Wayanad

Edakkal Caves
The caves contain petroglyphs — carvings on the rock surfaces — attributed to the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods, with the oldest estimated at approximately 6,000 BCE. The engravings depict human figures, animals, tools, symbols, and abstract motifs, making this the only known site of Stone Age rock art in India accessible to the public.

Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹50 (cash at counter)
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary supports Asian Elephants, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Dog (Dhole), and a wide range of bird species. Safaris operate twice daily in the morning and late afternoon.

Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹700 (cash at counter)
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Chembra Peak
The highest peak in Wayanad at 2,100 meters. The trek to the summit passes through shola forests and grasslands and takes approximately 4–5 hours return. A heart-shaped lake — Hridayathadakam — sits below the summit and is a consistent feature of the trek. The lake is reported to never dry up even in summer.

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Pookode Lake
A natural freshwater lake surrounded by dense evergreen forest on three sides. The lake contains rare aquatic flora. Pedal boats and rowing boats are available on the lake. The forest trail around the lake is one of the most accessible nature walks in Wayanad.

Timing: Open daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: Boat charges varies by operator
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Kuruvadweep
A cluster of protected river islands. The islands are covered with dense evergreen forest containing rare plant species, bamboo groves, and birdlife. Bamboo rafts carry visitors through the shallow channels between the islands.

Timing: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Closed during monsoon (June to Aug/Sep)
Entry Fee: ₹440 (cash at counter), price varies for rafting, kayaking, paddling
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Thirunelli Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is built in traditional Kerala style with granite pillars and sits in a forest clearing at the base of the Brahmagiri range. A stream — the Papanashini — runs beside the temple and is used for ritual bathing.

Timing: Open daily, 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Traditional dress required
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Soochipara Falls
A three-tiered waterfall on the Chulliyar river. The falls drop approximately 200 meters through dense forest. The final section of the path to the falls is a steep descent through forest. A natural pool at the base is used for swimming.

Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹300 (online pay or cash at counter)
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Wayanad has no railway station and no airport within the district. All access is by road. Whether arriving or departing, use the transport information below.

Wayanad — Access via Kozhikode
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT)
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
Bus Terminal: Kalpetta Bus Stand

By Train
Search “Kozhikode” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). From Kozhikode, hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Wayanad. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.

By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Fly into Calicut International Airport (CCJ) — approximately 65–85 km from Wayanad. From the airport, hire a taxi to your destination in Wayanad.

By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (KSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.

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