Up the Periya ghat to Kerala's green north: Kabini river islands, India's largest earth dam, a forest lake and Edakkal's ancient carvings — two easy days with your own vehicle and driver.
Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Dam, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake
Itinerary
Day 1 · 6:30 AM — Pickup & drive up From your door in Kannur — about 75 km via Kuthuparamba, Nedumpoil and the Periya ghat to Mananthavady, roughly 2.5 hours with breakfast. (Stay booked by you)
Day 1 · 10:00 AM — Kuruva Island Forest-covered river islands on the Kabini, crossed on foot or by bamboo raft. (Seasonal · daily cap · paid direct)
Day 1 · afternoon — Banasura Sagar Dam India's largest earth dam, with green islands in the reservoir. Overnight in Kalpetta or Vythiri. (Entry & boating own expense)
Day 2 · 8:00 AM — Pookode Lake & Lakkidi A forest lake, then the viewpoint over the Thamarassery ghat. (Boating optional, paid direct)
Day 2 · late morning — Edakkal Caves A short, steep climb to caves with prehistoric rock carvings. (Closed Mondays · entry own expense)
Day 2 · ~6:00 PM — Drive home Leave Wayanad by 2:30 PM so the Periya ghat is done in daylight; home in Kannur by evening.
Good to know
🪨 Edakkal Caves: Closed on Mondays — on a Sunday start we swap the days around. The climb is steep: not ideal for elders or small children.
🌧️ Seasonal spots: Kuruva Island closes in the monsoon and has a daily visitor cap; rafts stop when the river runs high. We check on the day and swap stops.
🏨 Your stay: You book your resort or homestay; Kalpetta and Vythiri are central. Your driver's night allowance is in our price.
⛰️ The ghat: The Periya ghat can close after landslips in heavy rain. We check the road the day before and come down before dark.
