3-Day Wayanad Weekend Loop — Chembra, Banasura, Edakkal & Wildlife (22–24 Aug 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Waterfalls

Kalpetta / Meppadi, India on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Arrival & Hotel check-in / freshen up

You arrive early (you left on 21st night) and check in around Kalpetta/Meppadi; drop bags, charge devices and pick up packed water/snacks for the day.
INR0, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast — The Coffee Grove (Vythiri) or hotel restaurant

Start with a strong filter coffee, Kerala-style appam or masala dosa — Vythiri area cafés are known for fresh coffee and local breakfast; cafés usually open ~8:00am.
INR300, 0h45m

9:30am

Pookode Lake

Scenic freshwater lake with pedal boats and a small freshwater aquarium; a peaceful first stop and great for photos (typically open 8:30am–5:30pm).
INR200, 1h0m

11:00am

Banasura Sagar Dam & viewpoint

Largest earth dam in India with island-like views of Banasura hills; stroll along the dam and opt for a short walk to the reservoir viewpoint (open ~9:00am–5:00pm).
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Banasura Hill Resort restaurant or local 'Kerala thali' place in Meppadi

Enjoy a hearty Kerala-style thali or grilled trout where available; good, cooked local food to refuel before afternoon walks (restaurants open by 12:00pm for lunch).
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Falls

A three-tiered waterfall with a short forest walk and optional rock climbing/skimming; visit between 8:00am–5:00pm — avoid monsoon swell areas and wear good footwear.
INR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Lakkidi Viewpoint (sunset planning) or Chain Tree (short stop)

Drive to Lakkidi for panoramic views over the Thamarassery ghat — great for sunset if you prefer a mellow late-afternoon stop. Chain Tree is a quick cultural photo-stop on the way.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Hotel restaurant or 'The Woods' / local family-run place in Kalpetta

Sample Malabar fish curry, appam or vegetable-stew-with-roti — choose your hotel restaurant for convenience or a recommended local eatery in Kalpetta (many open until 9–10pm).
INR450, 1h0m

Day 2: Trek & Heritage

Ambalavayal / Ambukuthi / Kuruva, India on August 23, 2025

5:30am

Early start to Chembra Lake trek (Meppadi)

Drive early to the Chembra Lake trailhead to begin the ~4–5 km round-trip trek to the heart-shaped lake; forest permit and local guide required, and trekking is typically allowed from ~6:00am–4:00pm.
INR300, 4h0m

10:00am

Breakfast after trek — 'The Coffee Shop'/local café in Meppadi

Reward yourself with a hot breakfast — omelette, parathas or freshly made appam and tea; many cafés open by 8:00am and serve post-trek meals.
INR350, 0h45m

11:30am

Edakkal Caves (Ambukuthi Hill)

Explore Neolithic petroglyphs on Ambukuthi Hill; the site is culturally significant and usually open 9:00am–4:30pm — allow time for the climb and viewing the ancient engravings.
INR60, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Ambalavayal / Kalpetta local restaurant

Try a wholesome lunch with local flavors (banana chips, sambar, fish or vegetable curry) before heading to the river/island area for the afternoon; most eateries open for lunch until 3:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kuruva Island (Kuruva Dweep)

Protected river delta with small islands, bamboo bridges and rich birdlife; open around 8:00am–4:00pm so plan to arrive by mid-afternoon — ideal for relaxed walking and short coracle rides (if available).
INR100, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to hotel / relax

Freshen up and relax at your accommodation; consider a short nature walk around your resort or a spice-garden visit if nearby (check timings with your hotel).
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — 'Bamboo Hut' or popular Kalpetta restaurant (local cuisine)

Enjoy slow-cooked Kerala curry, rotis or biryani; opt for a place with good reviews for hygiene and local taste — dinner service commonly runs until 9:30–10:00pm.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 3: Wildlife & Departure

Muthanga / Thirunelli to Kalpetta, India on August 24, 2025

5:30am

Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary jeep safari (early morning)

Morning safari is best for wildlife sightings (elephants, deer, birds); booking in advance is strongly recommended — safaris generally run early morning and late afternoon with forest permit fees.
INR700, 2h30m

8:30am

Breakfast — simple roadside/tea shop or hotel

Grab a quick breakfast (idli, puttu, or tea with banana fritters) near Muthanga or back in Kalpetta depending on your route; many small shops open by 7:00am.
INR200, 0h45m

10:30am

Thirunelli Temple & Papanashini river (optional)

Visit the ancient Thirunelli Temple and the sacred Papanashini river for a short cultural stop; temple timings usually include morning hours — verify puja times before you go.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Kalpetta town (recommended: a well-reviewed local restaurant or hotel buffet)

Have a relaxed final lunch in Kalpetta — sample local banana-based desserts or jackfruit dishes alongside a filling main course before your afternoon activities.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping & Relaxation in Kalpetta — spices & coffee

Buy roasted coffee, spices, and local hand-made snacks; most shops are open until early evening and make great gifts and souvenirs.
INR500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Short afternoon stop — Wax World / local museum or tea estate visit (if time permits)

Optional light activity depending on energy and drive schedule — small museums or tea estates close around 5:00–6:00pm so check local times before heading in.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return & Dinner — Final meal in Wayanad (hotel or recommended restaurant)

Have a final warm dinner — try another regional favorite such as meen pollichathu (wrapped fish) or a vegetarian kari; plan to depart after dinner since you're returning the night of 24th.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30pm

Departure — head home / to your onward transport

Complete checkout/pack and leave Wayanad as planned the night of 24th; allow extra travel time on ghat roads and check for any night travel restrictions or police checkpoints.
INR0, —
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