3-Day Waynad Itinerary for June 2023

1. Day 1: Visit Edakkal Caves
   30 minutes (11 miles) from Kalpetta, Waynad

   Start your day early and head over to the Edakkal Caves, famous for its pictorial wall inscriptions dating back to 6000 BC. These caves are situated 1200 meters above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, and offer a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Spend the morning exploring the caves and learning about their historical significance. Stop for lunch at the nearby restaurant and try out some local cuisine. After lunch, head over to the nearby Wayanad Heritage Museum to learn more about the local culture and history. Spend the evening at the Pookode Lake, which is located approximately 20 minutes away, and enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake.

2. Day 2: Visit Banasura Sagar Dam and Meenmutty Falls
   1 hour 30 minutes (32 miles) from Kalpetta, Waynad

   Start off your day by visiting the Banasura Sagar Dam, which is the largest earthen dam in India and an engineering marvel. The dam is located around 21 km from Kalpetta, and you can take a guided tour to get more information about its history and construction. After the tour, head over to the nearby Meenmutty Falls, which is the largest waterfall in Waynad. The waterfall is located around 11 km from the dam and requires a short hike to reach. Spend the afternoon exploring the falls and surrounding forest. Head back to Kalpetta for the evening and explore the local market and try some street food.

3. Day 3: Visit Thirunelli Temple and Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
   2 hours 10 minutes (51 miles) from Kalpetta, Waynad

   Start your day early and head over to the Thirunelli Temple, which is located in a serene and beautiful location at the Brahmagiri hills. The temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. After the temple visit, head over to the nearby Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is home to a wide variety of bird species. The sanctuary requires a short trek to reach and offers a great opportunity for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Head back to Kalpetta for the evening and enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider visiting the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife species. You can also try out some adventure sports like zip-lining, trekking, and rock climbing at the Waynad Adventure Camp. To maximize your fun, try to schedule your trip during the Waynad Monsoon Carnival, which takes place in June and features cultural events, music, and dance performances.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40)
• Wayanad Heritage Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Pookode Lake (2-3 hours, INR 20)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, INR 60)
• Meenmutty Falls (2-3 hours, INR 30)
• Thirunelli Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary (2-3 hours, INR 200)
• Ayurvedic Massage (1 hour, INR 1000-2000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1380-2320

For hotel and flight bookings, please check here.