Why Wayanad is the Best Place to Visit?

Wayanad is the home land of exotic legends, ancient caves, mesmerizing waterfalls, enchanting viewpoints, placid lakes, extensive wildlife, lush green Tea and coffee plantations etc. Located on the magnificent Deccan Plateau, Wayanad is one of the top destinations in Kerala and also one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Well-known as the 'Green Paradise' of Kerala, Wayanad district is one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State, with its production of cash crops like pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments. Kuruva Island, Banasura Sagar Dam, Karapuzha Dam, Pookot Lake, Karalad Lake, Neelimala View Point, Meenmutty Waterfalls etc. are some of the major and famous  Wayanad tourist places to explore Wayanad Tourism.

Do you want to know why Wayanad is the best place to visit, here are the top reasons.

Explore Edakkal Caves

Renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edakkal, located on top of Ambukutty Mala, is famous for its two natural caves. Situated an altitude of 4000 feet, Edakkal Caves are one of the prime places to visit in Wayanad and often represented in the promotion of Wayanad Tourism. These caves are famous for its pictorial paintings that draw the attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.

These caves are natural rock formations which were formed by a large split in a huge rock. Edakkal is the only known place in India with Stone Age carvings. These carving on the walls of these natural caves are the evidence of the civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times.  The rock surface is full of linear motifs and one can see weird shaped figures, crosses, triangles, tridents, squares, stars, wheels, spirals, plant motifs, pot shaped items, various animals and human figures.

Do Trekking to Chembra Peak

Located at an altitude of 2100 m, Chembra Peak is the tallest peak in Wayanad & third highest peak in South India. It is part of the Wayanad hill ranges in the Western Ghats and is an ideal place for trekking in Wayanad district. A heart shaped lake on the way to the top of Chembra Peak is the major attraction here. Chembra Peak trek is a challenging task and suitable for experienced trekkers. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilarating.

Adventure Activities at Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is an earthen dam built across the Karamanthodu River, a tributary of Kabani River, in Wayanad. This is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Built in 1979, the main purpose of the dam is to support the Kakkayam Hydroelectric Power Project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water of the region.

There is a set of islands in the dam's reservoir that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.These islands with the background of the Banasura hill provide a mesmerizing sight to the visitors. The Speed boat ride between the tiny islands is one of the favourite activities at the dam.

Soaking in Wildlife

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of 344 Sq. km comprising the Tholpetty and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Sanctuaries are rich in biodiversity and form the natural habitat of a wide variety of flora and fauna. One can sight the wild animals like elephant, tiger, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs etc. The sanctuary is also blessed with its endless population of birds like peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls etc.

Boating in the Placid Lakes

Wayanad is blessed with a number of beautiful lakes which are encircled by dense green forests. The banks of these fresh water sources are unique sightseeing locations and have been attracting a number of tourists.Since these lakes are in the midst of dense forests, boat journeys through the waters will be a memorable experience. The important lakes in wayanad are Pookode Lake, Karalad Lake, etc.

Observe nature's best at Waterfalls

Waterfalls in Wayanad add an extra appeal to the stunning beauty of this destination.The waterfalls in wayanad with different terrain gives the mesmerizing views and attracts large number of tourists.Meenmutty Waterfalls, Soochipara Waterfalls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Chetalayam Waterfalls etc. are some of the major waterfalls to visit in Wayanad.

Get panoramic views from Lakkidi Viewpoint

Often called as the gateway of Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated at an altitude of about 700 m at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass. Lakkidi Viewpoint is one of the highest locations in Wayanad and also one of the must visit tourist places in Wayanad. It is one of the places with highest rainfall in India and is one of the richest biodiversity areas in the Western Ghats. The lofty mountain peaks, the gurgling stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking.