Wayanad, located in the northern part of the beautiful state of Kerala, is a breathtaking mix of greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife It’s surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats and has misty hills, dense forests, and deep valleys Whether you’re in the low plains or high mountains, a stay in Wayanad is truly enchanting
Wayanad is a place with stunning natural beauty, rich in history, and full of fascinating legends The famous story goes that King Pazhassi Raja, the legendary Lion of Kerala, waged guerrilla warfare in the dense forests of Wayanad against the British colonial forces His bravery and the historical sites connected to him make this district even more captivating
In the upcoming sections of this guide, we’ll explore all the cool things about Wayanad that make it a must-visit spot It’s the ultimate guide to having an awesome and adventurous stay in Wayanad, with no boring moments and lots of beautiful scenery Come along with us on this enchanting journey, and we’ll also share the best stay options in Wayanad
How to reach Wayanad
The place is pretty well connected by various modes of transportation Each way of getting there offers a different experience, making the journey to Wayanad just as enchanting as the destination Make sure to consider your location, budget, and time when deciding how to reach Wayanad
By Train
You can easily reach Wayanad by train as the nearest railway station is Kozhikode, which is located about 85 kilometers from Wayanad. you can hire a taxi or board a bus from the Kozhikode station to reach Wayanad. The journey by train shows a little of the scenic beauty of Kerala, hence making the journey enjoyable and memorable.
By Flight
For those who want to travel by air, the closest airport is Kozhikode International Airport, which is nearly 97 kilometers from the district. One can easily get here through flights to major cities in India and abroad. From there, one can hire cabs or other local transport to reach Wayanad with efficiency through flights.
By Road
The district is also well connected by roads, so people who want to come to Wayanad by road are guaranteed a comfortable journey. From Bangalore, the Bangalore to Wayanad route, spanning about 280 kilometers, makes for a smooth drive with pictures of great views accompanying one throughout. The well-maintained roads and green landscapes make for a pleasurable road trip
Other Options
Tourists can mix and match trains, flights, and road trips to make their journey better For example, you could fly to Kozhikode and then take a cab or bus, which gives you more options and convenience
Wayanad weather
Wayanad has a tropical climate, so you can visit it anytime throughout the year But each season has its charm
Summer (March to May)
Summers in Wayanad are pretty okay, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 36°C Even though days can get hot, the cool breeze in the valleys, especially at night, makes up for it It’s a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities
Monsoon (June to September)
Wayanad during the monsoons is magical It becomes a paradise for those who love the romance of rain and the lush green surroundings But be prepared for occasional roadblocks due to heavy downpours, so plan your travel accordingly
Winter (October to February)
Winter is perhaps the best time to visit Wayanad With the temperature falling into an agreeable bracket of 10°C to 25°C, Wayanad’s nighttime temperature can be quite chilly, making it ideal for getting cozy and enjoying the serene beauty of this place in the best way possible This pleasant weather also makes it perfect for exploring wildlife and engaging in adventurous activities
Spring (February to April)
Spring brings hot weather to Wayanad, ranging from 15°C to 30°C It’s the time when local flowers bloom, making this district even more fascinating and colorful It’s also a great time for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, as it’s full of life
The best time to visit Wayanad
The best time to visit Wayanad is purely a matter of personal preference Summers offer warm and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities If you enjoy hiking and camping, then summer is the best choice Monsoon transforms the landscape into a green paradise, perfect for nature lovers and romantic getaways Winter brings cool temperatures and is the best season for wildlife safaris and adventure activities However, spring is the ideal time for photography enthusiasts, with blooming flora, clear skies, and light green scenery
What is Wayanad famous for?
Wayanad, as the epitome of the sublimity of the beauty of Kerala, comprises several attractions that capture the hearts of the wanderer. What is Wayanad famous for?
Unique geography
The geographical location of Wayanad is awesome! It’s smack in the middle of the Western Ghats The high altitudes here give you breathtaking views of misty mountains and lush valleys The terrain also means cooler weather, making it a perfect escape from the hot sun, And those spice, tea, and coffee plantations on the hillsides? They just add to the charm!
