Wayanad
Coffee, pepper and elephant forest on the high plateau
Wayanad sits on a high plateau above the Malabar coast, reached from Kozhikode by the nine hairpin bends of the Thamarassery ghat road. Its name is usually explained as the land of paddy fields, and the valley floors are still farmed for rice, but the slopes are given over to robusta coffee, pepper vines, cardamom and tea. It is greener and less visited than Munnar, with a larger population of Adivasi communities.
The district's eastern edge is wild. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, with its Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges, is part of a continuous forest block with Bandipur and Nagarhole in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, home to one of the largest populations of Asian elephants in India. Jeep safaris with the forest department give good chances of elephants, gaur and deer, with tigers and leopards seen occasionally.
Wayanad also has deep history. The Edakkal Caves, high on Ambukuthi Mala, hold rock carvings made thousands of years ago, and the Thirunelli temple below the Brahmagiri hills is one of the oldest Vishnu shrines in Kerala. In July 2024, severe landslides struck the Mundakkai and Chooralmala area in the Meppadi region, with great loss of life. The rest of the district has reopened to visitors, and tourism is an important part of its recovery.
Highlights
What Wayanad does best
A steep climb up Ambukuthi Mala leads to a natural rock shelter whose walls are covered with carved figures, animals and symbols thousands of years old. They are among the most important prehistoric rock carvings in South India.
Forest department jeeps enter the Muthanga range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the early morning and late afternoon. Elephants are seen on most drives, with gaur, spotted deer, sambar and, occasionally, tiger or leopard.
Wayanad grows much of Kerala's coffee and pepper. A planter walks you through robusta coffee under shade, pepper vines on silver oak and the drying yards, then serves estate coffee on the verandah.
An ancient Vishnu temple in a forested valley under the Brahmagiri hills, with granite pillars and a stream where families perform rites for their ancestors. The drive through the Tholpetty forest is part of the visit.
A large reservoir with forested islands, behind a long earth dam, under the Banasura hills. Boats are available on the water and walks lead into the hills, with mist rising off the lake in the morning.
The southern edge of the plateau near Vythiri and Lakkidi catches the full force of the monsoon, and resorts here sit in dense rainforest with streams running through the grounds.
Experiences
Four hours to plan around
Getting there
How to reach Wayanad
Calicut International Airport (CCJ) at Karipur is about 95 km from Kalpetta, roughly 3 h by car via the Thamarassery ghat. Kannur International Airport (CNN) is about 90 km from Mananthavady, around 2.5–3 h. Bengaluru (BLR) is about 280 km, 6–7 h via Mysuru.
There is no railway in Wayanad. Kozhikode station, about 75 km from Kalpetta, is on the main coastal line with fast trains to Kochi, Kannur and Mangaluru.
Kozhikode is ≈ 75 km · 2.5 h, Kannur ≈ 110 km · 3–3.5 h via Mananthavady and Kochi ≈ 260 km · 6.5–7 h. The ghat roads can close after heavy rain and night traffic through forest roads to Karnataka is restricted, so check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Rooms we book
Wayanad has a handful of good resorts spread over a large district. Vythiri Village, set in rainforest near Vythiri in the south, has cottages and pool villas among streams and trees. Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa at Manjoora overlooks the Banasura Sagar reservoir, with villas and an infinity pool. For Muthanga safaris, a stay near Sulthan Bathery shortens the early drive; for Thirunelli and Tholpetty, the Mananthavady side is best.
From our planners
Five things to know
- Book Muthanga and Tholpetty safaris early; jeeps are limited and slots fill quickly.
- Edakkal Caves involve a steep climb of about 1 km; wear good shoes and go in the morning.
- Wildlife ranges can close for fire season or other reasons, often in spring; check current status before you travel.
- Forest roads to Karnataka are closed at night to protect wildlife; plan drives in daylight.
- Bring a warm layer for the evenings from December to February, when nights fall to about 14 °C.
Questions travellers ask
Questions about Wayanad
Is Wayanad safe to visit after the 2024 landslides?
Yes, most of Wayanad is open and safe to visit. The landslides of July 2024 struck a specific area around Mundakkai and Chooralmala in the Meppadi region. Tourist sites elsewhere in the district have reopened and local businesses welcome visitors. Monsoon conditions should be watched, so check current status before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
October to May. October to February is green and cool, with good wildlife sightings and coffee picking from December. March to May is warmer but still pleasant at altitude, though wildlife ranges may close in the dry season. June to September brings very heavy rain.
How many days do I need in Wayanad?
Three nights is ideal: one day for the Edakkal Caves and a coffee estate, one for a Muthanga safari, and one for Thirunelli and the Tholpetty forest. Distances within the district are large and roads slow, so two nights feels rushed.
Wayanad or Munnar: which is better?
Munnar is the classic tea landscape, higher and more dramatic, and fits easily into a southern Kerala loop. Wayanad is quieter, with more forest, better wildlife safaris and prehistoric caves, and fits a northern Malabar journey with Kannur and Bekal. Both have good stays.
Where should I stay in Wayanad?
Vythiri Village, in rainforest near Vythiri, for a classic jungle resort with pool villas. Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa at Manjoora for lake views over Banasura Sagar and a full-service luxury hotel. Choose based on whether your days focus on the south of the district or Thirunelli and Tholpetty in the north.
How do I get to Wayanad?
Fly to Calicut International Airport at Karipur, about 95 km and 3 hours from Kalpetta, or to Kannur, about 90 km from Mananthavady. Bengaluru is about 6 to 7 hours by road via Mysuru. There is no railway in Wayanad; Kozhikode is the nearest major station.
Can you see tigers in Wayanad?
Occasionally. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has tigers and leopards, and they are seen on some safaris, but sightings are not frequent. Elephants are far more likely, along with gaur and deer. Bandipur and Nagarhole in neighbouring Karnataka offer better tiger chances.
Is Wayanad good for families?
Yes. Children enjoy the jeep safaris, the climb to Edakkal Caves if they are over about eight, boating at Banasura Sagar and the coffee estates. Resorts have pools and space. Long drives between sights are the main challenge, so we plan one main activity per day.
What should I eat in Wayanad?
Malabar dishes such as Kozhikode-style biryani, pathiri (rice flatbread), and chicken and mutton curries, along with bamboo rice and local honey. Estate coffee is excellent. Adivasi-run cafes in some areas serve traditional forest foods, which we can arrange to visit.
Journeys
Routes that stop in Wayanad
Nearby
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