Explore Wayanad in 3 days: A budget-friendly travel itinerary

Welcome to the budget - friendly Wayanad itinerary!

Longing to break free from the hustle of city life and lose yourself in the lap of nature? Are budgets keeping you away from the best getaway of your lifetime? Well lucky for you, you are on the right page! Here is a perfect budget - friendly Wayanad itinerary for you.

The morning sun shines on the green hills in Wayanad

Surrounded by the mountains of the Western Ghats, Wayanad, also known as a green paradise, is a stunning place that invites travelers to explore its untouched natural beauty and lively cultural heritage. This enchanting district is an extension of the Mysore Plateau, the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. It connects the Western Ghats with the Eastern Ghats. Wayanad has a mix of attractions, making it a perfect destination for solo adventurers, families, and even honeymooners.

Packed with hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, temples, heritage sites, dams, tea estates, and excellent trekking opportunities, Wayanad provides a breathtaking experience that makes it a must-visit destination for those looking for an escape and for those who want to experience the true essence of Kerala.

Lush green tea plantations sweep through the rolling hills of Wayanad

In this blog, we'll provide you with a budget - friendly Wayanad itinerary for 3 days, covering the best places to visit in Wayanad. We'll also answer your questions about the best time to visit Wayanad and the ideal duration for exploring this enchanting destination. Additionally, we'll share some tips to help you keep your Wayanad trip cost-effective, including budget-friendly stay options and more.

A road winding through green Wayanad forests

Read the complete blog for insights on planning a budget-friendly Wayanad travel itinerary for 3 days, ensuring your trip stays economical and enjoyable!

Day-wise Wayanad itinerary for 3 days:

• Day 1 – Arrival, Pookode Lake and Lakkidi View Point
• Day 2 – Banasura Sagar Dam, Meenmutty Waterfall, Wayanad Tea Museum
• Day 3 – Chembra Point Trek and Shopping
• Day 4 – Departure

Tea gardens border the serene road of Wayanad

Day 01 Itinerary

Assuming your Wayanad journey begins from the Kozhikode (Calicut) railway station. As you journey through, you'll experience a seamless transition from the lively city vibes to the warm and embracing hug of nature. Here's a detailed itinerary for your first day in Wayanad, packed with exciting activities and breathtaking sights.

Check out Part 1 of our Wayanad blog to know how to reach Wayanad.

9:00 am - Departure from Kozhikode railway station

Start your Wayanad adventure from the Kozhikode railway station. After your arrival, you can easily find a taxi or take a bus to reach The Hosteller Wayanad your base for the day. As you travel, be sure to look out of your window and soak in the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats as well as tea and coffee estates. Don't forget to capture these views with your camera, as they make for perfect photographs for you to add to your Instagram feed. 

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #1: Opt for local transportation options like buses or shared taxis to reach your destination as it will help you save on transportation costs. 

A serene road meanders through the Ghats of Wayanad

11:30 am - Check-in at The Hosteller

Upon your arrival at The Hosteller, proceed with the contactless check-in at our Glu and make your way to our in-house cafe, Unbox, where you can enjoy a delightful brekkie. While sipping on a cup of freshly brewed coffee, take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and lake from your room's window, and perhaps indulge in a refreshing swim in our pool if you want.

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #2: Consider booking a dormitory room at The Hosteller. Dorms are a great option for a budget-friendly trip, offering the chance to meet fellow travellers and engage in interesting conversations and shared experiences. 

The Hosteller Wayanad

2:00 pm - Explore Pookode lake

After refuelling, it's time to set out and explore the stunning Pookode Lake, which is located just a 5-minute walk from The Hosteller. This scenic freshwater lake is surrounded by evergreen forests and mountain slopes, making it a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake, hire a pedal boat or rowboat, or enjoy a fish spa session. 

Boating bliss at Pookode Lake

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #3: Pedal boats are usually cheaper than rowboats, and they provide a unique experience of exploring the lake. Consider sharing the ride with fellow travellers. Prices for pedal boats are ₹ 100 for 2 seats and ₹ 350 for rowboats. 

Kayaks rest on the edge of a Pookode lake

4:30 pm - Lakkidi viewpoint

Your adventure continues as you head to Lakkidi Viewpoint, a short 10-minute drive from Pookode Lake. Once you reach the viewpoint you will be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling hills, dense forests, and enchanting peaks and valleys of the Western Ghats.

