Relaxed 2-Day Wayanad Itinerary (25–26 Jan 2026) — Edakkal, Pookode, Banasura & Kuruva

Day 1: Easy nature day

Kalpetta, India on January 25, 2026

8:00am

Check-in & Breakfast at your resort

Start the day slowly with breakfast at your hotel or resort—many resorts serve Kerala-style breakfasts and open 7:00–10:00; a resort breakfast keeps the pace relaxed and saves travel time.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

Edakkal Caves (Ambalavayal)

Ancient petroglyphs carved on rock shelters set on a hill; an easy-to-moderate walk up to the viewpoint and the caves is rewarding for history and panorama. Typical visiting hours ~8:00am–4:30pm; plan to arrive before mid-afternoon.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal)

Small museum showcasing local tribal artefacts, archaeological finds and rural life—good short visit after Edakkal to add cultural context. Usually open ~9:00am–5:00pm.
INR30, 45m

1:15pm

Lunch at a local restaurant (Ambalavayal area)

Enjoy a Kerala-style meal (try a traditional sadhya or local fish/vegetarian thali) at a nearby eatery; most local restaurants serve lunch 12:00–3:00pm and offer hearty, homely flavours.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Pookode Lake

Scenic freshwater lake surrounded by forest—relax with a pedal boat or lakeside walk. Boating and park facilities generally operate 9:00am–5:30pm, so afternoon is ideal for calm waters and soft light for photos.
INR200, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to resort & leisure time (Vythiri/Kalpetta)

Enjoy the resort pool, spa, or an easy nature walk on the property; keep this late afternoon free to unwind, read or watch sunset—no fixed opening hours if you're staying in a property with its own facilities.
INR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at resort or nearby restaurant

Choose a relaxed dinner at your resort restaurant or a well-rated local place in Kalpetta to sample Kerala flavours and local spices; most restaurants serve dinner 7:00pm–10:00pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Water & islands

Kalpetta / Padinjarathara / Kuruva, India on January 26, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early but relaxed breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for a day of light exploration—hotel breakfasts typically served 7:00–10:00.
INR300, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Banasura Sagar Dam (Padinjarathara)

Scenic drive to the largest earthen dam in India with lovely lake views; arrive early for quieter views and to book any speedboat rides. The dam area is generally accessible from ~9:00am onward for boating services.
INR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Banasura Sagar Dam & boat ride

Explore the reservoir and nearby islands by speedboat or rowboat—great for leisurely photography and calm water views. Boating typically operates 9:00am–5:00pm; boat charges are extra.
INR250, 1h30m

11:30am

Short plantation/tea-walk or viewpoint near Banasura

A short walk among spice and tea plantations near the dam offers a peaceful nature experience without strenuous trekking—ideal for a relaxed itinerary.
INR0, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch near Padinjarathara / Banasura area

Have a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant or resort café—local Kerala dishes and fresh vegetable/seafood options are widely available around the dam area.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Kuruva Island (Mananthavady area)

A protected river delta with several small forested islands connected by coracle/boat rides; enjoy easy trails, birdwatching and bamboo groves. Boats normally run 9:00am–4:00pm, so aim to arrive by mid-afternoon.
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Kalpetta; quick market stroll

Back in Kalpetta, stroll the local market for spices, coffee and crafts—markets typically wind down by 7:00–8:00pm, so a short visit is ideal before dinner.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kalpetta restaurant

Finish with a relaxed dinner at a recommended local restaurant or your hotel; try a final Kerala thali or grilled/stew dishes to end the trip pleasantly—dinner service commonly 7:00pm–10:00pm.
INR600, 1h30m
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