Pookode Lake
This freshwater lake, about 13 km from Kalpetta, is set among evergreen forests and spans 13 acres, with a depth of 6.5 m. Pedal boating on its calm waters in the morning, with mist rising and birdcalls echoing through the trees, offers a serene Wayanad experience. A children’s park and aquarium also make it a great family stop.
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults | INR 30 for children
- Boating Fee: INR 400 for a 4-seater pedal boat
- Camera Fee: Charged separately
Edakkal Caves
Perched on the Ambukuthi Hills near Ambalavayal, these natural rock shelters feature extraordinary prehistoric carvings dating back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras. Standing as one of India’s most significant Stone Age archaeological landmarks, the site's rock faces are intricately etched with human figures, animal motifs, and primordial symbols.
The brisk, uphill trek through the shaded slopes and coffee plantations adds a wonderful sense of adventure, making you feel as though you are stepping straight back in time.
Things to Know
- Timing: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults | INR 60 for foreigners
- Camera Fee: Charged separately
- You can take a jeep shuttle to the summit for a convenient ascent
Soochipara Waterfalls
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, this is a spectacular three-tiered cascade near Vellarimala. It flows through dense, ancient rainforest before plunging into a wide natural pool below. Built-in viewpoints along the trail offer sweeping views across the valleys of the Western Ghats, while the cool, clear base pool allows for a refreshing dip during the safer, drier months of the year.
The short jungle walk down to the falls, shaded by a canopy of trees filtering the morning sunlight, adds a wonderful sense of isolation and adventure to the experience.
Things to Know
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Divided into the Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges, this sanctuary is a key wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot. Home to Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar deer, and over 200 bird species, it is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. It also shelters over 200 distinct species of birds, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Things to Know
- Timing: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Closed from mid-March to late April)
- Entry Fee: INR 2,100 for Indians | INR 4,200 for foreigners
- Safari Times: Guided jeep safaris are strictly operated during early morning and late afternoon windows to maximise wildlife sightings
- Booking Tip: Highly recommended to book your safari counters well in advance
Chembra Peak
At 2,100 m, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and one of the most rewarding trekking trails in all of Kerala. The Meppadi route to Chembra winds through shola forests, grasslands, and misty ridges before reaching the iconic heart-shaped lake near the summit, a favourite among trekkers. The panoramic views from the heart-shaped lake are truly unforgettable.
Things to Know
- Timing: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (All days and no new entries after 2:00 PM)
- Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indian students | INR 800 for Indian adults | INR 1,600 for foreigners
- Note: Hiking all the way to the absolute 2,100 m summit is permanently prohibited
Kuruva Island
This rare protected river delta on the Kabini River spans a remarkable 950 acres of dense, evergreen forest, home to rare orchids, giant squirrels, river otters, and over 200 bird species. Visitors drift through narrow, forest-fringed waterways on traditional bamboo rafts, making it one of Wayanad’s most immersive and serene nature experiences.
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and during the monsoon, approximately June to September)
- Entry Fee: INR 100 for Indian students | INR 220 for Indian adults | INR 440 for foreigners
- Plastic Ban: Single-use plastics are strictly prohibited on the island, and bags are checked at the entry point
- Visitor Capacity: The Forest Department enforces a strict daily visitor cap to protect the ecosystem, making it highly advisable to arrive early
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar, India’s largest earthen dam and Asia’s second largest, is set against the dramatic Banasura Hills. Its vast reservoir, with seasonal islands, offers scenic boat rides and island exploration, while sunrise over the still waters is a major highlight.
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults | INR 20 for children
- Activities & Shuttle: While entry covers dam access, internal shuttle rides to the top of the structure, speed boating, coracle rides, and ziplining incur separate activity-specific fees
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
A short 20-minute drive from Meppadi through bamboo groves, coffee estates, and tea plantations leads to this hidden gem. The Forest Department offers guided riverside treks along the Kanthanpara River and birdwatching trips, making it a peaceful stop to experience a quieter side of Wayanad.
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (All days and check local updates during heavy rainfall)
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults | INR 20 for children
- Accessibility: Reaching the best viewing points requires navigating steep stone steps that can become quite slippery
- Safety: Wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear is highly recommended.
Thirunelli Sree Maha Vishnu Temple
This ancient Vishnu temple lies in the forests near the Brahmagiri Hills, surrounded by 30 carved granite columns and the sacred Papanasini stream, where rituals are performed for ancestors.
