Welcome to Wayanad! Start your adventure by checking into your budget-friendly hotel. Check out kayak.com for affordable hotel options. In the morning, visit the beautiful Pookode Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and perfect for a leisurely boat ride. In the afternoon, explore the Edakkal Caves, where you can witness ancient cave paintings. As the evening approaches, head to the Banasura Sagar Dam to enjoy the scenic views and unwind.
Pookode Lake: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Edakkal Caves: Estimated cost - INR 40 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Banasura Sagar Dam: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Hotel Haritagiri. This restaurant offers a wide variety of Indian and continental dishes, with an average cost of about 150 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Wilton Restaurant, known for its lip-smacking Kerala cuisine. Enjoy a traditional thali meal at an average cost of about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying dinner, visit ClayHut Village Restaurant. Indulge in their authentic Wayanad specialties, such as bamboo biryani and fish curry, at an average cost of about 350 INR per person.
Saturday, September 16: Wildlife Encounters
Start your day by visiting the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a jeep safari through the sanctuary to spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, head to the Wayanad Heritage Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. In the evening, visit the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, and enjoy a trek surrounded by breathtaking views.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person (jeep safari), Time spent - 4-5 hours
Wayanad Heritage Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Chembra Peak: Estimated cost - INR 750 per person (trekking fee), Time spent - 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Nutmeg Cafe: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Nutmeg Cafe, where you can indulge in various tasty and healthy options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Udupi Pure Veg Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Udupi Pure Veg Restaurant and relish their authentic South Indian vegetarian thali. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
ClayHut Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delectable dinner at ClayHut Restaurant, offering a range of delicious Indian and Continental cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17: Nature's Delights
Explore the beautiful nature spots in Wayanad today. Start your morning at the beautiful Soochipara Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Meenmutty Waterfalls, known for its three-tiered cascade. As the evening approaches, head to the serene Kuruva Island, a river island with dense forests and bamboo groves.
Soochipara Waterfalls: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Meenmutty Waterfalls: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kuruva Island: Estimated cost - INR 80 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the cozy Coffee Corner Cafe, located just a short drive away from the Soochipara Waterfalls. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. Expect to spend around INR 200 per person.
For lunch, try the popular Bamboo Grove Restaurant, situated near the Meenmutty Waterfalls. They offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal here is around INR 300 per person.
For dinner, visit the delightful Spice Garden Restaurant, which is conveniently located near Kuruva Island. Indulge in their flavorful Indian and continental dishes. Plan on spending approximately INR 500 per person for a satisfying dinner.
Monday, September 18: Exploring Wayanad's Culture
Dive into the cultural aspect of Wayanad on your last day. Start your morning at the Thirunelli Temple, a sacred site nestled in the Brahmagiri Hills. In the afternoon, visit the Wayanad Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling Kalpetta Market, where you can find local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
A charming breakfast spot in Wayanad is Cafe Robusta, known for its delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to ClayHut Village Restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Wayanad cuisine in a tranquil setting. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a memorable dining experience at Jubilee Restaurant, famous for its mouthwatering seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Neelimala Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of Wayanad's landscape. Another local favorite is the Phantom Rock, a unique rock formation resembling a skull. These attractions provide an immersive experience in nature and culture, and they won't break your shoestring budget.