It is an ideal spot for photography, allowing you to capture the beauty of the Western Ghats and the hues of sunrise and sunset as the sky adds an extra layer of colors. The area also creates ethereal and moody shots because of the frequent mist and fog.  

View of the serpentine ghat road from Lakkidi viewpoint on the Kozhikode - Mysore - Kollegal Highway

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #4: Don't miss out on trying local Kerala cuisine at Wilton Restaurant which is like 7 minutes away. Their "wheat parotta'' and "Kottayam beef curry" are their specialties. But of course, you can opt for some other dishes as well.  

View of Western ghat from Lakkidi viewpoint

5:00 pm - Return to The Hosteller

After a day filled with exploration and wonder, it's time to return to The Hosteller and take a well-deserved rest. You can also engage in lots of leisure activities with fellow travellers like a playful match of foosball or table tennis, perfect for unwinding and having fun.

If you're in the mood to relax, the swimming pool awaits, offering a refreshing escape. For those who enjoy the spotlight, a singing stage is available to showcase your vocal talents. With this you can end your day, ensuring you're refreshed and ready for another day. 

Common area of The Hosteller Wayanad

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #5: Given Wayanad's lack of coastal areas and railway lines, bus services are limited and relying on auto-rickshaws for short distances will be more costly. For affordable exploration, renting a car or a bike, especially a scooter, provides the freedom to travel over the region and experience its diverse attractions seamlessly. 

Swimming pool and music stage at The Hosteller Wayanad

The estimate calculation for day 01 is below:

Kozhikode railway station to The Hosteller - ₹ 800

Accommodation (Dorm) - ₹ 700

Rent a scooty for the day - ₹ 850

Entry fee at Pookode Lake - ₹ 20

Pookode Lake boating charges - ₹ 100

Total - ₹ 2470 

Day 2 Itinerary

For your second day in Wayanad, we suggest an exciting itinerary that combines natural sights and a touch of local culture. Here's a suggested plan for your day 2:

10:00 am - Start with Banasura dam

Start your day by visiting Banasura Dam, which is a 49-minute drive from The Hosteller. We suggest you to spend approximately two hours here enjoying a plethora of activities like speed boating, coracle (round bamboo raft) riding, ziplining, and a unique fish spa.

For adventure enthusiasts, you can also trek at Banasura Sagar hill which is almost 9 km, although keep in mind that it can be time-consuming. If you plan to go for a trek, make sure to start no later than 6:00 am. The trek takes 4 to 5 hours two way. (We recommend skipping the trek here, as we have planned a trekking experience on day 3 of your trip.) 

Beautiful landscape of Banasura Sagar Dam

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #6: While there are many exciting paid activities at the dam, choose one adventure activity rather than doing them all. We suggest you go for ziplining as it is cheaper compared to other activities as it costs ₹ 300, whereas other activities cost around ₹ 1000. 

Person riding a bicycle on a tightrope at the Banasura Sagar Dam

12:00 pm - Enjoy Meenmutty waterfall

After exploring Banasura Dam, head over to Meenmutty Waterfall, which is just a 10-minute drive away from Banasura Dam. To make the most of your visit, reach before 3:00 PM and head to the top of Meenmutty Waterfall, as it offers a beautiful view of the cascading water. If you're lucky, you might catch glimpses of local wildlife or a variety of birds from these spots. Alternatively, you can enjoy a refreshing dip at the starting point. 

Lush greenery surrounds Meenmutty Waterfall 

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #7: Meenmutty Waterfall has changing rooms approximately 1 km away from the main waterfall. Pack a lightweight change of clothes in your backpack. This way, you won't need to return to the hostel and can head straight for lunch directly. 

View of Meenmutty Waterfall gracefully cascading

3:00 pm - Lunch break

After your exciting adventure at Meenmutty Waterfall, around 3:00 PM, you can head for lunch. Try nearby spots like Food Lounge for Kerala fusion (12 min drive), Udupi Bhavan for veg South Indian (10 min drive), or Lake View for scenic Kerala-style seafood (14 min drive).  

Alternatively, you can also return to The Hosteller if you need some rest and can have your lunch over there.

Spicy Kerala style fish curry stew

4:30 pm - Visit Wayanad tea museum

In the late afternoon, make your way to the Wayanad Tea Museum, just a 30-minute drive from The Hosteller and also from the restaurants mentioned above. The museum itself takes about 15 minutes to explore. You can also visit their café that serves authentic tea and coffee. Be sure to go for a tea-tasting experience, where you can savor the variety of flavors of Wayanad’s teas. 

