Wayanad is probably one of the most scenic places in Kerala. Wayanad lies nestled cozily amidst the mountains of Western Ghats at an altitude over 700 m. Derived from the word Vaylnadu in Malayalam the name of this place means land of paddy fields. The district is famous for its spice products such as pepper and cardamom. The major tourist attractions include The Edackal Caves , the ancient caves of Ambukuthy hills, the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary which forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and the Pookat lake all of which ofcourse forms only a part of the vast number of tourist spots present in Wayanad.

There are local buses available plying between different towns. Auto-rickshaws are the best option if you are traveling short distances. If you want to travel to remote places of tourist interest, it is better to hire a taxi or a private car. Since the terrain is mostly rocky and hilly, the ideal vehicle for commuting is a Jeep.

Lakkidi: Popularly known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’, Lakkidi is an ideal place to start experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of this exotic paradise. Located at an altitude of 700 m above MSL, Lakkidi is blessed with the abounding gifts of nature. The exciting drive up to Lakkidi along the nine hairpin bends is in itself a thrilling experience.

Edakkal Caves: Situated in the picturesque Ambukutty Mountains, Edakkal Caves is a natural cleft formation which is quite remarkable and unique. The highlight of this cave system is the paintings and carvings found inside it, dating back to the stone-age period. The paintings depict human and animal figures and panels of hunting scenes. Edakkal is a favorite haunt frequented by archeologists, petrologists, nature-lovers and historians alike.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is an enchanting must-see destination for any ardent wildlife enthusiast. The sanctuary, situated at a distance of 16 km from Sultan Bathery, is spread across an area of 345 sq. km. The best way to experience the dense wilderness and for spotting wildlife is the elephant safari organized by the forest department.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary forms a vital part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1973 in an effort for preserving the unique biological wealth of the region, the park is home to an extensive variety of rare flora and fauna. The sanctuary emphasizes on scientific conservation measures with the involvement of local tribesmen. The Nagarhole and Bandipur National parks are situated close to this sanctuary.

Thirunelli Temple: Lying along the banks of the picturesque Papanasini River is the ancient temple of Thirunelli, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This marvel in stone is set in the most dramatic of settings – perched on a hillock in the midst of lush jungles with the scenic Papanasini quietly flowing by its side. The shrine is surrounded by 30 carved granite columns. According to Hindu mythology the holy waters of Papanasini has the potency to absolve one of all sins.

Meenmutty Waterfalls: This perennial waterfall cascades down a slope of 300 meters in three stages. The waterfall offers an unmatched visual spectacle - a mélange of silver cascades and mist contrasted against the black rocks and surrounding greenery. The strenuous climb to the summit of the falls is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Breathtaking panoramic views of the falls can be enjoyed from the Neelimala view point, 27 km from Sultan Battery. The Chethalayam waterfalls and the Soochippara waterfalls are small yet worth visiting.

Chain Tree: Legend has it that this place was once haunted by the specter of a tribal youth. Tribals still recite his sad-saga filled with treachery and deceit. During the times of the British Raj, this youth showed a British engineer a difficult trail to enter Wayanad through the mountainous terrains. The Brit eager to take credit of the discovery killed the youth. The restless spirit of the youth started haunting the region to avenge his death until it was finally chained to this tree. The spot is located at a distance of around 16 km from Kalpetta.

• For a truly out of the world experience, pay a visit to the enchanting Kuruva Island, lying 17 km east of Mananthavady. This 950 acre island is thickly wooded without any human habitation. Look out for rare species of birds, animals and orchids whilst you are here, but be careful of the leeches.

• The Pookote freshwater lake, 3 km from Lakkidi, has a fresh water aquarium, a children’s park and facilities for boat riding. Pookote Lake, lying amidst picturesque tropical vegetation and hills, is one of the natural, fresh water bodies of Wayanad.

• Take a trek up the Chembra Peak, the tallest peak in Wayanad located at an altitude of 2100 m above MSL. Be well prepared, for the climb usually takes one full day to complete. Necessary provisions and trained guides are available on hiring basis from the District Tourism Promotion Council. There is a handsome reward awaiting those who make it to the top - a panoramic view of unsurpassed grandeur.

• Situated in the lush Bhahmagiri hills is the Ornithologists’ paradise - Pakshipathalam. Gear yourself up with a powerful pair of binoculars and you won’t be disappointed here. To reach the sanctuary, however, one has to traverse through 17 km of dense wilderness. The rare birds here include the Asian fairy blue bird, the paradise flycatcher, the gold fronted chloropsis, the emerald dove etc.

• Experience Wayanad up-close by taking any of the walking trails laid out by the tribal inhabitants. These are adventurous and can lead you to some of the most beautiful and pristine spots in the region. However, you need to be very careful with some, one slip could prove fatal.