Wayanad Hill Station

About Wayanad Hill Station

Located at an altitude of 700-2100 m above the sea level, Wayanad is a leading Tourist destination of Kerala, South India. Known for its luxurious plantations of rubber, coffee, tea, cardamom, and pepper that stretch over the hills of Wayanad as long as eye can see, Wayanad is one of the most rejuvenating places in South India. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk (taluk is a sub division of a district), through which the road from Kozhikhode ascends the Wayanad plateau over the astonishing bends and ridges, are the highest locations of the district.With the fast flowing rivers Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini cutting across the swelling landscape, Wayanad presents a picturesque view of the hill station, which has managed to retain its pristine beauty till date. The place is also home to the oldest and highest number of tribes in Kerala. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is another attraction of the hill station is addition to the naturalbeauty of the place.Pookat fresh water Lake, Kuruvadweep picnic spot, Thirunelly Temple and Chenbra peak are some of the places in and around Wayanad that can be visited during the Tour to Fascinating Kerala Hill Stations.

Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber stretch over the hills of Wayanad as far as the eye can see, MunnaWayanad Hill StationWith the fast-flowing rivers- Panamaram, Mananthavady and kabini- cutting across the undulating panorama and lending picture-postcard look to the whole region. The north eastern tip of Kerala. Its pretty image notwithstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing abnout this quaint little hill station is ilts large tribal population and their fascinating lilferstuyles.The north eastern tip of Kerala. Its pretty image notwithstanding, perhaps what the visitor finds most endearing abnout this quaint little hill station is ilts large tribal population.The climate of Wayanad Hill Station is influenced by the southwest monsoon during the months of June to September. During the Northeast monsoon too in the months of October and November there is good rainfall. July receives the highest rainfall while February is the driest month. April and May are the hottest months while January and February are the coldest.Up in the hills is the Thirunelly Temple, a marvel of architecture. There are 30 granite columns around the shrine. Next to the temple is the Papanasini river with its clear waters.

Interesting things to Visit

Kanthapara Falls:

About 25 km north-east of Kalpetta is Padinjarathara Dam. This dam is 2nd largest in Asia and is attractive with serene environment engulfing it. Padinjarathara is surrounded by mist capped mountains and wildlife sanctuary. Picturesque ambience, beautiful location and divine.

Sentinel rocks falls:

Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary :

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km east of Mananthavady): This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals. Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs. Permitting authority Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty Tel: 04935-250853

Soochipara Falls

The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.

Edakkal Caves:

The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are magnificent formations of nature. The word ‘Edakkal’ itself means ‘a stone in between’. The structure of these caves is truly extraordinary as a big boulder balances itself on two relatively smaller boulders, thus forming the truly fascinating Edakkal Caves of Kerala. These caves are a very popular tourist attraction of Wayanad. The cave has two levels inside that can be entered through an entrance that is merely 5 feet in height.

The lower chamber is around 18 feet long and 10 feet high. A small passage from there leads to the upper chamber that is around 95 feet long and 18 feet high. This truly magnificent structure is a storehouse of pre-historic art forms. This attracts historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves have been the cradle of human civilization at different stages in history.

Mananthavady:

Its a Historicallly important as the last resting place of Pazhassirajah who fought a guerilla war against the British.

Kuruvadweep:

This 950 acre virgin island on the eastward bound Kabani River is an ideal picnic destination. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.

Nearest Visiting places

Pookode Lake:

Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad’s top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212. It has been developed as a recreational centre having boating facilities, children’s park, shop for souvenirs and spices, and a fresh water aquarium. Replete with a café and restaurant, this is a good setting for day outings with family.

Thirunelli Temple:

The temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water.

Kuruva Islands:

Kuruvadweep is a unique and fragile 950 acre protected river delta system on the Kabini River.The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom.The nearest town is Mananthavady and only 17 km.

Phantom Rock:

Located close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock; named so because of it’s skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities.

Chembra Peak:

The highest peak in Wayanad at 2100mts above sea level, this spot provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley and also has a path for trekking enthusiasts.

Chain Tree:

Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman .

Pakshipathalam:

Located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 mtrs, Pakshipathalam is a formation of large boulders, some as tall as two storey buildings.he deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants.

Banasura sagar project:

Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

Boy’s Town:

Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.

