Top Things To Do in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

 

 

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

Get your binoculars ready for an enterprising day at Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by thick evergreen forest, this place is a haven for avian species where people can spend all day spotting these beautiful birds.

 

There is a popular legend that says Garuda, ‘the king of birds’ looks after his subjects here and the place is famously known for the 'Edible Nest Swiftlet.' To make the most of the experience, tourists can undertake an exciting trek through the sanctuary and witness the flight of exotic birds.

 

It is one of the most wonderful attractions in Wayanad for ornithologists and nature lovers who wish to escape the clamour of city life with a refreshing vacation.

 

Height: It is at an altitude of 1740m above the sea level.

 

Location: Thirunelli Pakshipathalam Trek, Pothumoola, Panavally, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: October to January is the most preferred time to visit here.

 

Entry fee: INR 50/ USD 0.77 per person

 

Timings: The opening hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

 

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 50 kilometres away from the bus station.

 

 

 

Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Take a dip in the cool waters of Thusharagiri Waterfalls for a wonderful retreat to rejuvenate your mind and body. Literally meaning ‘snowcapped mountains’, Thusharagiri Waterfalls is one of the most majestic cascades of Western Ghats.

 

It is comprised of Erattumukku, MazhavilChattom, and Thumbithullum Para and certainly a scenic wonder for all the adventure enthusiasts. The picturesque backdrop of the misty mountains and verdant plantations makes it an unforgettable sight.

 

It is largely known for offering an exciting trek from Thusharagiri to Vythiri and rock climbing opportunities for those who seek an adrenaline rush. It is also known as one of the most romantic places in Wayanad along with being a famous picnic spot for tourists.

 

Height: It is at a height of 75 metres.

 

Location: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thusaragiri, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: The best time to visit Thusharagiri waterfall is from September to December

 

Entry fee: INR 30/ USD 0.46 per person

 

Timings: It is open for visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

 

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is 52 kilometres.

 

 

 

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Sita and his sons, this temple is one of the most spiritual places to visit in Wayanad. It is believed that Sita stayed here during her exile and her sons Lava and Kusha grew up here.

 

This temple is revered by devotees as one of the most important locations in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple has the largest pond in all the temples of Kerala and famous for the temple festival that is celebrated annually in the month of January.

 

The famous temple was built by Shri Pazhassiraja who also managed the temple. Another outstanding feature of this temple is the presence of a large number of termite mounds that are present here as it is believed that Goddess Sita cursed the leeches that bit Lava and Kusha.

 

Location: Pulpally, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Seetha Lava Kusha Temple.

 

Entry fee: Entrance is free

 

Timings:  The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 11:30 am and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 pm.

 

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 40 kilometres.

 

 

 

Arippara Waterfalls

If you are looking for the best picnic spots in Kerala, then Arippara Waterfalls is a great destination to visit on your Wayanad vacation. This place boasts of exceptional natural beauty where you can see the water flowing in the midst of thick green forests.

 

A great place to enjoy a cool plunge in the swimming pool that forms below the waterfalls, Arippara Waterfalls is a great retreat to spend some time with your loved ones.

 

Offering a fun and frolic getaway with the added charm of breathtaking scenery, Arippara Waterfalls is a wonderful place that you must add to your itinerary the next time you’re vacationing in Wayanad.

 

Location: Arippara Water Falls, Anakkampoyil Rd, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: November to May is the best time to visit Arippara Water Falls

 

Entry fee: INR 10/ USD 0.15 per person

 

Timings: Visitors can come at Arippara Waterfalls from 9 am to 5 pm

 

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 57 kilometres.

 

 

 

Wayanad Heritage Museum

Gear up to be astonished by history and ancient relics when you pay a visit to Wayanad Heritage Museum. It is known to be one of the most eminent museums in Kerala and is a storehouse of fascinating artefacts that go back as long as second century A.D.

 

Some of the famous items which you can spot here are ancient terra cottas, tribal artefacts, 14-16th-century sculptures etc.

 

There are also many relics that were unearthed from the neighbouring places and have great archaeological importance. Wayanad Heritage Museum is a great place to know more about Wayanad’s Adivasi population and explore the historical items that narrate their own stories.

 

This museum is a great tourist attraction for those who are looking for an educational and recreational experience in Wayanad.

 

Location: Heritage Museum, Government Hospital Road, Ambalavayal, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: September to March is the best to visit Wayanad Heritage Museum.

 

Entry fee: INR 20/ USD 0.31 per person

 

Timings: It opens from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day

 

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 42 kilometres.

 

Papanasini

Beginning in the Brahmagiri Hills, Papanisini river is one of the most important pilgrim tourist places in Wayanad. Literally, it translates to ‘washes away all sins’ and the river is considered to have divine powers.

Tourists flock here during Amavasya to take a dip in its waters and offer their prayers. The enchanting setting of the lush green hills and the gushing waters of the stream makes this river an idyllic spot.

This holy mountain stream also has a sacred rock Pinnappara where the last rites of the dead are performed.

It is a popular belief that Lord Rama and Lakshmana performed the ‘pithrukarma’ of their father King Dasaratha, standing on this rock. Surrounded by such majestic surroundings and having attached so many popular legends, this place is one of the most interesting Wayanad tourist places.

 

Location: Thirunelly Temple post, Mananthavady, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: One should visit here from the month of September to March.

