3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Wayanad in July 2023

1. Day 1: Edakkal Caves
   35 minutes (11.5 km) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, head to the Edakkal Caves which is a prehistoric rock shelter formed naturally by a split in a huge rock. Spend some time exploring the caves and learning about their history. For lunch, head to Hotel Udupi which serves delicious vegetarian food. In the afternoon, visit Pookode Lake which is a freshwater lake surrounded by green hills and a perfect spot for boating. In the evening, head to the Chembra Peak which is the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek to the top is quite challenging but worth it for the stunning view of the surrounding hills.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour (23 km) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, visit the Banasura Sagar Dam which is the largest earth dam in India and offers a scenic view of the surrounding mountains and forests. Take a speedboat ride on the dam and enjoy the cool breeze. For lunch, head to Jubilee Restaurant which serves delicious Indian and Chinese food. In the afternoon, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to many species of animals including elephants, tigers and leopards. Take a jeep safari and explore the wildlife. In the evening, head to the Soochipara Falls which is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush green forests.

3. Day 3: Kuruva Island
   1 hour 30 minutes (42 km) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, head to Kuruva Island which is a group of small islands formed by the Kabini river. The island is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is a great spot for nature lovers. Take a walk around the island and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. For lunch, head to ClayHut A Village Restaurant which serves traditional Kerala food. In the afternoon, visit the Thirunelli Temple which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in a serene environment surrounded by mountains and forests. In the evening, head back to Kalpetta and visit the local markets for some souvenir shopping.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider visiting the Chain Tree which is a large ficus tree with an interesting legend attached to it. You can also visit the Meenmutty Falls which is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush green forests. If you want to take a side trip, consider visiting the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery which is known for its historical significance.

To maximize your fun, make sure to carry sunscreen and insect repellent as the weather can get quite harsh during the day. Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothing as the terrain can get quite rocky and uneven.

For any other suggestions or queries, feel free to reach out to me.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Hotel Udupi (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 20 per person for entry and INR 200 for boating)
• Chembra Peak (4-5 hours, INR 750 for a group of 10 people)
• Jubilee Restaurant (1 hour, INR 700 for two people)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 110 per person for entry and INR 400 for jeep safari)
• Soochipara Falls (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person for entry)
• Kuruva Island (3-4 hours, INR 80 per person for entry and INR 500 for rafting)
• ClayHut A Village Restaurant (1 hour, INR 600 for two people)
• Thirunelli Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3450 for two people

For hotel and flight bookings, please check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.