Family-Friendly Itinerary for Wayanad in July 2023

1. Day 1: Edakkal Caves
   1 hour (27.4 km) from Kalpetta

   Start your day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, located on Ambukutty Mala. These caves are well-known for their ancient rock carvings and are believed to be around 8000 years old. The climb to the caves is a bit steep, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Wayanad Heritage Museum, which houses a large collection of artifacts from the region. End your day by watching the sunset at the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 20 minutes (36.2 km) from Edakkal Caves

   Start your day off with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the second-largest earth dam in Asia. This attraction will keep your family entertained with boating, trekking, and even ziplining. After lunch, visit the Kuruva Island, a serene and beautiful island nestled in the middle of the Kabini River. Here, you can enjoy a picnic, go bird watching, or simply relax in nature. End your day with a visit to the Thirunelli Temple, which is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in Kerala.

3. Day 3: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   30 minutes (11.9 km) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Begin your day with a visit to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Take part in a guided safari tour to spot elephants, tigers, and other exotic wildlife. After lunch, visit the Pookode Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride or simply take in the stunning scenery. End your day with a visit to the Soochipara Falls, a popular waterfall where you can swim and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary or taking a day trip to the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery. You can also hire a local guide to experience the region's unique culture and cuisine. To make the most of your trip, be sure to plan your itinerary around the opening and closing times of each attraction, and book hotels and flights in advance for the best deals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, 40 INR per person)
• Wayanad Heritage Museum (1-2 hours, 20 INR per person)
• Chembra Peak (2-3 hours, 500 INR per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, 60 INR per person)
• Kuruva Island (2-3 hours, 100 INR per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, 110 INR per person)
• Pookode Lake (1-2 hours, 20 INR per person)
• Soochipara Falls (2-3 hours, 50 INR per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: 950 INR per person

Check hotel and flight prices here.