Discovering Wayanad: More Than a Hill Station

Two thousand meters above the Kerala plains lies a land where time seems to stand still. Welcome to Wayanad. This hidden gem of the Western Ghats tells an extraordinary story - a land lost in the mists of ancient mountains, where wild elephants roam freely through emerald tea estates.

Wayanad offers some of the most picturesque hill stations in Kerala and is an integral part of Kerala tour packages. Interesting how Wayanad wasn't even a part of Kerala until the late 1980s. It had always been a battlefield where many dynasties fought to win this slice of paradise. Wayanad is adorned with many hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, gushing rivers, gigantic dams, perfectly manicured tea and coffee estates, breathtaking trekking trails, and captivating sacred temples, attracting many travellers year after year.

Today, as morning mist lifts to reveal heart-shaped lakes and prehistoric caves, Wayanad stands as Kerala's best-kept secret. Here, you can trek to peaks touching the clouds at dawn, explore the world's largest earthen dam by noon, and watch rare lion-tailed macaques swing through one of India's last pristine rainforests at dusk. Whether you are sipping freshly brewed coffee in a colonial plantation bungalow or camping under stars so bright they feel close enough to touch, Wayanad promises experiences that exist nowhere else in South India.

The Beautiful Hill Station of Wayanad

Ready for a journey through time where history, nature, and culture blend? Let's explore Wayanad and discover why it's a place that leaves an unforgettable mark on every visitor.

- Geography and Climate of Wayanad
- Flora and Fauna at Wayanad
- Cultural Heritage of Wayanad
- Natural Attractions in Wayanad
- Cultural Attractions in Wayanad
- Adventure Activities in Wayanad
- Best Time to Visit Wayanad

Geography and Climate of Wayanad

Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Wayanad hill station is characterised by valleys, forests, and peaks. The Ghats form a natural barrier between the Arabian Sea and the Indian mainland, significantly influencing Wayanad’s climate and topography.

The hills of Wayanad experience a tropical monsoon climate that keeps the temperature up and rainfall heavy. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing sufficient rainfall that blesses the region’s lush vegetation. October to May remains largely dry with pleasant weather. This seasonal variation profoundly impacts Wayanad’s flora and fauna, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.

Flora and Fauna at Wayanad

Imagine an expanse of undulating mountain ranges covered by green canopy – that’s Wayanad’s imagery in a nutshell. It’s a heaven for a rich and thriving flora, a characteristic of the Western Ghats. The cooler temperatures here make the tea and coffee plantations, spice herbs, and other crops flourish like anything. Besides the trees commonly grown in Kerala, the hills of Wayanad also house some wild trees like Rosewood, Mullumurika (Erythrina), and several species of Cassia.

Wayanad hill station is also blessed with rich wildlife. When you look at the top things to do in Wayanad, you will realise how popular is Jungle safari here. You can witness a hoard of elephants and deer meandering through the woods, especially at night. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many endangered species and the last of the surviving vultures in the state. This sanctuary is also said to be the favourite place of the King Cobra, the largest venomous snake in the world.

Cultural Heritage of Wayanad

Wayanad hill station has been the least populous among hilly towns. Wayanad's cultural tapestry is as vibrant as its lush landscapes, filled with indigenous wisdom and colonial influence. Many hilly places in Wayanad are home to several tribal communities, including the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Kurumas, each with their unique traditions and crafts. These indigenous groups have been instrumental in preserving Wayanad's biodiversity through their sustainable lifestyles and deep connection to the forest.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw Wayanad become a focal point of colonial interest, primarily due to its potential for spice cultivation. This period left its mark on the region's architecture and agriculture, with numerous tea and coffee plantations established during this time.

Religious diversity adds another layer to Wayanad's cultural mosaic. The ancient Thirunelli Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands alongside Jain temple ruins and colonial-era churches, exemplifying the region's harmonious blend of faiths.

Today, visitors can experience this rich heritage through local festivals, traditional art forms like Theyyam, and by engaging with community-based tourism initiatives that showcase Wayanad's living traditions.

Popular Attractions in Wayanad

Wayanad’s natural and cultural attractions keep the tourists mesmerising and yearning for more. Here are a few notable ones:

Natural Attractions

Silent Valley National Park

India’s smallest yet richest national park is gifted by nature to Wayanad hill station. A part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, it is Kerala's treasure trove. Guarded by the impenetrable ridges and cliffs of the Nilgiris, that created a shield around the valley from environmental, climatic, and human interventions. Experience a jungle safari here like no other, where the wildest and the most endangered species live peacefully under a rare preserve of rainforest. Meet the most famous resident here – Lion-tailed macaque, an old-world monkey who may go extinct.

Timings: Open to visitors every day from 8 am to 1 pm. Entry fee, guide fee, camera fee, and jeep charges are applicable.

Kuruva Island

A protected river delta system, Kuruva Island spans 950 acres of evergreen forest on Wayanad hill station. Accessible only by bamboo rafts, it offers a serene environment for nature walks, bird watching, and bamboo boat rides. The island's unique ecosystem hosts rare flora and fauna.

Timings: Opens from 9 am to 4 pm (Closed during monsoon).

Chembra Peak

At 2,100 meters, Chembra Peak is Wayanad's highest point. The challenging trek rewards hikers with panoramic views and the famous heart-shaped lake. Best visited during dry months, hiking the peak requires a forest department permit and guide for the trek.

