Wayanad's main sights fit in two days by cab from Kalpetta: Edakkal Caves, Phantom Rock and Karapuzha Dam on one day, and Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake and Lakkidi on the other. One long day covers Edakkal, Pookode and Lakkidi. A third morning adds the Soochipara and Kanthanpara falls. Edakkal is closed on Mondays.
Each plan is a real route by cab, timed against opening hours.
Edakkal, Pookode and Lakkidi
5 places · 100 km by cab
See the plan →Edakkal Caves and the east · Banasura Sagar, Pookode and Lakkidi
9 places · 151 km by cab
See the plan →Edakkal Caves and the east · Banasura Sagar, Pookode and Lakkidi · Soochipara and Kanthanpara falls
11 places · 212 km by cab
See the plan →Call or message a local Wayanad operator with this plan. Tell them your hotel and dates, and they send a price for the car and driver.
We are still listing Wayanad operators. Write to [email protected] and we will put you in touch.
With the best time to go and how long to stay.
| Place | Open | Best time | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edakkal Caves | 09:00 to 16:00; closed on Mondays | At opening time, before the queue and the midday sun on the climb. | 1 h 30 min |
| Phantom Rock | About 09:00 to 16:00? | With Edakkal, a short drive away. | 30 min |
| Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery | 08:00 to 17:30 (Sundays from 10:00)? | Any time; it is in the middle of Sulthan Bathery town. | 30 min |
| Karapuzha Dam | About 09:00 to 18:00? | Any time; the walkway by the water is pleasant all day. | 45 min |
| Soochipara Falls | About 09:00 to 15:30 (some listings say 08:00 to 17:00); closed in heavy rain and on red-alert days? | Morning, so you are back up the path before the afternoon rain. | 1 h 30 min |
| Kanthanpara Falls | 09:00 to 16:30 | After Soochipara. It looks close on the map, but it is about 40 minutes by road. | 30 min |
| Banasura Sagar Dam | About 09:00 to 17:00? | Morning, before the clouds settle on the hills. | 1 h 15 min |
| Karlad Lake | About 09:00 to 17:00? | Late morning, after Banasura. | 40 min |
| Pookode Lake | About 09:00 to 17:00; boating to about 16:30? | Afternoon, for a slow boat round the lake. | 1 h |
| En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village | About 09:00 to 17:00? | Afternoon, between Pookode and Lakkidi. | 1 h |
Two rock shelters high on Ambukuthi Mala, about 25 km south-east of Kalpetta, reached by a steep climb of about 1 km. The upper cave's walls are carved with figures, animals and symbols thousands of years old, among the oldest rock engravings in South India.
In the 1-day planA huge boulder balanced on a hill near Ambalavayal, shaped like a skull when seen from the road. A short scramble up gives wide views over the Ambalavayal plateau.
In the 1-day planA granite Jain temple from about the 13th century, later used by Tipu Sultan's army as an ammunition store, which gave the town its name. Its pillars and doorway carry fine carving, and it is now a protected monument.
Day 1 of the 2-day planAn earth dam near Meenangadi with a long reservoir dotted with green islands. The park at the dam has gardens, a walkway along the water and kayaking and zip lines.
In the 1-day planA waterfall that drops about 200 m in three tiers through forest south of Meppadi, about 22 km from Kalpetta. A forest path of about 1.5 km leads down to the pool below the falls.
Day 3 of the 3-day planA smaller, gentler waterfall near Meppadi, falling about 30 m over rocks into a pool in the trees. The walk in is short and easy.
Day 3 of the 3-day planIndia's largest earth dam, about 20 km north-west of Kalpetta, holding a reservoir whose flooded valleys left hilltops as islands. A walk along the dam gives views of the Banasura hills, and speed boats run on the water.
Day 2 of the 2-day planA small lake in the forest near Thariyode, run as an adventure park with pedal boats, kayaks and a long zip line over the water.
Day 2 of the 2-day planA natural freshwater lake in the forest near Vythiri, about 13 km south of Kalpetta, shaped roughly like the map of India. A path runs right round it, and pedal and row boats go out among the water lilies.
In the 1-day planA heritage village near Vythiri run with Wayanad's tribal communities, with traditional houses, crafts, food and a market. It shows how the hill tribes of the district live and build.
Day 2 of the 2-day planThe top of the Thamarassery ghat road, the gateway to Wayanad, about 16 km south of Kalpetta. From the railing you look down the nine hairpin bends to the plains far below.
In the 1-day planA cluster of forested river islands in the Kabini, about 35 km north of Kalpetta near Mananthavady. You cross by bamboo raft or boat and walk on paths through the trees and over shallow streams between the islands.
Not in our plans. Add it if you have time.The tomb of Pazhassi Raja, the Kottayam king who fought the British from the Wayanad forests until he was killed in 1805. A small museum beside it tells his story.
Not in our plans. Add it if you have time.Wayanad's highest peak at about 2,100 m, south of Kalpetta. The guided trek climbs through tea and grassland to a heart-shaped lake on the way up.
Not in our plans. Add it if you have time.Two days: one for Edakkal Caves and the east, one for Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake and Lakkidi. A third morning adds the Soochipara and Kanthanpara falls.
Mondays. It is open 09:00 to 16:00 the rest of the week, with a daily cap on visitors.
Only between the monsoons, roughly from November or December to May, and not when the river is high. Tickets are capped each day, so go early.
Not easily. It is a guided trek of about five hours that needs a forest department permit, with starts from about 07:00 to 10:00. Plan it as its own morning.
They can be. The district closes tourist spots on heavy-rain and red-alert days, and trekking and the waterfalls shut first. Check the morning you go in the monsoon.
Yes. The days here are about 60 to 100 km from Kalpetta. Check the hours and kilometre limit with the operator before you book.