Beautiful Wayanad Kerala - A Place Where The Soul Can Rest

Wayanad, Kerala, India

A place where you can relax and chill out, a perfect destination for adventure seekers,' Kerala Tourism Board' says Wayanad is where the mountains meet the sea. It's a land of extraordinary beauty, stunning wildlife, and unspoiled backwaters."Wayanad is the gateway to the magnificent Nilgiri Mountain range and its foothills that descend into rolling hills dotted with tea estates. The highest points in Wayanad are Tombs Peak at 2,643 m (8,037 ft) and Oberinney Hill at 2,527 m (8,142 ft). The region is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves, including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park (popularly known as Mysore Zoo), and Mudumalai National Park.

Here are some of the top attractions in Wayanad:

Chembra Peak, Kerala

1. Chembra Peak: Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, standing at an elevation of 2,100 meters. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, and the trek to the top takes about 4-5 hours.
   
   
2. Banasura Sagar Dam: Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and a popular tourist destination. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
   
   
3. Edakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves are a set of ancient caves that date back to the Neolithic era. The caves are located on top of a hill and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
   
   
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area that is home to several species of animals and birds. Visitors can take a jeep safari through the sanctuary to spot animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer.
   
   
5. Pookode Lake: Pookode Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in the heart of Wayanad. It is surrounded by lush green forests and offers boating and fishing activities.
   
   
6. Soochipara Waterfalls: Soochipara Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall located in the midst of a dense forest. The waterfall is a popular spot for trekking and swimming.
   
   
7. Thirunelli Temple: The Thirunelli Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the midst of the Brahmagiri Hills and is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.

Best time to Visit Wayanad, Kerala:

The best time to visit Wayanad in Kerala is during the winter season, from October to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C. The monsoon season starts in June and lasts until September, and the region receives heavy rainfall during this time, which can make it difficult to explore the area.

The winter season in Wayanad is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and wildlife safaris. The forests are lush and green, and the waterfalls and lakes are at their best. The weather during this time is perfect for exploring the scenic beauty of Wayanad and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

If you're planning a visit to Wayanad during the peak season (December to January), make sure to book your accommodation in advance as it can get crowded during this time. 

Overall, the best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is at its most beautiful.

Here are some ways to reach Wayanad, Kerala:

Wayanad is a district located in the northern part of Kerala and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach Wayanad:

1. By Road: Wayanad is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. KSRTC buses operate from cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Kozhikode, and Kochi to Wayanad. Private taxis and rental cars are also available from nearby cities
   
   
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode, which is about 75 km away. Kozhikode railway station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad.
   
   
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Wayanad is the Calicut International Airport, which is about 100 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad.

Once you reach Wayanad, you can explore the region by renting a car or bike or by taking a taxi or bus. The district is well-connected by road, and local buses and taxis are available for commuting within the region.

The budget required to visit Wayanad, Kerala:

The budget required to visit Wayanad in Kerala varies depending on your travel style, the type of accommodation, transportation, and the duration of your stay. Here is a rough estimate of the expenses for a 3-day trip to Wayanad:

Accommodation: Budget hotels and homestays start at around INR 800-1000 per night, while mid-range hotels and resorts cost around INR 2000-3000 per night. Luxury resorts and villas can cost INR 5000 and above per night.

Transportation: Hiring a taxi for local sightseeing and travel can cost around INR 1500-2000 per day. Alternatively, you can also rent a car or bike starting at INR 800-1000 per day.

Food: Food in Wayanad is reasonably priced, and you can expect to pay around INR 300-500 per meal at local restaurants. Homestays and budget hotels also offer affordable meals starting at around INR 100-150 per meal.

Activities: The cost of activities varies depending on the type of experience you want to have. Entry fees to popular tourist spots like the Edakkal Caves or Soochipara Waterfalls cost around INR 50-100 per person. Wildlife safaris, trekking, and other adventure activities cost between INR 1000-2000 per person.

Overall, a 3-day trip to Wayanad can cost around INR 8000-10000 per person for a budget trip, while mid-range and luxury trips can cost upwards of INR 15000 per person. These estimates are exclusive of airfare or railway expenses to reach Wayanad.