4-Day Family Friendly Wayanad-Coorg Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 15 minutes (25 miles) from Kalpetta

   Start your trip with a visit to Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India and a popular tourist attraction. Enjoy a boat ride on the dam's reservoir surrounded by lush green hills. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Banasura Hill Resort and enjoy the zipline, archery, and other adventure activities. End the day with a visit to the Chembra Peak, the tallest peak in Wayanad, and take a 2-hour trek to the heart-shaped lake on the peak.

2. Day 2: Thirunelli Temple and Iruppu Falls
   1 hour 45 minutes (48 miles) from Kalpetta

   Visit the ancient Thirunelli Temple, nestled among mountains and forests, and experience the unique rituals and architecture of the temple. After lunch, head to Iruppu Falls, a popular waterfall located in the Brahmagiri Range. Take a dip in the cool waters or trek to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view of the surroundings. End the day with a visit to the Nagarhole National Park, a wildlife sanctuary known for its tigers, elephants, and deer.

3. Day 3: Dubare Elephant Camp and Abbey Falls
   2 hours 10 minutes (68 miles) from Kalpetta

   Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp, an elephant training camp located on the banks of the Kaveri River. Take part in bathing and feeding the elephants and learn about their lifestyle and behavior. After lunch, head to Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by coffee and spice plantations. Take a walk around the plantations and learn about the local flora and fauna. End the day with a visit to Raja's Seat, a popular viewpoint to watch the sunset and enjoy the panoramic view of the Coorg valley.

4. Day 4: Namdroling Monastery and Talacauvery
   1 hour 20 minutes (34 miles) from Madikeri

   Visit the Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Observe the daily prayers and rituals of the monks and visit the souvenir shops. After lunch, head to Talacauvery, the birthplace of the holy River Cauvery and a popular pilgrimage site. Take a dip in the holy waters and visit the nearby Bhagamandala temple. End the trip with a visit to the Madikeri Fort, a historical fort built in the 17th century by Mudduraja.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kuruva Island, and the Edakkal Caves. You can also take a day trip to the nearby towns of Gonikoppal and Virajpet to experience the local culture and food. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide who can take you off the beaten path and show you the hidden gems of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banasura Sagar Dam (3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Banasura Hill Resort (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Chembra Peak (4-5 hours, INR 750 per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Iruppu Falls (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Nagarhole National Park (3 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Dubare Elephant Camp (3 hours, INR 1,000 per person)
• Abbey Falls (2 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Raja's Seat (1 hour, INR 5 per person)
• Namdroling Monastery (2 hours, Free)
• Talacauvery (2 hours, Free)
• Madikeri Fort (1 hour, INR 25 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,545 per person

Check hotel and flight prices at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.