3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary from Tiruppur to Wayanad in June 2023

1. Day 1: Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam
   2 hours 40 minutes (86.9 km) from Tiruppur

   Located at the base of the Banasura Hills, the Banasura Sagar Dam offers breathtaking views and serene surroundings. Spend the morning kayaking through the calm waters of the dam with your family. In the afternoon, take a 30-minute trek to the nearby Banasura Peak to witness the panoramic beauty of Wayanad. In the evening, visit the Meenmutty Waterfalls, which is a 45-minute drive from the dam.

2. Day 2: Explore the Edakkal Caves
   1 hour 10 minutes (30.7 km) from Banasura Sagar Dam

   Visit the prehistoric Edakkal Caves, located on top of Ambukuthi Hills. These caves are famous for their ancient carvings and paintings which depict the lifestyle of the Neolithic people. The caves require a 1.5 km trek which will take 45-minutes. Spend your afternoon at Pookode Lake, which is a 40-minute drive from the caves. Go for a boat ride or take a leisurely walk around the lake. In the evening, visit the Chembra Peak, which is a 50-minute drive from the lake, to witness a stunning sunset.

3. Day 3: Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (44.5 km) from Edakkal Caves

   Explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Take a jeep safari with your family to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. Spend the afternoon at the Soochipara Waterfalls, which is a 20-minute drive from the sanctuary. You can take a dip in the refreshing waters or take a short trek to the nearby treehouse. In the evening, visit the Thirunelli Temple, which is a 45-minute drive from the falls, to witness the beautiful architecture of the temple and experience the serene atmosphere.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, you can visit the Kuruva Island which is a serene and picturesque river delta formed by the Kabini River. You can also visit the Wayanad Heritage Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. If you want to take a side trip, you can visit the nearby Coorg, which is famous for its coffee plantations.

To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary in advance, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, carry plenty of water and snacks, and travel during non-peak hours to avoid traffic.

Other suggestions include visiting the local markets to try the authentic Wayanad cuisine and interacting with the locals to learn about their culture and way of life.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banasura Sagar Dam (4 hours, INR 500)
• Meenmutty Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 20/person)
• Edakkal Caves (3 hours, INR 40/person)
• Pookode Lake (2 hours, INR 10/person)
• Chembra Peak (2 hours, INR 750/trekking group)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 100/person)
• Soochipara Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 50/person)
• Thirunelli Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,470