Wayanad is a beautiful district in “God’s own Country”, the enchanting state of Kerala in southern India. Wayanad is literally in the lap of nature, surrounded by dense forest land on one side and hills and lakes on the other. It is located on the fringes of the Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala and makes for an excellent weekend getaway for people from Bangalore. Especially if it is a long weekend most of the cars are sure to be headed out of Bangalore on the road leading from Bangalore to Wayanad on the Bangalore Mysore highway. Wayanad. If you are planning a weekend road trip to Wayanad and looking for places to visit in Wayanad in 2 days, you are in the right place. This Wayanad travel blog aims to give complete information not only about the places to visit in Wayanad but also about other things like resorts in Wayanad, homestays and other accommodation options in Wayanad, offbeat tourist places in Wayanad, Wayanad weather, and much more.
Table of Contents
Places to Visit in Wayanad in 2 Days – Wayanad Trip
Wayanad Map
About Wayanad
- Wayanad is not one city or town but is a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala
- The main towns of Wayanad district which are municipal towns are Kalpetta, Mananthavady, and Sultan Bathery
- Most of the Wayanad hotels, as well as the best resorts in Wayanad, are located in Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, and Vythiri
- Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, and Vythiri are the Wayanad tourism hubs
Places to visit in Wayanad in 2 Days – Wayanad attractions
If you planning a 2-day Wayanad itinerary then here are the places that you could cover. Of course, we would recommend at least 3-4 days in Wayanad to really enjoy the serenity that the place offers as well as cover all the major places to visit in Wayanad district. Below are the places to visit in Wayanad in 2 days.
Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal caves are one of the most fascinating places to see in Wayanad. It is definitely one of the top places to Visit in Wayanad in 2 Days. The stories, facts, and myths that surround these enigmatic caves are as thrilling as the trek to the Edakkal caves. The Edakkal caves are actually rock shelters formed naturally high up in the Ambukuthi Hills of Wayanad. The Edakkal caves are situated at a height of 1200 meters and are accessed by a mini trek that takes you first up a steep road followed by a short rocky path and finally a climb up a series of steep stairs to finally descend into the main rock shelter. Inside the rock shelter, one can see the signs of Man from a pre-historic settlement dating to the Neolithic period around 6000 BCE. The petroglyphs which are fairly well preserved depict different geometrical shapes, people, and animals.
The Edakkal Caves were accidentally discovered in the year 1895 by one Fred Fawcett who was the Superintendent of Police of the Malabar District at that time. On a hunting expedition, he stumbled upon the caves.
In the year 2018, heavy rains and landslides resulted in a rock falling in the caves. The Caves were closed to the public for some time and re-opened later. There are concerns regarding the fragile caves and how they could be affected by the influx of tourists and there is a move to restrict the numbers visiting Edakkal Caves.
To know all the exciting facts, history, and myths of one of the most popular tourist spots in Wayanad do read about our personal experiences there do read the Silent Stories of The Rocks of Edakkal Caves
Location: Edakkal Caves are located about 25 kilometres from Kalpetta town.
Note: The trek to the Edakkal Caves is quite steep at places and is not recommended for the elderly and those having fitness issues.
Wayanad Heritage Museum
Museums are windows to the past and always provide tantalizing glimpses of the history and people of any region. A visit to the Heritage Museum in Wayanad is definitely one of the top things to do in Wayanad. The Museum which is also known as Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is a small but well-maintained museum that meticulously showcases the ancient history of the region through archaeological finds from the region. These include Hero Stones or Memorials to warriors, images of various Gods and Goddesses, utensils and other implements used by the local inhabitants in their day to day lives, musical instruments, hunting, and war weapons, and much more. The small museum is housed in a heritage building and is located about 21 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Wayanad Heritage Museum though seems to be one of the less frequented Wayanad tourist places. To see what the museum holds for you and to know our personal experience there do read our post, Wayanad Heritage Museum – A Fascinating Window To History.
Location: Wayanad Heritage Museum is located about 12 kilometres from Sultan Bathery town in the Ambalavayal village. It is about 21 kilometres from Kalpetta.
Note: The Museum is open from 9 AM to 5.30 PM, one should spare about 90-120 minutes for spending in the museum.
