7-Day Nature Itinerary in Wayanad

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Wayanad

Welcome to Wayanad! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and settling in. In the morning, visit the Banasura Sagar Dam. Take a boat ride on the reservoir while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the Edakkal Caves, famous for its ancient rock carvings. End your day with a visit to Pookode Lake, a serene and picturesque freshwater lake.

• Banasura Sagar Dam: Check prices, 2 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Check prices, 3 hours
• Pookode Lake: Check prices, 1 hour

Saturday, September 2: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend your morning exploring the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Embark on a thrilling safari to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various other wildlife species. In the afternoon, visit the Soochipara Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. Enjoy the evening at the Chembra Peak, a popular trekking spot offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Check prices, 4 hours
• Soochipara Waterfalls: Check prices, 2 hours
• Chembra Peak: Check prices, 3 hours

Sunday, September 3: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Start your day by visiting the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity. Take a Jeep safari to explore the sanctuary and spot various species of wildlife. In the afternoon, head to the Banasura Hill, where you can go for a trek amidst lush greenery. Enjoy the evening at the Banasura Sagar Island, a small island in the reservoir offering scenic views.

• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Check prices, 4 hours
• Banasura Hill: Check prices, 3 hours
• Banasura Sagar Island: Check prices, 1 hour

Monday, September 4: Wayanad Tea Plantations

Embark on a morning visit to the Wayanad Tea Plantations. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy the scenic beauty of the plantations. In the afternoon, visit the Meenmutty Waterfalls, cascading down from a height of 300 meters. Spend the evening exploring the Kuruva Island, a picturesque uninhabited island on the Kabini River.

• Wayanad Tea Plantations: Check prices, 3 hours
• Meenmutty Waterfalls: Check prices, 2 hours
• Kuruva Island: Check prices, 2 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Kuruvadweep and Bamboo Rafting

Start your day with a visit to Kuruvadweep, an uninhabited island on the Kabini River. Explore the island's lush greenery, rare birds, and trekking trails. In the afternoon, indulge in an exciting bamboo rafting experience on the river. Spend the evening at the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient temple surrounded by mountains and forests.

• Kuruvadweep: Check prices, 3 hours
• Bamboo Rafting: Check prices, 2 hours
• Thirunelli Temple: Check prices, 1 hour

Wednesday, September 6: Sunrise Trek to Chembra Peak

Rise early for a thrilling sunrise trek to the Chembra Peak. Marvel at the panoramic views as the sun paints the sky with vibrant colors. Descend from the peak and relax at the scenic Karapuzha Dam in the afternoon. Spend the evening at the Banasura Hill, enjoying the sunset amidst nature.

• Sunrise Trek to Chembra Peak: No cost, 5 hours
• Karapuzha Dam: No cost, 2 hours
• Banasura Hill: No cost, 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Spice Glade, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Wayanad cuisine. Enjoy breakfast specialties like appam with stew and steaming hot filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Haritagiri and indulge in their authentic Kerala thali. The thali consists of a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes served with rice, sambhar, rasam, and payasam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
• In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at The Willow Tree Restaurant. This fine dining establishment offers a range of global dishes with a focus on fresh local ingredients. Try their grilled Wayanad chicken or seafood curry for a flavorful culinary experience. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.

Thursday, September 7: Departure

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful Wayanad. Check out from your hotel and depart for your onward journey with wonderful memories of your nature-filled adventure.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature enthusiasts, don't miss the opportunity to visit Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, an off-the-beaten-path attraction known for its rich birdlife. Adventure seekers can explore the Neelimala Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Locals also love spending time at the Wayanad Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the region's history and culture.