Believed to be thousands of years old, its misty, forested setting creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Things to Know
- Timing: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- Dress Code: A traditional dress code is strictly enforced here
Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery
Built in the Vijayanagar style, this 13th-century temple in Sulthan Bathery began as a Jain shrine and later served as an administrative centre and weapon store for Tipu Sultan.
Its carved pillars and faded frescoes reflect its Jain heritage, making it one of Wayanad’s most layered historic sites.
Things to Know
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- Best Hour: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler granite floors
En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village, Pookode
This thoughtfully designed eco-tourism project near Pookode Lake invites visitors into the living cultural world of Wayanad's indigenous tribes, the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, Adiyas, and others. Ten traditional tribal cottages, an open-air amphitheatre for folk performances, a crafts and medicinal herb workshop, and a cafe serving authentic tribal cuisine create an experience that is immersive and deeply respectful. It is among the most meaningful cultural tourist attractions in Wayanad.
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults | INR 20 for children
- Mandatory Shuttle: Return jeep ride from the designated valley parking area up to the village ridge for a nominal fee
- Plastic Restriction: Strict zero-plastic guidelines at the main entrance to protect the heritage site
- Trekking: Choose from trails to Chembra Peak, Brahmagiri Hills, Pakshipathalam, Cheengeri Hills, or the forested paths around Banasura Peak. Difficulty levels range from leisurely to challenging, making Wayanad trekking ideal for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
- Ziplining: Several adventure parks and resorts around Vythiri and Kalpetta offer exhilarating zipline courses over forest canopies and valley views, an unmissable rush for first-timers.
- Jeep Safari: Guided morning and evening safaris through the Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are among the most sought-after adventure activities, with regular sightings of elephants and deer.
- Cycling: Several operators offer guided cycling routes through spice plantations, paddy fields, and tribal villages, giving you a ground-level feel of Wayanad's rural landscape.
- Plantation Walks & Nature Trails: Guided tours through Wayanad's coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom, and vanilla estates are both educational and sensory delights, ideal for those who want adventure at a gentler pace.
Summer (March to May)
Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
Ideal for: Adventure travellers and first-time visitors
Summers in Wayanad are warm and pleasant. Trails are dry and accessible, and viewpoints like Lakkidi and Chembra offer clear views, though some waterfalls may have reduced flow.
Monsoon (June to September)
Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers
The Western Ghats receive heavy monsoon rains, turning Wayanad lush and green. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic, and forests come alive, though some trekking trails and wildlife sanctuaries may close, and roads can be challenging.
Temperature: 20°C to 35°C
Ideal for: Adventure travellers and first-time visitors
Summers in Wayanad are warm and pleasant. Trails are dry and accessible, and viewpoints like Lakkidi and Chembra offer clear views, though some waterfalls may have reduced flow.
Monsoon (June to September)
Temperature: 15°C to 25°C
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers
The Western Ghats receive heavy monsoon rains, turning Wayanad lush and green. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic, and forests come alive, though some trekking trails and wildlife sanctuaries may close, and roads can be challenging.
By Air
The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode), approximately 89 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad’s main town. Kannur International Airport is another option, around 110 km away. Both are well connected to major cities, and taxis and pre-booked cabs are readily available from both airports.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Kozhikode (Calicut), around 85 km away, and Kannur, around 110 km away. Both are connected to the Indian Railways network with regular services from major cities. From these stations, state-run buses and private taxis connect to Kalpetta and other towns in Wayanad.
By Road
Wayanad is exceptionally well connected by road. National Highway 766 passes through the district, linking it to Kozhikode in the west and Mysuru in the east. Regular KSRTC bus services operate throughout the region. The road journey is scenic and comfortable, with the Thamarassery Ghat Pass and its nine hairpin bends making the drive a memorable experience in itself.
Day 1: Waterfalls & Wilderness Safari
Start your morning at Soochipara Waterfalls for a cool, misty beginning to your trip. Head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the afternoon for a jeep safari through the forest, keeping an eye out for elephants and deer as the light turns golden.
Day 2: Ancient Mysteries and Island Rafting
Begin your day with the climb to Edakkal Caves, arrive early to beat the crowds, and appreciate the prehistoric carvings in relative quiet. Spend the afternoon exploring Kuruva Island, drifting through its forested waterways on a bamboo raft as birds call from the canopy overhead.
