Best Trekking Places in Wayanad: Top Trekking Spots & Adventure Trails​ 

I went into Wayanad expecting a relaxing few days among tea gardens, but I ended up spending most of my trip chasing trails instead. A local guide convinced me on day one that the best trekking places in Wayanad genuinely rival anything I had done elsewhere in Kerala, and after covering four different trails myself, I completely agree. From forest trekking in Wayanad through dense wildlife corridors to open grassland climbs with sweeping valley views, this district packs in a surprising range for such a compact area. Here is everything I experienced firsthand, along with the practical details I wish I had known before I started, including the diverse trail types that make Wayanad a trekker’s paradise.

Best Trekking Places in Wayanad

I managed to cover a solid handful of trekking spots in Wayanad over my stay, and comparing them side by side afterward helped me appreciate just how different each one felt.

Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak stood out immediately as the highest trekking point I attempted, and my guide confirmed it holds that record for the entire district at 2,100 metres. I could only trek as far as the heart-shaped lake since the final stretch to the actual summit is currently restricted, but even that shortened route gave me some of the best views of the whole trip. 

Banasura Hill

Banasura Hill felt like a completely different experience, quieter and rawer, with rolling grasslands that made the climb feel almost meditative despite the effort involved. 

Brahmagiri Peak

The Brahmagiri Peak trek in Wayanad takes us into the pristine parts of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. You will be able to encounter a lovely gushing stream and perhaps wild animals as well. Get yourself a local guide who can lead you along the trail.

Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam rounded things off nicely with its mix of birdwatching and ancient cave exploration. Pakshipathalam means “Abode of Birds” in Malayalam and, true to its name, it is a haven for many birds. At an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, it is one of the popular spots in Kerala.

Aranamala River Trek

Aranamala River Trek Distance: 4 km River Trek. 

Ethereal surroundings, breathtaking sights, cascading waterfalls, and images of Cardamom plantations welcome you to Aranamala hill station, located about 12 km away from Meppadi and 30 km away from Sulthan Bathery in the Wayanad district. This journey is marked by the Aranamala Stream trek, which drains into the Aranamala River. An adventurous trek awaits one during monsoon as water fills up in the stream.

A guide from the locality is indispensable for taking part in this trek. They will lead you along the beaten track in this river trek till you reach the 900 Kandi Glass Bridge.

Soochipara Falls Trek

The journey to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wayanad starts through a properly laid route to the Soochipara Waterfalls. The Soochipara, or Sentinel Rock Falls, which drops from an elevation of 656 feet, provides tourists with a captivating experience. You may even enjoy rock climbing at this spot.

Edakkal Cave Trek

Edakkal Cave is a trek for beginners. Known to be quite commercialized, there are several tea stalls, snack stands, and clothes stores on the way. The prize for your efforts will be the cave, along with some carvings inside the cave.

Best Time for Trekking in Wayanad

I trekked in December, and the timing worked out well, with cool mornings and clear trails. Based on my guide’s advice, visiting between October and March ensures the best conditions, making your trek more enjoyable and less risky.

Things to Carry for Wayanad Trekking

A few items from my own bag that made a real difference:

• Sturdy trekking shoes, since the terrain shifted constantly between grass, rock, and forest floor.
• Water and snacks, especially for the longer climbs like Chembra and Brahmagiri.
• A light rain jacket, even outside monsoon season, since the weather turned unexpectedly once at higher altitude.
• Basic first aid supplies, which I ended up using once for a minor scrape near Banasura.
• Cash in small denominations, since digital payments were unreliable at most trailheads.

Trekking Safety Tips in Wayanad

A few lessons I picked up along the way, some the hard way:

• I trekked with a registered forest department guide wherever required, particularly at Chembra Peak, where permits are mandatory.
• Sticking to marked trails mattered more than I expected, especially inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Checking weather updates before setting out saved me from a sudden shower during my Banasura trek.
• I carried back all my waste, which my guide made clear was essential for keeping these trails in good condition.

How to Reach Wayanad

Getting to Wayanad was fairly straightforward from my base in Kochi, taking around three and a half hours by road. 

• Calicut International Airport proved to be the closest airport, roughly two hours away. The nearest railway station sat in Kozhikode, followed by a similar onward drive. 
• If arranging transport yourself feels like a hassle, a platform like PlanYourTour can bundle your Wayanad trekking trip together with transfers and guides, which would have saved me some early morning scrambling on my own trip.

Where to Stay in Wayanad for Trekking

I based myself in Kalpetta, which turned out to be a genuinely convenient hub for reaching most of the trekking spots in Wayanad on my list. Meppadi worked well too for anyone prioritising Chembra Peak specifically, given how close it sits to the trailhead. A few homestays near these towns even arranged guides and permits directly, which simplified my planning considerably once I settled on a base.

Check out some of the popular stays near the trek:

• Abad Brookside Lakkidi 
• Vayuvana Heritage Organic Farm Resort 
• Hiliya Resort Wayanad 
• Green Mountain Resorts 

You can explore other trekking locations in Wayanad​ also, but don’t forget to check these stays also. 

Other Things to Do in Wayanad

Between treks, I filled my remaining time with:

• Exploring the Edakkal Caves, with their genuinely striking prehistoric carvings.
• Boating at Karlad Lake for a slower, more relaxed afternoon.
• Visiting Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest earthen dam, right near the base of one of my treks.
• Wandering through local spice plantations for a change of pace from all the climbing.

You must do these things if you visit Wayanad, just don’t stick to going to one place and coming back, also try the extra things that excite you. 

FAQs

Q. Is trekking in Wayanad suitable for beginners? 

Yes, trails like Pakshipathalam and the Edakkal Cave route are considered beginner-friendly, while Chembra Peak and Brahmagiri demand a bit more stamina and preparation.

Q. Can children go trekking in Wayanad? 

Easier trails work well for children, though I would think twice before bringing younger kids on longer, steeper climbs like Banasura Hill or Brahmagiri.

Q. What should I carry for trekking in Wayanad? 

Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, a rain jacket, basic first aid supplies, and cash for remote areas are all worth packing based on what I found useful.

Q. What is the highest trekking point in Wayanad? 

Chembra Peak, standing at 2,100 metres, is confirmed as the highest trekking point in the district, though the final summit stretch is currently restricted for conservation reasons.

Q. Is advance booking required for trekking in Wayanad? 

Yes, particularly for Chembra Peak, where forest department permits are mandatory and daily visitor numbers are capped, so booking ahead is genuinely necessary.

Q. What should I wear for trekking in Wayanad? 

Comfortable, breathable clothing along with sturdy trekking shoes worked best for me. I would recommend layers given how quickly temperatures shifted at higher altitudes.