Wayanad is a quiet retreat amidst the forest. You can bring out the explorer in you or enjoy its verdant beauty with your loved one. Be it a pilgrim, solo vacation or a romantic getaway – Wayanad tourism provides the perfect environment for all.

Highlights Of Wayanad: An Abundance Of Greenery

Nature And Camping

With thick clouds over your head, a vast spread of green sheets in front of you and a blanket of stars above you, Wayanad is a delight for all campers out there. If you are looking to spend a night or two in the lap of nature, head to the Seagot Banasura camp. Here you can enjoy trekking, fishing, a game of tug of war, and other outdoor activities. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can engage in activities like mountain climbing, zip lining and commando walking. A challenging jungle trek will lead you to Meermutty Waterfalls; one of the largest waterfalls in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It falls from an intimidating height of 300 metres, pouring down relentlessly in three stages which calls for three different treks. The pathway is rather dangerous, however the sight of the crystalline water pouring down in sheets is worth it. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Wayanad. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season for the surroundings may get slippery. You can visit this wonder of nature from 8 am to 5 pm without paying an entry fee. 

Cuisine

While in Wayanad do try rasam, the piping hot and tangy fiery soup which titillates one’s senses. Prepared from tamarind juice, lentils and garnished with kadi patta, this soup can be best served as a hot beverage or with some rice. There is more to South Indian food than idlis and dosas. Try Fish Moilee, fish cooked in rich coconut milk, mustard seeds and curry leaves. One bite and you will stop only after the plate is empty. Appam with chicken stew is another savoury dish famous in Kerala. Appam is a dish made of rice and is light for one’s stomach. It can be had at any time of the day with a light chicken stew. Try the Kattu soup if you like a mixture of sweet and savoury. This liquid has an intriguing combination of raw mango pulp with spices along with chicken, fish and tapioca. This dish is a prominent part of the tribal cuisine in Kerala. 

Shop And Explore  

Prepare a shopping list before you head to Wayanad! You will find a number of souvenirs and antiques that you will be tempted to take back home with you. Wayanad’s love for the arts and crafts has created a diverse and profitable market selling their items all over the world. With rich handicrafts, wooded items and antiques, you will find them all. Head to Santhi Papaddam located on Market Road if you are looking for handlooms and handicraft goods for your friends and family. This is one of the most frequented places to visit in Wayanad by travellers. If you are a literature enthusiast or a bibliophile, head to Easwaran Nanmboodiri near Vivekananda hospital. Here you will find books and stationery items. 

Interesting Facts About Wayanad: A Land Without Equal

• Wayanad is as old as the beginning of New Age civilisation, the edicts and caves of Ambukuthimala stand testimony to that! 
• Wayanad is also known as the Ooty of Kerala because of its charming locations and scenic views.
• Though the South has always been known for its filter coffee, Wayanad is best known for its rice. 
• If you are an adventure enthusiast, Wayanad is the place to be. With its unique topography, Wayanad is a great spot for trekking, bamboo rafting and cycling. 

Location: The Forested Border Of Kerala

The forested nirvana lies on the southern top of the Deccan plateau. It enjoys a strategic location with major tourist hubs such as Ooty, Mysore, Bangalore and Coorg around the region. It is located at a distance of 76 kms from the seashore of Kozhikode in Kerala.

Timings: Best Time To Visit

The city enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this green paradise would be during the months of October to May. You can best explore Wayanad during this season if you are looking to engage in some outdoor activities such as trekking, sightseeing and wildlife tours. If you are a monsoon lover, visit during the months of June to September. The occasional drizzles leave the city in a state of mesmerizing lush greenery. Temperatures range from 18 Celsius to 34 Celsius over the year. 

How To Reach Wayanad: The Road Often Travelled

By road – You will find regular buses from and to major cities such as Mangalore, Trivandrum, Bangalore and Kochi. Kerala State Board Transport Corporation buses are well linked to major cities in the South.

By rail – The closest railway station to Wayanad is in Kozhikode approximately 110 kms from the city centre. You could also get a taxi to travel to and from the station.

By air – The closest airport to Wayanad is in Kozhikode, 100 kms away from the city centre. Flights connect you to Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi along with gulf countries such as Oman, Quatar, Saudi and Kuwait. 

History Of Wayanad: The Village Of Paddy Fields

The Rajas of the Vedas tribe reigned over this green hamlet in the ancient times. Hyder Ali soon brought Wayanad into his reign when he became the ruler of Mysore. Soon enough, Wayanad was in the hands of the British after Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja’s dead body was found in the wilderness of Wayanad.  Hence a new chapter started. Soon enough, the Britishers opened up tea plantations and land for the growth of other cash crops. Connectivity from and to Wayanad got better with the construction of roads extending to the city of Mysore and Ooty. This allowed people from neighbouring places to easily access Wayanad and settle in the forested regions. Wayanad was a part of the Kannur district when it was formed in 1956. The South Wayanad region then became a part of the Kozhikode district after which the north and south of Wayanad came together to form the present Wayanad district.

With its enchanting waterfalls, ancient caves and resorts tucked in between dense forests, Wayanad tourism is the perfect destination for you to explore and unwind.