Wayanad
Kerala's wild north — ancient forests, tribal heritage, misty peaks, and cascading waterfalls.
About Wayanad
Kerala's Last Great Wilderness
Wayanad is Kerala's northernmost hill district, rising from 700 to 2,100 metres in the Western Ghats. It is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth — part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and home to dense shola forests, rolling coffee and tea estates, and some of India's most significant prehistoric cave art at Edakkal.
Unlike the more visited hill stations of Munnar, Wayanad retains a raw, unhurried quality. The mist rolls in thick each morning, the roads wind through unbroken forest, and the tribal communities that have called these hills home for millennia still maintain their traditions. It is Kerala at its most elemental.
What to Do
Experiences in Wayanad
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread across 344 sq km of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, and over 200 bird species. Jeep safaris at dawn through the misty forest corridors are an unforgettable experience.
Tribal Heritage & Culture
Wayanad is home to some of Kerala's oldest tribal communities — the Kurichya, Kuruma, and Paniya peoples. Visit tribal hamlets, learn about ancient traditions, and discover the rich cultural tapestry woven into the district's forested landscape.
Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls
Soochipara (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls) cascades 200 feet through dense forest into a natural pool perfect for swimming. Meenmutty, the largest waterfall in Wayanad, requires a 2 km trek through jungle — the reward is a breathtaking three-tiered cascade.
Chembra Peak Trek
At 2,100 metres, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek to the summit passes through shola forests, grasslands, and the iconic heart-shaped lake — a natural wonder that never drains. The panoramic views from the top stretch across three states.
Where to Stay
Handpicked Stays in Wayanad
A few of our handpicked stays — from rainforest treehouses to working plantation homestays. We have 50+ options in Wayanad. Contact us for more choices.
Vythiri Resort
Rainforest Treetop Resort
Perched in the rainforest canopy of Vythiri, this award-winning resort offers treehouse cottages and forest villas connected by rope bridges. Wake up to birdsong, mist rolling through the treetops, and the sound of a nearby stream.
Room Types
- Treehouse Cottage
- Forest Villa
- Deluxe Room with Valley View
Pepper Trail Plantation Stay
Working Spice Plantation Homestay
A charming plantation homestay set on a working pepper and coffee estate in the hills above Kalpetta. Guests can walk the estate with the owner, learn about spice cultivation, and enjoy home-cooked Kerala meals made from garden-fresh produce.
Room Types
- Plantation Cottage
- Garden Room
- Heritage Suite
Edakkal Hermitage
Eco Retreat near Edakkal Caves
A thoughtfully designed eco-retreat near the ancient Edakkal Caves, offering stone cottages and open-air pavilions that blend seamlessly into the hillside. The property is committed to sustainable tourism and zero-waste hospitality.
Room Types
- Stone Cottage
- Hilltop Villa
- Eco Suite with Private Deck
Plan Your Visit
When to Visit Wayanad
Peak Season
Cool, dry weather. Best for trekking, wildlife safaris, and sightseeing. Book well in advance.
Summer
Warm days but pleasant evenings at altitude. Waterfalls are at their lowest but trails are clear.
Monsoon
Wayanad transforms into a lush green paradise. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic. Some trekking routes may be closed.
Ready to Explore Wayanad?
We work with 50+ handpicked resorts and plantation stays across Wayanad. Only a few are listed here — fill our Book a Stay form or contact us directly and our team will get back to you right away.