View of Wayanad Tea Museum

6:00 pm - Return to The Hosteller

After a day filled with a great mix of nature and culture in Wayanad, it's time to return back to The Hosteller. Once you're back, you can either engage in indoor games with fellow travellers or chill in the common area or simply relax in your dorm. It's a fantastic way to conclude your eventful day in Wayanad. 

People chilling in the common area of The Hosteller Wayanad

The estimate calculation for day 02 is below:

Accommodation (Dorm) - ₹ 700

Entry Fee to Banasura Dam - ₹ 40

Entry Fee to Meenmutty Waterfall - ₹ 30

Rent Scooty for the day - ₹ 850

Total - ₹ 1620 

Day 3 Itinerary

Day 3 you can go for an exciting trek in Wayanad. With an early start and a heart ready for exploration, get set to uncover the local markets and boutiques for unique souvenirs, spices, and cultural treasures of Wayanad.

4:00 am - Chembra peak trek

You have to start your day at 4 am for a stunning sunrise experience at Chembra Peak. It is the highest peak in Wayanad at an altitude of 6,890 feet above sea level and the highest peak in the Western Ghats that is above 2,000 m. The trek starts from the ticket counter and takes almost 3 hours to reach the top point. It's a bit challenging because of the steep terrain. The trek takes you through tea plantations, dense forests, and overgrown grasslands.  

As you climb up, keep an eye out for the heart-shaped lake, a unique and romantic feature of this hike. Once you reach the top, you will get a 360-degree view of the Western Ghats, and an entire view of Wayanad and Kozhikode, Malappuram and Niligiri districts.  

Note: Permission is required from the forest department to start the Chembra Peak trek, and only 200 people are allowed per day. For more insights, check out our blog on essential tips for adventurers trekking Chembra Peak in Wayanad.

Hikers trekking along the trail to Chembra Peak

Budget-friendly Wayanad travel tip #8: If you are traveling alone or with just two to three people, we recommend that you consider forming a group of 10 individuals. This will allow you to share the entry costs of the trek, as the cost per person and group remains the same. 

The heart-shaped lake on top of Chembra Peak

2:00 pm - Return to The Hosteller

Having completed your thrilling trek to Chembra Peak, return back to your dorm by 2:00 pm to relax and take a rest after the morning's adventure. For lunch, consider visiting the nearby Rest N Dine restaurant, conveniently located just a 20-minute walk from The Hosteller. Alternatively, you have the option to order from ‘Unbox Cafe’, our in-house café, which offers a variety of delightful options to satisfy your post-trek hunger.  

Unbox cafe of The Hosteller Wayanad

6:00 pm - Explore local shopping

Around 6 PM, go out for local shopping in Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, two towns in Wayanad. You can find local markets and shops offering a variety of items, including spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, etc. You can also find handicrafts like pottery, handwoven textiles, wooden items, traditional clothing, and more in these markets. Be sure to check with the staff at The Hosteller for recommendations on the best places to shop for authentic local products. 

Wayanad craft shop with cultural artifacts and traditional artistry

After shopping in Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery, you can also go for the local cuisine. We recommend trying Kerala's traditional dishes such as Puttu, Kadala Curry, Meen Mutta Omelette, Fish Moilee, and Payasam. Some highly recommended dining options include Jubilee Restaurant, Hotel Wilton, Green Gates Hotel, The Woodlands Hotel, and Chembra Heritage. 

Traditional cholam puttu, steamed corn cakes served with kadala curry and other side dishes

The estimate calculation for day 03 is below:

Accommodation (Dorm) - ₹ 700

Rent Scooty for the day - ₹ 850

Entry fee to Chembra Peak - ₹ 50

Parking charge - ₹ 10

Chembra Peak trek charges - ₹ 750 (group of 10)

Total - ₹ 2360 

Day 4 Itinerary

Return Home

Begin your final morning in Wayanad by waking up to the freshly prepared breakfast at our Unbox Cafe. Following this delightful start to the day, proceed to check out from the hostel. The designated check-out time is 1 pm, and you can conveniently opt for a contactless check-out process through our Glu web app. 

Picture of the beautiful nature scenery in Wayanad

If you are traveling to Airport or Railway Station, you have the option to go directly via cab which can cost around ₹1000 - ₹1500. For those opting for the bus, you can board from the Vythiri bus stop, which is just a 5-minute drive from The Hosteller Wayanad. You can catch a bus from there to reach your destination which will cost around ₹300. 

