Places to Visit Near Wayanad

Lying in the lap of the Banasura hills in the Wayanad district is the picturesque Banasura Sagar dam. Banasura Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view of the sprawling reservoir from the top of the dam is breathtaking. Adventures like speed boating are readily available, and a trek up to the Banasura Peak is filled with streams, diverse flora, fauna, lush tropical green and majestic waterfalls. An earthen dam, also known as an embankment dam is created by placing mounds of clay, sand, rock or soil. The view of Banasura Lake from the top of the hill is mesmerising.

Distance from Wayanad: 21 km

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and comprises of rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the protected areas of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Founded in the year 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which was the first biosphere out of the 14 present in India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 345 square km and comprises of two parts namely Upper Wayanad and Lower Wayanad.

Distance from Wayanad: 34 km

Famous for its exquisite rock and wall carvings, the pre-historic Edakkal Caves are two naturally occurring alcoves located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The caves measure at a massive length and width of 96 and 22 feet respectively and lie 1200 metres above the sea level. Owing to its precarious location, one needs to trek for one and half hour (around 4000 ft) to hit the cave entrance, and another 45 minutes to reach the mouth of the cave. The Edakkal caves are of historical and archaeological significance as it has carvings that date back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age.

Distance from Wayanad: 24 km

Located close to the bumbling town of Meppady and just 8 km south of Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range- the Chembra Peak at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The Chembra peak offers a panoramic view of not only the entire Wayanad district but also a large chunk of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts. The peak, its surrounding lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake make it a paradise for travellers to explore.

Distance from Wayanad: 23 km

Known For : Vadakummnathan temple Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores

Officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is famous for fostering classical Keralan performing arts, religious sites and the renowned  Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam festival and Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thrissur is the short form of Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur which literally means “a city with three temples of Lord Shiva”. Thrissur later became anglicised to Trichur.

Distance from Wayanad: 194 km

Best Time: October - February; April, May

50 Thrissur Attractions

Known For : Mahe, Thalaserry Dharmadan Thuruth Thalassery Fort

Fondly known as Tellichery, Thalassery is a coastal town of Kerala nestled at the shore of Arabian Sea and immersed in the vibrant culture. Steeped in rich history and heritage, this town was one of the earliest British settlements in the state. Thalassery owns several credits in its basket when it comes to panoramic views, the reflection of its glorious past and nature's beauty. Apart from being a home to many famous circus owners and artists including Gemini and Bharath, this charming town is also renowned for its bakeries.

Distance from Wayanad: 99 km

Best Time: October to March

17 Thalaserry Attractions

Known For : The Elembalai Hill Adyanpara Waterfalls Teak Museum

Enriched with raw nature, a unique blend of culture, exquisite art forms and shadows of colonial rule, Nilambur is located in Malappuram District of Kerala. Nestled at the bank of Chaliyar River in proximity to Nilgiri Range, this small town is popularly known as 'Land of Teak Plantations'. Blessed with vibrant shades of natural beauty, the region is clustered with exotic wildlife and showcases vivid illustrations of past through several royal residencies. Nilambur, covered under vast tracks of the forest has many kinds of wood mushrooming around other than teak. Venteak, rosewood and mahogany are the other few types of wood that flourish in the area.

Distance from Wayanad: 96 km

Best Time: October to March

12 Nilambur Attractions

Known For : Karapuzha Dam Kanthanpara Waterfalls Shopping in Kalpetta

Kalpetta is a quaint town with a backdrop of majestic hills lurking in the shadows, lush green surroundings, fresh air and picturesque beauty. Housed in the Wayanad District of Kerala, at a height of 780 m above the sea level, Kalpetta is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners. Encompassed with a mild fragrance of coffee and rustic lanes, the town is blessed with beautiful nature with scenic landscapes. It is also one of the major trading centres in Wayanad. Dotted ith ancient temples, Kalpetta has a stronghold on Jain communities with over 500 settlements in and around the region.

Distance from Wayanad: 20 km

Best Time: October to March

20 Kalpetta Attractions

Known For : Palakkad Fort Silent Valley National Park Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The quaint town of Palakkad in Kerala boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Palakkad gets its name from pala trees which once dominated the area. Also known as Palghat, Pallakad is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the chief granary of Kerala.

Distance from Wayanad: 181 km

Best Time: July to March

37 Palakkad Attractions

Known For : Guruvayur Temple Punnathurkotta Elephant Palace Mammiyoor Shiva Temple

A small town in the district of Thrissur, Guruvayur is the most famous for the Guruvayur Temple - India's third-largest temple housing Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 most divine Vishnu temples in the world. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India along with the likes of Tirupati and Sabarimala.

