Kerala’s Wayanad and Karnataka’s Kabini have lured travelers for centuries—first for pepper and cardamom, now for rolling tea hills, forested peaks, and big-cat safaris. Wayanad’s name likely derives from “Vayal Nadu,” land of paddy fields, where Neolithic petroglyphs still cling to rocky shelters. Downstream, Kabini waters the teak forests of Nagarhole, a protected landscape famed for elephants, dholes, and stealthy tigers.

This 5-day itinerary balances hiking, waterfalls, and boating with wildlife viewing and a short culture-and-food fix in nearby Mysore. It’s crafted for an adventurous vibe while staying budget-conscious (28/100): shared safaris, wallet-friendly meals, and smart transport choices. You’ll still taste Kerala’s legendary cuisine and end the trip with memories of sunrise mist on the river and the whoosh of hornbills overhead.

Practical notes: the Western Ghats get heavy monsoon (June–September); trails and some viewpoints can close during storms or fire risk. Safaris in Nagarhole typically run early morning and late afternoon; book ahead in peak seasons. Cashless payments are common in towns, but carry small bills for forest gates, tea stalls, and village snacks.

Wayanad

Welcome to spice-and-coffee country: emerald tea estates roll into cardamom groves, while high ridges protect prehistoric rock art and cool waterfalls. Wayanad’s tiny towns—Kalpetta, Meppadi, Sultan Bathery—are gateways to Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and the Banasura reservoir. Mist hangs low at Lakkidi; langurs chatter from silver oaks.

• Top sights: Chembra Peak trek (heart-shaped lake), Edakkal Caves petroglyphs, Banasura Sagar Dam boating/kayaks, Pookode Lake paddleboats, Lakkidi View Point, Meenmutty and Soochipara Falls, Tholpetty/Muthanga wildlife ranges.
• Food & coffee: Malabar parottas, Kerala meals on banana leaf, pepper-flecked curries, toddy (fermented palm sap), and estate-grown coffee.
• Good to know: Forest entry timings and trail permits can change seasonally—carry ID, water, and grippy footwear.

Stay (budget to mid-range): Browse stays around Kalpetta/Meppadi for easy trail access. Search Wayanad on VRBO or see Wayanad stays on Hotels.com.

Getting in: Fly to Kozhikode (Calicut, CCJ) or Kannur (CNN), then 2.5–4 hours by road to Wayanad. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains run to Kozhikode; check Trip.com Trains. Private cabs Wayanad–airport typically ₹3,000–₹5,500 depending on distance and season.

Day 1: Arrival, Lakkidi Mist, and Lakeside Ease

Afternoon: Arrive via Kozhikode or Kannur and drive up the hairpins to Lakkidi (photo stops at the view point if skies are clear). Check in near Kalpetta or Vythiri. Stretch your legs at Pookode Lake—rent a paddleboat or stroll the forested loop; expect ₹200–₹400 for boating.

Evening: Dinner at ClayHut – A Village Restaurant (Kalpetta) for homestyle Kerala thalis, fish curry, and tapioca with beef fry—great value and spice-forward. Alternatives: Udupi Veg (Kalpetta) for crisp dosas and budget South Indian meals, or The Wayanad Gate Restaurant on NH766 for quick multicuisine plates.

Day 2: Chembra Peak Trek and Waterfalls

Morning: Early start for the Chembra Peak trek near Meppadi (permits at base; typically limited daily entries). The trail climbs tea ridges to the famed heart-shaped lake; allow 3–4 hours round-trip with moderate effort. Carry water; leeches can appear in monsoon—socks help.

Afternoon: Refuel in Meppadi (try a simple veg meal at a local mess) and continue to Soochipara (Sentinel) Falls for a forest walk and a misty cascade. If water levels are safe, linger by the plunge pool. Entry and parking are modest (₹50–₹100 range).

Evening: Treat yourself to an affordable Ayurveda massage in Kalpetta (ask your homestay to book a 60–75 min abhyanga; ₹1,200–₹2,000). Dinner at Jubilee Restaurant (Sultan Bathery) for Malabar biryani or at Udupi Hotel for a light tiffin spread.

Day 3: Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagar Boating

Morning: Head to Edakkal Caves near Ambalavayal. A short but steep path (plus a local jeep shuttle from parking) leads to rock shelters etched with 6,000–8,000-year-old petroglyphs. Go early to avoid queues and heat; carry small change for entry/jeep.

Afternoon: Lunch at Wilton Restaurant & Bakery (Sultan Bathery)—locals swear by the seafood meals and its famous date pudding. Then drive to Banasura Sagar Dam for motorboat or kayak rides on India’s largest earthen dam reservoir (₹100–₹750 depending on boat). Sunset on the water is superb on clear days.

Evening: Coffee at a small estate café and a low-key dinner near your stay. If you’re curious, ask about a toddy-tapping demonstration; it’s a traditional fermented palm beverage—taste is mild and slightly sweet.

Kabini

Kabini is where the river widens and wildlife rules. On the southern edge of Nagarhole National Park, this is prime territory for elephant herds, gaur, sloth bears, and camera-shy big cats. Boat safaris skim reedbeds; jeep tracks weave through teak and bamboo.