The Glass Temple of Kottamunda:

This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Pepper Green Resorts
Near Kuruva Island
Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady
Wayanad, Kerala
Ph.No: +91 4935 251110.

PPS Tourist home
Kalpetta, kerala
Ph.no :91-4936-203732.

The Woodlands
Kalpetta,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-202547.

Chandragiri Inn
Kalpetta, kerala
Ph.no: +91-4936-203049.

Raincountry Resorts
Lakkidi, kerala
Ph.no:9447004369 / 9447245288 / 09287576617.

Affas Tourist home
Kalpetta
kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-205185.

Dwaraka Tourist Home
Sulthan Bathery
kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-220358.

M.G.T International
Kalpetta,kerala
Ph.no:+91-4936-202705.

Green Gates Hotel
T. B. ROAD, KALPETTA,
WAYANAD,kerala
Tel: +914936202001/2/3/4.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Pothuckal police station
Pothuckal, Chungathara
Malapuram
Kerala.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road, Vellimadukunnu
Calicut, Kozhikode
Kerala 673012.

Nearest Hospital:

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad
Kerala State.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad
Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad,
Kerala
Tel: 04936 220102.

Link:

http://poonammegamart.blogspot.com/2009/09/wayanad-hill-station-tour-is-meant-for.html
http://indianhotelsindia.blogspot.com/2009/09/hill-station-in-kerala.html
http://gods-on-country-online.blogspot.com/2009/07/wayanad.html

Location info

• **Address:**Waynad, Kerala, India.

• District: Waynad District.

• **Nearest City:**Kalpetta, Meppadi, Mananthavady, Muttil, Meenangadi, Sultan Battery, Vythiri.

• **Best time to visit:**October-April.

Climate & weather

Almost its a cool place,So Temparature in Summer: 37 (Max) & 21 (Min) Degrees Celsius and in Winter: 29(Max) & 10 (Min) Degrees Celsius.

Things to do at Wayanad Hill Station

Best place for trekking, Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber stretch over the hills of Wayanad and Trees and flowers.

Nearest petrol pump

Thamarashery Petrol Pump
NH212, Thamarrassary
Kozhikode, Kerala.

Petrol pump
Kalpetta Mananthavadi Road,
Wayanad, Kerala, India.

Petrol Pump
SH 34, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Things to carry

Light woolens, sun blocks and glasses, binoculars etc.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Wayanad Hill Station

The best time to visit Wayanad Hill Station is from September to May. The post-monsoon season (September–November) offers lush green landscapes and clear views. Winter (December–February) brings cool temperatures (15°C–25°C) ideal for exploration. March–May is warmer but still pleasant. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rainfall and road access may be challenging.

Timings & opening hours

Hill stations are accessible 24 hours. However, driving in hilly areas after dark is not recommended. Tourist attractions within hill stations typically operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to hill station areas is generally free. Specific viewpoints and gardens may charge INR 10–50 entry fee. Some private tea plantations charge INR 50–100 for guided tours.

Duration needed

1–2 days for a complete experience including viewpoints, tea plantation visits, nature walks, and local market exploration. Day trips are possible from nearby cities.

Safety tips

Drive carefully on ghat roads — hairpin bends are common and roads can be narrow. Fog and mist reduce visibility in early mornings and evenings, particularly from November to February. Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly in the evenings. Stay on marked trails during nature walks.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Wayanad Hill Station

Wayanad Hill Station was developed during the British colonial period as a summer retreat from the heat of the plains. The hill stations of Kerala, primarily in the Western Ghats, were established in the 19th century when British officials identified these cool, misty highlands as ideal locations for tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The plantation economy transformed the region, bringing workers from the plains and creating a unique cultural mosaic. Today, these hill stations retain their colonial-era charm alongside vibrant local communities and thriving tea gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature like? — Hill stations in Kerala range from 15°C–25°C during the day to 10°C–15°C at night in winter. Summer temperatures are 20°C–30°C. Always carry a light jacket or sweater. Do I need to book accommodation in advance? — Yes, especially during peak season (December–February) and holiday weekends. Popular hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad fill up quickly. Are there ATMs available? — ATMs are available in the main town areas but can run out of cash on weekends. Carry sufficient cash for smaller shops and local transportation. How are the road conditions? — Hill roads have many hairpin bends and can be narrow. Drive carefully or hire an experienced local driver. Some roads may be affected by landslides during monsoon.