Edakkal Caves
Rock shelters with Neolithic petroglyphs, reached by a steep 45-minute climb.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 25 km from Kalpetta
Wayanad
Rainforest, caves and coffee hills.
- State
- Kerala
- Recommended duration
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Best months
- October – May
- Estimated package price
- ₹16,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Wayanad
Wayanad is Kerala's green highland district, made up of rainforest, coffee and spice estates and a wildlife sanctuary that connects with Bandipur and Nagarhole. The Edakkal caves hold petroglyphs thousands of years old, and Chembra Peak offers one of the state's best day treks.
MountainsWildlifeAdventure
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Wayanad
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Chembra Peak
A guided trek to a heart-shaped lake and the district's highest ridge.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 4–5 hours
- Best time to visit
- Early morning
- Approximate distance
- About 15 km
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Jeep safaris at Muthanga and Tholpetty with good chances of elephants, deer and gaur.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Half day
- Best time to visit
- Sunrise slot
- Approximate distance
- About 40 km
Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls
Multi-tiered waterfalls set in dense forest with rock pools at the base.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 3 hours
- Best time to visit
- After the monsoon
Banasura Sagar Dam
India's largest earth dam, with island-dotted reservoir views and speedboat rides.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2–3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Afternoon
- Approximate distance
- About 21 km
Suggested itinerary
A sample 4-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Wayanad
Reach Wayanad, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Edakkal Caves + Chembra Peak + Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Edakkal Caves: Rock shelters with Neolithic petroglyphs, reached by a steep 45-minute climb. Chembra Peak: A guided trek to a heart-shaped lake and the district's highest ridge. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Jeep safaris at Muthanga and Tholpetty with good chances of elephants, deer and gaur.
Day 3 — Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls + Banasura Sagar Dam
Soochipara & Meenmutty Falls: Multi-tiered waterfalls set in dense forest with rock pools at the base. Banasura Sagar Dam: India's largest earth dam, with island-dotted reservoir views and speedboat rides.
Day 4 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Wayanad.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 4 days / 3 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 3 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹6,500
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹4,000
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹2,500
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹2,500
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹1,000
Estimated total
₹16,500 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Wayanad and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Wayanad
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Calicut International Airport
About 95 km
3 hours
Kannur airport is a similar distance.
By Rail
Kozhikode Railway Station
About 85 km
2.5 – 3 hours
The nearest railhead.
By Road
Kozhikode – Wayanad via Thamarassery ghat
About 85 km
3 hours
Nine hairpin bends with valley views on the climb.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Wayanad through the seasons
Recommended months: October – May.
Summer
March – May
Warm in the plains but cool and pleasant in the hills — the classic escape season for tea gardens, viewpoints and boating.
Monsoon
June – September
Mist, waterfalls and intense greenery. Beautiful for slow travel and photography, though viewpoints are often clouded over.
Winter
October – February
Clear skies, cool mornings and the best visibility of the year. The most comfortable time for trekking and sightseeing.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Wayanad
Trekking
Jeep safari
Waterfall visits
Bamboo rafting
Plantation tours
Zip-lining
Photo gallery
Wayanad in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Wayanad
- Carry layered woollens — mountain temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
- Ascend gradually and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of altitude discomfort.
- Start road journeys early; hill drives take longer than the distance suggests.
- Book safari permits in advance; daily jeep slots are limited.
- Wear muted earth-toned clothing and avoid perfumes on safari.
- Carry binoculars and keep noise to a minimum inside the park.
- Choose activity operators who provide certified equipment and safety briefings.
- Check age, health and weight requirements before signing up for adventure sports.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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