5-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad in November 2023

1. Day 1: Chembra Peak
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Kalpetta Town

   Start your morning with a trek to the highest peak in Wayanad, Chembra Peak. Experience breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and lush greenery. After lunch, head to Pookode Lake, a freshwater lake nestled amidst the evergreen forests and enjoy a peaceful boat ride. End your day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, an ancient archaeological site with rock carvings and paintings.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 20 minutes (25 miles) from Chembra Peak

   After a hearty breakfast, drive down to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Take a speed boat ride and enjoy the scenic beauty of the dam and the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. End your day with a visit to the Meenmutty Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Day 3: Thirunelli Temple
   1 hour 30 minutes (35 miles) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Begin your day with a visit to the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple located in the Brahmagiri hills. After your visit, head to the Pakshipathalam bird sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers. In the afternoon, visit the scenic Soochipara Waterfalls and take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls. End your day with a visit to the Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery, built in the 13th century.

4. Day 4: Kuruvadweep
   1 hour 45 minutes (40 miles) from Thirunelli Temple

   After breakfast, drive down to Kuruvadweep, a group of small islands surrounded by the Kabini River. Take a guided nature walk and explore the lush greenery and rare species of flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts. End your day with a visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and antiques related to the history of Wayanad.

5. Day 5: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 15 minutes (35 miles) from Kuruvadweep

   Begin your day with a visit to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area for wildlife and biodiversity. Enjoy a jeep safari and spot elephants, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. After lunch, head to the Karapuzha Dam, a picturesque dam surrounded by dense forests and hills. End your day with a visit to the Kuruva Island, another group of islands surrounded by the Kabini River.

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the Chethalayam Falls, a beautiful waterfall located amidst the tea and coffee plantations. You can also take a day trip to the nearby towns of Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, which offer unique experiences. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine, such as Appam and Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, and Malabar Parotta.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chembra Peak (5 hours, ₹500)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, ₹50)
• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, ₹20)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (4 hours, ₹100)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, ₹150)
• Meenmutty Waterfalls (3 hours, ₹30)
• Thirunelli Temple (2 hours, ₹10)
• Pakshipathalam (3 hours, ₹50)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2 hours, ₹30)
• Jain Temple (1 hour, ₹5)
• Kuruvadweep (5 hours, ₹80)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, ₹150)
• Wayanad Heritage Museum (2 hours, ₹20)
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (5 hours, ₹200)
• Karapuzha Dam (2 hours, ₹50)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, ₹80)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹1265

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