A 4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Wayanad in August 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Edakkal Caves
   30 minutes (9.6 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day early and visit the famous Edakkal Caves, which are known for their ancient rock carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions. The trek to the top of the caves takes approximately 45 minutes, and it is recommended to carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Wayanad Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region's tribal communities. In the evening, you can take a leisurely stroll in the nearby Soochipara Waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

2. Day 2: Enjoy Wildlife at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 20 minutes (48.5 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day by visiting the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and other animals. The sanctuary offers jeep safaris, and it is recommended to book in advance. Afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Banasura Sagar Dam, which is the largest earth dam in India. The lake offers boating facilities, and the view of the surrounding hills is breathtaking. In the evening, you can visit the nearby Karlad Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

3. Day 3: Visit Chembra Peak and Pookode Lake
   1 hour 15 minutes (31.6 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day by visiting the Chembra Peak, which is the highest peak in Wayanad and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trek to the top of the peak takes approximately 3 hours, and it is recommended to carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Pookode Lake, which is a freshwater lake surrounded by forests and hills. The lake offers boating facilities, and the view of the surrounding hills is breathtaking. In the evening, you can visit the nearby Lakkidi View Point and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

4. Day 4: Relax at Meenmutty Falls and Kuruva Island
   1 hour 45 minutes (54.4 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day by visiting the Meenmutty Falls, which is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. The trek to the waterfall takes approximately 45 minutes, and it is recommended to carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Afternoon can be spent visiting the nearby Kuruva Island, which is a group of small islands in the middle of the Kabini River. The island is covered with dense forests and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In the evening, you can visit the nearby Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

Recommendations

Other local attractions include the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala View Point, and the Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery. Side trips can include visiting the nearby towns of Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. To maximize your fun, try to book activities and safaris in advance. It is also recommended to carry cash as many places do not accept cards. Finally, don't forget to try the local cuisine, which includes delicious dishes like biryani, appam, and payasam.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, INR 120 per person)
• Wayanad Heritage Museum (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Karlad Lake (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Chembra Peak (5 hours, INR 750 per person)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Lakkidi View Point (2 hours, Free)
• Meenmutty Falls (3 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,700 per person

For hotel and flight prices, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.