Top 7 Best Viewpoints in Wayanad

Lakkidi View Point offers an iconic panoramic view of the winding Thamarassery Ghat Pass, where travelers can witness mist-covered green valleys and the intricate hairpin curves from a breathtaking roadside vantage point. Based on first-hand visitor experiences, arriving by 6:00 AM is essential to catch the vibrant sunrise colors and avoid the heavy fog, known locally as Koda, which typically obscures the valley after 8:30 AM. While visiting this accessible spot in Wayanad, ensure safety by parking near the designated entrance to avoid heavy vehicle traffic on the narrow mountain roads while capturing your photos.

Kurumbalakotta View Point offers the most breathtaking sunrise panoramas in the region, famous for its ethereal "cloud bed" views that are best experienced during the winter months from November to January. To reach the summit, visitors must take a mandatory 4x4 jeep ride costing approximately ₹600 to ₹700, followed by a gentle 400-meter walk that makes this high-altitude experience accessible for families and casual travelers. Our first-hand insights suggest visiting immediately after a rainfall to witness the dense fog cover, then relaxing at the peak with a cup of hot tea while soaking in the panoramic vistas.

Perched 800 meters above sea level on National Highway 766, the Kozhikode Churam View Point serves as the breathtaking "Gateway of Wayanad," offering a panoramic masterclass in the Western Ghats' natural beauty. Visitors can witness the iconic nine hairpin bends of the Thamarassery Churam winding through lush valleys and dense forests, creating a spectacular scene that is particularly ethereal when shrouded in morning mist or post-monsoon clouds. For an authentic experience, pull over safely to enjoy a hot chai from local tea stalls while capturing the serpentine road architecture, but remain mindful of the resident monkeys and the bustling traffic that flows between Calicut and Wayanad.

Located on the scenic route to Chembra Peak, the Mini S view point offers breathtaking panoramas where lucky visitors can witness stunning cloud bed formations over lush tea plantations between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM. This essential vantage point features limited parking for just two vehicles, making it a critical early-morning stop for those aiming to secure one of the 200 daily trekking permits for the nearby Love Lake. To ensure a successful visit, travelers should arrive well before the 11:30 AM ticket counter closure to navigate the rigorous four-hour trek amidst the bright sunny skies and mountain vistas.

Manjappara View Point offers an authentic offbeat experience in Wayanad, featuring panoramic vistas of the Karappuzha dam and lush valley forests that are most spectacular during the misty golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Our first-hand insights highlight that while the short trek is refreshing and vehicle-accessible, the steep drive leads to a peaceful summit where you can capture stunning sun reflections in hilltop ponds without the typical tourist crowds. To ensure a safe visit, we recommend traveling in groups and departing before dark, as the site currently lacks street lighting and security despite its status as a "hidden gem" of the region.

As India's largest earthen dam, Banasura Sagar offers a mesmerizing panorama of reservoir islands and hills that serve as a pristine sanctuary for nature lovers and photographers alike. Visitors can choose between a scenic walk to the top or a convenient shuttle van to enjoy adventure activities like kayaking, speed boating, and an exhilarating zipline across the water. Based on firsthand reports, the site is exceptionally well-maintained and clean, making it a top-tier destination for family day trips, especially during the monsoon when the landscape is at its most vibrant.

Arattupara View Point near Sultan Bathery stands as a premier hidden gem in Wayanad, offering an adventurous hiking experience through a landscape of massive boulders, caves, and a unique bench-shaped rock. Reaching the table-top summit provides trekkers with an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the surrounding valleys and a stunning perspective of the nearby Phantom Rock. This offbeat destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for serene early morning birding, dramatic sunset views, or a prime location for camping and astrophotography.