Located near Kozhikode in Kerala, Wayanad is also known as the Green Paradise in the midst of the Western Ghats. The hill station is full of plantations, green valleys, dense forests and wildlife. It is located in the southern top of the Deccan plateau.

Top attractions of Wayanad include Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruva Island, Pakshipathalam, Pookot Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the list goes on and an.

Best Time To Visit

Most tourists prefer October to May to visit Wayanad to enjoy nature and wildlife at its best. Temperature ranges between 10 and 25 degrees celsius. June to September are also good months to visit as monsoons drench the region in a special glory. In fact,

Wayanad is actually a good destination to visit all year round. Each season brings its own charm to the area.

How To Get There

Easily accessible from all major cities, Wayanad is connected via NH 17. It is better to take your own car or a self-drive rental in order to enjoy the drive and leisure and outdoor activities at your own pace.

If you are not an experienced driver, hire a cab with a driver to navigate the route while you can relax and enjoy the trip. Private buses and KSRTC buses operate from Bangalore with bus ticket prices starting from Rs. 500. From Bangalore, the distance is roughly 300 kilometers , reachable within 7 hours via NH 275.

Route Options

There are three diverse routes from Bangalore to Wayanad. Take your pick from below to see which one suits you the best.

 

Route 1: The Mysore Route

 

Route Map

Bangalore → Channapatna → Srirangapatna → Mysore → Kattikulam → Wayanad

This is the most common route to take with plenty of sights enroute. It takes approximately 7 hours across 300 kilometres via NH 275.

Popular Stopovers for a Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trip

 

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary

• Heritage Winery: Wine enthusiasts must take a wine tour in Channapatna and get a close look at how the wines are made. Also, eat at the restaurant here.
• Barachukki Falls: If your road trip is during monsoons, visit this spot near Shivanasamudra in Mandya, right after Channapatna.
• Gumbaz: In Srirangapatna, visit Gumbaz, a trip down the history lane where you can take a look at Tipu Sultan’s and his family’s burial chambers.
• Mysore: Stop at Mysore to visit the Amba Vilas Palace, stroll around in Brindavan Gardens, indulge in Mysore sweets or go souvenir shopping the colourful markets.
• Nagarhole National Park: Take a slight detour from Kattikulam and enjoy taking a safari and spot a variety of wildlife and tigers.
• Banasura Sagar Dam: Past Kattikulam right before entering Wayanad, go boating or speed boating on the pristine waters of the dam and soak in the green bounty.

 

Route 2: The Kanakapura Route

 

Route Map

Bangalore → Kanakapura → Kollegal → Chamarajanagar → Gundlupet → Wayanad

This is yet another amazing route that passes through NH 948 and takes around 6 to 7 hours.

 

Popular Stopovers for a Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trip

Edakkal Caves

• Chunchi Falls: Take a slight detour after Kanakapura town to visit this spectacular waterfall and indulge in slight trekking and adventuring.
• Mudumalai National Park: You can drop in to visit Mudumalai National Park and enjoy looking at elephants, peacocks and deers.
• Sulthan Bathery: Visit this spot to take a peek at the Jain Temple believed to have been built in the 13th century.
• Wayanad Heritage Museum: An interesting stop to make if you are keen on looking at historical artefacts and relics dug up from around the area.
• Edakkal Caves: These are caves that can be reached from steep slopes and steps, making it a fun and adventurous journey. The ambience is cool and calm.

 

Route 3: The Somnathpur-Bandipur Route

 

Route Map

Bangalore → Channapatna →  Malavalli → Somanathapura →  Gundlupet→ Bandipur → Wayanad

This route is an option for those who want to enjoy a good road trip while spending significant time at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. It takes approximately 7 hours across 300 kilometres via NH 275 and 766.

Popular Stopovers for a Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trip

Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary

• Chennakesava Temple: Visit this temple in Somnathpur to behold the exquisite architecture of the Hoysala empire.

• Gopalaswamy Betta: This is a temple located near Gundlupet, on the highest peak in Bandipur National Park. A must-see for its vantage views.

• Bandipur National Park: Take your pick from treks or safaris, watch tigers in their natural habitat, capture photographs of multiple species of wildlife in the park.

• Chembra Peak: On your way back to Bangalore, leave from Wayanad early in the morning and go on one of the most picturesque treks in Kerala to Chembra Peak.

Safety Measures

• The Bangalore-Mysore stretch is a good road to drive on. You can easily avoid rush hour traffic by leaving early.
• Post Gundlupet on routes 2 and 3, you will be entering the forest reserve area, so be careful to watch for signboards and diversions.
• Roads may be slippery during monsoons, so maintain slower speeds once you have crossed main highways. Certain stretches may be in bad conditions around Sulthan Bathery.
• Stop at Mysore or Kanakapura or Channapatna for a quick refreshment break and carry snacks and water with you.
• Ensure you follow GPS since certain stretches may be empty and you might not find locals immediately to help with directions. Or download a route app.
• While trekking or during safaris, make sure you are dressed in the right gear that makes the experience comfortable.
• Stop over at local eateries near the forest reserve areas to enjoy authentic fish delicacies of the region, a speciality of Kerala cuisine.
• If you are on a bike trip, make sure you take at least 4 to 5 breaks to avoid fatigue.

Overall, a road trip to Wayanad will be one of the best experiences of your life. So pack up your best adventure gear and get going. If you have any questions or additional information, please leave a comment in the comment box below.