Wayanad is Kerala’s green hill district: misty peaks, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient caves and spice plantations, all within a few hours’ drive of Bangalore, Mysore and Kozhikode. This guide covers the most popular tourist places in Wayanad, grouped by area, with typical timings, entry fees and approximate distances from Sulthan Bathery, the region’s largest town and an easy base for exploring.
Before you go: timings, fees and visitor limits below are taken from recent (2026) sources and change often. Some spots, especially waterfalls, treks and river islands, close at short notice for weather or forest department reasons. Always check the current status on the day. Distances are approximate road distances from Sulthan Bathery town.
Quick list: best places to visit in Wayanad
- Near Sulthan Bathery: Edakkal Caves, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, Jain Temple, Chethalayam Falls, Kanthanpara Falls, Neelimala Viewpoint, Meenmutty Falls
- Kalpetta, Meppadi & Vythiri side: Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, 900 Kandi, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Banasura Sagar Dam
- Mananthavady side: Kuruva Island, Thirunelli Temple
Places to visit near Sulthan Bathery
The eastern side of Wayanad around Sulthan Bathery has the district’s best-known heritage site, its main wildlife sanctuary and several easy viewpoints and waterfalls, most within 30 minutes’ drive of town.
1. Edakkal Caves
Two natural rock shelters high on Ambukuthi Mala, famous for their ancient carvings, among the oldest in South India. The walk up from the parking area takes about 45 minutes and is fairly steep in places, so wear good shoes and carry water.
Distance: about 12 km · Timings: around 8 AM–4 PM, closed on Mondays and national holidays · Entry: about ₹50 adults, ₹30 children · Daily visitor limit applies
Tip from Le Venzia: Go early. Entry closes once the daily visitor limit is reached, especially on weekends and holidays.
2. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Muthanga is the best place in the district for a jeep safari. Elephants, deer, gaur and many birds are often seen; tigers are rare but present.
Distance: about 17 km · Safari slots: around 7–10 AM and 3–5 PM · Fees: entry per person plus jeep hire at the entrance · Best season: December to May
Tip from Le Venzia: Morning slots fill quickly. Arrive at the entrance before 7 AM, and confirm the sanctuary is open, as safaris are suspended at times.
3. Phantom Rock
A huge rock formation shaped like a skull, near Ambalavayal, with good views of the surrounding hills. A quick stop to combine with Edakkal Caves.
Distance: about 12 km
4. Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
A small district museum with tribal artefacts, ancient weapons, stone sculptures and pottery that help explain Wayanad’s history. Good for families and a rainy-day option.
Distance: about 10 km · Combine with Edakkal Caves and Phantom Rock
5. Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple
A centuries-old granite Jain temple in the heart of town. The town’s name is linked to Tipu Sultan, who is said to have used the temple to store his battery (ammunition).
Distance: in town · A short, peaceful visit
6. Chethalayam Falls
A smaller, quieter waterfall reached by a forest walk. Best after the monsoon when the water flow is strong.
Distance: about 12 km · Check access with the local forest office before going
7. Kanthanpara Falls
A gentle waterfall with a natural pool at the base, popular with families who want an easy outing.
Distance: about 23 km
8. Neelimala Viewpoint
A hilltop viewpoint overlooking the Meenmutty waterfall and the valley. The last stretch is a steep jeep track or trek.
Distance: about 26 km
9. Meenmutty Falls
A three-tier waterfall reached by a forest trek. Spectacular after the rains, but trails can be slippery, so follow the forest guides.
Distance: about 28 km · Check current status, as access is sometimes restricted
Kalpetta, Meppadi & Vythiri side
The southern side of Wayanad is where you’ll find the famous Chembra trek, Pookode Lake and Banasura Sagar Dam. Allow a full day, as these places are 40–45 km from Sulthan Bathery.
10. Chembra Peak
Wayanad’s most famous trek, up to the heart-shaped lake on the slopes of Chembra. Treks are guided and the number of visitors per day is limited.
Distance: about 35–42 km (via Meppadi) · Permits: at the Meppadi forest office, usually from 7 AM, first come, first served · Fee: group permit for up to 5 people, about ₹4,000 for Indian nationals · Round trip about 3–4 hours
Tip from Le Venzia: Reach the Meppadi counter by around 6:30 AM, and check the trek is open, as it closes at times.
11. Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Falls
A tall waterfall that drops into a rocky pool, surrounded by forest, reached by a walk from the entrance.
Distance: about 43 km · Timings: around 8 AM–5 PM · Entry: about ₹150 adults · Daily visitor limit applies
12. 900 Kandi
A forest area near Meppadi known for its glass bridge and scenic jeep route through the hills, one of Wayanad’s newer attractions.
Location: Meppadi side · Paid entry: check tickets and timings locally before you go
13. Pookode Lake
A freshwater lake surrounded by forest near Vythiri, with pedal and row boats. One of the easiest family outings in Wayanad.
Distance: about 40 km · Timings: around 9 AM–5 PM, last entry about 4:30 PM · Entry: about ₹20 adults, ₹10 children · Boating extra
14. Lakkidi Viewpoint
The “gateway to Wayanad” at the top of the Thamarassery ghat road, with sweeping views over the hairpin bends. Close to Pookode Lake, so visit both together.
Location: a short drive from Pookode Lake
15. Banasura Sagar Dam
India’s largest earth dam, with islands dotting the reservoir and the Banasura hills behind. Boating and a zipline are available.
Distance: about 45 km · Timings: around 9 AM–5 PM (boating until about 4:30 PM) · Entry: about ₹40 adults, ₹20 children · Speed boat about ₹1,000 per ride (up to 5 people)
Mananthavady side
The northern side of Wayanad is quieter, with river islands and one of Kerala’s oldest temples. These are the furthest from Sulthan Bathery, so plan them as a separate day.
16. Kuruva Island
A cluster of river islands on the Kabini, crossed by bamboo rafts, with forest trails and birdlife. Visitor numbers are limited each day.
Distance: about 55–60 km · Timings: around 9 AM–3:30 PM · Entry: about ₹220 per Indian adult · The Pakkam (Cheriyamala) entry is the closer one from Sulthan Bathery
Tip from Le Venzia: Kuruva closes at times during the monsoon and for forest rules, so confirm it is open before you set out.
17. Thirunelli Temple
An ancient Vishnu temple in the forest below the Brahmagiri hills, an important place for ancestral rites. A peaceful drive through tea and forest country.
Distance: about 60–70 km · Timings: around 5–11 AM and 5–7 PM
How to plan your Wayanad trip
- Day 1, near Sulthan Bathery: Edakkal Caves (early), Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, evening at the Jain Temple and town.
- Day 2, wildlife and viewpoints: morning Muthanga safari, then Kanthanpara Falls or Neelimala Viewpoint.
- Day 3, south Wayanad: Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint and Banasura Sagar Dam, or the Chembra trek for active travellers.
Best time to visit: October to May is pleasant for sightseeing. June to September is the monsoon, when Wayanad is at its greenest, but some treks, waterfalls and islands may close.
Why stay in Sulthan Bathery?
Sulthan Bathery sits on the National Highway close to Edakkal Caves and Muthanga, with shops, restaurants and bus connections to Kozhikode, Ooty and Bangalore. It is a practical base for families who want to see the whole of Wayanad without changing hotels.
Le Venzia Luxury Apartments offers spacious two-bedroom serviced apartments with a full kitchen, AC bedrooms and a private balcony, just 4 km from Sulthan Bathery town and 100 m from the National Highway. Contact us or WhatsApp +91 82899 76000 to plan your stay.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous tourist places in Wayanad?
Edakkal Caves, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Soochipara Falls and Kuruva Island are among the most visited.
How many days are enough for Wayanad?
Two to three days covers the main sights. Three days lets you see the Sulthan Bathery side, a wildlife safari and the Kalpetta side without rushing.
Which tourist places are near Sulthan Bathery?
Edakkal Caves (about 12 km), Phantom Rock (about 12 km), Ambalavayal Heritage Museum (about 10 km), Chethalayam Falls (about 12 km), Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (about 17 km) and the Jain Temple in town.
Is Edakkal Caves open on Monday?
No. Edakkal Caves is usually closed on Mondays and national holidays. Check the latest timings before you go.
Are Wayanad tourist places open during the monsoon?
Many are, but some treks, waterfalls and river islands such as Kuruva may close during heavy rain. Check the current status on the day.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
