If you wish to spend time in Wayanad you have plenty of options. Be it adventure sports, an experience with the wild or exploration, Wayanad seems to be a haven of sorts.
If you are the adventurous sort and love to get – up, close and personal with the wild we offer a perfect get away where you can indulge in activities that will help you make the most of your time with nature.

Wayanad – the word is derived from Vayal Nadu (The land of paddy fields) is a famous tourist place in Kerala, the major attraction being the climate that is cool and calm, which is loved by everybody. The endearing hill station is on elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats, at a height of 700 to 2100 metres above the mean sea level.

The route : Enroute from Mysore, stop at the Nanjangud Srikanteshwara temple, an ancient Shiva temple around 1000 years old. Its one of the famous shrines of Karnataka.
Cross the Bandipur Forest Reserve …. a stretch of around 20 kms of the 874 square kms of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in southern India and largest habitat of wild elephants in south Asia. You can take a break here and if you wish you could stay for a couple of days and spend time on a safari.

Places to see : Banasura Sagar Dam, Meemutty Falls, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Pookode Island, Thirunelli Temple.

TREKKING / NATURE WALK
Wayanad is famous among trekkers as its ever changing terrain offers much to explore for both beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. Pakshi Pathalam (Thirunelli) and Tholpetty wildlife treks are one of the most sort after treks. There are two day treks that are recommended.
Brahmagiri trek (highest elevation: 1608 m) from Thirunelli. Organised by the forest dept (14 km and starts at 7 am). The trek will cover through some of the evergreen forest and grass lands. Chance to spot some wildlife as well.
Meenmutty Falls : Imagine water crashing onto the ground from over a 1000 ft. in three separate levels while an entire rainforest plays its role as the patient, supporting audience. . It can be only accessed after an arduous 2 km jungle trek, the visuals on display at the summit are worth the effort. One has separate viewing points for each of the three decks of the waterfalls and due to its location this is one of the few natural wonders in the world that can be experienced in near seclusion.
Another option is the Chembra peak trek (highest elevation: 2100 m).

WILDLIFE SAFARI
Wayanad is blessed with rich flora and fauna. Since it is surrounded by Nagarahole, Tholpetty, Bandipur, Muthanga and Brahmagiri, there is no dearth of wild life here. So for your safari you can choose from the open plains, thick forest or river bank, where the animals gather in the morning and evening. Among the various animals that you will see, flying squirrels, big cats and even elephants are very common.

ADVENTURE & WATER SPORTS
To explore the adventurous streak in you there are various options of zip-lining and kayaking at Karalad lake and Banasura reservoir.

HERITAGE AND LEGEND TRAILS
You will find the prehistoric cave paintings (7,000 years old) at Edakkal caves, legendary chain tree at Lakkidi and sacred Thirunelly temple (more than 1,000 years old) in Wayanad. You can always take a stroll into Mother Nature’s lap and climb the smaller hills catch the panoramic view, swing on creepers, follow the little streams, get amazed at different sounds of nature and interact with the local folks.

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
You can indulge in some age old Kerala Ayurvedic massage for either therapeutic reasons or just relaxing purpose. There are traditional tribal physicians who are specialized in spondylitis, joint problems and they are ever ready to give their expert healing touch.

FARMING
Every considered change in profession? During your stay in Wayanad, why don’t you learn a thing or two about the art of organic farming? Plough the fields with your own hands, paddle through the wet mud with the plough and ox along with the farmers as they till the land. You have to believe us when we say it is a very humbling experience.

SPICE AND COFFEE PLANTATION TOURS
Wayanad is a haven when it comes to spices. Take a tour with our well informed guides who will be pleased to share the secrets of the spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and even vanilla that drew the West to India. Walk through the coffee plantation and learn about the world’s favourite beverage. A warm, steaming cup of aromatic coffee, will greet you as you return from the trail.

TRIBAL VILLAGE VISIT
The largest number of aborigine population of Kerala resides in Wayanad. The Wayanad tribal community comprise of different tribes – Paniyas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikkans, and Ooralis. The tribes reside in houses made of mud, thatched roof, bamboo and brick. You can be a part of this unique village visit and interact with the adivasis and appreciate and explore their tribal heritage.

Apart from all these amazing experiences some of the other activities that are very popular with young and old alike are Zip-Line, Tyre Walk, Rope Ladder, Archery, Star gazing, Bird watching, Organic Farming and Watch tower.

SPIRITUAL
Thirunelli: On the side of the Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad lay an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, the Thirunelli temple. The temple, surrounded by beautiful hills and forests, is located 32 km away from Mananthavady. The temple is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram and Kashi of South.
For the dead, Hindus do a puja every year. This is basically to appease the departed soul. Its believed that once the pooja is done in Thirunelli, it’s the final one and need not be done every year.