3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Wayanad in January 2024

1. Day 1: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   15 minutes (5.2 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and take a jungle safari to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Chembra Peak, a popular trekking destination, to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. In the evening, explore the Pookode Lake, a natural freshwater lake surrounded by green hills and dense forests.

2. Day 2: Edakkal Caves and Soochipara Waterfalls
   34 minutes (14.7 miles) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

   In the morning, visit the Edakkal Caves, a world heritage site that is home to ancient petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. In the afternoon, head to the Soochipara Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall that is one of the most beautiful in Wayanad. In the evening, explore the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.

3. Day 3: Thirunelli Temple and Kuruva Island
   1 hour 10 minutes (33.3 miles) from Edakkal Caves

   In the morning, visit the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu that is located amidst the Brahmagiri hills. In the afternoon, head to Kuruva Island, a river delta that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and take a leisurely walk through the jungle. In the evening, return to Kalpetta and spend some time exploring the local markets and trying out some traditional Kerala cuisine.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, you can also visit the Meenmutty waterfalls, the Jain Temple, and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also take a side trip to the nearby city of Mysore, which is known for its palaces, museums, and gardens. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a local guide who can give you a more personalized experience and take you to some hidden gems that are off the beaten path.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 350 per person)
• Chembra Peak (3 hours, INR 1,000 per group of 10)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 10 per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (2 hours, free entry)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Local Markets (1 hour, varies)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 1,610 per person)

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