What to do during the visit to the beautiful town of Wayanad, Kerala?

Wayanad is a small town in the Indian state of Kerala, located in the southern eastern part of the country. This place is considered to be an upcoming tourism hub inviting people from all ages and background to enjoy its natural, scenic beauty. Besides natural formulations, it also boats of having a rich history that tends to precede modern civilization. This district also has forests covering a larger part, thus making it a wonderful habitat for a wide range of wildlife. If you are a wildlife and nature enthusiast, then you cannot simply ignore this place. It is indeed a rich, diverse tourist destination providing amazing wonders to adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, laid-back travellers and history buffs. You can search for homestays in wayanad with food and sure to find one that fits your budget and accommodation needs.

Places to visit in Wayanad and its surroundings

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: At this sanctuary, you can come across wild animals relaxing or engaging in its routine activities. It is locally named as Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary while being Kerala’s 2^nd largest wildlife sanctuary. It forms part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Some of the vegetation of the place includes the moist, South Indian deciduous teak forests including the west coast semi-evergreen trees. The forests here are home to different species of birds. You can find here many types of mammals, Red-headed vultures, white-rumped vultures, etc.

Edakkal Caves: At this cave, you can get to see human civilization’s past relics. You get a better insight of the prehistoric past. The petroglyps here are considered to date back to about 8,000 years old. Thus, it indicates prehistoric settlements around this region. Petroglyps found here are of animal and human figures, including tools used in those days along with other symbols, yet to be understood. Edakkal cannot be termed to be exactly a cave, but rather a huge boulder that is wedged between a couple of stones, thus giving shape of a cave.

Reservoir lakes: If you like boating during the evenings, then you can hire a boat here at the two important lakes here in Wayanad. They are actually reservoirs that are created by Pookode Lake and Banasurasagar Dam. These points do offer amazing boating experiences. You can enjoy here row boating shikara boating and paddle boating. The type of serenity that you get at the lake’s middle part is rather a divine feeling that you should not miss out during the trip.

Trekking: If you love going out on a trekking trip and seek new adventures, then Wayanad does have plenty of them. This district does claim to have numerous trekking routes meant for all type of trekkers. The trails here tend to traverse across deciduous forests, high grasslands, rocky river beds that are strewn with huge boulders and thick shoal evergreen forests. There are different types of terrain here that you can walk over and have a great experience. A few popular trekking trails availed here are Brahmagiri Peak trek, Chembra Peak trek, Pakshipathalam trek and Banasura Sagar Dam trek.

Kuruva Dweep: It is also referred to as Kuruva Island. This protected river delta has formed a cluster of small islands on River Kabini. Its ecological isolation and geographical peculiarities is what makes it quite unique. This has further led to the formation of distinct sub-habitats and  

habitats of rare flora & fauna in this island. To reach this island, you have to use bamboo rafts readily available there for tourists for a small sum. Going inside the island will allow you to discover a variety of rare species of trees, flowers, orchids and birds.

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is said to have captured the imagination of almost every nature and bird enthusiast, be it a citizen of the country or a foreign tourist. At this place, you can get to see some of the exotic birds found only in South India. These places do make excellent breeding grounds for different types of birds due to the presence of hills, streams and virgin forests with thick canopies.

Waterfalls: There are several waterfalls in the district of Wayanad that do make amazing tourist attractions. Most of them are quite suitable for bathing and swimming. A few waterfalls are also known to have adjoining trails, thus leading to higher fall stage. Enthusiastic travellers may camp and trek in some of the less trodden trails. A few beautiful waterfalls that should be visited are Soochippara falls, Thusharagiri falls, Chethalayam falls, Meenmutty falls, Makkiyad Meenmutty falls and Kanthanpara falls.

Viewpoints: Located on the majestic Western Ghats, Wayanad district is dotted with several viewpoints. A few are even known to offer tourists with amazing views of the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains. If you are eager to have a grand sight from the viewpoints, then you should visit after monsoons, like late September right till spring season that is March. These views are likely to show you why the region is referred to as the Blue Mountains or Nilgiris. There are five must visit viewpoints that should be part of your itinerary, especially photographers, namely, Neelimala, Lakkidi, Kaduvakuzhi, Vayalada and Phantom Rock.

Shopping: An NGO named Uravu, based in Wayanad has been promoting local handmade products, especially those made of bamboo. It has managed to provide skill training to the locals of the region to process bamboo and has established as well as markets bamboo handicrafts. It is now part of eco-tourism promoted in the country. It has been encouraging traditional artisans including women, thereby providing them with a source of livelihood. The visit to this place can be quite educating. You can also buy souvenirs for your home, relatives and friends.

At Wayanad, you may also shop for tea products, essential oils and spices. There are numerous shops spread across the district offering a variety of items at affordable rates. To ensure getting authentic, quality product, do purchase oils and spices from farms directly.

Booking the best homestays in wayanad with food is sure to help you to enjoy your trip thoroughly.