20 Best Places to Visit in Wayanad in Summer 2025
Wayanad isn’t just another hill station in Kerala’s crown—it’s a living, breathing testament to the raw, untamed spirit of the Western Ghats. Having spent countless weekends exploring its winding roads and hidden treasures, from the lush Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and the vibrant bird sanctuary in Wayanad to the ancient Thirunelli Mahadeva Temple (with its convenient Thirunelli temple timing), Wayanad in summer offers a unique charm.
We’re excited to share our top picks for the 20 best places to visit in Wayanad. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway and hoping to find a cosy homestay with a pool, an affordable option that fits a low budget, or a luxurious villa stay with an infinity pool, Wayanad has something for every traveller—and this guide will help you find it.
Why Edakkal Caves Should Be on Every Explorer’s List
Unlike what most guides say, Edakkal Caves in Wayanad aren’t just ordinary caves with drawings. The real magic happens at sunrise, when the first light reveals 8,000-year-old petroglyphs, making it one of the best archaeological sites and unique places to visit in Wayanad. For history lovers and nature enthusiasts, visiting during the monsoon season is ideal, as the humidity enhances the visibility of these ancient carvings. If you’re looking for memorable Wayanad summer attractions or things to do in Wayanad in summer, Edakkal Caves should be at the top of your list.
Chembra Peak: Your Gateway to Wayanad’s Natural Beauty
While the heart-shaped lake is famous, few know about the hidden viewpoint 100 metres off the main trail, where you can see Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka meet. In summer, October is the ideal time to visit Chembra Peak, as the grass transforms into a beautiful golden hue. Trekking here offers stunning views of Wayanad’s lush landscapes and is a must-visit Wayanad tourist spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Discover the Power of Water: A Visit to Banasura Sagar
Skip the usual viewing points and take a coracle ride with local fishermen who know secret spots to spot playful otters in the early morning. Along the way, they’ll share fascinating tales of submerged villages beneath the reservoir. Situated around 22 km from Kalpetta, Banasura Sagar Dam is the second-largest earth dam in Asia and one of Wayanad’s must-visit summer attractions, where you can enjoy activities like boating and kayaking. ziplining, and trekking.
Thirunelli Temple: The Panchateertha Trail
Most visitors see only the main temple, but a lesser-known ‘Panchateertha’ trail connects five sacred water bodies near Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad. Exploring this trail offers a unique spiritual experience beyond the temple itself, making it one of the must-visit Wayanad tourist places for those seeking both nature and culture. The ideal time to visit is between August and May, when both the temple and the nearby forest trails are easily accessible.
Kuruva Islands: Nature’s Hidden Gem in Wayanad
While Kuruva Islands in Wayanad are famous for bamboo rafting, the real treasure lies in their rich nocturnal life. Book a night safari with experienced forest guides to spot elusive flying squirrels and owls. These protected river delta islands are also home to rare butterfly species found nowhere else in Kerala, making Kuruva Island a must-visit Wayanad tourist spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Pookode Lake: A Reflection of Peace and Beauty
Plan a weekend visit to Pookode Lake in Wayanad, where local tribal musicians often gather at the northern end to play traditional instruments and occasionally teach visitors simple rhythms. Many tourists miss that the lake’s shape resembles the map of India, adding a unique charm. The best time to visit is between October and May for pleasant weather and vibrant surroundings.
Discover the Power of Nature at Meenmutty Falls
Instead of sticking to the usual viewpoints, trek to the middle tier of Meenmutty Falls in Wayanad, where a natural rock pool forms during winter. Local guides can point out safe spots for a refreshing dip away from the crowds. This three-tiered waterfall, cascading over 984 feet near Banasura Sagar Dam, offers stunning views and a rewarding adventure through dense forests and rocky trails. The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the trek is safer. Remember to avoid the monsoon season due to slippery terrain and high-water flow.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The Tholpetty Section
While Muthanga gets most of the attention, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad offers better wildlife sighting opportunities, especially during early morning jeep safaris. Here, you can spot herds of gaur grazing on fresh grass, along with elephants, tigers, panthers, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also runs a unique elephant behavior study program that visitors can participate in, making it one of the top Wayanad tourist places for wildlife enthusiasts. For the best experience, plan your visit between November and March when the weather is pleasant and safari chances are highest.
Karlad Lake: Adventure Beyond Ziplining
While most visitors come for the thrilling zipline over Karlad Lake in Wayanad, few know about the unique night camping experience on floating platforms. Here, you can stargaze under clear skies while listening to the sounds of the nocturnal forest. Early mornings at the lake also offer excellent bird watching opportunities, making Karlad Lake a top Wayanad tourist spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Besides ziplining, the lake features kayaking, boating, rock climbing, and nature walks, ensuring a full day of outdoor activities. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is cool and perfect for both adventure and wildlife spotting.
