Historic Kozhikode, Wayanad Jungles & Athirapally Falls
Experience a side of Kerala that most visitors never see — the historic Arab trading port of Kozhikode (Calicut), the jungle-covered hills of Wayanad, and the thundering Athirapally Waterfalls — on this 6-day route through Kerala's magnificent north.
Kozhikode is where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498, and its history is layered with Arab, Portuguese, and British influences. The S.M. Street (Sweet Meat Street) bazaar, the ancient mosques of Mishkal and Muccundiyil, and Kozhikode Beach offer an introduction to this storied city.
Wayanad — Kerala's plateau district at 700–2,100 metres — is one of the state's most biodiverse regions. The extraordinary Edakkal Caves contain Stone Age rock engravings dating back 6,000 years. Pookode Lake glimmers in a forest setting. Soochipara Falls plunges through the jungle. And the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary shelters tigers, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs in dense forest.
The tour concludes with a spiritual visit to Guruvayur — home to the Sree Krishna Temple, one of the most important Vishnu shrines in Kerala — and a stop at Athirapally, Kerala's most spectacular waterfall, before Fort Kochi's colonial farewell.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Kozhikode (Calicut) — where Vasco da Gama first set foot in India in 1498. After your airport pickup, explore this historic trading city: the atmospheric Kuttichira neighbourhood with its ancient Mishkal Mosque (14th century), Muccundiyil Mosque, the famous S.M. Street (Sweetmeat Street) lined with halwa shops and thalassery biryani restaurants, and Kozhikode Beach with its Victorian pier. Evening at a rooftop restaurant serving Malabar cuisine.
Drive east into the Wayanad plateau, climbing through coffee and pepper estates. Visit the Edakkal Caves — two natural caves in the Ambukuthi Hills containing extraordinary Neolithic and late prehistoric rock engravings, some dating to 6,000 BCE. The 20-minute forest walk to reach the caves is as rewarding as the site itself. Continue to the serene Pookode Lake — a natural freshwater lake in a forest hollow, perfect for a pedal-boat ride. Arrive Wayanad and check in to your forest resort.
Morning: an early jeep safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Asia. Asian elephant herds are commonly sighted; tigers, leopards, Indian wild dog (dhole), gaur, and over 300 bird species also inhabit the forest. Afternoon: trek to Soochipara (Chain Tree) Falls — a 3-step waterfall plunging 200 metres into a forest pool, reached via a 1.5 km jungle trail. Evening: Banasura Sagar Dam — India's largest earthen dam — at sunset.
Morning: visit a Kurichya or Paniya tribal settlement with a local guide — learn about the indigenous communities of Wayanad, their forest knowledge, and traditional crafts. Drive west through rubber and coconut estates to Guruvayur (about 4 hours). The Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur is one of the most important Vishnu shrines in Kerala — the deity Guruvayurappan is an eight-armed child Krishna. The procession of ceremonial elephants (the temple maintains a famous elephant reserve at Punnathur Kotta, 4 km away) is extraordinary.
Drive south toward Kochi, stopping at Athirapally Waterfalls — at 80 feet wide and plunging 80 feet into the Chalakudy River, this is Kerala's largest and most spectacular waterfall, set within the Vazhachal Forest Reserve. The drive through the Sholayar Forest range to reach the falls is itself beautiful. Continue to Kochi and check in to your Fort Kochi heritage hotel. Evening walk along the harbour promenade — Chinese fishing nets at sunset and a farewell Kerala dinner.
Morning: a guided walk through Fort Kochi — the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry with its extraordinary Kerala murals, the Paradesi Synagogue (1568) in Jew Town, St Francis Church (oldest European church in India), and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Transfer to Cochin Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ Accommodation in handpicked hotels throughout
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
- ✓ English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓ All applicable taxes
- ✓ Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- ✓ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary jeep safari
- ✓ Edakkal Caves guided tour
- ✓ Tribal village cultural visit
- ✓ Fort Kochi guided heritage walk
Not Included ✗
- ✗ Flights to / from Kerala
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Lunches & dinners (except where specified)
- ✗ Personal expenses & shopping
- ✗ Gratuities for guides & drivers
- ✗ Monument & park entry fees (unless stated)
- ✗ Soochipara Falls trek guide fee (payable locally)
- ✗ Guruvayur Temple darshan (entry free but queuing may require assistance)
Your questions, answered
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere — one of the largest protected areas in Asia and home to one of India's largest elephant populations. Jeep safaris through the Muthanga and Tholpetty zones regularly yield elephant, deer, bison, and bird sightings. Tiger and leopard sightings are less frequent but possible. The best time is early morning (6–9 AM) in the dry season (January–April).
October to March is ideal — post-monsoon, lush and green, comfortable temperatures (25–30°C on coast, cooler in hills). December–January is peak season; book well ahead. Avoid June–August (heavy monsoon).
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and tailored to you. We can adjust duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry — no obligation.
We include carefully vetted 4-star and 5-star hotels, plantation retreats, heritage homestays, and boutique resorts. Upgrades to luxury tree-houses, lake-view villas, and exclusive resorts are available on request.
A kettuvallam is a converted rice barge with bedrooms, living area, kitchen, and sun deck. Your crew (captain and cook) prepare all meals fresh on board — fish curry, coconut rice, prawn dishes, appam. Moored in a quiet canal overnight. One of India's most unique experiences.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
60+ days: full refund minus admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50%. Under 15 days: no refund. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