Amazing view of mountain layers covered with white mist at dawn

 The total expenses for the entire three-day trip:

Day 01 - ₹ 2470

Day 02 - ₹ 1620

Day 03 - ₹ 2360

Day 04 - ₹ 300

Misc - Petrol (All 3 days) - ₹ 600

Total - ₹ 7350

Note:

• The budget breakdown does not cover food expenses, giving you the flexibility to explore local eateries of your choice.
• Prices mentioned in this itinerary are subject to change and may vary based on factors like seasonality and local market conditions.
• Use our 'Glu' web app for all services, from contactless check-in to renting a scooter to placing food orders.
• Wayanad 3 day itinerary is designed for a budget-friendly experience. For additional places to explore in Wayanad, refer to our other blog with comprehensive recommendations.
  

So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to exploring Wayanad on a budget! We've covered the best places to visit in Wayanad, crafted a budget-friendly Wayanad itinerary for 3 days, and shared tips on how to keep your Wayanad trip cost-effective.  

If you want to explore even more places and get additional insights, check out our YouTube video for more travel inspiration!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, follow our Wayanad travel itinerary, and embark on an unforgettable journey that's not only easy on the pocket but gives you memories that will last long. Wayanad is calling, and it's time to answer the call! 

Women are collecting tea leaves on a tea plantation in Wayanad
 

FAQs on Wayanad

Q1: How many days are required to explore Wayanad on a budget?

A: For a budget-friendly trip to Wayanad, a minimum stay of 3-4 days will work. This duration allows you to cover the top Wayanad attractions while keeping expenses also in check.

Q2: What are some additional top places to visit in Wayanad's 3-day itinerary, apart from the ones mentioned in the blog?

A: Some must-visit destinations for Wayanad 3 day itinerary if you are staying with The Hosteller are Ambalavayal Lake (31 km), Cheengeri Mala (33 km), Edakkal Caves (36 km), Hidden Waterfall (5 km), Kurumbalakkotta Mala (29 km), Phantom Rock (30 km), Rice Paddy Fields (10 km), Tea Garden (5 km), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km).

Q3: How can I plan a budget-friendly 4-day Wayanad itinerary?

A: To extend your Wayanad trip to 4 days while staying within a budget, begin by diversifying your experiences. Explore local festivals, engage with indigenous communities, and discover lesser-known hiking trails and nature spots for a unique and enriching journey without exceeding your budget.

Q4: What budget-friendly activities can I enjoy in Wayanad?

A: Budget-conscious travellers can indulge in activities like trekking, nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring local markets. Trying traditional Kerala cuisine and visiting local temples are also cost-effective options.

Q5: What is the best time to visit Wayanad?

A: The best time to visit Wayanad is from October to February. This is the most popular time to visit Wayanad as the monsoon season ends, offering cool and pleasant weather. Temperatures during this month range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) making it an ideal time for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities.

Q6: Is Wayanad a suitable destination for a summer vacation?

A: Yes, Wayanad is a great summer destination. While temperatures can be slightly higher, it offers a cool and refreshing escape compared to many other parts of India. You can enjoy the hill station's pleasant climate, lush greenery, and adventure activities.

Q7: What are the monsoon months in Wayanad, and is it a good time to visit?

A: The monsoon season in Wayanad typically occurs from June to September. While it brings heavy rainfall, it also enhances the region's natural beauty with lush green landscapes, vibrant flora, and flowing waterfalls. It's a unique and beautiful time to visit but be prepared for occasional rains.

Q8: Is Wayanad worth going as a budget-friendly destination?

A: Absolutely, Wayanad is worth visiting on a budget! It's a great place with hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, temples, heritage sites, dams, tea estates, and many more. Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, Wayanad has everything for you. You can have a fantastic time without spending too much money if you plan your trip wisely.

Q9. Where can I find the best budget-friendly stays in Wayanad?

A: When it comes to a budget friendly stay in Wayanad, The Hosteller Wayanad is the ultimate choice. It stands out as the ideal choice as it offers budget rooms for both solo travellers and groups that prioritize comfort, making it perfect for cost-conscious travellers looking for a budget-friendly stay in Wayanad. This budget friendly location also provides easy access to Wayanad's top attractions, ensuring a convenient and memorable stay for those exploring the enchanting landscapes of the region.

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