilling and exciting journey through the streams. Entry to this island is restricted during rainy seasons. The island is opened during the months from October to May and there is a nominal entry fee. The time schedule is from morning 9 to evening 5.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted occasionally. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The Reserve is also home to a small population of tigers, a profusion of birds, butterflies and insects. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming animals. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.
Pookot Lake
The Pookot Lake, located 3km south of Vythiri town, is the most frequented tourist spot in the entire Wayanad district of Kerala. A must-visit destination on your Kerala tour, this beautiful fresh-water lake is at a distance of 13 km from Kalpetta. The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes. Surrounded by lush greenery all around, this idyllic lake, with its breathtaking scenic beauty and peaceful ambience, mesmerizes every visitor on tour to Pookot Lake.
Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak in Wayanad, will be a perfect stop for you. Eight kilometer south of Kalpetta, near to the town of Meppady, lays the highest peak in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak. Chembra peak adjoins Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu and Vallarimala in Kozhikode. From the town of Meppady you can reach the peak through walking. The peak is visible from almost all parts of Wayanad. This place is an ideal destination for trekking activities. On the way to this peak, you can sight a heart shaped lake, which is said to have never dried up. It is one of the topmost attractions of this peak.
Soochipara Waterfalls
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is located in Wayanad district of Kerala. Locally known as Soochipara (needle rock) waterfalls, the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. One of the most attractive falls in the district, the water hits the sharp spikes of granite at the base and hence the name, Sentinel Rock waterfalls.The waterfalls is located on Kozhikode – Vythiri – Gudallur Highway about 25 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Kanthanpara waterfall is a unique picnic spot where you could spend quality time. There are two waterfalls surrounded by plantations and the forest. The hills beyond the waterfall stream are covered by dense forest. Ever roaring Meeenmutti and perennial Soochippara falls are well known while several small unknown waterfalls spark silver over distant valleys. Kanthanpara is a tiny fall compared to the other two.