When you cross the pass and set foot in the soil of Wayanad, it will be cold and covered like a blanket. Nature also smells of coffee. The Nilgiris are lined with greenery. There Vaithari and Wayanad's windows are open to visitors.
Wayanad is one of the most visited districts in Kerala. One of the most important promises that Vaithari makes to visitors is that they can spend time without even the slightest hint of boredom as there are so many sights to see. Experiencing cold and foggy weather is itself a pleasant experience. You can dive into the views of the village which is surrounded by nature.
Karlad lake
Lake Karlad is located at a distance of 8 km from Vythiri. Visitors can take a boat trip and bait on the lake. Also, if you are interested in a walk in the rain-soaked nature, there are facilities for that. Packed with thrills and a whole lot of fun, Karlad Lake can be counted as an adventure center of Wayanad. It is a freshwater lake that encapsulates a number of activities fit for all ages. The jolly atmosphere topped with various adventures makes the lake a must-visit for families and groups of friends. Apart from the thrills, the lake is also at the heart of an extremely mesmerizing nature delight.
Lakkidi
Lakkidi is only 5 km away from Vaithiri. Once you get to know the beautiful Lakkidi, who is often drenched in yarn, you will fall in love with her. Situated at an altitude of 700 m above sea level, it has a pleasant climate and is one of the major attractions of the place.
Lakkidi is the passage of Wayanad as it is situated at the peak of the serpentine Thamarasheri ghat pass. There are nine clasp bends from Adivaram (Downhill) to Lakkidi through the mountains and a voyage through the serpentine ghat pass and it is one of the best Wayanad tourist attractions.
The lavish greenery of the slopes, chasms, and streams are seen on the two sides of the section up the slope are certain to wait in the guests' psyche for quite a while. Visitors frequently stop by Lakkidi Viewpoint, the vantage point which offers stunning perspectives of the encompassing bluffs and valleys. Lakkidi has additionally risen as a well-known hill station with numerous resorts and bungalows. You can see monkeys skipping through the roadside and once you begin setting out through the street to Vythiri, you will see a Ficus tree on the left side. You will likewise see a substantial tie tied down to the ground and tied around the strong branches of the tree.
Pookode Lake
Pookode Lake, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wayanad, is located at a distance of 3 km from Vaithari. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddle boating, a freshwater aquarium, a children's park, and boat rowing. The walkway around the lake is also very attractive.
Pookode Lake covers an area of 13 acres and is located at an elevation of 2100 ft. The amber flowers in blue add to the beauty of the lake. It is the most beautiful freshwater lake located in South India nestled amidst the large evergreen forests and multitudes of mountains slopes. The lake provides space to Panamaram, a small rivulet that becomes Kabani River to originate. The Pookode Lake is spreading across an area of 8.5 hectares with a depth of around 6.5 meters. Geographical experts found that the lake resembles the shape of India’s map.
It is a perennial freshwater lake protected by the forested hills and it acts as a haven for freshwater fish and a lot of blue lotus flowers. In some Wayanad tour packages visit to this is place is included while in some you have to go by your own.
Thirunelli Temple
An ancient temple which is famous all over Kerala and other states of India is Thirunelli Temple located in Wayanad on the side of Brahmagiri hills. It is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. One of the major features of the temple is its location at an altitude of around 900 meters in a valley completely bounded by mountains and forest ranges.
But it is one of the most visited pilgrim centre in Wayanad and an important religious place for the majority of population in South India. The name Thirunelli comes from the words nelli which is given to the tree of gooseberry. There is also a belief that there are Puranas in which the temple is mentioned. There are a lot of legends existing related to this temple which are coming from the ancient mythology texts of Hindus.
Ripon Tea Factory
Spread in an enormous 443 hectares of land at an alarming altitude of 2000 meters from the ground, the Ripon Tea Factory is one of the best stimulating Wayanad tourist places. Considering that the tea factory was established in the 18th century by the British, the place has got a bit of history behind itself.
The factory is also celebrated for its premium quality of extravagant tea that are segregated into dust, leaf and blended flavors. The Ripon Tea Factory is open between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM when visitors can pay a visit here and enjoy various flavors of delicious tea. This should be among the first places to visit in Wayanad, especially for tea lovers.
Kuruva Island
At a distance of 13 km from Mananthavady, 26 km from Kalpetta, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 32 km from Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is a protected river delta in Wayanad. Kuruva Dweep is being developed as eco-tourism project and is one of the popular places to visit in Wayanad.
Kuruva Island is a cluster of small islands formed by the delta in the River Kabini and is spread over 950 acres of uninhabited area. These are true natural islands with no other activities. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the main attraction of the island apart from its breathtaking natural beauty. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island. The main island contains two small fresh water lakes. Other unique features of these islands are the bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees. The island is very famous for Bird Watching, and Bamboo Rafting.
Kuruva Island is about 6 km from Mananthavady - Mysore road. The island, surrounded by streams and river, is accessible by rafts or fiber boats run by Kerala Tourism Department. Entrance to the island is restricted and monitored by the Forest Department of Kerala.
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
In memory of the great Pazhassi Raja who bravely fought the British when they tried to take over lands in Kerala, The Pazhassi Raja Tomb narrates the utmost significance of this brave warrior. The tomb is occupied by writings and descriptions that deliver clear insights into how Pazhassi Raja was able to hide, escape and conduct various tasks without being trapped by the British.
The tomb is surrounded with dense and beautifully cut tropics with small pathways and sitting areas accompanied by the calm and soothing sound of nature. Travelers with a keen interest in learning nuances about the country’s history will find this place insightful. Pazhassi Raja Tomb is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad for picnics and weekend getaways as well.
How to reach there
The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode. Vaithiri is located at a distance of 63 km from Kozhikode. By Road: The Kozhikode - Kollagal National Highway 766 passes through the town of Vaithiri. The nearest airport is the Karipur International Airport.