Banasura Sagar Dam
The Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest Earthen Dam in India and the second largest in the whole of Asia. It is not only an engineering marvel but also one of the most beautiful places in Wayanad. The dam surrounds the waters of the Karamanathodu which is a tributary of the Kabini river. The Banasura Sagar Dam site is a very scenic place. The waters of the river, the green embankments, and the looming presence of the Bana Sura hill which is one of the highest peaks of the Western Ghats in the Wayanad district are indeed an enchanting sight to behold. One can walk around the Dam and enjoy the cool breeze blowing across the waters of the river and enjoy the beauty of the immense open space and greenery or also opt to for a boat ride in the waters. All this make this Dam one of the best places in Wayanad for tourists and locals alike.
Location: The Banasura Dam is located about 21 kilometres from Kalpetta.
Note: The Banasura Dam is one of the two dams in Wayanad, the other being the Karapusha dam located about 37 kilometres away from the Banasura Dam.
Pookode Lake
If you are looking for some fun time, then do head to Pookode Lake which is one of the haunts of locals as well as one of the popular tourist spots in Wayanad. It is a scenic fresh-water lake and looks picturesque with its tranquil waters framed by verdant forests and mountains. A Children’s Park provides kids with an opportunity to safely enjoy the outdoors and revel in the natural environs of one of the popular Wayanad tourist spots. Boating is also available on the lake and one can spend time on the emerald waters of the tranquil lake. One of the interesting facts of the Pookode lake is that its shape is said to resemble that of the map of India.
Location: Pookude Lake is located about 15 kilometres from Kalpetta town and 3 kilometres from Vythiri town.
Note: This place figures in most Wayanad tourist places list and hence can get a bit crowded, especially in the evenings. If you are looking to explore Wayanad for its offbeat places than probably this is not where you may want to head to. But if you are at Wayanad with kids and family, this may be a good place to head to on your Wayanad trip.
Jain Temple Sultan Bathery
This is a place whose entrance is located right on the main road in Sultan Bathery and it is so inconspicuous that one could easily miss it. However, this is one of the important landmarks to be included in your Wayanad local sightseeing plans. The temple gives its name to the area of Sultan Bathery. It is the remains of a 13th-century Jain temple and comes under the Archaeological Survey of India. Though it is a shadow of what it must have been in its heyday, it perfect symmetries and architectural design are a joy to behold. The temple in later years was used by Tipu Sultan as an artillery battery for his military and hence the name Sultan Bathery. This place is definitely one of the Wayanad sightseeing places not to be missed.
Location: The Jain temple is located about in the Sultan Bathery town of Wayanad district.
Note: If you are passionate about heritage and the ancient art and architecture of India, then the Jain temple is definitely one of the must-see places in Wayanad for you.
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Wayanad waterfalls are one of the most enchanting attractions of the region. The Western Ghats provide the ideal setting for some of the most beautiful waterfalls that ornament the verdant landscapes Wayanad. One of the numerous small and big waterfalls of the region is the Meenmutty waterfalls. The Meenmutty falls are three-tiered waterfalls that cascade from a height of about 300 meters. The Meenmuty falls is included in most Wayanad sightseeing itineraries.
Location: The Meenmutty waterfalls are located about 29 kilometres from Kalpetta.
Lakkidi View Point
This is the highest point in Wayanad and offers a spectacular view of the valley below. It is a point that is situated right on the highway where the road curves, and one can expect it to be crowded during the evenings. The viewpoint is at the Thamarassery ghat pass.
Location: The Lakkidi Viewpoint is located about 16 kilometres from Kalpetta and 6 kilometres from Vythiri.
Chain Tree Wayanad
A unique and even bizarre place that one can include in places to see in Wayanad in 2 days is what is known as the Chain Tree of Wayanad. This is located about 1 kilometre from the Lakkidi Viewpoint. There is a tree that is bound by chains and there is an intriguing story behind it. It is believed that during the time when India was under the British Rule, Wayanad was a region which was covered with dense forest and apart from the tribals no one knew the way to reach the place. The British wanted access to the place that was rich in natural wealth and so a British engineer coaxed a tribal named Karinthandan to guide him and once he knew the route had the tribal killed. Years later it was believed that the ghost of Karinthandan roamed in the area and harassed travellers. A priest’s help was enlisted to exorcise the ghost of Karinthandan who chained the ghost to the tree. To this day it is believed that the ghost is chained to the tree.
Location: The Chain Tree is located about 15 kilometres from Kalpetta and 5 kilometres from Vythiri.
