Wayanad Tourist Places: Explore The Wild Side Of Kerala

The Western Ghats are very important as several perennial rivers, both west-flowing and east-flowing, have their origin here. The altitude of the Western Ghats varies along its 1,600 km stretch, with the tallest peak—Anamudi in Kerala—reaching a staggering 8,842 feet above sea level. The altitude and other factors create a habitat mosaic that supports diverse life forms. Apart from being home to many resident birds, the region also welcomes several migratory species during winter. Interestingly, the name of the district Wayanad comes from Vayal Nadu—Vayal meaning paddy field and Nadu meaning land—symbolising the “Land of Paddy Fields.”

Today, Wayanad tourist places are popular for their scenic beauty and biodiversity. The region is also known for its elephants, which often wander near human settlements. But beyond the obvious, Wayanad is home to many rare and unusual wildlife species, some of which we highlight below.

Wayanad Tourist Places For Wildlife Lovers And What To Spot There

Malabar Gliding Frog

A bright green-hued frog found in streams and river banks, the Malabar Gliding frog is a rhacophorid tree frog species. The tiny frog has a pale yellow belly and is found in the Western Ghats. The frog's ability to stretch the webbing between its toes when it leaps to help break its fall is called a gliding frog. The male frog is smaller than the female, and the male builds a foam nest for the eggs when it reproduces during the monsoon months between June and September.

Malabar Pit Viper

A nocturnal snake, the Malabar pit viper is known to be a master in camouflage. The pit viper is a venomous snake that is only found in the rainforests of the Western Ghats. It is seen in different colour morphs and has heat-sensing pits on its head to detect prey. A unique aspect is that they are ambush predators—they stay in one place and wait for their prey. They are usually seen merging with leaf litter or on trees during the day and often in coffee and tea plantations. Though not poisonous, a bite can cause different symptoms that will take 2-3 weeks to recover.

Malabar Trogon

One of the most colourful birds of the Western Ghats, the Malabar Trogon male has a bright red belly, while the female is mainly brown, which is a sign of sexual dimorphism. The birds are usually seen perched on tall trees and do not move very fast, making them relatively easy to photograph once you have spotted them. They breed before the monsoon and look for dead trees to make a hollow for their young ones. Making this hole is done by both the male and female together.

Malabar Giant Squirrel

Also called the Indian giant squirrel, this small mammal is seen scurrying on trees in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The bright rust hue of the animal makes it a photographer's delight. Watching it leap—sometimes crossing six meters is a visual delight. You can also see it nibbling on fruits, nuts, and tree bark. It builds large nests that are covered with leaves on tree tops.

Green Vine Snake

The green vine snake, also called the flatbread snake, has about 7 to 8 variations in India. This snake is usually camouflaged in plants, is roughly two centimetres thick, and can be about 1.5 to 2 meters long. Unlike other snakes, the shape of its head is aerodynamic and pointed, and it preys on lizards, mice, and other small animals. The venom, however, is not dangerous for humans.

Malabar Parakeet

Also called the blue-winged parakeet, the Malabar Parakeet is endemic to the Western Ghats and has a blue and green-hued body with a yellow-tipped tail. A black ring around its neck is a distinctive feature in males and females. The male also has a green band around his neck below the black one. They breed in spring and prefer to feed on sweet fruits.

Pied Paddy Skimmer

This is a dragonfly that is predominantly black in colour and breeds in paddy fields, marshes, and vegetated ponds. Between 16 and 20mm long, the female species looks different, with a greenish and yellow-hued body.

Information | Wayanad Tourist Places For Wildlife Lovers

What are the best Wayanad tourist places for wildlife lovers?

The forests of Wayanad are perfect for spotting the Malabar gliding frog, Malabar pit viper, and rare birds like the Malabar trogon. Wildlife sanctuaries like Tholpetty and Muthanga are great starting points.

Is it safe to explore wildlife-rich areas in Wayanad?

Yes, with the help of local guides or forest department-approved treks, exploring Wayanad tourist places with wildlife is both safe and enriching.

What’s the best time to spot wildlife in Wayanad?

The post-monsoon and winter months (October to March) offer the best visibility for wildlife in Wayanad’s forests.

Are there eco-tourism stays near Wayanad tourist places?

Yes, Wayanad has a number of eco-lodges and forest homestays that allow travellers to stay close to nature responsibly.

Can families with children visit Wayanad’s wildlife spots?

Absolutely. Many Wayanad tourist places are family-friendly and offer guided nature walks and safe viewing zones.