Exploring Wayanad: A 7-Day Adventure

Saturday, September 16: Arrival in Wayanad

Welcome to Wayanad! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and getting settled. In the morning, visit the stunning Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore the Edakkal Caves, a fascinating archeological site with ancient rock carvings. As the evening sets in, unwind at Pookode Lake, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery.

• Banasura Sagar Dam: Estimated Cost - INR 50, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Estimated Cost - INR 40, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Pookode Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 20, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: The Great Indian Breakfast Cafe offers a wide selection of traditional Indian breakfast dishes, such as dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Lunch: The Spice Garden Restaurant is a popular choice for lunch, serving delicious Kerala cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Dinner: The Clay Oven Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a dinner of authentic North Indian dishes like tandoori chicken, butter chicken, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, September 17: Wildlife Encounters

Embrace nature today with a visit to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Start your morning with a thrilling safari through the sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, deer, and various species of birds. In the afternoon, head to the Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, for a trekking adventure. Enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats from the top. Wrap up your day by exploring the picturesque Soochipara Waterfalls.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated Cost - INR 150, Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Chembra Peak: Estimated Cost - INR 500 (trekking permissions), Estimated Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Soochipara Waterfalls: Estimated Cost - INR 80, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, September 18: Historical Journey

Discover the rich history of Wayanad today. Begin your day by visiting the ancient Jain Temple at Sultan Bathery, known for its intricate carvings. In the afternoon, make your way to the ancient ruins of Thirunelli Temple, situated amidst the lush Brahmagiri Hills. Explore the temple complex and soak in the spiritual ambiance. For a unique experience, end your day with a visit to the Phantom Rock, a natural rock formation resembling a skull.

• Jain Temple, Sultan Bathery: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Thirunelli Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Phantom Rock: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 19: Tea Gardens and Waterfalls

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Wayanad's tea gardens and waterfalls today. Begin your morning with a visit to the picturesque Meenmutty Falls, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense forests. Afterward, head to the sprawling tea estates of Wayanad and take a guided tour to learn about the tea production process. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Kanthanpara Waterfalls, known for its serene setting and refreshing waters.

• Meenmutty Falls: Estimated Cost - INR 20, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Estate Tour: Estimated Cost - INR 200, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Estimated Cost - INR 30, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 20: Tribal Village Experience

Get a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of Wayanad by visiting a tribal village today. Spend your morning interacting with the indigenous communities, learning about their way of life, and trying traditional tribal cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the serene Karapuzha Dam, known for its scenic beauty and boating opportunities. End your day with a visit to the ancient ruins of Jain temples at Sulthan Bathery.

• Tribal Village Visit: Estimated Cost - INR 100 (donation to the community), Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Karapuzha Dam: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Jain Temples, Sulthan Bathery: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, September 21: Wayanad Heritage

Discover the rich heritage of Wayanad today. Start your morning with a visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the region's history and culture. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Thovarimala Ezhuthupara, a cultural and historical site with ancient rock engravings. End your day by witnessing the mesmerizing sunset at the famous Neelimala Viewpoint.

• Wayanad Heritage Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 20, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Thovarimala Ezhuthupara: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Neelimala Viewpoint: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, September 22: Leisure and Relaxation

Take a day to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of Wayanad. Spend your morning exploring the serene Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In the afternoon, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic spa treatment to rejuvenate your body and mind. End your day with a leisurely walk around the breathtaking Banasura Hill, surrounded by lush greenery.

• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated Cost - INR 110, Estimated Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: Estimated Cost - INR 1000 onwards, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Banasura Hill: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, head to the tranquil Kuruva Island, a river delta formed by the Kabini River. Explore the lush greenery, take a peaceful boat ride, and spot various bird species. Another local favorite is the Thirunelli Forest, a pristine forest reserve known for its biodiversity. Trek through the forest trails, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some rare wildlife.

Check out hotel and flight prices for your trip to Wayanad at Kayak.com.