The largest city in South India, Bangalore, officially called Bengaluru, is in Karnataka. People from this city often go for holidays to nearby locations to relax and chill and beat the rising temperatures, congestion, and busy city life. If you are staying here and wish to plan for something soothing, calm, and exciting, a Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trip is an unforgettable experience. Wayanad is a green paradise located in the Western Ghats of Kerala! Located 76 km from Kelrala, the district is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, hills, ancient caves, and much more.
Read on to learn more about the Bengaluru to Wayanad distance, best possible routes, modes of transportation, travel timing, places to visit along the way, and other helpful travel information.
What is the Best Time to Visit Wayanad?
Wayanad is a place nestled in the lap of nature, featuring dense forests, green valleys, and abundant wildlife. The Best months to visit Wayanad are November to February, as the weather is pleasant with cooler nights. Monsoon lovers often visit from June to September. Overall, Wayanad is a destination you can explore year-round.
If you plan a trip to Wayanad between October and May to enjoy its beauty, you might experience warmth during this time.
Bangalore to Wayanad Distance
The distance between these places, Bengaluru and Wayanad, is approximately 287 km. To cover this distance, the best option to travel is by road.
It may take you 7-8 hours drive to complete the route. However, it may vary depending on your chosen route and driving skills.
How to Reach Wayanad from Bangalore?
By Train:
The journey from Bangalore to Wayanad via Train is convenient and scenic. However, there is no railway station in Wayanad, but you can reach the nearest station via multiple options for Bangalore to Wayanad trains.
The nearest railway station to go to Wayanad is Kozhikode, earlier known as Calicut. After getting down at Kozhikode, you would need to again travel by road using the bus, car, private vehicle, or public state transport bus. Another journey of 85-110 km needs to be covered by road. You can opt for the Bangalore to Wayanad cab. While travelling by train one can enjoy the scenic beauty of nature by just sitting in the train.
By Road:
Bangalore to Wayanad Distance by Car is comfortably manageable. A network of roads and many options are available to reach Wayanad by road. Use the public state transport bus, which runs regularly from the bus stop or stations in Bengaluru. You can hire a private car or minibus in case you are a group of people traveling together. Hiring or having one’s car can give you the comfort of traveling at your own pace. Also the Bangalore to Wayanad road conditions is good
Best Routes from Bengaluru to Wayanad
Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trips are totally safe and full of stopovers. You will find the roads leading towards Wayanad are the most scenic. While traveling, you would cross national highways: NH 17, NH 948, and NH 275. There are three routes to choose from:
Route 1 | Mysore Route
Bengaluru-Channapatna-Srirangapatna-Mysore-Kattikulam-Wayanad
This is considered one of the most commonly used shortest, fastest, and most convenient routes to Wayanad. Via NH 275, to cover a distance of approximately 300kms, you would need a minimum of 7-8 hours. The popular stopover on this route is as follows:
1. Heritage Winery:
The first location on your journey is Heritage Winery, about 60 km from Bengaluru at Channapatna village. This is a must-stop if you wish to know how wines are. This is a must-stop if you want to learn how wine is made. Heritage Winery offers some of the finest wines and has a wine bottle-themed restaurant that serves European, Italian, and Indian cuisine. So, if you are a wine lover or want to gift an authentic wine, get a tour at Heritage Winery.
2. Gaganachukki & Barachukki Falls:
Your next destination is these twin waterfalls among India’s top 10 most spectacular. The place is near Shivanasamudra in Mandya, just after Channapatna, around 140 km from Bengaluru. They’re part of the famous Shivanasamudra Falls on the Kaveri River. It is worth visiting during your Bangalore to Wayanad road trip, especially from July to September.
3. Gumbaz:
In Srirangapatna, plan to visit Gumbaz, which will take you on a trip down the history to look at Tipu Sultan’s and his family’s burial chambers. You can walk in the mausoleum as it has a big garden. The garden has many flower plants where you can rest or take beautiful pictures. It may take around 30-45 minutes to explore the spot thoroughly. You may skip this location if you are not interested in knowing history.
4. Mysore:
Taking the next stop to Mysore on the way to Wayanad. The city has a lot more to do, you can plan a day’s stay here. It is approximately 143 km from Bengaluru. You can visit the Mysore Palace, especially at night, as it brightens with thousands of decorative lights. Other famous sights of Mysore are Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Bonzai Garden, Rail Museum, Balmuri Waterfalls, and Lingambudhi Lake. If you are going from Bangalore to Wayanad by car, you can also Plan a sunrise or sunset visit to Chamundi Hills to make your trip memorable.
5. Nagarhole National Park:
Enroute the same NH275 is the Nagarhole National Park. It is approximately 204 km from Bengaluru if you travel via NH 275 and SH 33. You must deviate slightly from your route to Waynad to visit this place. Take a slight detour from Kattikulam and enjoy the safari of this National Park filled with various tigers and other animals. Try to time your visit for early morning or late afternoon. That’s when the animals are most active, and you have the best chance of seeing something wild and wondrous.
6. Banasura Sagar Dam:
Your last stop over before reaching Wayanad, Kattikulam. Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia. The place has a beautiful view of green mountains and is well-maintained, making it worth spending time here. You can go zorbing, kayaking, speed boating on the dam’s waters, and soak in the green bounty. The best time to visit Banasura Sagar Dam is after the monsoon season when the dam is full, and the surroundings are lush and green.