Timings: Entry starts at 7 am; last entry at 2 pm. A mandatory Forest Guide fee is applicable

Neelimala Viewpoint

Another paradise for trekkers, Neelimala Viewpoint, offers stunning vistas of Meenmutty Falls and the surrounding hills of Wayanad. The moderately difficult 1.5 km trek passes through lush forests and rocky terrain, presenting jaw-dropping views that will make the journey memorable and worthwhile.

Timings: Daily, from 6 am to 6 pm.

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal caves are one of the most interesting places to visit in Wayanad. They are on Ambukutty Mala Hills, one of the top hill stations in Wayanad. These ancient rock shelters feature fascinating rock carvings that date back to the Neolithic era. The caves, reached by a steep climb, offer a glimpse into prehistoric life through intricate carvings depicting human and animal figures, ancient weaponry, and mystical symbols.

Timings: Opens from 9 am till 4 pm (Closed on Mondays).

Banasura Sagar Dam

One of the top hill stations in Wayanad, Banasura Hill, houses India's largest earthen dam, Banasura Sagar. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and waters. You can enjoy boating, zip-lining, and trekking. The dam's islands, emerging when water levels drop, create a picturesque landscape perfect for photographers.

Timings: The gate opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Cultural Attractions

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Muthanga Sanctuary serves as a vital elephant corridor between Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks. Besides wildlife viewing, you can explore the remains of tribal settlements and ancient trade routes that once connected Karnataka and Kerala through these forests.

Timings: Entry starts from 7 am till 5 pm. Safari jeep charges are applicable.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Known locally as Tholpetty, this sanctuary represents Kerala's richest biodiversity hub, where nature and tribal culture have coexisted for centuries. The sanctuary is home to several indigenous tribes who maintain their traditional lifestyle while serving as forest guides, sharing their ancestral knowledge of the wilderness with visitors. What makes it unique is its comprehensive conservation program that combines wildlife protection with tribal welfare, offering visitors a chance to learn about both ecological and cultural preservation.

Timings: Entry starts from 7 am till 5 pm. Safari jeep charges are applicable.

Lakkidi Viewpoint

Lakkidi is a popular hill station in Wayanad. Steeped in local legends and colonial history, the Lakkidi viewpoint offers more than just spectacular views. Visit a historical post office, which tells tales of the British era through its architecture and memorabilia. The spot is also significant in local folklore, with stories of ancient trade caravans that once navigated these treacherous mountain passes.

Timings: Opens 24 hours with no entry fee.

Paksham Temple

Located in the heart of Wayanad hill station, Paksham Temple is a significant spiritual centre known for its unique architectural style that blends Kerala and Karnataka temple traditions. When you visit this temple, you will be in awe of its serene surroundings and spiritual ambience, enhanced by several ancient banyan trees. Paksham temple is an important cultural landmark in Wayanad's religious landscape.

Timings: The usual temple timings are from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

Pulpally Heritage Village

Known as the land of the legendary king Pazhassi Raja, Pulpally preserves the rich history of Kerala's resistance against British colonisation. The village features several historical monuments and an open-air museum that shows the life and times of Pazhassi Raja, complete with ancient weapons, coins, and artifacts from the rebellion period.

Timings: Opens throughout the day with free entry.

Adventure Activities in Wayanad

No matter if the hill stations of Wayanad echo silence and serenity, the adventurous potential they hold can make any visitor joyful. From mountain biking through plantation trails, cave exploration at Eddakal, and Zip-lining at Banasura Dam to night wilderness at protected areas, you are spoilt for choice. The region’s mountains, forests and rivers create perfect settings for you to get going.

Trekking: Start by conquering Chembra Peak, a challenging hilltop in Wayanad that leads to its famous heart-shaped lake. For beginners, Neelimala and Meenmutty Falls provide excellent trekking opportunities.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Head to Pakshipathalam, where 300-meter-high rocks offer many difficulty levels. Professional instructors and safety equipment are available throughout.

River Rafting: Wayanad Hill Station offers enthralling rafting experiences, that too on traditional bamboo rafts. Experience a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty on the waters of the Kuruva islands, especially post-monsoon.

Camping: Authorised spots near Banasura Sagar Dam and Pakshipathalam offer stunning overnight experiences. Many resorts also organise night camping with guided night trails and stargazing sessions.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad

October to February marks the ideal time to visit the hill stations in and near Wayanad when cool temperatures (15-25°C) and clear skies create perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these months, tourist spots are accessible, and wildlife sightings are frequent.

If you enjoy heavy rainfall, June to September would be an ideal time to head to the hills of Wayanad. It's when the landscape turns stunning with gushing waters and lush greenery, though many attractions remain closed and outdoor activities are limited.

March to May see a slight rise in the temperature, but you get advantages like pre-monsoon discounts and shorter queues at popular spots. If you are coming from Mumbai, where harsh weather prevails from March to May, visiting Kerala can bring a much-needed respite. Check out our Kerala tour packages from Mumbai today!

From mist-covered peaks to ancient caves, from tribal heritage to modern adventures, the many hill stations of Wayanad are treasure troves of experiences waiting to be discovered. Let Veena World be your gateway to this highland paradise, where our expertly crafted Kerala family tour packages ensure you experience the best of Kerala's best-kept secret. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Wayanad promises memories that will last a lifetime. Book your journey with Veena World today and unlock the magic of this enchanting destination.