A Bangalore to Wayanad road trip is one of the best ways to escape the fast-paced city life and immerse oneself in nature. Wayanad, an otherwise tranquil hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is surrounded by misty mountains, green valleys, and tea plantations. Fun-filled, memorable stops make the road trip even more worthwhile for either family or friends.
Though the Chennai to Wayanad distance is nearly 600 km, going via Bangalore will save a lot of time and journey. A distance barely under 310 kilometres that clocks between 6 and 7 hours is because of the hilly routes, narrow roads, and vast, sharp curves. But all those minutes will be worth it. There are three main routes from Bangalore to Wayanad, each having its scenic beauty and cultural charm. Let’s delve further into them.
Route 1: Bangalore – Mysore – Kartikulam – Wayanad (via NH 275 & SH 33)
Distance: 303 km
Time: Around 7 hours
Being the most familiar and commonly used way from Bangalore to Wayanad, it measures approximately 304 km. Passing through Channapatna, Mandya, Srirangapatna, Mysore, and Kartikulam, the route eventually ends at Wayanad.
Highlight Stop
- Channapatna Heritage Winery- Well known for its wine-tasting tours.
- Gaganachukki & Barachukki Falls (Mandya)- Best witnessed during the monsoon season.
- Srirangapatna- Famous for the Gumbaz, where Tipu Sultan was buried.
- Mysore-Brindavan Gardens and Amba Vilas Palace are famous in their own right.
- Nagerhole National Park- An excellent place for wildlife spotting near Kartikulam.
- Banasura Sagar Dam- A nice picnic treat before Wayanad.
This route permits the combination of sightseeing with smooth driving, while roads may get foggy in the Ghat section after sundown, hence starting off early might be a wise idea.
Route 2: Bangalore-Kanakapura-Malavalli-Kartikulam-Wayanad (via SH 33 & NH 209)
Distance: ~290 km
Time: 7-8 hrs
If heavy traffic is something you want to avoid and if you want to go a bit on a road less travelled, this is the most suitable route. It extends through Kanakapura, Sathanur, Malavalli, and Kaithakal to Wayanad.
Highlight Stop
- Chunchi Falls (near Kanakapura) – A superb detour to freshen up and stretch a bit.
- Most of the road conditions are superb, even though it is a peaceful stretch hauling rural landscapes sans hordes of tourists.
Route 3: Bangalore – Malavalli – Gundlupet – Bandipur – Wayanad (via NH 275 & NH 766)
Distance: ~283 km
Time: 6.5–7 hours
This route passes through Bandipur National Park, bestowing more charisma on the journey. Through Somnathpura, Gundlupet, and the Bandipur forest range, the route reaches Wayanad.
Highlight Stop
- Chennakesava Temple (Somnathpura)- A 13th-century architectural marvel of the Hoysala style.
- Gopalaswamy Betta (Gundlupet)- A beautiful hilltop temple with scenic views.
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve- Slow down while driving through the park; you might spot deer, elephants, or, if you’re lucky, a tiger. The Bandipur forest check-post is closed between 9 PM and 6 AM. Permits might be necessary for entry. Always adhere to the rules of the park and drive with caution through wildlife zones.
Tips For a Smooth Trip
Start Early: Begin your trip around 5 or 6 AM to maximise daytime driving and avoid traffic.
Download Offline Maps: Mobile networks may not work well inside forested areas.
Carry Snacks and Water: There is some food available en route, but it’s better if you carry your own.
Check the Forest Entry Rules: If you’re passing through Bandipur or other reserves, see when you can enter and if permits are required.
Get Fuel: Fill your tank up in Mysore or Gundlupet; after that, petrol pumps are scarce.
Where to Stay: Best Resorts in Wayanad
Once at the destination, you can find some of the best resorts in Wayanad that can treat you to a relaxing stay amidst the calmness of nature.
These options are:
- Raindrops resort– Luxury boutique stay with incredible views and service. For those who float to adventure and wildlife, our
Resorts have the perfect sync of grandeur, privacy, and access to nature. We also offer various customised packages for a smooth Wayanad stay.
- Vythiri Village Resort – A stay amidst the treehouses, forest, etc.
- Banasura Hill Resort – Built completely from mud, a heaven for Interschoolers, into an eco-tourism.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Bangalore to Wayanad is food for thought and a blend of nature, history, and adventure. Though the distance from Bangalore to Wayanad is short, the road offers rich experiences and dazzling views. Whichever path you choose, be it via Mysore, Kanakapura, or Bandipur, the voyage is worth all your attention.
And the best part is, after such an enjoyable yet hectic journey, you get to treat yourself at Raindrops, the best resort in Wayanad.
So, wrap up your busy schedules and enjoy a long weekend at Wayanad!
Also Read: 3 Routes for a Bangalore to Wayanad Road Trip