Exploring Wayanad in 3 Days

  1. Day 1: Edakkal Caves
    1 hour 7 minutes (28.5 km) from Kozhikode

    Explore the awe-inspiring Edakkal caves on the first day of your journey in Wayanad. The caves are famous for the ancient carvings and engravings that adorn their walls and date back to the Neolithic era. To reach the caves, you'll need to take a moderate hike up Ambukuthi hill that's surrounded by picturesque views of the area's lush green forests and coffee plantations.

  2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
    52 minutes (24.5 km) from Edakkal Caves

    On the second day, make your way to Banasura Sagar Dam. This is the largest earthen dam in India and is built over the Banasura river. You can hire a pedal boat or a speed boat to explore the dam's calm and serene waters. You'll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the water body, replete with lush green hills and paddy fields.

  3. Day 3: Thirunelli Temple
    1 hour 58 minutes (72.6 km) from Banasura Sagar Dam

    The final day is dedicated to exploring the Thirunelli Temple that's believed to be more than 1000 years old. The temple is situated on the heart of a dense forest surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. It is also known as the Kashi of the South due to the presence of the sacred Papanasini river that is believed to wash away one's sins. In addition to this, the temple premises also house an ancient pond and several other shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40/80 for adults/foreigners)
  • Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, INR 60 per person)
  • Thirunelli Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 200/280 for adults/foreigners

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that's home to several rare and endangered wildlife species. You can also visit the Soochipara waterfalls and Chembra Peak that offer breathtaking views of the area.

If you have less time, consider skipping the Banasura Sagar Dam and head to the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary or the Kuruva islands instead.

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