Two days is the right length for Wayanad. Day one is Edakkal Caves at opening time, Phantom Rock, the Jain temple in Sulthan Bathery and Karapuzha Dam, a half day. Day two is Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake, Pookode Lake, En Ooru and Lakkidi. If one day is a Monday, make it the Banasura day.
Edakkal Caves at opening time, then Phantom Rock, the old Jain temple in Sulthan Bathery and Karapuzha Dam. A half day, back in Kalpetta by about 13:45 for lunch. 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.
A 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.
Tip: It is small and calm. Twenty to thirty minutes is enough.
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.
Banasura Sagar Dam when it opens, Karlad Lake, then Pookode Lake, lunch, En Ooru tribal village and the Lakkidi viewpoint. Back in Kalpetta by about 16:00.
India'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.
Tip: It is a walk of a few hundred metres from the gate to the dam; buggies run when it is busy.
A small lake in the forest near Thariyode, run as an adventure park with pedal boats, kayaks and a long zip line over the water.
Tip: It is on the way back from Banasura Sagar, so it fits after the dam.
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.
A 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.
Tip: Buy crafts and food here; the money goes to the communities who run it.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Lakkidi Viewpoint | Roadside, open in daylight; no ticket? | Afternoon, before the mist rolls up the ghat. | 20 min |
Edakkal, Pookode and Lakkidi
See the 1-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 →Yes, for the main sights: Edakkal Caves, Phantom Rock, Karapuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake and Lakkidi. Add a third morning for the Soochipara and Kanthanpara falls.
Kalpetta or Vythiri is central for these plans. Edakkal is about 25 km from Kalpetta and Banasura Sagar about 20 km, in opposite directions.
Make Monday the Banasura Sagar and Pookode day. Edakkal Caves, on the other day, is closed on Mondays.