Wayanad

Destination Theme
Yoga Retreats, Waterfalls, Hill Stations, Wildlife Sanctuaries,

Best Suited For
Familes, large group of friends and couples.

Recommended Duration
Two to three days

Quick Info

Wayanad is a district in the north-eastern part of Kerala. It is situated at a distance of 97 kilometres from Calicut International Airport. Set high on the Western Ghats of India, Wayanad is the least populated district in Kerala. The district is home to some 50 tribal groups.

Rankings & Ratings

One of the best hill stations in Kerala offering not just natural, but also cultural beauty.

Editor's Rankings

#5 in 33 Destinations in & around Kerala
#1 in 8 Wildlife Sanctuaries in & around Kerala
#2 in 10 Hill Stations in & around Kerala
#3 in 10 Museums & Historical Places in & around Kerala

Editor's Review

Wayanad has misty mountains and majestic waterfalls which are a treat to the eyes. The variety of tribal groups contribute to the cultural beauty of Wayanad. The rainy season is not a good time to visit the place. But if you are someone who loves trekking, Wayanad will attract you any time of the year.

PROS

Mountains, waterfalls and lakes are great sights to watch.
Trekking is a beautiful experience.
Offers many things for people interested in culture.
The place is not overcrowded.

CONS

Rains are quite frequent causing slight difficulty in moving around.
Most of the things to do in Wayanad require climbing and walking.
The district is not very urbanized when compared to other districts.

Itinerary Tips

Trekking is one of the best things you can do in Wayanad.
Remember to carry sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.
The local people are a little sensitive about their culture. Dressing appropriately is one way you can respect their culture.
Wayanad is not very cold, but there are rains every now and then. So be careful with your gadgets.
Carry light clothes that will become dry very quickly.
If you want to go for sightseeing or trekking, it is better to start early in the morning and return to the hotel before sunset.

Detailed Info

Wayanad is a combination of two local language words that can literally be translated as 'Paddy Field' and 'Land'. Therefore, Wayanad means "Land of Paddy Fields. Located close to Calicut, this district lies in the greener part of Kerala. Wayanad is a quiet and serene location in Kerala where scenic beauty, wildlife and culture are magnified. Situated atop the elevated and picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats, Wayanad has a vast stretch of natural beauty that includes mist-capped mountains, green meadows of valleys, white water springs, blue water lakes and wild forests.

The district is also famous for its cultural heritage. Visitors are introduced to some of the strongest tribal groups in the country and to their intriguing way of life. Wayanad also offers some unforgettable experiences. The Chembra peak which is 2100 metres tall provides a fantastic camping site. Trekkers would also enjoy climbing up Neelimala which offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls. Among the other attractions are Meenmutty and Chethalayam waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam and Pakshipatalam caves.

Altitude

The major portion of Wayanad is 2100m(6890 ft.) above mean sea level.

Weather

The weather is really cold and pleasant during winter, warm and breezy during summer and a bit humid in the rainy season.

Best Time to Visit?

During winter between the months of October and February.

How to Get There?

By Air

There is no airport in Wayanad. The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, which is about 100 kilometres away from Wayanad. You can get a cab from the airport.

By Train

Wayanad does not have a train station. The nearest station is in Kozhikode(Calicut) which is 63 kms away from Wayand. This station is well-connected to all the major cities in India. From the staion, you need to hire a cab to Wayanad.

By Road

Many buses are available to Wayanad from the major cities of India. By road, Wayanad is accessible from Calicut, Kannur, Mysore, Bangalore and Ooty. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has bus services from Trivandrum, Eranakulam (Kochi), Calicut (Kozhikkode), Mysore and Bangalore through Wayanad.

Local Cuisines

Kerala Parotta with Malabar Fish or Malabar Chicken.