Distance from Wayanad: 173 km

Best Time: October to February

12 Guruvayur Attractions

Known For : Thread Garden, Malampuzha Malampuzha Ropeway Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha in Palakkad district a place with rich lush green vegetation popular for its scenic beauty as well as the dams and exotic wildlife that it offers as tourist attractions. The primary attraction of the place is the Malampuzha Dam which was constructed in 1955 to aid proper irrigation in the area and maintain the lush greenery of the place over an extended period. Hundreds of tourists flock to Malampuzha every year attracted by its serene atmosphere and pristine surroundings. It is often acclaimed as one of the most attractive destinations in Southern India.

Distance from Wayanad: 202 km

Best Time: August to April

8 Malampuzha Attractions

Known For : Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembara peak Soochipara Falls

62 kms off Kozhikode is Vythiri, a popular resort town famous for its old world charm of cottages, log huts & tree house accommodations cosily nestled in the forests of Wayanad. Situated at an altitude of 700 metres, Vythiri in Wayanad comprises of 18 villages. Vythiri is an ideal tourist destination with little cottages and resorts ornamenting its pleasant surroundings. It is the place to be in if one wants to step back a little into the past and experience the simpler cottage life while having the urban and modern facilities available on demand to create a truly enjoyable experience.

Distance from Wayanad: 25 km

Best Time: October to Apr

5 Vythiri Attractions

Known For : St Angelo Fort Payyambalam Beach Kannur Lighthouse

Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots. Steeped in the distinctive local art forms like Theyyam, Kannur still has an aura of the bygone colonial era. The deep footprints of the Dutch, the Portuguese, the British and the Mysore Sultanate are still imbibed into the town and can be witnessed all around. The town blessed with exceptional art of weaving that has earned it the title of the land of loons and huge cashew trees perhaps rooted by Portuguese.

Distance from Wayanad: 109 km

Best Time: October to March

36 Kannur Attractions

Known For : Ranipuram Malom Wildlife Sanctuary Ananthapura Lake temple

Kasargod is a small coastal town in Northern Pary of Kerala displaying a delightful blend of various religions, culture and bounty of nature. Blessed with majestic forts, lofty hills, beautiful offbeat backwaters, temples and pristine beaches, the town oozes charm and tranquillity from every aspect. It is gaining popularity among people from nearby cities owing to the presence of luxury resorts.

Distance from Wayanad: 178 km

Best Time: September to January

29 Kasargod Attractions

Known For : Somanathapura Panchalinga Darshana Mallikarjuna Temple

Nestled on the banks of River Kaveri, the town of Talakadu in Karnatak is a mystic place, steeped with rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas. The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and this called Talakadu. Famous among devotees of Lord Shiva, visitors can witness the legacy of the town that still reflects in its age-old antiquity.

Distance from Wayanad: 160 km

Best Time: November to March

9 Talakadu Attractions

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Once a private hunting area for the British, this famous wildlife destination has a rich variety of flora and fauna making it a gorgeous tourist spot. One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary was once a private hunting area for the British. Today, it attracts tourists from all over. It is a must see for all nature lovers and those looking for a perfect vacation amidst the lush greenery and imposing waterfalls. Kabini has in store hints of various elements of nature, be it a huge variety in the plantation, abundance of wildlife ranging from carnivores to mammals to birds or the terrain where each type is a part of and a compliment to the other.

Distance from Wayanad: 118 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Kabini Attractions

Snuggled in the evergreen forests and wooded slopes, Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake located around 2 km away from Vythiri. One of the most pretty lakes in the Wayanad, Pookode Lake is also known as Pookot Lake. The lake, accessible via motorable road is an excellent place for an outing, especially with family and loved ones. Apart from the natural view, people enjoy boating, seeing the freshwater aquarium, shopping for handicrafts and just walking around.

Distance from Wayanad: 26 km

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind. Ooty is nestled amidst the Nilgiri hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and enjoys a favourable climate all year round.

Distance from Wayanad: 116 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

43 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore is one of the most flamboyant places in the country. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in the state of Karnataka, and its rich cultural heritage draws millions of tourists all year round.

Distance from Wayanad: 136 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers.  This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Distance from Wayanad: 125 km

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Bekal Fort Bekal Beach Kappil Beach

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourists spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It's one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the Bekal fort is bordered by the Arabian on three sides. A set of 45 caves called the Nityanandashram caves, Kappil Beach and Chandragiri fort are few of the other major attractions. Bekal was also selected as one among the top ten travel destinations by Lonely Planet.

Distance from Wayanad: 179 km

Best Time: October to March

12 Bekal Attractions

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Situated in the state of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later established as a reserve in 1974 under project tiger and these deciduous forests rich in wildlife have become a popular tourist attraction since then. It is 80 km from Mysore enroute Ooty which is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Due to a lot of wildlife casualties due to speeding vehicles, a ban on traffic between 9 PM to 6 AM has been established to ensure the safety of the animal population.

Distance from Wayanad: 95 km

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions