City of Wayanad

Wayanad is Kerala's verdant, uncrowded hill country in the north-east, a region of misty plateaus, dense forests and terraced farmland set high in the Western Ghats. Less visited than Munnar yet every bit as beautiful, it rewards travellers seeking nature, tribal heritage and a genuine sense of the unspoilt. Spice plantations, paddy fields and waterfalls cloak the hills, and the cool climate makes exploring a pleasure.

The district is rich in natural attractions. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of a wider reserve where elephants, deer and bison roam, while the ancient Edakkal Caves preserve prehistoric petroglyphs that draw history enthusiasts. Trekkers are drawn to Chembra Peak with its heart-shaped lake, and the cascades of Soochipara and Meenmutty offer refreshing forest walks to plunging falls.

Wayanad has a strong cultural and agricultural identity. It is home to several indigenous tribal communities whose traditions add depth to a visit, and its plantations produce some of Kerala's finest coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom. Tours of working estates, visits to local markets and tastings of freshly roasted coffee reveal a way of life closely tied to the land.

A visit suits the active and the curious. Days can be spent trekking to viewpoints, exploring caves and sanctuaries, boating on Pookode Lake or simply soaking in the green tranquillity. Tree houses, plantation bungalows and eco-resorts offer atmospheric places to stay amid the hills, with warm hospitality and home-grown produce on the table.

Wayanad deserves a place on a Kerala tour for those who want to venture off the well-trodden path. Its forests, waterfalls and tribal culture offer a quieter, wilder face of the state, and its location makes it a natural link between Kerala and the neighbouring highlands of Karnataka.