Wayanad Bucket List: What to See, Where to Go, and Must-Do Experiences
Wayanad Bucket List: What to See, Where to Go, and Must-Do Experiences Wayanad, Kerala’s pristine hill district, continues to be a favorite among nature lovers, trekkers, and family vacationers. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, here’s your updated 2025 bucket list featuring the most scenic, adventurous, and culturally rich destinations. Historical Sites Edakkal Caves Tucked away in the Ambukuthi Hills of Wayanad, the Edakkal Caves are not typical caves but prehistoric rock shelters that date back to the Neolithic age. Famous for their ancient petroglyphs and carvings, these caves offer a rare glimpse into early human civilization. To reach the site, visitors must hike a steep trail rewarded with stunning views and an unforgettable journey through history etched in stone. A must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Rock engravings dating back 6,000+ years Located on Ambukuthi Hills Moderate trek with scenic viewpoints  Archaeological importance Heritage & Culture Stops Wayanad is more than just lush greenery and misty mountains it’s a land rich in heritage and cultural depth. From ancient Jain temples and tribal villages to centuries-old churches and the majestic Wayanad Heritage Museum, every corner tells a story. Don’t miss sites like Edakkal Caves, showcasing Stone Age carvings, or Thirunelli Temple, a 3,000-year-old architectural marvel nestled in the Brahmagiri Hills. These cultural stops offer visitors a deeper connection to Kerala’s vibrant past and traditions, making every trip truly meaningful.  Thirunelli Temple: ancient Vishnu temple Wayanad Heritage Museum: tribal relics and tools  Pazhassi Raja Tomb: memorial of Kerala’s warrior king Natural Wonders Chembra Peak & Heart-Shaped Lake Chembra Peak, the highest point in Wayanad, is a must-visit for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Located near Meppadi, the trek to the summit offers stunning views of rolling tea estates, dense forests, and mist-covered valleys. The highlight of the trail is the iconic heart-shaped lake, believed to never dry up. This natural wonder has become a symbol of love and is a favorite spot for couples and photographers. The hike, while moderately challenging, rewards you with serene landscapes and an unforgettable view from the top. Highest peak in Wayanad (~2,100m) Famous for the naturally formed heart-shaped lake Requires forest permit and guided trek Best visited from October to February Banasura Sagar Dam Banasura Sagar Dam, Asia’s second-largest earth dam, is one of Wayanad’s most iconic attractions. Surrounded by lush greenery and misty hills, the dam offers breathtaking views and a tranquil escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy boating on the reservoir, explore the scenic walking trails, or simply relax by the waterfront. The dam’s location near Wayanad Silverwoods Resort makes it an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset photography, family picnics, and nature-filled adventures.  Largest earthen dam in India  Boating, speed boats & trekking trails  Surrounded by mist-covered hills  Ideal for family outings Meenmutty Waterfalls Journey into the heart of Wayanad to experience Meenmutty Waterfalls, a stunning three-tiered cascade plunging over 300 feet through dense jungle. Located just 29 km from Kalpetta and about 13 km from Wayanad Silverwoods, the trek to the falls is an adventure in itself offering lush forest trails, the sound of rushing water, and breathtaking viewpoints at each level. Unlike the often-crowded Edakkal Caves, Meenmutty offers a refreshing mix of lush scenery and pure adventure. Don’t forget sturdy shoes and a raincoat it gets misty!  Three-tiered waterfall over 900 ft  Access via forest trail  Best after monsoon (October–December) Pookode Lake Nestled amidst lush forests in Wayanad, Pookode Lake is a scenic gem shaped like an eye and surrounded by evergreen woodlands. Just a short drive from Wayanad Silverwoods, it offers a peaceful escape perfect for families, couples, and photographers. Visitors can enjoy pedal boating, a stroll along the nature trail, and relaxing by the lakeside café. The calm waters, colorful fish, and lush surroundings make Pookode Lake an essential stop for anyone exploring Wayanad’s natural beauty.  Boating in a freshwater lake  Surrounded by forest and blue lotus  Family-friendly with aquarium and shops Phantom Rock Located near Ambalavayal, Phantom Rock is a unique natural rock formation that strikingly resembles a human skull. Perched at about 2,600 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and forests. A short trek leads to this eerie yet beautiful site, making it a favorite among photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers exploring Wayanad’s rich geological marvels.  Skull-shaped natural rock formation  Ideal for photo ops and trekking Attamala Viewpoint Attamala Viewpoint is a serene hilltop destination in Wayanad offering panoramic views of the Vellarimala range, lush tea estates, and misty valleys. Located near Soochipara Falls, it’s perfect for sunrise or sunset photography. Though the popular glass bridge is temporarily closed, the viewpoint itself remains open and accessible. Ideal for a peaceful escape into Wayanad’s natural beauty.  360-degree views of rolling tea plantation Great for sunrise and sunset photography Lakkidi Viewpoint & Chain Tree Situated on the edge of Wayanad’s famed Lakkidi Ghat Pass, the Lakkidi Viewpoint offers breathtaking hilltop panoramas, especially when mist rolls in after a drizzle. Just beside it stands the legendary Chain Tree -a centuries-old ficus tree entrenched in folklore, where each link of its iron chain tells a tale of survival and legend. Together, these attractions combine natural splendor with cultural intrigue, making Lakkidi a must-visit stop for scenic drives and storytelling walks in Wayanad.  Gateway to Wayanad with scenic vistas  Hairpin roads, misty valleys  Chain Tree linked to tribal legend Wildlife and Adventure Kuruva Island (Kuruvadweep) Nestled within the Kabini River, Kuruva Island spans approximately 950 acres of lush, uninhabited forest. Accessible only by bamboo or fiber rafts, this pristine delta is home to rare flora like wild orchids and medicinal herbs and a rich variety of birdlife including hornbills and parrots  Cluster of river islets on Kabini River  Accessible via bamboo raft  Great for nature walks and birdwatching Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthanga & Tholpetty) Located in the northern part of Kerala, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife lovers and nature seekers.
