4-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad in August 2023

1. Day 1: Edakkal Caves
   30 minutes (10.6 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, explore the prehistoric Edakkal Caves which have ancient rock carvings and scenic views of the Western Ghats. Have lunch at the nearby restaurant and then head to the Soochipara Waterfalls for a refreshing afternoon swim and waterfall rappelling. In the evening, visit the Chembra Peak which offers picturesque views of the surrounding valleys.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour (23.8 miles) from Kalpetta

   Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam in the morning which is the largest earth dam in India and offers stunning views of the Banasura hills. Have lunch at the nearby restaurant and then head to the Kuruva Island which is a serene river delta island amidst forests. In the evening, go for a wildlife safari at the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to elephants, tigers, and various other animals.

3. Day 3: Pookode Lake
   30 minutes (8.6 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, visit the serene Pookode Lake which is surrounded by forests and hills. Go for a boat ride or a nature walk around the lake. Have lunch at the nearby restaurant and then head to the Meenmutty Waterfalls which is a three-tiered waterfall amidst the lush green forest. In the evening, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to various species of flora and fauna.

4. Day 4: Sunrise Valley
   1 hour 20 minutes (37.9 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, visit the Sunrise Valley which offers scenic views of the sunrise amidst the mountains and forests. Have breakfast at the nearby restaurant and then head to the Chethalayam Waterfalls which is a scenic waterfall surrounded by bamboo forests. In the afternoon, visit the Chain Tree which is a large, ancient ficus tree with an interesting legend. Have your last dinner in Wayanad at the ClayHut A Village Restaurant which serves authentic Kerala cuisine.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Edakkal Caves Museum, the Karapuzha Dam, and the Phantom Rock. For a side trip, you can visit the nearby town of Sultan Bathery which has historical significance. To maximize your fun, try local Kerala cuisine, indulge in shopping for spices and handicrafts, and take a trek in the forests. We suggest you book your stay at least two weeks in advance and avoid the monsoon season from June to September.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 40)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 50)
• Chembra Peak (3 hours, INR 200)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 20)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, INR 150)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 100)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 20)
• Meenmutty Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 30)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 100)
• Sunrise Valley (3 hours, INR 50)
• Chethalayam Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 20)
• Chain Tree (1 hour, Free)
• ClayHut A Village Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1050