7-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad, August 2023

1. Day 1: Chembra Peak
   1 hour 30 minutes (34.1 km) from Calicut International Airport

   Start your trip with a trek to the highest peak in Wayanad, the Chembra Peak. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the heart-shaped lake.

2. Day 2: Pookode Lake
   1 hour 20 minutes (32.5 km) from Chembra Peak

   Experience the serene beauty of Pookode Lake by boat. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the lush greenery and wildlife of the area.

3. Day 3: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 40 minutes (41.9 km) from Pookode Lake

   Explore the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India. Enjoy a walk on the dam and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

4. Day 4: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 20 minutes (34.2 km) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Experience the thrill of sighting elephants, tigers, and other wild animals at Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a jeep safari through the dense forests and grasslands of the sanctuary.

5. Day 5: Soochipara Falls
   50 minutes (20.8 km) from Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

   Visit the beautiful Soochipara Falls and enjoy the stunning views of the cascading waterfalls and the surrounding dense forests. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy the serenity of the area.

6. Day 6: Edakkal Caves
   1 hour 20 minutes (33.9 km) from Soochipara Falls

   Explore the Edakkal Caves, one of the oldest human settlements in India. Enjoy a moderate hike to the caves and marvel at the ancient rock carvings and paintings.

7. Day 7: Kuruva Island
   1 hour 30 minutes (38.5 km) from Edakkal Caves

   End your trip with a visit to Kuruva Island, a serene river island surrounded by dense forests. Take a walk through the bamboo groves, enjoy a picnic by the river and spot the variety of birds and butterflies in the area.

Recommendations

Other attractions that you may consider are the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Meenmutty Waterfalls, and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also plan a side trip to the beautiful hill station of Ooty. Make sure to try the local cuisine and shop for souvenirs at the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chembra Peak Trek (4-5 hours, INR 750 per person)
• Pookode Lake (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for entry fee and INR 50 for boat ride)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person for entry fee and INR 60 for speed boat ride)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari (2-3 hours, INR 500 per jeep for Indians and INR 1500 per jeep for foreigners)
• Soochipara Falls (1-2 hours, INR 80 per person for entry fee)
• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40 per person for entry fee and INR 500 per guide)
• Kuruva Island (3-4 hours, INR 80 per person for entry fee and INR 1000 for bamboo raft ride)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3710 per person (excluding travel and accommodation)

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.