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Wildlife sanctuary
In Wayanad’s biodiversity, wildlife lovers find peace The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is home to many endangered and unique species Here, you’ll see elephants, tigers, leopards, and various birds – a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts
Adventure activities
Wayanad always delivers for adventure lovers The rough terrain and stunning landscapes here create the perfect backdrop for exciting activities Trekking, camping, ATV riding, biking, zip lining, and bamboo rafting – Wayanad has it all! And don’t worry, safety is guaranteed with the certified adventure tourism options in this district
Ancient heritage
Wayanad is old and interesting, with proof of prehistoric civilization found in the ancient caves of the area, like Edakkal Caves These places give us a glimpse of a fascinating past through their carvings and drawings that are over 3,000 years old The district’s Indigenous heritage is reflected in its tribal communities, their customs, and traditional practices, which still exist alongside modernity
Unique cultural tapestry
The cultural scene in the district is lively and diverse, just like its landscape Wayanad is home to various Indigenous tribes, each having their own special customs, traditions, and art forms Festivals are celebrated here with all the pomp and splendor of a rich cultural heritage, where Theyyam and Thira take center stage during different festivities
Origin of the name
Thus, Wayanad is derived from the Malayalam words ‘Vayal,’ meaning paddy field, and ‘Nadu,’ meaning land. The name means ‘Land of Paddy Fields.’ It was aptly described as the beauty of this lovely region because of the vast rice cultivation done in beautiful fields amidst majestic mountains. Therefore, its richness in agriculture and scenic beauty can be portrayed together. As early as the history of this region was on record, it showed its main identity to be an agrarian one.
Tribes of Wayanad
There are various Indigenous tribes in the district, which contribute to the rich tapestry of cultures in Wayanad Prominent among the tribes of Wayanad are the Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, and Kattunayakan Each of these tribes has its own customs, traditions, and languages, all steeped in unique cultural heritage Staying in Wayanad provides an opportunity to connect with these tribal communities, understand their way of life, witness their traditional art forms, and participate in their festivals It offers an insightful and authentic experience, allowing travelers to delve into the cultural and historical depth of the region
Best place to stay in Wayanad
Let your trip to Wayanad be memorable with your stay at The Hosteller Wayanad. This property is highly favored due to its warm hospitality and economical services. Strategically located, The Hosteller offers easy access to all the iconic attractions in the district. Be it a solo traveler, group of friends, or family looking for a memorable stay amidst the tranquil and scenic surroundings of Wayanad, accommodation options can be availed as per demand.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is Wayanad famous for?
Wayanad is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history, and wildlife The district has green hills, ancient caves, and vast paddy fields that add to its natural beauty Some highlights in Wayanad are spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and unique traditions and crafts from native tribes Don’t miss out on experiencing all of this!
2. Which of the two—Wayanad or Coorg—would make a better visit?
Both Wayanad and Coorg have their own unique beauty Wayanad boasts untouched natural beauty in Kerala, with wildlife sanctuaries and diverse cultures It invites you to experience serene tranquility amidst green hills, waterfalls, and historical caves Coorg, on the other hand, is known as the Scotland of India due to its lush green landscape, vast coffee plantations, and misty jade-green hills When choosing between the two, consider the type of experience you’d like – both places offer spectacular surroundings and plenty to do
3. Whether Wayanad is in Kerala or in Tamil Nadu?
Wayanad is only in Kerala, not in Tamil Nadu It’s a beautiful district in the northern part of Kerala, in the Western Ghats
4. What to do with 2 days in Wayanad?
For a fun 2-day escape, you gotta make a plan for Wayanad! On Day 1, check out the cool Edakkal Caves and the chill Banasura Sagar Dam Then, get wild at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Day 2? Hit up the awesome Soochipara Waterfalls, the Wayanad Heritage Museum, and wrap it all up with the stunning Lakkidi View Point And don’t forget to soak in the local vibes – food, culture, and crafts!
5. How Many Days in Wayanad is Good for?
In general, 3 to 4 days is good enough to see all that Wayanad has to offer by way of its main attractions. This time will make sure that all important, historical monuments, the local fauna, the natural views, and adventure activities are undertaken at ease.
