Wayanad's winter havens: Best spots to enjoy the hill station

Wayanad: It's the perfect time to visit the jungle haven of Wayanad, where winter temperatures generally dip as low as 8°C during the cool December-January season. This season unveils its scenic beauty — mist-clad mountain ranges, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and challenging peaks, making it the perfect destination. This is the right time to visit for those who prefer a moderate winter. Nestled in the Western Ghats, spots like Lakkidi, En Uru, the Adventure Tourism Spot and Chembra Peak boast the coolest weather and stunning natural beauty. Here's what you should know about visiting each of these spots this season:

The Lakkidi Viewpoint
Located on National Highway 722, at the entrance of Wayanad from Kozhikode, Lakkidi Viewpoint is a must-visit destination. Winter turns it into a dreamy landscape, where you can see the Western Ghats peaks kiss the clouds. If you’re lucky, you might even get an embrace of the descending fog, adding to the charm. There is no entry fee, but you must park safely as there’s no space along the busy highway. A short 200-meter walk past the Gateway to Wayanad will lead you to this scenic spot.

En Uru – The Tribal heritage village
Just 3 kilometres from Lakkidi Viewpoint, En Uru is a tribal heritage village showcasing ethnic life, culture, traditions, music, folk art, and architecture. The winter season makes the village's open-air exhibits, performances, and natural beauty more enjoyable. The journey through its curvy, winding roads also adds an element of adventure. To avoid congestion, private vehicles are not permitted uphill, so visitors must park near the entrance and take a short walk. Once atop, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views, the whistling winds, and the tranquillity of nature. Don’t forget to dress warmly to combat the chill. Tickets can be booked online at [https://enooru.co.in](https://enooru.co.in). Entry fees are ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children under 10. Visiting hours are from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

Adventure Tourism Zone
The 12-kilometer stretch from Lakkidi to Chundel is an adventure tourism hotspot. Along this route, numerous adventure parks offer thrilling rides such as sky cycling, zip lines, and skydiving. Set against the backdrop of Chembra Peak, the highest in Wayanad, these rides provide breathtaking views of rolling hillocks and endless tea plantations, creating unforgettable memories for thrill-seekers. And when you seek adventure here in the winter, the weather makes outdoor activities like sky cycling, zip lining and trekking more thrilling.

Misty mornings at Chembra Peak
For trekking enthusiasts, Chembra Peak offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure in winter. At 2,100 meters, it is Wayanad’s highest peak. The trek begins near the watchtower, 1 km from the ticket counter, and takes you through grasslands, tea estates, and forest trails. Chembra Peak is famous for its heart-shaped lake, which is believed to have been blessed by Goddess Sita. Locals claim the lake has never dried up. At the summit, you can revel in mesmerizing views, touch the clouds, and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. Trekking is limited to 88 people per day, with a fee of ₹4,000 per group of up to five trekkers, including a guide. For foreign nationals, the fee is ₹8,000 per group. Advance booking is recommended due to high demand.