Treks and Outdoor Activities in Wayanad
Another word for Wayanad will be Nature. The region is Nature’s gift to mankind. Blessed with the presence of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Biosphere the region looks like a painting that has been painted by the loving hands of nature itself. The different islands, hills, and forests provide ample opportunities to indulge in treks guaranteed to thrill as well as other outdoor activities.
Chembra Peak, Wayanad
Chembra Peak Wayanad must figure in the itinerary of any adventure and outdoors lover when visiting the region. The Chembra Peak trek is a thrilling climb to the top of one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. Chembra Peak with a height of about 2100 meters towers over the Wayanad region. The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours to reach the peak. The view from the top is spectacular and the trek itself thrilling. One of the highlights of the trek is a beautiful and enchanting emerald-coloured lake which is naturally shaped like a heart. Do read our post about the Chembra Peak Trek for more details about the trek and our personal experience there.
Location: Chembra Peak is located about 8 kilometres from Kalpetta.
Soochipara Falls, Wayanad
The beauty of the Wayanad region seems to be encapsulated in the white waters that cascade down three tiers onto solid rock. This waterfall is known as Soochipara falls or Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. The waterfalls are reached after a 10-15 minute walk from the Parking area. The waters cascade from a height of about 656 feet and present a beautiful sight to behold.
Pakshipatalam Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad
The Pakshi Patalam Bird Sanctuary is located about 32 kilometres from Kalpetta and is a haven for birders. It is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is an excellent place for trekkers too. Those seeking more adventure can also explore some old caves in the vicinity which are said to have been used by saints in ancient times.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary stretches over a vast area of about 345 square kilometres within the state of Kerala. The sanctuary is comprised of four ranges at Muthanga, Tholpetty, Sultan Bathery, and Kurichiat.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is one of the best places to see at Wayanad is covered with lush green vegetation and a rich collection of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is embellished by deciduous forests with trees that include bamboo, rosewood, even teak, and others. Elephants, tigers, panthers, deer, bears and other animals live here in harmony with birds like cuckoos, peacocks, woodpeckers, and many others.
Kuruva Island, Wayanad
The Kuruva Island or Kuruwadweep is a collection of small uninhabited islands that are located near the banks of the tributaries of the river Kabini. These islands are known for their rich biodiversity of rare plants and birds. The island is a beautiful and serene place to head to for enjoying the bliss of nature. The islands can be reached by means of rafts and boats. The island is closed during the rainy season owing to the flooding of the river streams. The islands are usually open from December to April.
Planning a Trip to Wayanad
Best Time To Visit Wayanad And Its Weather
The best time to visit Wayanad is between the months of October to May since Wayanad temperature during these months are cool. This is when the Wayanad climate is at its best. Clear skies and the dry weather means you can do a lot of outdoor activities. This is also the period when tourism in Wayanad peaks. The Wayanad temperatures during the summer months which are from March to May can go up to around 34 degrees. The rainy season in Wayanad usually starts from June and continues till September. This enchanting aspect of the climate in Wayanad clothes the region in an emerald bracket and visiting Wayanad takes on a romantic hue. Wayanad altitude ranges between 700 to 2100 m above sea level.
How to Get To Wayanad
Wayanad is easily accessible by road from the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Bangalore to Wayanad distance is about 280 kilometres
- Mysore to Wayanad is about 130 kilometres
- Chennai to Wayanad distance is about 615 kilometres
- Coorg to Wayanad distance is about 127 kilometres
- Kozhikode to Wayanad distance is about 86 kilometres
- The nearest airport to Wayanad is the Kozhikode International Airport in Karipur, Kerala, located at a distance of about 98 kilometres
- The nearest Railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode which is well connected to other parts of India by rail
- There are many Bangalore to Wayanad Bus services run by private operators as well as KSRTC and these include night sleeper buses as well as buses that run during the daytime
- One can also drive from Bangalore to Wayanad or hire a car, the drive makes for a good road trip also
Where To Stay In Wayanad
There are many hotels in Wayanad that offer a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury. There are many Wayanad resorts too that dot the region and also offer tour packages in Wayanad. Apart from these, there are many homestays in Wayanad as well as hostel accommodation. So whether you are looking for Wayanad homestays or uber-luxury resorts there is bound to be something that suits your preferences and budget. The best areas to stay in Wayanad are:
♦ Vythiri
♦ Kalpetta
♦ Sultan Bathery
Are you planning a trip to Wayanad or a vacation in Wayanad? You can book flights through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline to Kozhikode or Bangalore and book your hotels right here. You can book Wayanad hotels or Wayanad resorts through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and accrue huge savings. You can book online tours in Wayanad. If you have a valid Indian driving license then you could rent a car and self-drive car from Bangalore. If you do not have a driving license or you prefer hiring a car with a driver then hire a car which is chauffeur-driven and plan a road trip from Bangalore to Wayanad in Kerala.
