3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Wayanad in July 2023

1. Day 1: Banasura Sagar Dam and Meenmutty Falls
   30 minutes (10.5 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, visit Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Take a speed boat ride and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, head to Meenmutty Falls, a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 meters. After a short trek, take a refreshing dip in the natural pool below the falls. End the day with a visit to the Pookot Lake, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by forests and mountains.

2. Day 2: Thirunelli Temple and Edakkal Caves
   1 hour 20 minutes (33.5 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, visit the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated amidst lush green hills, it is believed that taking a dip in the nearby Papanasini river washes away all sins. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, a prehistoric site with ancient petroglyphs and cave paintings dating back to the Neolithic era. The caves are accessible only by a short trek, but the stunning views of the surrounding hills make it worth the effort. End the day with a visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum, which exhibits artifacts and relics of the indigenous tribes of Wayanad.

3. Day 3: Wildlife Safari and Soochipara Falls
   45 minutes (20.5 miles) from Kalpetta

   In the morning, head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for a wildlife safari to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and other animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, and the guided jeep safari takes you deep into the forest. In the afternoon, head to Soochipara Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that cascades down from a height of 200 meters. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and are a popular spot for trekking and rock climbing.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats. The Kuruva Island, a group of islets surrounded by a river, is a great spot for a picnic. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery, where you can visit the Jain Temple and the historic Bathery Fort.

To maximize your fun, make sure to carry comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It is also recommended to carry cash as most places do not accept card payments. Booking a private cab or taxi for the duration of your trip is the most convenient way to get around Wayanad.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, Rs. 60 per person)
• Meenmutty Falls (2-3 hours, Rs. 30 per person)
• Pookot Lake (1-2 hours, Rs. 10 per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, Rs. 40 per person)
• Wayanad Heritage Museum (1-2 hours, Rs. 10 per person)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, Rs. 300 per person for jeep safari)
• Soochipara Falls (2-3 hours, Rs. 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 550 per person

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