Volunteering-Themed Itinerary for Wayanad in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
    45 minutes (22.4 km) from Kalpetta

    Start your volunteering adventure by visiting Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Accompanied by local guides, visitors can learn about the need for conservation and participate in planting saplings in the sanctuary. July 2023 is an ideal time to visit, as it is the beginning of the monsoon season and the sanctuary is generally closed from February to May.

  2. Day 2: Edakkal Caves
    1 hour 10 minutes (42.3 km) from Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

    The Edakkal caves are renowned for their prehistoric inscriptions and drawings that depict the life of ancient tribes. Volunteers at this site participate in the cleaning and restoration of the cave paintings. Take a tour of the caves to learn more about cave paintings and how you can help protect this prehistoric art.

  3. Day 3: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    1 hour 15 minutes (48.3 km) from Edakkal Caves

    Home to elephants, tigers and leopards among other animals, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast. The sanctuary provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in cleanup drives, trail maintenance, and other conservation activities. The sanctuary is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.

  4. Day 4: Banasura Sagar Dam
    1 hour 45 minutes (58.5 km) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    End your Wayanad volunteering adventure with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, which is the largest earthen dam in India. The dam is ideally located amidst the scenic hills of the Western Ghats and provides an opportunity to learn about water management and conservation. Volunteer at the dam by participating in the cleanup drives, tree plantation, and other activities.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40)
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 20)
  • Banasura Sagar Dam (2-3 hours, INR 10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 170

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other volunteering sites such as Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Pookode Lake. For those with less time, you can skip Banasura Sagar Dam and opt for Tenkaichi Budokai Martial Art Academy, which engages visitors to learn about the Japanese martial art form Kendo.

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