Route 2 | Kanakapura Route
Bengaluru-Kankapura-Kollegal-Chamarajanagar-Gundlupet-Wayanad
Another route that you can take from Bengaluru is the Kanakapura route. It would help if you took NH 948 to reach Wayanad after traveling for 6-8 hours. The famous stopovers on this route are listed below:
1. Chunchi Falls:
A slight detour from Bengaluru towards Kanakapura town, Chunchi Falls is about 90 km from Bangalore. The water cascades from a height of approximately 50 feet through multiple tiers into a small pool. As part of the Western Ghats, you can expect to see rocky hills and lush green vistas. The place becomes a bit crowdy on weekends. Visiting hours for the waterfall are from 9 am to 6 pm, and entry is free. Parking is available and chargeable. You can engage in activities like swimming, playing, and relaxing in the water among naturally formed rock formations. You can visit the falls while traveling Wayanad via NH 948 highways.
2. Mudumalai National Park:
Located at a comfortable distance of 230 km from Bangalore, the wildlife national park is been around since 1940, making it one of India’s oldest wildlife spots. The national park is a whopping 321 sq. km and is a real-life Jungle Book! You can see many elephants, tigers, leopards, and even the giant Indian bison called gaur. If you are a bird watcher, you will get a treat for your eyes because there are over 260 kinds of birds flying around! You can enjoy an elephant safari or take a thrilling jeep ride to get around the national park.
3. Sulthan Bathery:
Next ahead of Mudumalai National Park, you can halt at Sulthan Bathery to see the Jain Temple believed to have been built in the 13th century. Along with that this place is famous for prehistoric Edakkal Caves. These caves can be reached from steep slopes and steps. The area around here is entire of spice gardens, coffee farms, and tea estates, all growing well because of the nice weather. The best time to visit is between October and May. The weather is perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities during these months.
Route 3 | Bandipur Route
Bangalore – Mysore – Nanjangud – Gundlupet – Bandipur – Wayanad
The Third Route to Wayanad from Bengaluru is taking Somnathpur- Bandipur. This route is especially taken when tourists plan to visit the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and spend significant time here on the way to Wayanad. This route is on NH 275, spanning a time of 7 hours’ travel.On the way you can visit the below given places.
1. Chennakesava Temple:
At Somnathpur, is the famous Chennakesava temple. It beholds the exquisite architecture of the Hoysala empire. The temple is 220 km from Bangalore and is on the way during your Bangalore to Wayanad road trip. You can visit the temple to see ancient ancient art and craft. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful scenes from famous Hindu stories and scriptures. Overall the temple is well maintained, and you will have a good time visiting here if you are interested in history and culture.
2. Gopalaswamy Betta:
The temple is set on a hilltop location near Gundlupet. It is on the highest peak in Bandipur National Park, which makes it a scenic spot. If you start from Bangalore at 6:00 am, you will reach the temple around 2–3 pm. If you are in luck, you Will see tigers, elephants, deer, and other animals that roam freely here. The reserved forest area is a must-visit place. And believe me, you will have an unforgettable view of the temple that cannot be missed.
3. Bandipur National Park:
Bandipur National Park is a beautiful and essential wildlife park at the bottom of the Nilgiri Mountains. The ultimate destination is a lovely place to capture photographs and watch the tigers and other animals. This world heritage site is home to many wide animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, four-horned antelopes, jackals, wild boars, and many species of birds. These animals roam around flora-rich areas that include bamboo, teak, rosewood, and sandalwood trees. If someone wants to enjoy the beauty of nature, they can do it via nature walks, safaris, and jeep rides
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Bangalore to Wayanad By Road Travel Tips
Following the GPS on the entire route, you may come across many areas where you need help finding people.
- After crossing Gundlupet, the forest areas start to be aware and keep a note of the various sign boards for diversion in the dense forest areas.
- At locations where you are required to do trekking, ensure you are dressed up accordingly or have comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Carry your regular medicines along, as traveling through forest areas, you may not get medical help.
- Do stop over at regular intervals to have refreshments.
- If traveling with children, carry enough snacks to munch on in between if you do not find any eatery.
- If traveling during monsoons, carry rainy clothes and equipment like rainy shoes, raincoats, umbrellas, extra pairs of clothes, etc.
Faqs-
Is there a direct train from Mysore to Wayanad?
Wayanad has no railway station, so no train is scheduled for Bangalore to Wayanad. The nearest railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut), about 85 km away. You’ll need to take a bus or taxi to Wayanad.
How long does it take to drive from Bangalore to Wayanad?
The drive from Bangalore to Wayanad usually takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It’s a beautiful journey, so you may take short breaks for photography, lunch, or other stops, which can extend the total travel time.
What is the distance between Bandipur and Wayanad?
Bandipur to Wayanad distance is around 80 KM. This may take 3-4 hours to cover. The route passes through a dense green forest, making it feel like a shorter drive. If you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife.
Which is the best route to Wayanad?
Best Bangalore to wayanad route is Bangalore – Mysore – Nanjangud – Gundlupet – Bandipur – Wayanad. From the Kerala side, you can take the route through Kozhikode. The exact best route depends on your starting point, so it’s a good idea to check a map or use a GPS.
Is a 3-day Wayanad trip itinerary enough?
Wayanad has a lot to explore. While 3 days are enough to see the main attractions, if you are on a road trip, it’s best to plan for at least 4-5 days to relax and enjoy the trip fully.
Conclusion:
Your road trip from Bengaluru to Waynad is one of the best experiences. You won’t regret planning this trip by road. Pack your bags and get started, as you have all the information required for your road trip to Wayanad. Wayanad’s landscape with hills, valleys, lakes, the exotic flora and fauna, along with the pleasant climate, truly makes the region a place worthwhile. It has everything in store, from Caves, Museums, Waterfalls, Wildlife sanctuaries, and bird sanctuaries. Enjoy your Bengaluru to Wayanad Road Trip!