One day covers Wayanad's best-known sights if you leave Kalpetta at 08:30: Edakkal Caves at opening time, Phantom Rock and Karapuzha Dam, lunch, then Pookode Lake and the Lakkidi viewpoint. It is about 100 km by cab, back by about 16:00. Avoid Mondays, when Edakkal is closed.
Edakkal Caves at opening time, Phantom Rock and Karapuzha Dam, lunch, then Pookode Lake and the Lakkidi viewpoint at the top of the ghat. About 100 km, back in Kalpetta by about 16:00. Not on a Monday, when Edakkal is closed.
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.
Tip: Closed on Mondays. Entry is capped each day, so arrive early in season. Jeeps run the last steep stretch from the parking; wear shoes with grip.
A 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.
Tip: Look at it from the road first; the skull shape only shows from below.
An 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.
Tip: The gardens and walkway are the main draw; the adventure rides cost extra.
A 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.
Tip: It is busy at weekends. The path round the lake takes about 30 minutes on foot.
The 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.
Tip: Watch your things: monkeys at the viewpoint grab food and bags.
Drive times come from road routing without traffic. Wayanad's roads are narrow and slow in rain, and the district shuts its tourist spots on heavy-rain and red-alert days, so check the morning you go. Opening hours marked ? are not yet confirmed, so check them before you go.
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.
The hours we planned around. Check before you go on a public holiday.
| 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 |
| Karapuzha Dam | About 09:00 to 18:00? | Any time; the walkway by the water is pleasant all day. | 45 min |
| Pookode Lake | About 09:00 to 17:00; boating to about 16:30? | Afternoon, for a slow boat round the lake. | 1 h |
| Lakkidi Viewpoint | Roadside, open in daylight; no ticket? | Afternoon, before the mist rolls up the ghat. | 20 min |
Edakkal Caves and the east · Banasura Sagar, Pookode and Lakkidi
See the 2-day plan →Edakkal Caves and the east · Banasura Sagar, Pookode and Lakkidi · Soochipara and Kanthanpara falls
See the 3-day plan →Every sight with what to see, opening times and how long to stay.
See all places →The highlights, yes: Edakkal Caves, Phantom Rock, Karapuzha Dam, Pookode Lake and Lakkidi. It is a long driving day of about 100 km. Banasura Sagar Dam and the falls need a second day.
Leave Kalpetta at about 08:30 to reach Edakkal when it opens at 09:00. Entry is capped each day, and the climb is cooler in the morning.
Not Edakkal Caves, which is closed on Mondays. Do Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake, Pookode and Lakkidi instead (day two of the 2-day plan).