I always used to look forward to monsoon trips before having a child. In 2025 I decided to take the plunge of doing a monsoon trip with my toddler. My experiment turned out to be the best decision I ever took when it came to monsoon travel with kids. Considering Wayanad’s proximity to Bangalore, I had chosen to travel to Wayanad which was in all its glory especially since it was monsoon. In this post I will detail all the places to visit and things to do in Wayanad when travelling with kids.
Travel to Wayanad
Wayanad is HUGE when it comes to its land area with dense forests. If you are travelling to Wayanad from Bangalore, then you can choose to commute via Nagarhole (with extremely bad roads) or Bandipur (butter smooth roads). The entry checkpoint opens at 6am at both the places and closes at 6 pm in Nagarhole and 9 pm in Bandipur.
Stay at Wayanad
The places you visit in Wayanad will mostly be based on where you stay. Since it is a huge district with so many points of attraction spread across, it is recommended to either stay where you want to visit or visit the tourist options near your place of stay.
I visited Wayanad in June and Dec months. First time it was in Meppadi and 2nd time it was in Periya. Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri are also other stay options that I can suggest.
I am a big-time believer of slow travel when with kids as it gives both, them and us enough time to soak in the new environment and enjoy every moment and not just rush travel to fulfill our bucket list or all the places to visit.
Food at Wayanad
Puttu, Idiyappam, Idli, Dosa, Parotta(not Paratha) and curries cooked with coconut milk in coconut oil make my mouth water even when I think of it. Vegetarian options are less in Wayanad. If you are a non-vegetarian then fish, chicken and mutton would be your go-to food options for someone coming from outside Kerala.
Places to visit in Wayanad (during monsoon)
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar Dam is India’s largest Earth dam. It is built over a tributary of River Kabini. Enjoy a relaxed picnic in shaded areas, marvel at panoramic reservoir views, or explore the expansive site on foot. I enjoyed the uphill walk with my kid and downhill would have been easier had she not gotten cranky. For convenience, there’s an optional shuttle or jeep service from the base to the top which is ideal for those who’d rather skip the uphill walk (currently Rs.15 one way or Rs.25 for a round trip for a person).
Note: If you are wondering which is the world’s largest Earth dam, it is Tarbela dam in Pakistan. Entry ticket cost: Rs. 40 (adults), Rs. 20 (kids)
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
Kottiyoor temple
I was fortunate enough to visit the Akkare Kottiyoor temple in late June 2025. This is a Shiva temple in the neighboring Kannur district and visited by people of all faiths in Kerala. It is situated in a dense forest alongside a river. There is a mahotsavam that happens yearly once for 28 days in July. The history of this temple dates to the period when Sati immolated herself. Since we went during the Vyshaka Mahotsavam, we visited the Akkare Kottiyoor (temporarily structured) temple as the Ikkare Kottiyoor (permanently structured) temple was closed.
Skypark – 900 Kandi Bridge
This is Wayanad’s first and longest glass bridge which is 900 feet from the ground. You must do an offroad safari of 2 km in a jeep to reach the destination. The offroad safari would cost around Rs.1500 for one jeep. The view from the glass bridge will leave you with a spell bounded experience. There are many other small activities of interest which you would want to try here as well.
Entry ticket cost: Rs. 200
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM
Read also: Coorg: Ultimate Guide to 10 Must Visit Places And Things To Do
Other famous places to visit in Wayanad
Chembra Peak
I visited Chembra peak in 2018 December. There were no rules on the number of people who could trek but now after Covid, the Kerala Forest Department gives only 200 tickets every day. A group of 10 Indian nationals can pay anywhere between Rs.750 – Rs. 1000. In case of foreign nationals, a group of 5 could pay anywhere between Rs. 1500 – Rs. 2000.
It is worth visiting Chembra peak if you get the chance to do it. The heart shaped lake overlooking the wide lush green valley will make you feel its worth waking up early in the morning for this 1-2 hour of climbing uphill. I will strictly recommend against climbing with kids and for anybody to not climb during monsoon.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves dates to 6000 BCE and trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss it. It takes climbing 330+ steps to reach the cave area so I’d not recommend this for people with babies/toddlers.
Entry ticket cost: Rs.40 (Indian nationals), Rs.100 (Foreign nationals)
Timing: 9 AM – 4 PM (Ticket counter closes at 1 PM)
Soochipara falls
Soochipara falls is a sight to behold with a majestic waterfall flowing all the way down from a height of 650 feet. It is relatively close to the offroad safari starting point for 900 Kandi Glass Bridge. I wouldn’t want to take my toddler here as the rocks are extremely sharp and I have personally seen kids getting hurt in the fall area. If you can be mindful of the steps you take, then you wouldn’t want to miss this place.
Note: Soochipara can be closed during monsoons due to heavy rainfall.
Meenmutty falls
Meenmutty falls is 3-tiered waterfall and you will have to walk for a km from the starting point. There are ropes which guide people to the falls which can also be held for support. If you are visiting Banasura Sagar Dam, then you can plan your visit here as well as it is in walkable distance to the dam.
Note: Meenmutty falls can be closed during monsoons due to heavy rainfall.
Kuruvadeep islands (Kuruva islands)
It is a group of uninhabited islands with an area of 950 acres. You have to take a bamboo raft over Kabini river to get to the island. It is not recommended to swim in these islands due to crocodiles. The forest department gives out only 200 tickets everyday between October to March to enter these islands. If you are a bird watcher, you will love this place.
Entry ticket cost: Rs.80 (Indian nationals), Rs.150 (Foreign nationals)
Bamboo rafting cost: Rs.300 (per 6 people)
Timing: 9 AM – 4 PM
Things to do in Wayanad
Trekking
Wayanad is a trekking paradise and safe for day treks when you visit in the right season. The most famous treks are as below but there are umpteen mini treks in and around the district.
- Banasura hill trek
- Chembra peak trek
- Bhramagiri peak trek
- Thusharagiri waterfall
- Edakkal Cave trek
Best time for trekking: Oct – May
Tea picking
You can see sprawling tea estates all over Wayanad. To get a hands on about how tea picking is there are multiple estates which offer you the unique tea picking experience. You can also check with your own stay owners/managers regarding tea picking in the estates managed by them for an offbeat tea picking experience.
Ziplining
You can zipline at Banasura Sagar dam, Karapuzha dam, 900 Kandi, Wayanad Adventure Park and even in few estates in Suthan Bathery region. I have ziplined twice in Wayanad and I enjoyed it both the times. I would highly recommend this activity.
Shopping in Wayanad
Kerala is renowned as the historic land of spices, making spice shopping an essential part of any Wayanad trip. Discover local spice shops throughout every town in Kerala and, whether buying or just browsing, immerse yourself in the variety and aroma that define Kerala’s rich spice heritage.
Top Tips for Spice Shopping in Wayanad
- Shop in local spice stores found in every Kerala town to experience the freshest quality.
- Even if not purchasing, visiting shops lets visitors learn about the distinct appearance, aroma, and grade of each spice.
- Seek out whole spices, check freshness by aroma and appearance, and ask about grades and sourcing for the best experience.
Wayanad is the perfect destination for people from different walks of life. It has something for you in all the seasons. You should choose on what fits best for you in which season. You can use my post as a guide for you to explore the places in Wayanad and things to do in Wayanad especially when travelling with toddlers.
If you ask me if I will go back to Wayanad? HELL YES!!
Read also: My other posts from Kerala
