Welcome to Wayanad! Kickstart your family adventure by exploring the stunning Banasura Sagar Dam in the morning. Marvel at the scenic views, take a boat ride, or even go kayaking. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Edakkal Caves and discover ancient rock carvings. As the evening sets in, relax and enjoy the tranquility of Pookode Lake.
Banasura Sagar Dam: INR 50 per person, 2-3 hours
Edakkal Caves: INR 40 per person, 2-3 hours
Pookode Lake: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a wide variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas, and the average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a sumptuous lunch, head to ClayHut Village Restaurant. Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine like appam, karimeen pollichathu, and avial. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, treat your taste buds to a wonderful dinner experience at Red Ginger Restaurant. From spicy Kerala curries to continental dishes, they have something for everyone. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, December 23: Wildlife Encounters
Start your day with a visit to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Embark on an exciting jungle safari and spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. In the afternoon, head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can witness elephants, tigers, and leopards in their natural habitat. End the day with a visit to the serene and picturesque Soochipara Waterfalls.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 110 per person, 3-4 hours
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 80 per person, 3-4 hours
Soochipara Waterfalls: INR 20 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Ivy Cottage, a charming cafe known for its delicious homemade breads and pastries. Enjoy a hearty breakfast for about $10 per person.
For lunch, stop by ClayHut Village Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Kerala cuisine amidst a rustic ambiance. A meal here will cost you around $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Vintage Inn. This restaurant offers a gourmet menu with a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Expect to spend around $30 per person for a memorable dining experience.
Sunday, December 24: Cultural Immersion
Immerse yourself in Wayanad's rich cultural heritage by visiting the Wayanad Heritage Museum in the morning. Explore the museum's impressive collection of artifacts and learn about the region's history. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Jain Temple at Sulthan Bathery and soak in its architectural marvel. Spend the evening at the tranquil Karapuzha Dam, enjoying the scenic beauty and sunset.
Wayanad Heritage Museum: INR 10 per person, 2-3 hours
Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery: Free, 1-2 hours
Karapuzha Dam: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Robusta, located just a short distance from the Wayanad Heritage Museum. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious bakery items. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to ClayHut Village restaurant, situated near the ancient Jain Temple. Indulge in their authentic Wayanad cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant, known for its serene ambiance and delectable dishes. Try their special Wayanad biryani and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the Karapuzha Dam. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, December 25: Tea Gardens and Spice Plantations
Embark on a delightful journey through Wayanad's tea gardens and spice plantations. Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque Meenmutty Falls. Explore the sprawling tea estates at the Chembra Peak and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. In the afternoon, discover the fragrant spice plantations at the Pookot Lake area. Don't forget to indulge in some spice shopping!
Meenmutty Falls: INR 30 per person, 2-3 hours
Chembra Peak Tea Estates: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
Pookot Lake Spice Plantations: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Kalpetta Coffee House: A charming breakfast spot located in the heart of Kalpetta town. Enjoy a variety of Indian and Continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Pookot Lake Restaurant: Situated near Pookot Lake, this restaurant offers a picturesque setting for lunch. Savor delicious Kerala cuisine and enjoy the serene lake view. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Misty Heights Restaurant: Located amidst the tea gardens of Wayanad, Misty Heights offers a fine dining experience with a stunning view. Enjoy a range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Adventure and Nature
Get ready for thrilling adventures amidst Wayanad's natural wonders. Begin your day with a visit to the breathtaking Banasura Hill, where you can enjoy trekking and zip-lining. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful Kuruva Island, a serene river island known for its lush greenery. End the day with a relaxing boat ride in the tranquil Karalad Lake.
Banasura Hill: INR 100 per person, 3-4 hours
Kuruva Island: INR 80 per person, 2-3 hours
Karalad Lake: INR 50 per person (boat ride), 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Tribal Village Exploration
Experience the unique culture and traditions of Wayanad's tribal communities. Start your day by visiting the Thirunelli Temple, a sacred ancient temple located amidst lush forests. In the afternoon, explore the tribal village of Tholpetty and interact with the locals to learn about their way of life. Conclude the day with a visit to the tranquil Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thirunelli Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Tholpetty Tribal Village: Free, 2-3 hours
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 110 per person, 3-4 hours
Thursday, December 28: Farewell to Wayanad
Spend your last day in Wayanad amidst its natural beauty. Begin the day with a visit to the stunning Lakkidi Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the scenic tea gardens at the Tea Museum and learn about the tea-making process. Bid goodbye to Wayanad with a visit to the tranquil Karapuzha Dam and cherish the memories made.
Lakkidi Viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours
Tea Museum: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
Karapuzha Dam: Free, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Thirunelli Temple during the Thirunelli Festival, held in April, to witness vibrant processions and rituals. Exploring the tribal villages around Wayanad can provide an insightful glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Don't forget to savor the local delicacies, such as the traditional Kerala cuisine, and try the famous Wayanad bamboo rice for an authentic culinary experience.
To check hotel and flight prices for your Wayanad trip, you can visit Kayak.