The Wayanad guide

Lakes, hills and waterfalls, all within an hour.

The villas sit 2 km from Banasura Sagar Dam in Padinjarathara. Here's how we'd spend two or three days, with time left over for the pool.

Itinerary

Pick your pace

Our favourite. Two days of exploring with a lazy afternoon in between.

Day 1
Arrive and settle in
1 pmCheck in, unpack and get the kids into the pool.
4 pmDrive 2 km to Banasura Sagar Dam for the late-afternoon light over the reservoir.
NightCook together in the villa kitchen, or order in. Evening swim with the pool lights on.
Keep day one short. The drive up the ghat is enough for the first day.
Day 2
The dam and the lakes
9 amBack to Banasura Sagar Dam for speed boats and the zipline before the queues build.
1 pmLunch near the dam or a sadya at Olan in Kalpetta.
3 pmKarlad Lake for kayaking and the lake zipline. Home by sunset.
Weekends get busy at the dam. Arrive at opening if you can.
Day 3
Hills, or nothing at all
6 amBanasura Hill trek with a forest guide, or sunrise at Kurumbalakotta for the older kids.
1 pmLong lunch back at the villa.
4 pmPool, books and naps. Nobody has to go anywhere.
Treks need forest department permits. Ask us and we can point you to the counter.
Last day
One last swim
8 amMorning swim and a slow breakfast.
11 amCheck out. Stop at Pookode Lake and the Lakkidi viewpoint on the drive down.
Leave by noon to clear the ghat road before evening traffic.
Places

Everything nearby, by drive time

Water5 min
Banasura Sagar DamIndia's largest earthen dam, with island-dotted water and the Banasura hills behind.
Best forEveryoneTipSpeed boats and zipline. Go at opening on weekends.
Water20 min
Karlad LakeA quiet lake surrounded by forest, with kayaking and a zipline over the water.
Best forFamilies with older kidsTipAdventure activities depend on weight and age limits.
Treks15 min
Banasura Hill and Meenmutty FallsGrassland and shola forest climbing above the reservoir, with Meenmutty Falls on the way.
Best forFit adults and teensTipForest permit and guide required. Start early.
Treks30 min
KurumbalakottaA short hill climb known for sunrise views over a sea of mist.
Best forEarly risersTipLeave by 5 am in the cooler months for the clouds.
Treks1 hr 15
Chembra PeakWayanad's highest peak, famous for its heart-shaped lake partway up.
Best forSerious trekkersTipEntry limited daily. Check whether it is open before you go.
Sights1 hr
Pookode LakeA freshwater lake in evergreen forest with pedal boats and a walking path.
Best forGrandparents and small kidsTipEasy stop on the drive in or out.
Sights1 hr
Lakkidi Viewpoint and Chain TreeThe gateway to Wayanad, looking down the hairpin bends of the Thamarassery ghat.
Best forEveryoneTipBest on the clear mornings after rain.
Sights1 hr 15
Edakkal CavesNeolithic petroglyphs inside a rock shelter at the top of Ambukuthi hill.
Best forOlder kids and history loversTipClosed Mondays. Steep climb, wear good shoes.
Water1 hr 15
Soochipara FallsA tall, three-tiered waterfall reached by a forest walk.
Best forFamiliesTipAt its best just after the monsoon. Can close after heavy rain.
Wildlife1 hr 15
Kuruva IslandA cluster of river islands on the Kabini, crossed by bamboo raft.
Best forKids who like adventureTipOpens seasonally with daily visitor limits.
Wildlife1 hr 30
Muthanga Wildlife SanctuaryJeep safaris through forest home to elephants, deer and the occasional big cat.
Best forEveryoneTipSafari slots are limited. Arrive early for morning entry.
Culture45 min
Uravu Bamboo VillageA craft collective making furniture, lamps and objects from local bamboo.
Best forCurious mindsTipGood for gifts to take home.
Culture1 hr 45
Thirunelli TempleAn ancient Vishnu temple in the Brahmagiri hills, surrounded by forest.
Best forPilgrims and grandparentsTipDress code applies. Combine with a Kuruva visit.
Culture1 hr
Jain Temple, Sulthan BatheryA 13th-century granite temple at the heart of Sulthan Bathery.
Best forHistory loversTipQuick stop with lunch in town.
When to come

Every season, a different Wayanad

Jun – SepMonsoonGreen everywhere, mist on the dam and full waterfalls. Some treks and Kuruva close. Perfect for long afternoons indoors and swims between showers.
Oct – NovAfter the rainsWaterfalls still strong, skies clearing, treks reopening. Our favourite time.
Dec – FebCool and clearCrisp mornings, sunny days and the best trekking weather. Christmas and New Year book early.
Mar – MaySummerWarm days and cool nights. Pool weather. Reservoir levels drop by late summer.
Good to know

Before you set out

MondaysEdakkal Caves and some attractions close on Mondays.
PermitsBanasura Hill, Chembra and Muthanga need forest department entry or permits, with daily limits.
AdventureZiplines and boats have age, height and weight limits. Carry ID.
DrivingHill roads are narrow. Avoid driving the ghat after dark.
LeechesCommon on forest trails in the monsoon. Wear socks and carry salt.
Timings, fees and seasonal closures change often, especially after heavy rain. Check locally before you go.
Getting here

Padinjarathara, Wayanad

Kozhikode (Calicut) airport~90 km · 2.5 hrs
Kannur airport~95 km · 2.5 hrs
Kozhikode railway station~80 km · 2.5 hrs
Bengaluru~280 km · 6.5 hrs
Kalpetta~20 km · 35 min
That's three days, easily.
Book three nights and you'll still have a full afternoon with nothing to do but swim. With only six villas, long weekends go first.
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