Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Vythiri and Kalpetta
Saturday, August 12: 12th Night in Vythiri
Start your trip by checking in at Vythiri Resort, a beautiful nature retreat nestled in the lush forests of Wayanad. In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk through the resort's scenic trails and take in the tranquility of the surroundings. Afterward, head to Pookode Lake, a serene freshwater lake where you can go boating and spot wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Chain Tree, a famous landmark associated with a local legend. In the evening, explore the bustling Lakkidi View Point, known for its stunning views of the valley.
Pookode Lake: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Chain Tree: Free entry, Time spent - 1 hour
Lakkidi View Point: Free entry, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Tea Leaf Restaurant, which offers a delightful spread of traditional South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, try the delectable buffet at The Mezban Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Clay Pot, where you can savor a variety of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Sunday, August 13: Kalpetta Exploration
Check out from Vythiri Resort and head to Kalpetta, the bustling town in Wayanad. Start your day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, where you can explore ancient rock engravings and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Afterward, visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the bustling Kalpetta Market. In the evening, unwind at the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India, and enjoy a serene boat ride.
Edakkal Caves: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Wayanad Heritage Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Kalpetta Market: Free entry, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Banasura Sagar Dam: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to ClayHut Village Restaurant, located near Kalpetta Market. This charming restaurant offers a variety of traditional Kerala dishes, including appam, puttu, and idiyappam. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Coffee Grove Restaurant, nestled amidst lush coffee plantations. This restaurant serves delicious Indian and Continental cuisine, with options ranging from biryanis to pastas. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Mezban Restaurant, known for its authentic Mughlai and North Indian delicacies. This restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a wide selection of kebabs, curries, and biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Kalpetta Exploration Continues
On your second day in Kalpetta, start with a visit to the Soochipara Waterfalls, known for its picturesque beauty and a great spot for swimming and trekking. Spend the morning enjoying the natural surroundings and taking a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, explore the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can go on a thrilling safari and spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. In the evening, visit the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, and embark on a memorable trek to witness breathtaking views from the top.
Soochipara Waterfalls: Estimated cost - INR 80 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Chembra Peak: Estimated cost - INR 750 per group, Time spent - 4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hotel Woodlands, a popular restaurant in Kalpetta known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Savor a scrumptious lunch at The Mezzo, a charming restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines including Indian and Chinese. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at The Keralite, a restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Kuruva Island, a serene and uninhabited island on the Kabini River. It's a perfect spot for picnics and nature walks. Another local favorite is the Thusharagiri Waterfalls, which offers a unique experience of trekking through lush forests and enjoying the cascading waterfalls. Both of these attractions offer a tranquil and family-friendly environment, away from the crowds.