Start your day by hiking up the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad. The trek will take you through lush green forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Don't forget to bring a backpack with food, water, and first aid essentials. The trek takes around 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly. After the trek, head to the nearby Meenmutty Waterfalls, a scenic spot where you can unwind and cool off in the water.
Get up early and head to the Banasura Sagar Dam, India's largest earthen dam. The dam is surrounded by stunning hills and forests and is a popular spot for boating. After spending a few hours at the dam, head to the Kuruva Island, a peaceful and scenic river delta. You can explore the island by taking a walk along the wooden bridge that runs through the forest. In the evening, head back to Sulthan Bathery and explore the local market for shopping and food.
On your last day, visit the Edakkal Caves, which are located atop a hill and are famous for their ancient petroglyphs. The caves can be reached by a short trek. After the caves, head to the Soochipara Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades over three stages. The falls are located in the middle of a dense forest and offer a beautiful view. Spend some time exploring the surrounding forest and then head back to Kalpetta.
If you have more time to spare in Wayanad, you can add a visit to the Thirunelli Temple or the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to your itinerary. For those on a tighter budget, you can replace the Banasura Sagar Dam boating experience with a visit to the Pookode Lake, a serene lake surrounded by greenery. And if you have less time, you can skip the Meenmutty Waterfalls or the Soochipara Falls visit.