Planning a Wayanad Trip
While visiting Wayanad, you can book online by opting for package tours that will cover Wayanad attractions. You can plan your trip and book them online here – places to visit in Wayanad.
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Where To Eat in Wayanad
Wayanad offers local Kerala cuisine as well as restaurants serving other Indian cuisines as well. There are plenty of options both for vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians when in Wayanad. You can find here some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Wayanad district.
Travel tips for your trip to Wayanad, Kerala – Good to know information
♦ Best time to visit Wayanad is between October to May
♦ Some of the tourist places like parks, museums have entry tickets
♦ English and Hindi are mostly understood by people and Malayalam is their local language
♦ Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Mobile networks have good connectivity
♦ Avoid driving back from Wayanad to Bangalore during weekends to avoid traffic jams in few pockets
♦ Wayanad has trekking opportunities. Carry a pair of sandals and comfortable shoes while exploring Wayanad
♦ Preferably, choose full sleeve clothing to avoid insects
♦ Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, and hat or cap
♦ Carry a refillable water bottle
♦ Wayanad sunsets are beautiful. There are many scenic places in Wayanad which you need to capture. So carry your DSLR camera, mobile phone and click Wayanad photos
You can buy online all your favourite apparels, footwear, luggage, travel accessories, camera, smartphones, etc. at Amazon
for your next trip.
FAQs
♦ Q: Is Wayanad safe?
A: Yes, Wayanad is absolutely safe
♦ Q: Why is Wayanad famous?
A: Wayanad is a popular tourist place in Kerala. Wayanad is famous for its beautiful hills, trekking trails, beautiful valleys, tea gardens, wilderness, greenery, beautiful lakes, museums, heritage, and most of all a wonderful getaway and holiday destination
♦ Q: Which is the best area to stay in Wayanad? or Where should I stay in Wayanad?
A: Vythiri, Kalpetta. Sultan Bathery are some of the best places to choose your hotels in Wayanad or resorts in Wayanad
♦ Q: What is special in Wayanad? What is the speciality of Wayanad?
A: The beauty of Wayanad is in its valleys, green meadows, mist – capped mountains, wildlife, dense forest, water springs, beautiful lakes, etc.
♦ Q: Is Wayanad worth visiting?
A: Wayanad is definitely worth visiting and Wayanad is a beautiful place for a family holiday, vacation with friends and also ideal for adventure activities
If you are looking to explore Wayanad in 2 days or looking for places to visit in Wayanad in 3 days these are the best places to visit in Wayanad in either option. We hope you find this Wayanad guide and Wayanad itinerary useful for planning your visit to this beautiful region of Kerala, India. We also hope that this Wayanad travel blog answers most if not all of the questions that you may have, however, do connect with us for more information.
Do share your thoughts about this Wayanad travel guide – Places to Visit in Wayanad in 2 Days.
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I have been to Wayanad its a beautiful place and been to many places you suggested in the post.
we are planning a trip to Wayanad this pooja holidays, this is a very helpful post. I am going to bookmark this post and check out these places
Wow! Who knew there was so much to see and do in Wayanad?! After reading your post, I have added it to my bucket list!
I have been here and truly it is such an amazing place to travel. The scenic beauty it offers is overwhelming.
I recently read a book The case that shook the empire and it was about a man who hailed from Wayanad, Sankaran Nair, who fought against the Jallianwala bagh massacre in a cour full if English jury in England. Ever since I have been wanting to visit this place. Great post.
Wayanad is really beautiful, we had visited it 2 years back in December and it was just beautiful then. The cave was the most enchanting for us due to its way and it was a new experience for us.
Didn’t know Wayanad has so much to do and see. God’s own country has indeed so many gems.
Wayanad looks a must visit place in India. It is both cultural wise and nature wise rich for tourists.
I always hear about this place in news at the time of elections but never thought that tbisplace have such beautiful landscapes. Thanks for the detailed review
I have visited Wayanad a few years ago with friends and glad I covered most of the places you listed here. It is indeed a beautiful place