Wayanad Tourist Places: Land of Spice Plantations and Wildlife Reserve

Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. The name Wayanad is derived from 'Vayal Nadu,' meaning 'Land of Paddy Fields'. 

Wayanad is famous for the wildlife reserves. The place is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Indian bison, elephants, and leopards, the region is a biodiversity hotspot, Which offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers to capture its natural treasures. 

The Wayanad wildlife reserve is a part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve located amidst the beautiful hills of Western Ghats. Tourists can enjoy the serene beauty of Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls, cascading amidst lush greenery, or embark on wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wayanad's cultural heritage is as rich as its natural beauty, with traces of ancient civilizations dating back to the Neolithic Age. The region is filled with archaeological sites, ancient temples, and tribal villages, providing insights into its amazing history and vibrant cultural mosaics. The popular tourist attractions include the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient shrine located in the Brahmagiri Hills, and the Banasura Sagar Dam, offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Trekking enthusiasts can go on an exhilarating trails through the dense forests of Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam, and Edakkal Caves famous for its ancient petroglyphs and rock formations, while adventure enthusiast can enjoy thrilling experiences of bamboo rafting on the Kabini River or zip-lining in the treetops of Wayanad's adventure parks.

Other than its natural and cultural attractions, Wayanad is famous for its spice plantations, tea estates, and coffee farms, where tourists can embark on guided tours to learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices and crops. Wayanad  offers yummy traditional Kerala cuisine featuring dishes like Malabar biryani, appam with stew, and fish curry, etc for food lovers.

Banasura Dam

Present in the steps of the Banasura hills in the Wayanad district, Banasura Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. The view of the Dam from the top is breathtaking and offers 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. 

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and houses rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna. The Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by the protected areas of Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu as well as Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. Established  in the year 1973, the wildlife sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 345 square km having endangered species attracting Tourists.

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves are famous for its exquisite rock and wall carvings, the pre-historic Caves are two naturally occurring alcoves. The caves measure length and width of 96 and 22 feet respectively and is1200 metres above the sea level. The caves are of historical and archaeological significance as it has carvings that date back to the Neolithic era, the late Stone Age. The stonework in the interior of the cave is estimated to be as old as 5000 BC to 1000 BC. The walls are covered with carvings of animal and human figures, some of which are hazy but are clear for the most part.

Soochipara Falls

The Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall located in Vellarimala, Wayanad. The lake is surrounded by deciduous evergreen forests, this waterfall is regarded as one of the top waterfalls. The drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls provides visitors with beautiful views of the best tea estates in Wayanad.

The  waterfall is about 200 meters high which also offer a cliff face, ideal for rock climbing. Also, since the water falling from the waterfall forms a large pool, visitors can enjoy swimming and bathing in it. 

Read More: Top Kerala Tourist Places

Pookode Lake

Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake located just 2 km away from Vythiri, in the evergreen forests and wooded slopes. The lake is one of the most pretty lakes in the Wayanad. Other than the natural view, visitors can enjoy boating, seeing the freshwater aquarium, shopping for handicrafts and just walking around. Panamaram river, which is one of the main branches of the Kabini River originates from the Pookode Lake and then joins the Panamaram valley. 

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

The Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise. The Bird Sanctuary has a great population of  birds living in the natural habitat preserved within the sanctuary. The sanctuary also have some rare species of birds and plants. Other than the well-preserved natural terrain of the sanctuary, there are also some rock-cut caves that attracts tourists.

Wayanad Heritage Museum

Wayanad Heritage Museum, which also known by the name Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, is an archaeological museum that has beautiful collection of artifacts belonging to the tribes of the region. Some of these artifacts have been dated back to the Neolithic era and include regular daily items, decorative items, terracotta figurines, memorial stones, etc. From stones of primitive wars and tiger hunts to admiring stone idols of 12th to 16th century and belongings of Wayanad tribe, the museum is one of the top visited tourist place.

Best time to visit Wayanad  

The best time to visit Wayanad is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Avoid visiting during monsoon as heavy rainfalls causes landslides, washed out roads, and water logging.     

Conclusion

Wayanad has stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and plethora of tourist attractions, which offers a unique and unforgettable experience to the travelers. Wayanad is haven for everyone whether a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a food enthusiast, or simply a chance to connect with nature Wayanad has something for every tourist who visit here. So, pack your bags and start a journey through the beautiful wonderland of Wayanad.