• Top experiences: Kabini River boat safari, Nagarhole jeep safari, sunset birding, starry campfires, quick day trip to Mysore’s palaces and markets.
• Food & drink: Most dining is lodge-based; Mysore (2 hours) beckons with iconic dosa joints and budget biryanis if you day-trip.
• Budget tip: Shared safaris are far cheaper than private vehicles; book early in season. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Stay (budget to mid-range): Look for lodges near Antharasanthe/HD Kote or homestays on the Wayanad side of the river. Search Kabini on VRBO or see Kabini stays on Hotels.com.

Getting there from Wayanad: Drive ~3–3.5 hours (80–110 km) via Mananthavady–Kattikkulam–Antharasanthe. Private cab ₹2,500–₹4,000 depending on vehicle and season. From Mysore, Kabini is ~2 hours by road.

Day 4: Wayanad to Kabini + River Safari

Morning: Depart Wayanad after breakfast for Kabini. Check in, drop bags, and have a simple thali lunch at your lodge or a local dhaba on HD Kote road.

Afternoon: Kabini boat safari (typically 3:30–6:00 pm). Watch elephant families, mugger crocodiles, and Malabar pied hornbills along the grassy banks. Shared seats often run ₹1,500–₹2,800 per person; prices vary by operator and season.

Evening: Campfire chat and stargazing if skies are clear. Dinner at your lodge—ask for Karnataka-style akki rotti (rice flatbread) with vegetable palya or a mild fish curry. Early to bed for the dawn drive.

Day 5: Dawn Safari + Mysore Heritage & Foodie Walk, Depart

Morning: Nagarhole jeep safari (around 6:00–9:00 am). Keep eyes peeled for wild dogs and crested hawk-eagles; tiger and leopard sightings spike in dry months. Return for a hearty breakfast and check out by late morning.

Afternoon: Drive ~2 hours to Mysore for a budget-friendly culture-and-food hit before your onward train/flight. Choose one of these excellent guided experiences (great for sightseeing and tasting local snacks):

Mysore Palace + Jaganmohana Art Gallery + Devaraja Market = Mysore Heritage Walk — A classic mix of royal opulence and a bustling produce-and-flower market, ideal for photographers and food lovers.

Or opt for the quick, green fix:

Nature Trails of Mysore (Guided Half Day City Sightseeing Tour) — Lakes, leafy boulevards, and gentle viewpoints with local snacks along the way.

Prefer a fun ride between sights?

Mysore Tuk-Tuk Tours — Cover more ground on a shoestring and pause for chaat, filter coffee, and sweet mysore pak.

Evening: Quick eats before you go: Vinayaka Mylari (legendary butter dosas), Hotel RRR (Andhra-style biryani meals on banana leaf), or Mahesh Prasad (budget veg). If you’re heading to Bengaluru by road and fancy a tasting stop, consider the Heritage Winery area near Ramanagara/Channapatna for an affordable Karnataka wine tour—nice nod to your wine-tasting interest.

Depart: Catch your train from Mysuru Jn or continue ~3.5–4.5 hours to Bengaluru for late flights. Compare options on Trip.com Trains and Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Food and Coffee Shortlist (Budget-Friendly)

• Wayanad: ClayHut (Kerala meals, fish curry), Wilton Restaurant & Bakery (Malabar plates, date pudding), Jubilee Restaurant (biryani, seafood), Udupi Veg (dosas, idlis), tea stalls at Lakkidi for cardamom tea.
• Kabini/Mysore: Lodge dining for simplicity; in Mysore try Vinayaka Mylari (fluffy dosas), Hotel RRR (hearty veg/non-veg meals), Mahesh Prasad (value veg).

Getting Between Cities (Time & Cost)

• Arrival to Wayanad: Fly to Kozhikode or Kannur (often $40–$120 USD on sales from major Indian hubs). Cabs to Wayanad ₹3,000–₹5,500; buses are cheaper but slower.
• Wayanad → Kabini: 3–3.5 hours by road via Mananthavady/Kattikkulam (₹2,500–₹4,000 private cab; limited direct buses, expect connections).
• Kabini → Mysore: ~2 hours by road; plenty of cabs/shared taxis. Mysore → Bengaluru airport: 3.5–4.5 hours by road or under 3 hours by fast train to city + airport transfer.

Budget & Booking Tips

• Safaris: Shared jeep/boat safaris are the best value (₹1,500–₹3,000 pp). Book your preferred slot (dawn or dusk) early in peak seasons (Dec–May).
• Hikes: Chembra Peak permits are limited—go early. Edakkal Caves shuts by late afternoon; check same-day timings locally.
• Spas: Ayurvedic massages in Wayanad are affordable; ask your stay for neighborhood clinics to keep costs low.
• Food: Lunchtime Kerala meals (veg/non-veg thalis) are the best value and most filling for active days.

Why this works: Three nights in Wayanad stack your hikes, caves, and boating; two in Kabini maximize safari chances. Sliding through Mysore on your exit day gives you markets, snacks, and palatial drama—without straining the budget.