10 Scenic Viewpoints and Panoramic Spots in Wayanad: Your Ultimate Guide
Nestled in the verdant hills of Northern Kerala, Wayanad is a canvas of breathtaking landscapes, from mist-clad mountains and lush valleys to serene lakes and sprawling plantations. For the avid sightseer and nature lover, discovering the best view point in Wayanad is a quest that promises unforgettable rewards. This comprehensive guide details ten spectacular locations that offer panoramic vistas, ensuring your Wayanad sightseeing itinerary is packed with awe-inspiring moments. Get ready to explore the very best of this beautiful district.
10 Scenic Viewpoints and Panoramic Spots in Wayanad
1. Chembra Peak: The Heart-Shaped Lake Vista
Type of View: Hill range and unique heart-shaped lake.
How to Reach: A guided trek starting from Meppady. The base camp is a short drive from the town.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to start the trek for a majestic sunrise view point Wayanad experience.
Unique Selling Point: The iconic, heart-shaped Chembra Lake, visible only halfway through the trek, is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Wayanad. The view from the highest point in Wayanad is simply unparalleled.
The trek to Chembra Peak is a rite of passage for visitors. As you ascend, the landscape unfolds beneath you, revealing a stunning Wayanad hill view point that encompasses rolling hills and dense forests. The sight of the heart-shaped lake, a natural wonder, is a moment that will be etched in your memory forever.
2. Banasura Hill: The Misty Mountain Majesty
Type of View: Vast valley and the Banasura Sagar Dam.
How to Reach: Accessible via a trek from the Banasura Sagar Dam area near Vythiri.
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise, for a dramatic play of light and shadow over the world’s second-largest earthen dam.
Unique Selling Point: The sea of clouds that often blankets the valley at dawn, making it a premier sunrise valley view point Wayanad.
Standing atop Banasura Hill, you feel on top of the world. The panoramic view of the dam’s reservoir islands and the undulating hills of the Western Ghats is a powerful testament to nature’s grandeur. It’s a top contender for the title of best view point in Wayanad.
3. Pookode Lake Viewpoint: The Emerald Serenity
Type of View: Lush, forest-fringed lake.
How to Reach: The viewpoint is easily accessible from the walking path encircling the lake.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon, when the soft sunlight enhances the lake’s emerald green hue.
Unique Selling Point: The tranquil and picture-perfect view of the freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forests and hills.
While boating on Pookode Lake is a delightful experience, the views from its perimeter are equally captivating. The reflections of the surrounding wooded hills on the placid water create a serene and photogenic landscape, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
4. Lakkidi Viewpoint: The Gateway to Wayanad’s Hills
Type of View: Dense valley and winding ghat roads.
How to Reach: Located right on the main road at Lakkidi, one of the highest locations in Wayanad.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to catch the sunrise or post-monsoon to see the valley at its greenest.
Unique Selling Point: The bird’s-eye view of the nine hairpin bends that snake through the lush, green valley below.
Often called the gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi offers a dramatic Wayanad hill view point that is easily accessible. Watching the mist rise from the valley, slowly revealing the intricate network of roads and rich foliage, is a mesmerizing spectacle and a highlight of any scenic drives in Wayanad.
5. Meenmutty Falls Viewpoint: The Thundering Cascade
Type of View: Three-tiered waterfall cascading through a jungle.
How to Reach: A scenic but moderately challenging trek from the village of Chooralmala.
Best Time to Visit: During or right after the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its most powerful.
Unique Selling Point: The sheer scale and raw power of one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, viewed from a dedicated platform.
The journey to Meenmutty is an adventure, and the destination is a breathtaking reward. The viewpoint allows you to witness the colossal force of water plunging from a great height into a rocky pool, surrounded by pristine tropical greenery.
6. Neelimala Viewpoint: The Sunrise Spectacle
Type of View: Panoramic view of the Meenmutty Falls valley and surrounding hills.
