1. Ghat View Point
Ghat View Point is decked in the highest locations in Wayanad. Imagine you are a painter looking for inspiration to rise and shine through your creativity, and just in a moment, a beautiful landscape appears in front of you. The landscape is bewitching. Lofty mountain peaks on one side, gurgling streams on the other, lush green vegetation, a fresh tint of the green trees everywhere, leaves dancing with the rhythm of the breeze that nature has bestowed on them, and winding roads decked with trees from both sides. The weather, too, is quite delightful. Now ask us: Is there any place like this? We would say yes; it’s the Ghat view point of Wayanad that has the potential to inspire a normal person to become an artist. Located at an elevation of 700 m above sea level, you will witness a panoramic view of the entire valley, and the sunset and sunrise will take your soul away. If you are planning to visit Wayanad, Ghat View Point is a must-visit place.
2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
In Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, nature is a wild spirit that will seduce your mind with its healing touch and give you a sense of thrill by showing you the wildest creatures whose soul syncs with the energy of wild nature. At times, you will feel that the entire jungle resounds with the calls of the wild. Located in the southern trenches of the popular and mesmerizing Western Ghats. Hilly terrain crisscrossed with dense valleys will take your breath away. You will behold Asian elephants, tigers, species of vultures, leopards, jungle cats, gaur, sloth bears, wild dogs, Indian pangolins, sambhar deer, and many more wild creatures. It is also a place to get wild gold honey, which is pure wild honey collected from the sanctuary. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Wayanad for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Kuruva Island
In the middle of the Kabini River, there are numerous enchanting clusters of islands decked in a protected river delta known as Kuruva Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. This island is teeming with exotic flora and fauna. If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate your mind and body, this evergreen place has all the charm to not only heal your spirit but also seduce your senses. Here you will find beautiful bridges made of bamboo trees, rare species of trees, birds, orchids, and herbal plants. If you want to fill your peaceful holidays here with some thrill, then a boat ride and bamboo rafting by the Kerala Tourism Department will be the best things for you. Nature walks here will be so delightful that you will cherish the moments for a long time.
4. Edakkal Cave
Get lost in ancient times and imagine the lifestyle of your ancestors. The two natural rock formations in the cave are the center of attraction. It is believed that the rocks were formed by a large split in the huge rock. The carvings in the rock look mysterious and delightful at the same time. Some depictions in the rocks are more than 7000 years old. The carvings belong to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. According to some research, it is linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. You have to indulge in trekking from the Ambukuthi Hills to reach here. It is indeed the top tourist place to visit in Wayanad.
The aroma of coffee, the lush green landscapes all around, and the lofty mountain peaks will be a visual delight for you. As per the legends, it is said that Lord Rama reached here and shot an arrow that pierced the mountain, and as a result, a deep cleft was created here. The name Ambukuthi is associated with this legend. Ambu in Malayalam means arrow, and Kuthy means to pierce.
5. Wayanad Heritage Museum
Located 12km from Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad Heritage Museum is a must-visit place in Wayanad if only sightseeing is not your motto. This museum houses various ancient relics that are being unearthed from various places, like Ambalavayal, the Sultan Bathery, and the forests of Wayanad, from time to time. You will find evidence of the existence of technologically advanced civilizations that existed before us. You will find weapons, stone carvings, clay sculptures, pottery of megalithic age, idols of hard and soft rocks, pictorial rock edicts and tribal artifacts dating back from Neolithic age to 12th, 16th, and 17th centuries, etc. This museum is a vast ocean of great knowledge about the times of bygone eras. Be a part of it; you will cherish this knowledgeable stuff for a lifetime.
6. Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Waterfalls is a delightful and serene stopover whose love for nature knows no bounds. The sound of the soulful crashing of water from 1000 feet makes the entire rainforest dance with joy. There would be hardly any person who is not mesmerized by this enchanting vista. You can reach here by indulging in a 2-kilometer trek. The waterfalls flow on three separate levels, and there are three separate viewpoints to see the cascading falls through your eyes and lenses. The lush greenery all around gives off refreshing vibes. There is no doubt why Wayanad is one of the most beautiful and top tourist places to explore in Wayanad.
7. Bathery Jain Temple
Dating back to the 13th century, Bathery Jain Temple is another popular tourist spot to visit in Wayanad. Not only is it a Jain pilgrimage site, but it also used to be an administrative hub. Dotted in the hills of Sulthan Bathery, it is a beautiful architectural marvel belonging to the Vijayanagar dynasty. Shrouded in serenity and a royal past, it is a place to get close to God to seek some divine blessings and spiritual bliss. The idol of God Mahavir is made of granite. The carved pillars, intricate cornices, and stone slab roofs give a visual delight to the tourists. It is said that in the 18th century, Tipu Sultan used this place to keep ammunition for his army.
8. Chembra Peak
If you love adventures, then you must visit Chembra Peak in Wayanad for thrilling weekend holidays. It is a trekking paradise. It is the highest peak in Wayanad district. The delightful vistas of rare flora and fauna, small waterfalls, a heart-shaped lake, and lush greenery all around are a healing touch to all the toil-weary souls. You have to get permission from the forest department to trek in this beautiful landscape. The trekking trail will lead you through emerald tea plantations. If you want to be lost in the folds of time to talk to nature, Chembra Peak is a beautiful escapade for a wonderful holiday in Wayanad.
9. Pookode Lake
Free your soul with the soothing flow of the pristine waters of the delightful Pookode Lake. It is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Wayanad for family vacations. It’s a natural freshwater lake surrounded by dense green forests and enchanted wooded slopes. Watching the clueless flow of water, an array of fish with a childish vigor enjoying and merry making, the pleasant weather, and refreshing vibes will make your day here. Your day here will be more fun and memorable with boating, shopping for handicrafts, and a visit to the spice emporium. If you have kids, a lovely children's park will add delight to the trip.
10. Lakkidi
How can you miss the beautiful gateway of Wayanad when you are looking for the most popular tourist destinations in Wayanad? Lakkidi is a green paradise in Wayanad. Surrounded by hills, streams, gorges, deep valleys, and ficus trees on the roadsides. Wherever you set your eyes, the greenery welcomes you with a delightful smile. It also houses some of the most beautiful and expensive resorts and plantation stays for tourists. You have to cross a long Ghat road from Adivaram to reach Lakkidi and the entire journey will give you amazing vistas of green hills, gorges, streams, etc.