Two-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad - July 2023

1. Day 1: Banasura Sagar Dam
   40 minutes (19.4 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day at Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Enjoy a serene morning stroll along the dam with a picturesque view of the lush green mountains. Afternoon is the best time for a speed boat ride or a kayaking experience in the dam. For a relaxing evening, take a walk through the Banasura Hill Resort and enjoy the view of the setting sun over the Western Ghats.

2. Day 2: Chembra Peak
   1 hour 10 minutes (29.8 km) from Kalpetta

   Begin your second day with a trek to the highest peak in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak. The trek is moderate to difficult, but the view from the top is worth it. The morning trek takes around 3-4 hours. Have a picnic lunch with a view of the heart-shaped lake on the way down. Relax in the afternoon at the Soochipara Falls, a 3-tiered waterfall, and enjoy the cool waters. End your day with a visit to Edakkal Caves, known for the ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic era.

Recommendations

Visit the Kuruva Island, an uninhabited island located in the middle of the Kabini river, for a unique experience of bamboo rafting and spotting rare birds and orchids. For a spiritual experience, visit the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple with a beautiful backdrop of the Brahmagiri Hills. A side trip to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located 1 hour from Kalpetta, allows you to witness elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, entrance fee: INR 10)
• Speed Boat/Kayaking (1-2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Chembra Peak Trek (3-4 hours, entrance fee: INR 500)
• Soochipara Falls (1-2 hours, entrance fee: INR 50)
• Edakkal Caves (1-2 hours, entrance fee: INR 40)
• Kuruva Island (3-4 hours, entrance fee: INR 80)
• Thirunelli Temple (1-2 hours, no entrance fee)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, entrance fee: INR 110)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1290-2140