About Wayanad
A plateau of rainforest, spice plantations and tribal heritage in Kerala's western ghats — 344 sq km of wildlife sanctuary (leopards, elephants, Indian gaur), the Edakkal petroglyphs from 6,000 BCE, and the last refuge of the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
History
Wayanad's history runs 6,000 years deep — the Edakkal caves hold the only Stone Age petroglyphs in South India, with an etched human figure called the 'Man of Wayanad' that pre-dates the Indus Valley Civilisation. The region was ruled by the Kottayam Rajas, then ceded to Tipu Sultan of Mysore in the 1790s, and finally annexed by the British East India Company after the Third Anglo-Mysore War. It remained the headquarters of freedom fighter Pazhassi Raja — the 'Lion of Kerala' — who led a 13-year guerrilla war against the British until his death in 1805. His tomb at Mananthavady is a state monument. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1973, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve — India's first UNESCO-recognised biosphere.
Best Time to Visit
October to May
Travel Tips
- Stay at a plantation homestay (Vythiri, Meppadi, Kalpetta) for authentic Kerala hospitality
- Safari bookings at Muthanga/Tholpetty must be made through Kerala Forest Department online — no last-minute tickets
- Edakkal caves close at 4 p.m.; allow 2 hours including the 1 km uphill climb
- Leeches are serious June–August — wear socks and carry salt
Adventure Activities
Famous Food in Wayanad
Trekking Routes
- Chembra Peak — 14 km return, 6 hrs, forest permit required
- Meenmutty Falls — 4 km trek to 300 m cascade
- Pakshipathalam — for birders, 17 km deep forest trek with permit
How to Reach Wayanad
Wayanad is located in Kerala, India at coordinates 11.6854°N, 76.131°E. You can reach Wayanad by air (nearest airport in Kerala), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
- The best time to visit Wayanad is October to May.
- What are the top travel tips for Wayanad?
- Stay at a plantation homestay (Vythiri, Meppadi, Kalpetta) for authentic Kerala hospitality. Safari bookings at Muthanga/Tholpetty must be made through Kerala Forest Department online — no last-minute tickets. Edakkal caves close at 4 p.m.; allow 2 hours including the 1 km uphill climb. Leeches are serious June–August — wear socks and carry salt.
- What food is famous in Wayanad?
- Famous dishes in Wayanad include: Puttu and kadala curry breakfast at Ancient Wayanad Heritage Resort, Malabar biryani at Hotel Haritha, Bamboo rice payasam — unique to Wayanad tribal kitchens, Filter coffee from Wayanad plantation beans at Green Gates.
- What activities can you do in Wayanad?
- Popular activities in Wayanad include: Jeep safari in Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (5:30 a.m.), Zip-lining at Wayanad Jungle Camp, Kayaking at Pookot Lake, Trek to Chembra Peak (2,100 m) — heart-shaped lake at the top.
