Five Days Budget Itinerary to Wayanad in June 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Chembra Peak
   1 hour 20 minutes (41 km) from Wayanad

   Get an early start to trek the highest peak in Wayanad, Chembra. Enjoy the scenic beauty of tea plantations on the way. Reach the top and take in the breathtaking views of the Wayanad hills. Return to the base by afternoon and have lunch at a nearby local restaurant. In the evening, visit the nearby Pookode Lake, a freshwater lake nestled in the hills of Wayanad.

2. Day 2: Visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 20 minutes (37 km) from Chembra Peak

   Start your day by exploring the pre-historic Edakkal Caves, which houses ancient petroglyphs and pictorial writings. Afterward, head towards the Banasura Sagar Dam, a popular tourist spot in Wayanad. Take a boat ride and admire the scenic beauty of the dam surrounded by the Banasura hills. In the evening, return to your hotel and unwind.

3. Day 3: Discover Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour (26 km) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Explore the wildlife of Wayanad by visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Experience a jungle safari and spot animals like elephants, tigers, and deer in their natural habitat. After the safari, enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast at a local eatery. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Soochipara Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall that cascades down from a height of 200 meters.

4. Day 4: Visit the Ancient Jain Temple and Kuruvadweep Island
   1 hour 20 minutes (37 km) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

   Start your day by visiting the ancient Jain Temple located in the town of Sulthan Bathery. The temple holds immense historical and religious significance. Afterward, head towards the Kuruvadweep Island, a river island located in the middle of the Kabini River. Take a bamboo raft ride and explore the lush green forests of the island. In the evening, return to your hotel and relax.

5. Day 5: Explore the Thirunelli Temple and Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
   2 hours (62 km) from Kuruvadweep Island

   Start your day by visiting the Thirunelli Temple, a popular pilgrim center dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests, and the Papanasini river flows through it. Afterward, head towards the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birds and animals. Enjoy a jungle trek and spot birds like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and Indian Pitta. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, visit the Kuruva Island or the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also try local delicacies like Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam and Stew, and Malabar Biryani. To maximize your fun, try attending a cultural show or a traditional art form like Kathakali or Kalaripayattu.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chembra Peak Trek (4-5 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, INR 60 per person)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 80 per person for Indians, INR 400 per person for foreigners)
• Kuruvadweep Island (3-4 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 780 per person