Soochipara Falls: The Hidden Cave
Beyond the breathtaking three-tiered cascade of Soochipara Falls in Wayanad lies a hidden cave system that becomes accessible during the dry season. Trekking the 1.2-kilometre path to the falls offers breathtaking views of dense evergreen and montane forests, making Soochipara Falls a must-visit Wayanad tourist spot in summer, for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. For the best experience, visit between October and February when the water flow is moderate, and the caves are safely accessible.
Ancient Jain Temple: Sulthan Bathery’s Secret
The 13th-century Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery, once known as the Bathery Jain Temple, served not only as a place of worship but also played a key role along an ancient trade route. Today, this protected monument stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural legacy and is a must-visit heritage site in Wayanad. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM, with the best time to visit being winter months between November and February.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: The Cloud Forest
Plan your visit to Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary in Wayanad during the Great Hornbill breeding season from December to March for the best birdwatching experience. Trekking through lush forests, rocky caves, and waterfalls, you can spot rare birds like cuckoos, owls, and the elusive edible-nest swiftlet. The watchtower offers sweeping dawn views, ideal for bird spotting and photography. Accessible via a challenging 8 km trek from Thirunelli Temple, Pakshipathalam is a must-visit Wayanad tourist place for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Remember to obtain prior permission from the Forest Department before your visit.
Wayanad Heritage Museum: Beyond Artifacts
The back garden of the Wayanad Heritage Museum features living specimens of ancient medicinal plants mentioned in palm leaf manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich ethnobotanical legacy.. The museum curator often offers specialized tours explaining how these traditional plants are being studied for their modern relevance, including promising applications in cancer research. This botanical collection highlights Wayanad’s unique biodiversity and the deep connection between tribal knowledge and contemporary medicine, making the museum a must-visit for those interested in medicinal plants and Kerala’s cultural history. The best time to visit is during cooler months when guided tours are available.
Phantom Rock: Nature’s Optical Illusion
Phantom Rock, located near Ambalavayal in Wayanad, Kerala, is a unique natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull. Local photographers know that the most dramatic shadow effects, which enhance the skull-like appearance, usually occur around 4 PM during the winter months, making it the best time for capturing striking photos. Accessible by a short trek, Phantom Rock is a must-visit Wayanad tourist spot for nature lovers, trekkers, and photography enthusiasts seeking a blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Chain Tree: The Story Behind the Chains
While tourists see a tree bound in heavy iron chains, few know about the annual ritual performed here by local tribes to honor and appease the spirit of their ancestor, Karinthandan. This ritual takes place during the harvest festival and involves unique traditional musical instruments and ceremonies. Today, the site includes a small temple called Karinthandan Temple and is a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, drawing visitors interested in Wayanad’s tribal folklore and history.
Paliyaram Village: Living Heritage
Paliyaram Village, located near Wayanad, provides an immersive glimpse into tribal life, highlighting traditional medicine, sustainable forest honey harvesting, and authentic culinary practices. Visitors can learn about sustainable harvesting techniques and the medicinal uses of forest plants, gaining insight into the rich indigenous knowledge preserved by Wayanad’s tribal communities. This living heritage experience is ideal for those interested in tribal culture, eco-tourism, and responsible travel in Kerala’s scenic hills.
Buddha Junction: Archaeological Mystery
Recent excavations at Buddha Junction in Wayanad have unearthed Buddhist relics, indicating that this site was once a significant centre of Buddhist learning. These findings position Buddha Junction as an important archaeological site contributing to our understanding of Buddhism’s historical landscape in South India. Further studies are expected to reveal more about its role in regional culture and trade routes linking Buddhist institutions.
Wayanad Tea Factory: Beyond the Tours
While factory tours at the century-old Wayanad Tea Museum are popular, few visitors know about the immersive tea tasting sessions where you can learn to identify around 20 different varieties of tea by taste and aroma. These sessions are guided by knowledgeable staff who explain the nuances of tea flavours and the role of a tea taster, offering a deeper appreciation beyond just the factory tour. The museum is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with a nominal entry fee, and the tea tasting is an enriching experience highly recommended for tea enthusiasts visiting Wayanad this summer.
Papanashini River: The Sacred Waters
The Papanashini River, originating from the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad, is renowned for its sacred status and unique mineral composition believed to have medicinal properties. Scientific studies have found rare microorganisms in its waters, which hold potential for pharmaceutical applications, highlighting the river’s ecological and medicinal significance. Pilgrims and visitors often take ritual dips here, especially during auspicious days, to cleanse both body and soul. The Papanashini later joins the Kalindi River, linking it to a larger river system in the region. The best time to visit is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and the river is accessible.
Best homestays to stay in Wayanad this summer
Wellbeing Villa
Forest Echoes
Lakeside Leisure
Written by: Ruben Saha
Banner Image credits: Keerikkadanjose
