Wayanad, the majestic district of Kerala, is the Western Ghats & a spectacular child with its charming sceneries, diverse flora and fauna, and lively cultural past. Characterised by its location between heights of 700 to 2100 meters above sea level, Wayanad has often been called the "Green Paradise of Kerala." The place is a small world of nature and an adventure lover’s delight with its fog-cloaked hills, laid-out spices, tea estates, sparkling waterfalls, and misty woods. The area houses the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which accommodates a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and a myriad of birds, thus making it a place that lovers of wildlife flock to. The picturesque Wayanad is also an area of interest in terms of culture. It has the district of Altivity, the habitat of the hill tribes; the different groups living there are very distinct in their lifestyle, and a few of them have managed to keep their rituals, ceremonies, and arts intact.Trekking and other outdoor activities form a significant part of the attractions in this region, as there are several such trails leading to beautiful peaks such as Chembra Peak and Edakkal Caves, which are famous for their ancient rock engravings. The likes of Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Falls, and Meenmutty Falls are all very popular locations that add to the beauty factor of the place. Wayanad is also a major contributor to the Kerala agricultural sector, as far as the production of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper, and other spices is concerned, almost all of which are exported globally. Its freezing weather, immaculate greenness, and the calmness of nature make it a mysterious and fascinating place on earth for relaxation seekers as well as for thrill-seekers. Wayanad is an absolute first choice for travellers as it offers a variety of experiences, which include exploring ancient caves, experiencing tribal culture, enjoying a wildlife safari, or simply watching the mountains and valleys breathe life into the destination. Wayanad just a place; it is the coming together of nature, history, and culture, which makes it so special.History of WayanadThe history of Wayanad is equally captivating as the hills and the mountains that surround it, and it is a history that is completely unbroken and reaches back into prehistory. In this area, there has been a variety of archaeological work uncovering human settlements that existed more than 6000 years ago. There are also the caves of Edakkal, located on Ambukuthi Hills, where the ancient inhabitants left hieroglyphs and petroglyphs that date to the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. These hieroglyphs feature symbols, human-like figures, and animals in relations that give us a glimpse of that period, their beliefs, and creativity.Through the ages, the fertile soil as well as its location along the trade routes connecting Kerala to the neighbouring regions of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu made Wayanad a coveted region for many different dynasties and rulers. The documented history of Wayanad starts with the Veda tribes' rule and later the reign of the Pazhassi Rajahs from the Kottayam royal family. The ravine region of Wayanad remained the natural fortress of the hills, making it a land of struggle for the local chieftains and kings.At times of the Sangam period, Wayanad was under the control of the Chera dynasty, which ruled almost the whole of Kerala. It had come under the Vijayanagara Empire power and after that under the Mysore Wodeyars. However, absolutely, it was the late 18th century Wayanad's history that got the dramatic change with the arrival of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. They not only comprehended the strategic significance of Wayanad but also attached it to the Mysore Kingdom. They say that Tipu Sultan not only constructed ghat roads for trade and military purposes, but he also broke the isolation of the Malabar coast by these ghat roads, making it possible for the whole country to have easy access to Malabar through Wayanad. At the time, immediately after Tipu Sultan was defeated in 1799, Wayanad was taken over by the British East India Company, who caused revolts with the local rulers. Among local rulers, Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja was the principal opponent of the British, and he is known as the "Lion of Kerala."He was the leader who organised the armed guerrilla resistance and fought the British in the thick jungles of Wayanad till the time he was killed in 1805. Today, his name is still present in the history of Kerala and is remembered as a hero and courageous fighter against oppressors. The British took over and altered Wayanad drastically. To plant coffee, tea, and pepper, large sections of forest were raided, and settlers from the neighbouring areas were allowed to move in. Such an influx of settlers transformed Wayanad into a major agricultural zone, and it has been maintaining that place of prominence ever since. Several years before Wayanad was a part of the Malabar district of Kerala, it was cut off as a district on its own in 1980, being the 12th district of Kerala. It is a remarkable combination of ages and history, and nature. The eras of tribal existence, heroic struggles, and agrarian change have all contributed to Wayanad developing and maintaining a colourful historical tapestry and being a district that is a symbol of perseverance, cultural richness, and natural prosperity.Visiting places in WayanadEdakkal Caves: The Edakkal Caves are a unique combination of natural beauty and the history of human life, lying on Ambukuthi Hill. Due to the Neolithic age petroglyphs and rock carvings of the caves, they become very interesting and important for those who want to learn about the lives of prehistoric people. Though the trek is short and you only get a view of the valley and hills, it is still a reward for your eyes as you get not only the ancient wonders but also the surrounding valley and hills in front of your eyes.Banasura Sagar Dam: Being the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, Banasura Sagar Dam is the most interesting place to visit in Wayanad. The dam is lying at the foot of the Banasura Hills which makes it a hotspot for picnics, boating, and taking photographs. It is also a good time to see the dam during monsoons, as the dam area will be full of greenery and flowing waterfalls, making the dam area look beautiful.Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is an abode of elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and a large number of birds. Safari rides allow you to see the wilderness up close as well as enjoy the tranquil allure of the dense forests and bamboo groves.Soochipara Waterfalls: Soochipara, which is also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a 3 tier waterfall which is surrounded by dense forest. The fall, which is about 200 meters high, lets water flow, creating a natural pool at the base from where you can take a cooling bath. Besides this, it is also a perfect place for adventurers who want to try their hands at trekking and rock climbing.Pookode Lake: Pookode Lake is an oxygenated freshwater lake located in the middle of evergreen forests and hills. The lake, which is in the shape of an Indian map, is very famous among tourists for boat rides, nature walks, and spotting freshwater fish and birds. The quiet and calm atmosphere makes it the best place for family outings and relaxation amidst nature.Chembra Peak: Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, is like no other; it is a paradise for trekkers and people who love adventure. The climb to the top of the hill gives you the chance to see the green valleys of Wayanad, and the most interesting part of the trail is the heart-shaped lake, which is said to be never dry.Meenmutty Waterfalls: Meenmutty is one of the highest waterfalls in Kerala, which falls from a height of almost 300 meters in three steps. To get to the falls, you must take a short hike through thick forest, making it a great adventure.Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is situated north of Wayanad and is another fantastic location for wildlife tours. It is a haven for large populations of elephants, deer, and even such predators as leopards, where jeep rides to the core of nature offer you exciting experiences.Kuruvadweep (Kuruva Island): Kuruvadweep is a collection of tranquil river islands located on the Kabini River, covering an area of 950 acres. It is famous for its pure and natural beauty, being covered with thick forests and can be reached by bamboo rafts and boats.Thirunelli Temple: Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu, is also known as "Kashi of the South". It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills, and thus it has forests and mountain streams around it, which not only make it a spiritual but also a scenic destination.Best Time to Visit WayanadWinter (October to February): In fact, winter is the most satisfying and comfortable time to go to Wayanad. Most of the time, the temperature in winter is from 10°C to 25°C, so the weather is ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and other outdoor activities. The fresh air and misty mornings are nature's way of presenting their masterpieces like Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves and Pookode Lake. A romantic mood or ideal trekking are two of the most common reasons for the likes of honeymooners and adventurers, who, among them, come crossing this season.Summer (March to May): Summers in Wayanad are a bit hot, with the temperature going from 20°C to 35°C. If you are an early riser and plan your day trip in the morning or evening, then you will be able to do most of the day’s activities comfortably. This time is perfect for wildlife lovers to take part in the safaris at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary or just visit the caves, temples and waterfalls in the area. Apart from the already mentioned, summer is also less crowded, and people who love the wilderness would be happy to discover this great and calm time for their special interests.Monsoon (June to September): Weather-wise, the monsoon is the season during which Wayanad shows off its various hues of green that look even better after heavy showers that revive the forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Trekking might have become very difficult on slippery trails, but the region is still quite beautiful with the dense fog that covers the hills and the waterfalls that are flowing heavily, like Soochipara and Meenmutty. In fact, it is the time for eco-tourism lovers, camera fanatics, and those who find the beauty of a rainy landscape captivating. However, it is not the perfect time to do adventure sports.How to Reach WayanadBy Airport: Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode) is the airport that is nearest to Wayanad, and it is only a little over 90 km away. The people who have come or are going to Wayanad from the airport can either take a taxi or a bus. In addition to places in India like Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, and Mumbai, the airport is connected as well and has flights coming from the Middle East.By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station, the place from where the closest railway line to Wayanad is, is around 85 km from the district. Trains that come from places like Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, and Mangalore stop here. A cab or bus can be taken by tourists at the railway station to Wayanad as well and they can continue their journey to Wayanad, enjoying the Western Ghats on the way.By Road: The road network is the main mode of transport that links Wayanad with the major cities of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. There are both kinds of buses, KSRTC and private ones, which run daily from Kozhikode, Bangalore (280 kms), Mysore (120 kms), and Kochi (260 kms). The majority of travellers do it because of their personal convenience or just because they like the trip so much, one can see the forests, coffee plantations, and mountains as seen from the road while travelling by car or cab.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Wayanad Trip and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.