Begin your Wayanad trip by exploring the Edakkal Caves nestled in the Ambukuthi Hills. These caves are famous for their prehistoric rock engravings and are located at a height of 4,000 ft above the sea level. The journey to reach here is somewhat challenging, with a steep climb of about 1.5 km uphill, but the stunning view of the Western Ghats from the top is truly worth it. The caves are open from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm daily, and the estimated time spent here is 2 hours.
Visit the Pookot Lake, which is a freshwater lake surrounded by the mesmerizing greens of the Western Ghats. You can go for a peaceful boat ride on the serene waters, surrounded by the refreshing ambiance and the natural beauty. The lake is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, and the estimated time spent here is 2 hours.
Spend your day exploring the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu built over 1000 years ago. The temple is located amidst the lush greenery of Brahmagiri Hills and surrounded by the beautiful Papanasini River. The temple opens at 5.30 am and closes at 12.00 pm and then reopens from 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. The estimated time spent here is 2-3 hours.
End your Wayanad trip by visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can take a jeep safari through the sanctuary and spot wild animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and more. The sanctuary opens at 7.00 am and closes at 10.00 am and then reopens from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The estimated time spent here is 3 hours.
If you have more time, you can check out other family-friendly attractions like the Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can consider skipping Pookot Lake or Thirunelli Temple. Do carry enough water and snacks since these places might not have sufficient cafes/restaurants.