4-Day Family Friendly Wayanad Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   30 minutes (13 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that houses several endangered species such as Indian bison, tigers, elephants, and leopards. Take a jeep safari to explore the sanctuary and see these beautiful creatures up close. In the afternoon, visit the Pookode Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride here. In the evening, visit the Soochipara Falls, a three-tiered waterfall amidst the Western Ghats. Take a refreshing dip in the waterfall and spend some time relaxing.

2. Day 2: Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 10 minutes (28.4 miles) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

   In the morning, visit the Edakkal Caves, an ancient site with prehistoric cave paintings dating back to the Neolithic age. Learn about the history and significance of this site from the knowledgeable guides. In the afternoon, head to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the second-largest earth dam in Asia. Take a boat ride and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. In the evening, visit the Karapuzha Dam and enjoy the beautiful sunset views from the dam.

3. Day 3: Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls
   1 hour 15 minutes (34.1 miles) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   In the morning, trek to the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek is of moderate difficulty, but the breathtaking views from the summit make it all worth it. In the afternoon, visit the Meenmutty Falls, a pristine waterfall surrounded by dense forests. Take a dip in the cool waters and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, visit the Phantom Rock, a natural rock formation resembling a skull. Take a leisurely stroll around the area and enjoy the cool breeze.

4. Day 4: Thirunelli Temple and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 10 minutes (26.5 miles) from Phantom Rock

   In the morning, visit the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Learn about the history and architecture of the temple from the local guides. In the afternoon, visit the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, another protected area housing several endangered species such as tigers, leopards, and bears. Take a jeep safari and witness the beauty of the sanctuary up close. In the evening, visit the Kuruvadweep, a group of small islands located in the Kabini river. Take a relaxing boat ride and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding forests.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, you can visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, another protected area that houses several wildlife species. You can also take a day trip to the beautiful hill station of Vythiri or the historical city of Kozhikode. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine such as the traditional rice-based dishes and the famous banana chips.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 300)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 100)
• Soochipara Falls (2 hours, INR 50)
• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, INR 40)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 50)
• Karapuzha Dam (1 hour, free entry)
• Chembra Peak (5 hours, INR 750)
• Meenmutty Falls (2 hours, INR 20)
• Phantom Rock (1 hour, free entry)
• Thirunelli Temple (2 hours, free entry)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 300)
• Kuruvadweep (2 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1880

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