Explore Wayanad: Things to Do, Places to Visit & Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers

• 1. Bangalore → Mysore → Gundlupet → Sulthan Bathery (NH766 Route via Bandipur)
  Distance: ~280 km
  Travel Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
  This is the most popular, scenic, and frequently used route from Bangalore to Wayanad.
  The route includes the famous Thamarassery Ghat, which has 9 sharp hairpin bends.
  These bends offer stunning views but require careful driving, especially during rain or fog.
  


• 2. Bangalore → Hassan → Sakleshpur → Mananthavady (via Charmadi Ghat)
  Distance: ~300 km
  Travel Time: Around 7 to 8 hours
  You’ll encounter the Charmadi Ghat, a scenic mountain pass with several hairpin bends.
  This route is less crowded and offers a more tranquil journey through the Western Ghats.
  

• By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)
  Distance: ~280 km (via NH766)
  Travel Time: 6.5–7.5 hours
  Best Route: Bangalore → Mysore → Gundlupet → Sulthan Bathery (Wayanad)
  


• By Bus
  Distance: ~280 km
  Travel Time: 7–8 hours (depending on bus type and stops)
  Best Route: Direct buses from Bangalore to Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta, and Mananthavady
  

Soochipara Falls
Welcome to Soochipara Falls, where nature decided to create the ultimate three-tiered swimming pool experience complete with a 200-meter water slide that would make any resort jealous. This isn't just a waterfall—it's nature's version of a spa day, complete with natural rock pools and a soundtrack that puts every white noise app to shame.
It’s open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with an entry fee of ₹80.
Fair warning: you will absolutely end up swimming whether you plan to or not, so pack that extra outfit.
It's definitely not built for people who think a grocery store walk is a cardio, but if you can handle an hour of jungle hiking that occasionally cosplays as a slip-n-slide, you're about to unlock one of those experiences that'll make every other waterfall feel like a sad garden sprinkler in comparison.

Banasura Sagar Dam
Meet Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad's overachiever who casually holds the title of India's largest earth dam while looking effortlessly photogenic.
The dam welcomes visitors daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and your wallet will appreciate the modest entry fee of around ₹50 per person.
The real showstopper here is the speedboating experience at ₹1000 for up to five people, operating until 4 PM sharp.
This place is literally an adventure playground disguised as a dam; you can zip-line your way to an adrenaline rush, treat your feet to a fish spa, or paddle around in traditional coracles.
There's also horseback riding, camel riding, and lakeside ziplining if you're feeling extra adventurous.
You can spend around 2 hours at the dam, but honestly, with all the activities, you might wanna clear your whole afternoon.

Chembra Peak
Ever wondered what happens when nature decides to flex its creative muscles and casually drops a heart-shaped lake on top of a mountain?
Welcome to Chembra Peak, where Wayanad went full rom-com director and created the district's highest point at 2,100 meters with a plot twist.
This isn't just another Instagram-bait destination—it's literally where the earth decided to wear its heart on its sleeve, 6,890 feet above sea level.
Legend has it that the heart-shaped lake never dries up, no matter how harsh the summer gets.
But here's the thing about Chembra: the forest department doesn't mess around.
They've made guides mandatory because even seasoned trekkers can't be trusted alone with Kerala's crown jewel.
Costs: ₹750 for your entire squad (up to 10 people), ₹75 for each friend who decides to crash the adventure last minute, ₹15 per person for forest entry, and ₹50 to park your ride.
The office opens at 7 AM sharp and stops issuing permits at 2 PM.
Plot twist: only 200 people get daily access, so this is not a "let's just show up and see what happens" situation.

Pookode Lake
This isn't just any lake—it's a freshwater masterpiece surrounded by evergreen forests that look like they've been personally curated by Mother Nature's interior design team.
Boating Options:
• 2-seater paddle boat – ₹100 for 20 minutes
• 4-seater pedal boat – ₹200 for 20 minutes
• Rowboat – ₹350 for 30 minutes
It’s where you can actually hear your thoughts instead of honking horns and notification pings.
It's basically the outdoor equivalent of noise-cancelling headphones, but with better views and significantly more ducks.
Pookode delivers like that reliable friend who always knows exactly what you need, so don’t skip this place.

Wayanad Glass Bridge (900 Kandi)
Are you brave enough to step onto Kerala's longest glass bridge?
900 Kandi isn't just another tourist spot trying to capitalize on adventure tourism trends.
The name literally translates to "900 heights," and trust us, they weren't being modest about the elevation.
It's where modern adventure meets ancient forests, where you can walk among the clouds while keeping your feet (somewhat) on the ground.

Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are open from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays) and have an entry fee of approximately ₹50.
To reach the caves, visitors must complete a 2 km uphill trek from the parking area.
Fun Fact: These caves feature petroglyphs dating back over 6,000 years, making them some of the oldest known human carvings in South India.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
If National Geographic had a South Indian spin-off, it’d probably be filmed here.
Tholpetty isn’t just a wildlife sanctuary—it’s a real-life jungle playlist where the bass drops come in the form of elephant trumpets and langur calls.
You hop into a forest department jeep and, for ₹150 per person plus vehicle charges (around ₹700 per jeep), you get a 1.5–2 hour deep-dive into wild territory.
Safari Timings: Morning: ~7 AM to 10 AM | Evening: ~3 PM to 5 PM

Meenmutty Falls
With a three-tiered drop from 300 meters, this isn’t just a waterfall, it’s a full-blown cinematic experience carved into the side of a forested cliff.
“Meenmutty” literally means “where fish are blocked,” but honestly, even humans have a hard time making it there—it takes a 2 km trek through dense jungle terrain just to reach the base.
Fees: ₹30 entry + ₹40 for camera
The trail includes muddy paths, hanging roots, and the occasional leech.

• Eat local Kerala meals at small eateries (₹100–₹150 per meal) instead of cafes or resorts.
• Travel in groups to split costs for jeep rides (especially to 900 Kandi and offbeat spots).
• Use local transport – autos, shared jeeps, or rent a two-wheeler.
• Visit free or low-cost attractions like Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, viewpoints, and tea plantations.
• Avoid paid adventure parks and stick to natural treks and waterfalls.
• Book buses and stays in advance on weekdays for the best rates.
• Travel during the off-season (June or post-monsoon) for cheaper rates and fewer crowds.

• Carry comfortable trekking shoes if you want to explore caves, hills, and waterfalls.
• Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends.
• Keep cash handy, as many remote areas have limited digital payment options.
• Hire a local guide for places like Edakkal Caves to enrich your experience with history and legends.
• Start early for popular treks and attractions to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
• Pack light but include rain gear, just in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
• Stay hydrated and carry snacks while exploring remote spots with limited food options.
• Use reliable transport options; roads can be steep with hairpin bends, so choose experienced drivers or self-drive carefully.