Kerala, India · Trip plan
3 days in Wayanad
Neolithic caves, heart-shaped lakes and spice-scented forest.
- Best time
- Oct – May
- Ideal length
- 3 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹6,000 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹36,000
Planning a 3-day trip to Wayanad? Here's a day-by-day Wayanad itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
After the rains the forest is green, waterfalls are full and treks to Chembra and Edakkal are open again.
Wayanad is a green highland in northern Kerala of spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls and prehistoric caves. It's ideal for families and small groups who like easy treks and nature.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
October to May: 18–29°C, cool and pleasant.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Wayanad
- 01
Edakkal Caves
Rock carvings thought to be over 6,000 years old.
- 02
Chembra Peak
A trek to a heart-shaped lake (permit and guide required).
- 03
Banasura Sagar
India's largest earth dam, with islands in the reservoir.
- 04
Soochipara Falls
A three-tiered waterfall in the forest.
Day by day
Wayanad itinerary for 3 days
- D1
Day 1: The lake
- Morning
- Drive into Wayanad and check in.
- Afternoon
- Banasura Sagar Dam: speedboat on the reservoir between small islands.
- Evening
- Dinner at your homestay with Malabar dishes.
Start early to avoid the Thamarassery ghat traffic.
- D2
Day 2: Chembra and Soochipara
- Morning
- Trek to Chembra Peak's heart-shaped lake (about 3 hours return, guide required, permits at the forest office).
- Afternoon
- Lunch, then Soochipara Falls, a three-tiered waterfall in the forest.
- Evening
- Relax at your stay.
Chembra trek permits are limited daily; get there by 7 AM.
- D3
Day 3: Edakkal and spices
- Morning
- Climb to Edakkal Caves to see Neolithic rock carvings.
- Afternoon
- Spice farm walk and buy pepper, cardamom and coffee.
- Evening
- Drive back.
Edakkal is closed on Mondays.
Shorter or longer
Wayanad in 2, 3 or 5 days
2 days in Wayanad
Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Edakkal and spices”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
5 days in Wayanad
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Ooty.
Wayanad trip from your city
- From Bangalore:About 6 hours by road
What it costs
Wayanad trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 3 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹6,000 | ₹36,000 |
| Luxury | ₹20,000+ | ₹1,20,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Wayanad is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Wayanad for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Wayanad
Bamboo rice payasam
A rare local dessert.
Malabar biryani
Fragrant, mild and delicious.
Wayanad coffee and pepper
Buy from local farms.
Getting there
How to reach Wayanad
- Travel
- Kozhikode (Calicut) airport is about 90 km; Bengaluru is 280 km by road through Mysuru.
- Getting around
- Hire a car or taxi; the sights are spread out across the district.
- Edakkal closes on Mondays.
- Night driving through the Bandipur and Muthanga forest is banned between 9 PM and 6 AM.
Before you go
What to pack for Wayanad
- Power bank and charging cables
- ID (Aadhaar or licence)
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
Good questions
Wayanad trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Wayanad?
3 days are enough to see the highlights: Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 3-day Wayanad trip cost?
Roughly ₹2,000 a day per person on a budget, ₹6,000 mid-range and ₹20,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹36,000 for 3 days.
What is the best time to visit Wayanad?
Oct – May. After the rains the forest is green, waterfalls are full and treks to Chembra and Edakkal are open again.
Where should I stay in Wayanad?
Budget: Homestays around Kalpetta (Kalpetta), from about ₹2,000 a night. Mid-range: Banasura Hill Resort (Banasura), from about ₹9,000 a night. Luxury: Vythiri Village (Vythiri), from about ₹18,000 a night.
How do I reach Wayanad?
Kozhikode (Calicut) airport is about 90 km; Bengaluru is 280 km by road through Mysuru.
Is 2 days enough for Wayanad?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Edakkal and spices". 3 days is the comfortable length.
How do I plan a trip to Wayanad from Bangalore?
About 6 hours by road. Then follow the 3-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹2,000 a day per person plus travel.
What is the weather like in Wayanad?
October to May: 18–29°C, cool and pleasant.
What food should I try in Wayanad?
Bamboo rice payasam: A rare local dessert. Malabar biryani: Fragrant, mild and delicious. Wayanad coffee and pepper: Buy from local farms.
How do I get around Wayanad?
Hire a car or taxi; the sights are spread out across the district.
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