4-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad in July 2023

1. Day 1: Chembra Peak
   1 hour 25 minutes (37.2 miles) from Calicut International Airport

   Experience the beautiful sunrise from the top of Chembra Peak. This is the highest peak in Wayanad, and it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Trekking to the top takes around 3-4 hours, and you will be accompanied by a guide. After reaching the summit, enjoy a packed breakfast while admiring the view. Descend in the afternoon, and relax at the Soochipara Waterfalls. You can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool, and enjoy the scenic beauty. End your day with a campfire and barbecue dinner.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 5 minutes (25.7 miles) from Chembra Peak

   Start your day by visiting the picturesque Banasura Sagar Dam. Here, you can witness the beauty of the surrounding mountains while taking a boat ride. Visit the Meenmutty Waterfalls, which is located 29km from the dam. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Wayanad and requires a 2km trek through the forest. After lunch, visit the Kuruva Island, a protected river delta with lush green forests and diverse flora and fauna, situated 35km from the waterfalls. Spend the evening exploring the island.

3. Day 3: Thusharagiri Waterfalls
   1 hour 20 minutes (29.2 miles) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Start the day at Thusharagiri Waterfalls. This beautiful waterfall is located in the midst of the Western Ghats and offers an amazing view of the surrounding hills. You can trek to the top of the waterfall, which takes around 1-2 hours. After lunch, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located 14km from the waterfall. Here, you can take a jeep safari and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. End your day with a visit to the Pookode Lake, located 26km from the sanctuary. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the lake, and witness the beauty of the surrounding forests.

4. Day 4: Edakkal Caves
   1 hour 55 minutes (48.1 miles) from Thusharagiri Waterfalls

   Start your day by visiting the Edakkal Caves, one of the prime tourist attractions in Wayanad. This prehistoric site is located on top of Ambukutty Mala, and you will have to trek uphill to reach it. The caves are famous for their ancient petroglyphs, which are believed to be over 8000 years old. After lunch, visit the Chethalayam Waterfalls, located 22km from the caves. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Spend your evening at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located 20km from the waterfall. Here, you can take a jeep safari and witness the beauty of the rich biodiversity of the region.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum, located in Ambalavayal, which has artefacts and exhibits on the history, culture and heritage of Wayanad. You can also visit the Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery or explore the Chembra Tea Estate. For day trips, you can visit the nearby towns of Kozhikode or Ooty. To maximise your fun you can try out the local cuisine, such as appam, puttu, and kadala curry, or go shopping for souvenirs, such as spices, tea, and handicrafts.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chembra Peak Trek (4-5 hours, INR 750 per person)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2 hours, INR 60 per person)
• Meenmutty Waterfalls (4 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Thusharagiri Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 115 per person)
• Pookode Lake (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Chethalayam Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 115 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,385 per person

To check hotel and flight prices, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.