Up the nine hairpins of the Thamarassery ghat to Kerala's green north: a forest lake, the country's largest earth dam and Edakkal's ancient carvings — your own vehicle and driver.
Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Dam, Pookode Lake, Thamarassery ghat
Itinerary
Day 1 · 6:30 AM — Pickup & drive to Wayanad From your door in Malappuram — about 100 km via Manjeri, Areekode, Mukkam and the Thamarassery ghat, roughly 4 hours with breakfast. (Stay booked by you)
Day 1 · morning — Lakkidi viewpoint & Pookode Lake The view back down the ghat, then a forest lake right on the way in. (Boating optional, paid direct)
Day 1 · afternoon — Banasura Sagar Dam India's largest earth dam, with green islands in the reservoir. (Entry & boating own expense)
Day 2 · morning — Edakkal Caves A short, steep climb to caves with prehistoric rock carvings. (Closed Mondays · entry own expense)
Day 2 · or swap in — Soochipara or Kuruva A forest waterfall or bamboo-raft river islands instead of the caves. (Seasonal · we check if open)
Day 2 · 1:30 PM — Drive home Lunch, then down the ghat; back at your door in Malappuram by about 6 PM.
Good to know
🪨 Edakkal Caves: Closed on Mondays — we swap the day order if needed. 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; falls can shut after heavy rain. 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: Thamarassery ghat jams on weekends and holidays. We start early and climb before the midday trucks.
