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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Metro in Wayanad

Not available.

Local buses in Wayanad

Not practical. City buses run but routes are difficult to navigate without local knowledge.

Ride-hailing apps in Wayanad

Not practical. Ride hailing apps like Ola and Uber availability is limited in Wayanad.

Local Taxis in Wayanad

Practical. Available at town centers. Tell or show the driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Negotiate full-day or half-day rates before you get in. Know the distance to your destinations via maps before negotiating.

Street-hailing auto rickshaw in Wayanad

Practical. For short distances (5-10 km). Tell or show the auto driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Agree on the fare (approx. ₹30—₹40 per km) before you get in. Know the distance to your destination via maps before negotiating.

Janotsavam (Wayanad Tribal Festival) in Wayanad

An annual festival celebrating the indigenous tribal communities of Wayanad — the Paniya, Kurichiya, Kuruma, Adiya, and Kattunaikka peoples who have inhabited the Wayanad forests for centuries. Traditional music, dance, food, and crafts of the tribal communities are presented.
2026 Dates:

Onam in Wayanad

Kerala's harvest festival observed across Wayanad's farming and tribal communities with Onam Sadya, pookalam, and harvest rituals.
2026 Dates:

Valliyoorkavu Pooram in Wayanad

One of the most significant temple festivals in Wayanad — Kathakali, Theyyam, and traditional percussion performances at Valliyoorkavu Temple, drawing pilgrims from across northern Kerala.
2026 Dates:

Wayanad's food is Kerala tribal and Malabar — kappa (tapioca), bamboo shoot curry, red rice preparations, and wild forest ingredients distinctive to the Wayanad plateau. More austere and genuinely local than the tourist-facing Kerala coast.

Local food to eat in Wayanad

Kappa and meen curry · Bamboo shoot curry · Paputtu (steamed rice cake in bamboo) · Pazham pori · Appam with coconut milk stew · Red rice kanji · Fresh spiced tea

Food streets in Wayanad

• Kalpetta main market — local Kerala food, morning tiffin, rice kanji
• Mananthavady market — local dhabas, Malabar food
• Vythiri area — homestay restaurants, food reflecting the hill landscape

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 — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands

Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT)
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) — 65–85 km from Wayanad. From the airport, take a bus or hire a taxi to 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 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.

All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.