 

Timings: The temple remains open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and then from 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

 

Distance from Wayanad: It is 50 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

 

 

 

Chethalayam Waterfalls

This beautiful waterfall in Wayanad is all you need to escape the worries of life and dive into the scenic beauty of nature. It is a seasonal waterfall and located close to the famous Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

It is an ideal trekking retreat with some panoramic spots that will take your breath away. With some exotic flora encompassing the trail of this waterfall, it is considered to be one of the most serene Wayanad tourist places.

 

Along with admiring the breathtaking beauty of nature, Chethalayam Waterfalls is popular for being a favourite picnic spot for the tourists in Wayanad. For the thrill seekers, a trekking experience at Chethalayam Waterfalls promises an enterprising opportunity.

 

Location: Chethalayam Waterfalls, Chethalayam, Kidanganad, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: The post monsoon season is the best time to visit Chethalayam Waterfalls.

 

Timings: It is open from 6 am to 5 pm

 

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 45 kilometres from the bus station in Wayanad.

 

 

 

Karappuzha Dam

One of the biggest earth dams in India, Karappuzha Dam is known for its panoramic landscape. It offers a picturesque vista of the Karappuzha river and a man-made wonder with beautiful surroundings.

 

Some of the popular activities for tourists here are boating and nature walks. This perfect picnic spot for tourists allows one to behold beautiful aquatic birds and relax in the most refreshing ambiance.

 

A dam is also a wonderful place for the shutterbugs who want to unwind with their cameras and click some unforgettable pictures. Definitely worth a visit among sightseeing places in Wayanad, you must take out some time in your itinerary to appreciate this amazing place.

 

Location: Karapuzha Dam, Kerala

 

Best Time to visit: The monsoons are the best time to visit Karappuzha Dam when the water reaches up to the brim.

 

Entry fee: No entry fee

 

Timings: The timings are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entry closes at 4:30 pm.

 

Distance from Wayanad: It takes a distance of 38 kilometres by road to reach here from the bus station.

 

 

 

Pazhassi Tomb

Paying tribute to one of Kerala’s great king Pazhassi Raja, this tomb is one of the must-visits for history buffs among places to visit in Wayanad. Known as the ‘Lion of Kerala’, Pazhassi Raja was known for his bravery and guerrilla warfare against the British.

 

This tomb is built over the land where he was cremated after the British shot him. One of the main attractions of this place is the museum and the sword of Pazhassi Raja that is kept here.

 

It is maintained by the Kerala State Archaeology Department and has on showcase many mural paintings, antique coins and other historical artefacts. Pazhazzi Tomb is also a great place to appreciate the beautiful landscape of Wayanad with an interesting trip.

 

Location: Pazhassi Raja Museum, Mananthavady, Kerala

Best Time to visit: Pazhassi Tomb can be visited throughout the year.

Entry fee: INR 20/ USD 0.31

Timings: The timings are from 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Monday.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is approximately 20 kilometres.

 

 

 

Kanthanpara Waterfalls

One of the most picturesque waterfalls of Western Ghats, Kanthanpara waterfalls is one of the most idyllic places. With its soothing ambience and the glistening waters, tourists can find the purest form of nature’s therapy with a visit to Kanthanpara waterfalls.

 

Kanthanpara waterfalls is easily accessible for tourists and one of the most refreshing places to visit in Wayanad. It is encompassed by the brilliant greenery and makes it a compelling case for all the tourists to enjoy some time in the realm of nature.

Although its one of the underrated tourist destinations in Kerala, Kanthanpara waterfalls is a postcard-perfect landscape that offers a serene place for camping activities.

Height: It is at an altitude of 30 metres

Location: Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Meppadi, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to May is the best time to visit Kanthanpara waterfalls

Timings: It is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Distance from Wayanad: It is about 40 kilometres away from the bus station in Wayanad.

 

 

Kolagappara

If you wish to experience some solitary happiness in the most beautiful surroundings, Kolagappara is a wonderful retreat for you. This remote village in Wayanad is the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the crowds.

One of the most eminent attractions of this place is the elephant shaped rock that stands out in the whole landscape. This rock makes it a climb worthwhile for those interested in rock climbing and other adventure activities. 

Offering a mesmerising view of the hill and the river, this place is often known to attract the most enthusiastic trekkers to savour an adrenaline rush. With a pleasant climate and widespread greenery, it is not easy to ignore the breath-taking beauty of this place in Wayanad.

 

Height: It is at an altitude of 3000 feet above the sea.

Location: Kolagappara, Kolagapaara, Kerala

Best Time to visit: October to February is the most preferred time to visit here.

Distance from Wayanad: The distance between the two places is around 40kms

 

Banasura Hills

Offering some visual treat to the eyes, Banasura Hills is a serene getaway and one of the tallest mountains of the Western Ghats.

With rolling green meadows, thundering Meenmutty Waterfalls and the panoramic view of Banasura Sagar Dam, this place is a rejuvenating retreat to behold one of the most unforgettable vistas of your life.

Banasura Hills is one of the most famous places to visit in Wayanad among avid trekkers who want to challenge themselves with an ideal winter trek. The trek passes through the scenic valleys and makes the adventure worthwhile. Boating is another activity that tourists can look forward to indulge in at Banasura Hills for a mesmerising trip in Wayanad.

Height: Banasura Hills are at an elevation of 2073 metres above sea level.

Location: Banasura Hill, Wayanad, Kerala

Best Time to visit: September to January is the best time to visit Banasura Hills for activities like trekking.

Timings: It is open 24 hours.

Distance from Wayanad: It is located 4 kilometres away from the bus station.