Four Days in Wayanad for Adventurers in June 2023

1. Day 1: Chembra Peak
   18 minutes (5.5 miles) from Kalpetta

   Start your adventure in Wayanad by hiking up to Chembra Peak, the highest peak in the region. The trek takes about three hours, but the breathtaking views from the top make it worthwhile. Pack a picnic and enjoy it once you reach the summit. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Pookode Lake for boating and a walk around the picturesque lake. End your day by visiting the ancient Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery.

2. Day 2: Banasura Sagar Dam
   1 hour 17 minutes (32 miles) from Kalpetta

   Start your day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, which is the largest earthen dam in India and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. You can take a speed boat ride or go kayaking in the nearby lake. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, which contain ancient petroglyphs. The hike up to the caves takes about 45 minutes. End your day with a visit to the Soochipara Waterfalls, which are about 40 minutes away from the caves.

3. Day 3: Thirunelli Temple
   1 hour 45 minutes (43 miles) from Kalpetta

   Start your day with a visit to the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient Hindu temple that is located in a picturesque valley. The temple is surrounded by mountains and is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Kerala. In the afternoon, visit the Kuruva Island, which is a group of islands located in the middle of the Kabini River. The islands are covered with dense forests and are home to a variety of birds and animals. You can take a boat ride to explore the islands. End your day with a visit to the Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, which is located about 30 minutes away from the island.

4. Day 4: Meenmutty Falls
   24 minutes (8.6 miles) from Kalpetta

   Start your day with a visit to the Meenmutty Falls, which are located in a dense forest and are one of the most scenic waterfalls in Kerala. The trek to the falls takes about 45 minutes and passes through beautiful forests and streams. In the afternoon, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. You can take a safari ride to explore the sanctuary. End your day with a visit to the Chethalayam Falls, which are about 30 minutes away from the sanctuary.

Recommendations

If you have more time in Wayanad, consider visiting the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located about an hour away from Kalpetta. You can also visit the Kanthanpara Waterfalls, which are about 20 minutes away from Kalpetta. To maximise your fun, try local delicacies like bamboo rice, kallappam, and pazhampori. Additionally, you can take a day trip to the nearby town of Sulthan Bathery to explore the ancient ruins of the Jain temple and the historical fort.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chembra Peak (3 hours, free)
• Pookode Lake (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Jain Temple (1 hour, free)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (3 hours, INR 60 per person)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 40 per person)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Thirunelli Temple (2 hours, free)
• Kuruva Island (3 hours, INR 80 per person)
• Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Meenmutty Falls (2 hours, INR 30 per person)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Chethalayam Falls (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 330 per person