A guide from Fern Glade

14 things to do in Wayanad

Filter places by your group and interests. Then compare drive times from Fern Glade before choosing a route through Wayanad.

Mountain landscape viewed from Fern Glade Estate in Wayanad

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Places

05

Interest filters

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Sample itineraries

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Starting point

Compare places to visit

Fourteen places. Two useful filters.

Choose your group and interests to narrow the list. Drive times start at Fern Glade and are estimates. Hill roads, weather and traffic can add time.

Who are you travelling with?
What do you enjoy?

Compare the drives

See your shortlist on the map

The map updates with your filters. The Fern Glade marker is approximate.

Your shortlist

14 places to explore

Mananthavady

Pazhassi Raja Tomb & Museum

This small museum and memorial introduces Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja and his role in the history of northern Wayanad.

Drive
Around 25 min
Time
1 to 2 hours
Pace
Easy

Allow time for the museum, then add lunch or one more stop in Mananthavady.

View in Google Maps

Boys Town, North Wayanad

Komachi Park

A family park with children's rides, an aviary, creative exhibits and staged photo areas.

Drive
Around 35 to 50 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Easy

Check ticket prices and operating activities before you go. Children need adult supervision.

View in Google Maps
Shaded riverbank and trees on Kuruvadweep in Wayanad
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Photo: Challiyan · CC0

Kabini river

Kuruvadweep

A protected group of river islands with bamboo groves and shaded forest paths beside the Kabini.

Drive
Around 50 to 65 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Moderate

Monsoon conditions and conservation rules can close access. Check before leaving.

View in Google Maps

Northern Wayanad

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Guided vehicle safaris enter the northern range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Drive
Around 60 to 75 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Easy

Safari capacity is limited. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting.

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Brahmagiri hills

Thirunelli Temple

A historic temple with traditional Kerala architecture, set below the forested Brahmagiri hills.

Drive
Around 65 to 80 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Moderate

Wear clothing suitable for a temple visit. Allow extra time if you also visit Tholpetty.

View in Google Maps

Padinjarathara

Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam looks across a wide reservoir to the Banasura hills, with paved visitor areas near the water.

Drive
Around 55 to 70 min
Time
2 to 3 hours
Pace
Easy

Arrive early on weekends and public holidays to avoid the busiest period.

View in Google Maps

Padinjarathara

Banasura Meenmutty Waterfalls

A tiered waterfall near Banasura Sagar Dam. The lower level needs a short walk, while the higher sections have steeper steps and rocks.

Drive
Around 60 to 75 min
Time
2 to 3 hours
Pace
Active

This is Banasura Meenmutty, not Meppadi Meenmutty. Check access and skip the higher tiers when conditions are unsafe.

View in Google Maps

Near Banasura

Karlad Lake

A small freshwater lake where operators may offer kayaking and other activities when conditions allow.

Drive
Around 60 to 75 min
Time
2 to 3 hours
Pace
Moderate

Ask which activities are running before you plan the day around the lake.

View in Google Maps

Lakkidi

En Ooru

A cultural centre that introduces parts of Kerala's tribal heritage through buildings, exhibits and interpretation.

Drive
Around 85 to 100 min
Time
2 to 3 hours
Pace
Moderate

Treat the exhibits as an introduction. The communities represented here are living cultures.

View in Google Maps

Vythiri

Pookode Lake

A forest-edged lake with short walking paths that suit groups with different ages and energy levels.

Drive
Around 90 to 105 min
Time
2 to 3 hours
Pace
Easy

It gets busy at peak times. Combine the visit with Lakkidi or En Ooru.

View in Google Maps

Ambukuthi hills

Edakkal Caves

A steep climb leads to a rock shelter known for ancient engravings.

Drive
Around 95 to 115 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Active

The climb is demanding. Wear shoes with grip and start early.

View in Google Maps
Soochipara Falls cascading between forest and dark rock
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Photo: Yjenith · CC BY-SA 3.0

Meppadi

Soochipara Waterfalls

A seasonal waterfall reached through forest, with steps and uneven ground on the approach.

Drive
Around 110 to 130 min
Time
Half day
Pace
Active

Rain changes the path and access. Follow the safety instructions at the site.

View in Google Maps

Meppadi

Chembra Peak foothills

Tea estates line the road toward one of Wayanad's best-known trekking areas.

Drive
Around 110 to 130 min
Time
Full day
Pace
Active

Trekking access and permit rules can change. Check with the responsible local office.

View in Google Maps
Forest safari track winding through Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
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Photo: Kir360 · CC BY 3.0

Southern Wayanad

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

The southern range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided vehicle safaris through the forest.

Drive
Around 100 to 120 min
Time
Full day
Pace
Easy

Choose Muthanga or Tholpetty for the day. The drive between them is too long for a useful double visit.

View in Google Maps

Each photo links to its source and licence when available. The site crops images to fit different screens but does not otherwise edit the source files.

Ideas by group

Start with the people travelling

Children, older guests and keen hikers will want different days. Use these starting points, then check access and weather before leaving Fern Glade.

Four sample itineraries

Leave time for the road.

Choose one part of the district each day. Weather and hill roads slow the drive, so leave enough daylight to get back.

One easy day

History and the Kabini river

Stay near Mananthavady and keep most of the day out of the car.

  1. Pazhassi Raja Tomb & Museum
  2. Lunch in Mananthavady
  3. Kuruvadweep, when open
  4. Return to Fern Glade for sunset

A day with children

Rides, lunch and an early return

Give children time at Komachi Park, with one optional museum stop.

  1. Morning · Komachi Park
  2. Lunch near Mananthavady
  3. Optional · Pazhassi Raja Tomb & Museum
  4. Return to Fern Glade for garden time

Two days

Two parts of northern Wayanad

Use one day for Tholpetty and another for the Banasura area.

  1. Day 1 · Tholpetty safari and Thirunelli
  2. Day 2 · Banasura Dam with Karlad or Meenmutty
  3. Evenings · Dinner and the firepit at Fern Glade

Three days

Add a longer drive south

Cover the north first, then choose one destination farther south.

  1. Day 1 · Mananthavady and Kuruvadweep
  2. Day 2 · Tholpetty and Thirunelli
  3. Day 3 · Choose Edakkal, Pookode or Meppadi

Before leaving

Check conditions on the day

Are opening hours and access predictable?

No. Monsoon conditions, conservation rules and daily visitor limits can affect forests, waterfalls, islands, safaris and treks. Check before making a long drive.

How many places should we plan in one day?

Plan one area or two nearby stops. Hill roads take longer than the distance suggests, especially for children, older guests and the person driving.

What changes during the monsoon?

Trails become slippery and some attractions close. Carry rain protection, wear shoes with grip and make the return drive in daylight.

Can Fern Glade help us shape the route?

Yes. Ask before arrival for current road advice and help pairing nearby places. Each attraction controls its own tickets, permits and opening decisions.