How to Reach: A relatively easier trek from the base at Kappad.
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise, without a doubt. This is arguably the ultimate sunrise view point Wayanad.
Unique Selling Point: The direct, unobstructed view of the sunrise illuminating the entire valley and the distant Meenmutty Falls.
For those seeking the best view point in Wayanad for sunrise, Neelimala is a dream come true. The first rays of the sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, while the valley below awakens, is a truly spiritual experience and a paradise for photographers.
7. Chain Tree Viewpoint: The Legendary Lookout
Type of View: Panoramic valley and winding roads.
How to Reach: Located conveniently on the main road between Lakkidi and Vythiri.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for clear views or on a misty day for an ethereal atmosphere.
Unique Selling Point: A easily accessible viewpoint steeped in local folklore, offering a vast, sweeping vista of the gorge below.
This spot combines a fascinating local legend with a stunning visual treat. It’s a great stop on your scenic drives in Wayanad, requiring minimal effort for a maximum visual payoff, making it ideal for all types of travelers.
8. Edakkal Caves Viewpoint: The Historical Panorama
Type of View: Expansive view of the Ambukuthi Hills and surrounding plains.
How to Reach: After a climb up to the ancient Edakkal Caves.
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours to avoid the afternoon heat and enjoy clear visibility.
Unique Selling Point: A combination of profound historical significance and a breathtaking natural panorama.
The view from the Edakkal Caves is a journey through time. After marveling at the Neolithic petroglyphs, step outside to be greeted by a magnificent Wayanad hill view point that has likely inspired visitors for thousands of years.
9. Sunrise Valley: The Dedicated Dawn Haven
Type of View: Wide, uninterrupted valley and distant mountain ranges.
How to Reach: Located in Vythiri, it is easily accessible by vehicle.
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise, as the name explicitly suggests.
Unique Selling Point: A viewpoint specifically designed and perfectly positioned for witnessing spectacular sunrises, making it a top sunrise valley view point Wayanad.
True to its name, Sunrise Valley offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most daily dazzling displays. The slow transformation of the sky and the valley as the sun ascends is a peaceful and powerful experience, solidifying its place among the Wayanad viewpoints for sunrise.
10. Kanthanpara Waterfalls Viewpoint: The Gentle Giant
Type of View: A smaller, more graceful waterfall amidst a wooded setting.
How to Reach: A short and easy walk from the entrance near Meppady.
Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon.
Unique Selling Point: Its family-friendly accessibility and the charming, picturesque setting of the waterfall, making it a less crowded but equally beautiful spot.
While not as towering as Meenmutty, Kanthanpara offers a more intimate and tranquil viewpoint. The gentle cascade against the backdrop of lush greenery creates a soothing and romantic atmosphere.
Travelers’ Panoramic Perspectives
The beauty of Wayanad leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. One traveler perfectly captures the feeling:
“Watching the sunrise from Neelimala was a spiritual awakening. The sea of clouds, the golden light hitting the valley, and the distant roar of Meenmutty Falls—it’s a moment of pure magic you can’t find anywhere else.”
After a day of exploring these stunning vistas, returning to a comfortable and scenic resort enhances the experience. A guest at Sterling Wayanad noted:
“Our stay at Sterling Wayanad was the perfect complement to our sightseeing. Waking up to a magnificent hill view right from our balcony, surrounded by impeccable greenery and tranquility, made our holiday complete. The resort’s proximity to major attractions made our travels effortless.”
To plan your perfect getaway and experience these Wayanad viewpoints for sunrise and more, consider making your base at a resort that understands your need for comfort and nature. Explore your options at Sterling Wayanad. And for a deeper dive into the local culture after soaking in the views, check out this guide to A Local’s Wayanad: Markets, Folk Art, and Hidden Temples.
From the adrenaline-pumping treks to the serene lakefronts, your quest for the best view point in Wayanad ends here. This list is your ultimate tool to plan an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most beautiful districts.
Happy sightseeing!
