Day-by-Day Itinerary
Night Departure & Arrival
Night departure from Chennai/Coimbatore. Cross the dramatic Thamarassery Churam (ghat road with 9 hairpin bends) at dawn. Morning: Arrive Kalpetta (Wayanad HQ). Check-in to resort/hotel. Breakfast. Forenoon: Visit Edakkal Caves — 10,000-year-old cave paintings, one of South India's most significant Neolithic and Mesolithic sites. The trek to the caves (1 km climb) has breathtaking valley views. Afternoon: Ambalavayal Heritage Museum — Kerala's first tribal museum with artefacts from Wayanad's indigenous communities. Visit Thirunelly Temple — ancient Vishnu temple in dense forest, called the "Kashi of the South" (60 km round trip). Evening: Campfire at resort. Dinner. Overnight Wayanad.
Chembra Peak Trek
Early morning: 5:30 AM — Start the Chembra Peak trek (2,100m — highest peak in Wayanad). The 3.5 km trek to the top passes through verdant grasslands and shola forests. En route: Heart-shaped lake (Hridaya Thadakam) — a naturally formed heart-shaped pond that never dries, located midway up the trek. Summit: Panoramic 360° views of the Nilgiri Hills and Wayanad plateau on clear days. Trek back down by afternoon. Afternoon: Relax at the resort. Evening: Visit a local spice plantation — see how pepper, cardamom, coffee and vanilla are grown. Dinner with traditional Wayanad cuisine. Overnight Wayanad.
Banasura Dam & Tribal Village
Morning: Breakfast. Visit Banasura Sagar Dam — India's largest earthen dam, and second largest in Asia. Stunning views across the reservoir against forest-covered hills. Optional speedboat ride. Forenoon: Banbassa Island — boat ride to a small island in the reservoir with picturesque views. Afternoon: Visit a Tribal Village — interact with Adivasi communities (Kurichiya/Paniya tribes). Learn about their culture, traditional healing practices, bamboo craft and forest knowledge. Responsible, guided interaction only. Evening: Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls) — 200m three-tiered waterfall accessible by 2 km forest trek. Swimming allowed in the natural pool. Dinner. Overnight Wayanad.
Pookode Lake & Return Journey
Morning: Breakfast. Visit Pookode Lake — a pristine freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forests, 2,100m above sea level. Pedal boat ride across the lake. Mid-morning: Visit Karapuzha Dam — the largest irrigation dam in Kerala. Late morning: Shopping in Kalpetta for Wayanad honey, bamboo products, tribal handicrafts. Check-out. Begin return journey. Arrive home city by late night.
Included
- AC transport (return)
- 3 nights hotel/resort accommodation
- Chembra Peak trek permit + guide
- Edakkal Caves entry
- Tribal village guided visit
- Breakfast (Day 2, 3, 4) + Dinner (Day 1, 2, 3)
- Trip leader
Not Included
- Speedboat / boat rides (optional)
- Soochipara Falls entry fee (~₹50)
- Lunch on all days
- Personal shopping
Fitness Note: Chembra Peak trek (Day 2) involves 7 km round trip and ~600m elevation gain. Moderate fitness required. The trek can be skipped for those who prefer lighter activities.