Day 3: Culture, Lakeside Calm & Sunset Views
Visit Pookode Lake for a peaceful morning boat ride, then head to the En Uru Tribal Heritage Village near Pookode to explore the living culture of Wayanad's indigenous communities. End the day at the Lakkidi Viewpoint to watch the sun dip behind the Western Ghats in a blaze of amber and gold.
- Book Safaris and Trekking Permits in Advance: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and popular trekking routes like Chembra Peak require prior booking, especially during peak season (October to February).
- Carry Light, Layered Clothing: Evenings and early mornings can be quite cool, particularly in winter, even when afternoons are warm.
- Avoid Venturing into Forests After Dark: Stay on designated trails and follow all Forest Department guidelines. Wild animal encounters outside sanctuary boundaries do occur.
- Stay Informed About Road Conditions During Monsoon: Heavy rainfall can cause landslides and road blockages on the Ghat sections; always check local updates before travelling.
- Respect Local Customs and Tribal Communities: When visiting heritage villages or tribal areas, follow the guidance of local guides and avoid intrusive photography without permission.
- Carry Sufficient Cash: While Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery have ATMs, connectivity in remote areas can be unreliable.
Lakkidi View Point
Known as the gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi sits at the crest of the Thamarassery Ghat, offering sweeping views of forested valleys, streams, and misty mountain ridges, making it a top sunrise and sunset viewpoint. It is also home to rare bird species, attracting nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Things to Know
Things to Know
- Timing: Open 24 hours (Best visited at sunrise or sunset)
- Entry Fee: Free entry
- Peak Hour: Heavy evening mist that can completely obscure valley visibility within minutes
- Monkeys Caution: High concentration of bold bonnet macaques along the roadside barriers searching for food
- Parking Limit: Extremely tight roadside parking spaces requiring careful pulling over on the narrow highway bend
Phantom Rock
Located about 19 km from Kalpetta in the Ambukuthi Hills, Phantom Rock is a striking natural formation resembling a human skull. This unique geological site is one of Wayanad’s popular offbeat attractions. A short uphill forest trek leads to panoramic views of rolling hills and the Karapuzha Dam catchment area.
Things to Know
Things to Know
- Timing: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults
- Safety Hazard: Steep drop-offs without extensive safety railings near the peak, requiring caution when stepping close to the edge
- Weather Cover: Minimal shade along the rocky trail, making hats and umbrellas useful on bright days
Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Located around 32 km from Kalpetta, this waterfall is named Thusharagiri. Thusharagiri means ‘snow-capped mountains’, named because the misty spray arising from the cascading waters resembles a snow cover. It is surrounded by lush greenery and thick forests, making it a prime destination for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature encounters.
Things to Know
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All days)
- Entry Fee: INR 30 for adults | INR 15 for children
- Three Cascades: The first waterfall is easily reachable by a short walk, while viewing the second and third cascades requires an upstream forest trek
- Slippery Rocks: Highly damp conditions make the rocky trails around the natural pools exceptionally slick, requiring sturdy trekking shoes
Surrounded by the dense forests of the Western Ghats, misty mountains, and lush green landscapes, the resort offers a peaceful escape in nature.
Accommodation is offered across three thoughtfully designed categories: Garden Facing Cottage with Sit Out, Brookside Cottage with Sit Out, and Private Pool Villa. Each category is well-appointed with modern amenities and elegant interiors, ensuring a comfortable and restful stay after a day of exploration.
Dining at the resort features a thoughtfully curated multi-cuisine menu, serving North Indian, South Indian, and Continental dishes, with chefs offering personalised preparations to enhance the overall travel experience.
Day-to-day recreation is taken care of by the facilities, including an infinity pool, indoor games such as chess and carrom, outdoor archery, a travel desk, campfire experiences, and scenic brookside walks.
Beyond the resort grounds, a curated selection of outdoor experiences completes the stay, including jungle exploration with trained escorts, trekking to Lakkidi View Point, ziplining, cycling towards Pookode Lake through the hills, open-air campfire BBQs, and live cooking demonstrations. Together, they make Abad Brookside Lakkidi an ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty in one place.
Beyond the resort grounds, a curated selection of outdoor experiences completes the stay, including jungle exploration with trained escorts, trekking to Lakkidi View Point, ziplining, cycling towards Pookode Lake through the hills, open-air campfire BBQs, and live cooking demonstrations. Together, they make Abad Brookside Lakkidi an ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty in one place.