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Also consider factor like the physical exertion required to access the attractions, distance between the  attractions  etc. For example getting to the attractions like Edakkal Caves or Chembra peak needs some level of stamina. However other popular attractions like Pookode Lake, Lakkidi View Point or Pazhassi Tomb etc are easily accessible by road. Many locations have access timings and some have even weekly holidays. Consider these factors also in your itinerary.

From a distance standpoint let's cluster the attractions in Wayanad into 5-6 groups.

Wayanad Attractions around Mananthavadi

(Group 1): The northmost attraction is the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary on the way to Karnataka border. This is easily accessible to road.

Thirunelli Temple in the middle of the forest is connected by road. You can reach Thirunelli by bus as well as by private vehicles. Papanashini is a short trek away from the main temple. Pakshipathalam is a accessible only with some considerable trek.

Thrissilery is another important ancient temple south of Thirunelly. There is a forest trail the locals use. But you need to go by the round about road route to reach Thrissilery.

Those visiting Thirunelly for religious reasons note, for traditional reasons it's customary to visit Trisinnery Shiva Temple first , before visiting the Thirunelli Temple.

From the Mananthavady-Mysore highway take the diversion to Thrissilery first. Return Back to the highway and travel to Thirunelly via Kartikulam

Kuruva Island is another popular destination. Take diversion at Kattikulam for Kuruva.

Valliyoorkavu , about 5km east of Mananthavady is another traditionally important temple in Wayanad. The Sita Lavakusha temple at Pulpally , about 25km east of Mananthavady is peculiar for its architecture. You'll drive through the Padiri forest region.

Pazahiraj's Tomb and the heritage museum attached to the compound is another significant attraction in the Mananthavadi. This museum is a single place to get a snapshot of the historic backdrop and traditional lifestyle of Wayand. This is located inside the town.

Paingatteri Agraharam, an old settlement of the Tamil Brahmins is about 7km south of Mananthavady. The traditional living quarters is unique for the architecture.

There are also good number of old and ruined Jain temples in the Mananthavady region. Some of them are easily accessible while the rest are deep in privately owned coffee estates. If you are keen on visiting those in the private lands, a request to the owners are typically accepted gracefully.

Wayanad Attractions around Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery (Group 3 to 6): The arc connecting Lakkidi to Sulthan Battery is sprinkled with a hotspots of attractions in south Wayanad.

If you are traveling from Kozhikode side, passing the Thamarassery Ghat is an experience itself. Do it during the daytime to see the marvel of the highway (NH212) negotiating the hairpin bends. The Lakkidi View point is the first attraction as you enter wayanad from this side. A little ahead on the view point , by the side of highway is the Chain Tree with a fabulous folklore attached to it.

A short detour from the highway will take you to Pookode Lake, a very popular spot among the daytrippers to Wayanad.

The highway crosses the tea garden fringed Vythiri, perhaps can be called the resort capital of Wayanad.

A eastward of Vythiri in the Meppadi region lies a host of natural attractions like Chembra Peak, Soochippara Waterfalls, Kanthanpara Falls, Meenmutty Falls etc.

A southward diversion from the highway (NH212) will take you to Ambalavayal and Edakkal Caves, the flagship attraction of Wayanad.

Banasura Sagar Dam, the unique natural dam is about 22km northwest of Kalpetta.

There are numerous hidden gems in Wayanad. See a larger list of attractions in Wayanad.  You may also want to extend the itinerary to the neighbouring places of Wayanad like Mysore or Nilgiris region.