Wayanad Viewpoints Overview

Wayanad is a district in the Indian state of Kerala. The Western Ghats, with their towering hills and clear lakes, highlight this region. It boasts lush green forests and tea plantations, which provide a serene atmosphere. Wayanad viewpoints offer some beautiful landscapes among lush mountains and a quarry.

Top 5 Viewpoints To Visit in Wayanad

Chembra Peak Viewpoint

Chembra Peak is an ideal spot for a hike or to take in the scenery. The road to Chembra Peak winds through picturesque tea estates. The walk to the end of the viewpoint is easy, and the view of the peak above and the tea plantations below are breathtaking. Even if you do not wish to hike to the summit, it is preferable to visit the viewpoint to take in the natural beauty. It costs 30 rupees per person to enter and is open until 4 pm. You can also park your car at the viewpoint for an additional fee.

Click here to read more about Chembra Peak and its trekking to the well-known heart-shaped lake.

Phantom Rock

Phantom Rock is a vantage point for sunrise-watching in Wayanad’s Ambalavayal district. It is a natural metamorphic rock formation that resembles a human skull, hence the name. It is located 2600 feet above sea level. This viewpoint offers a quarry view of granite mining, with signs of halted work due to the fragility of the rock. You will have a beautiful view of the surroundings from the top. The nearby Edakkal Caves Mountain is directly visible from here. Phantom Rock is close to Edakkal Caves and the Wayanad Heritage Museum, so you can visit all three places together.

Click here to read more about Edakkal Caves.

The bottom of the excavated quarry point resembles a pond that mostly had rainwater during our visit. While there is no official parking at the bottom, there is convenient parking next to a small shop that can accommodate up to three four-wheelers. After that, take a ten-minute uphill trek of less than a kilometer to reach the stunning viewpoint. Further, you can reach the top point and park your vehicle if traveling on two wheels. There were fewer people in this location during our visit. As a result, you can take in the scenery in peace.

Manjappara Viewpoint

Manjappara Viewpoint is also an excellent spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. This is a lovely setting with a lovely view. This is a quarry with a spectacular view of the mountains and excavated rocks with water beneath them. It is one of the more accessible viewpoints, with only a short hike required. We can see Quarry rain lakes, Edakkal caves, Chembra Peak, and Karapuzha Dam from a 360-degree perspective here.

This Viewpoint spot is almost vacant, allowing tourists to unwind quietly. There are no dedicated parking spots, but you can park at the roadside entrance without admission or parking fees. You can visit the spot at any time, although it is recommended to do so during the day because the area is nearly deserted. The Manjappara viewpoint is near the Cheengiri hills and the Karapuzha dam. Further, you can visit the Cheengiri Hills on your way to the Karapuzha Dam.

Lakkidi Viewpoint

The Lakkidi viewpoint is about 700 meters above sea level. This is a lookout point on the steep slope road. The view of the loop road below and the mountains above enhances the landscape. Please be cautious of high-speed vehicles passing by while enjoying the scenery here, as it is on the route path from Wayanad to Kozhikode and the loop road is in good condition. There are also many monkeys in this area. It is also close to Pookode Lake, which you can visit together. No designated parking area is nearby, but you can park on the roadside.

Kurumbalakotta Viewpoint

Kurumbalakotta Viewpoint is one of the best sites in Wayanad to see the sunrise. The hike from the trailhead to the overlook is around 2 km long. So, you must arrive at the parking lot by 5.30 am to begin the 30- to 45-minute walk. There are also jeep rides available from here to the viewpoint for a fee. If you don’t want to hike, try bargaining with them before taking this ride.

Besides the jeep drivers in the parking lot, this site is nearly always vacant except in the morning. There are some overnight camping facilities here as well, but we arrived in the afternoon and did not stay, so we are unaware of the charges or amenities.

Travel Tips To Visit Wayanad Viewpoints

• Getting to these Wayanad viewpoints is a breeze as vehicles have easy access, minimizing the need for extensive trekking.
• There are particular times to visit some of the places, so check before you go because one spot to another is far.
• Wear slippers or comfortable shoes. Carry water bottles and food because most of the viewpoints do not have shops nearby, but do not litter.
• To savor the serene ambiance of sunrise at viewpoints like Kurumbalakotta or Phantom Rock, it’s best to arrive early in the morning and embrace the tranquility before the crowd sets in. Further, the locale is empty at other times.
• If you’re heading to places like Chembra Peak and Kurumbalakotta in the winter, bring jackets and winter caps. When visiting Manjappara, Phantom Rock, and other quarry vantage points, wear sunglasses and caps because the sun shines directly on you.

To wrap up, the captivating viewpoints in Wayanad offer a delightful retreat into the wonders of nature. From the enchanting Chembra Peak to the mysterious Phantom Rock, and the panoramic vistas of Lakkidi and Kurumbalakotta, each viewpoint reveals the breathtaking beauty of Wayanad’s landscapes. Embark on a journey to Wayanad and immerse yourself in the spellbinding allure of these viewpoints, forging unforgettable memories amidst nature’s grandeur. Let Wayanad’s mesmerizing viewpoints weave their magic around you, beckoning you to immerse yourself in the spellbinding beauty of nature and inspire your next adventure amidst these awe-inspiring landscapes.