Planning a vacation to shed the hustle and bustle of Chennai?
Wayanad in Kerala is an apt option. Nestled into the Western Ghats, Wayanad finds its fame amidst misty hills, greenery, waterfalls, and rich wildlife. But if you are wondering how to reach Wayanad from Chennai without burning a hole in your pocket or wasting your time, this guide shall help you figure out all of it.
So, let us look into some of the cheapest and fastest ways to get to Wayanad from Chennai.
Distance from Chennai to Wayanad
The distance between Chennai to Wayanad is approximately 610 to 650 kilometers, depending on the chosen route. Since Wayanad is devoid of its own airport or railway station, travelers must plan how to reach Wayanad from Chennai. It takes around ten to fourteen hours, depending on the mode of transport.
Option 1: By Train + Bus/Taxi (Cheapest Option)
While there may not be a direct Chennai-to-Wayanad train, it is considered the cheapest option.
1. First Leg of the Journey by Train
Book your train tickets from Chennai Central to Kozhikode Calicut in Kerala, the nearest major railway station to Wayanad. Trains like Chennai Central–Mangalore Express or West Coast Express are running daily with 12 to 13 hours of journey time. The ticket fares in sleeper class are budget-friendly, ranging from ₹300 to ₹500.
2. Wayanad from Kozhikode
After reaching Kozhikode, you can take a KSRTC bus or a taxi to Wayanad. The distance from Kozhikode to Wayanad is around 90 kilometers with a travel time of 2.5-3 hours by road. Buses are quite cheap, costing about ₹100-₹150; meanwhile, a private taxi might set you back by ₹2000-₹2500.
Basically, this would be the cheapest way to travel if you’re fine with a little bit of travel time and want to save some money.
Option 2: Chennai to Wayanad by Road (Self-Drive/Cab)
For road trip enthusiasts, driving from Chennai to Wayanad presents a scenic and more free option. The road distance is nearly 620 kilometers and can take around 11-13 hours, depending on the traffic and stops made.
The options are:
- In your own car and savor the journey via Salem, Coimbatore, and Nilambur.
- Book an outstation cab using travel apps like Ola Outstation or Savaari which can cost you ₹8000-₹12000 one way.
While not the cheapest alternative, this will make for an enjoyable trip with lots of stops to explore and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Option 3: Chennai to Wayanad by Flight + Taxi (Fastest Option)
If you want a quick getaway, this is the way to do it.
1. Flight from Chennai to Kozhikode
It is a 1-hour flight from Chennai to Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode). Flight tickets range between ₹1500 and ₹4000 if purchased in advance.
2. Taxi or Bus to Wayanad
From Kozhikode airport, you can go to Wayanad by taxi or bus. Approximately 3 hours is taken by road travel.
If you really want to save time and don’t mind spending a bit extra, this works really well.
Best resorts in Wayanad Kerala
Now that you are in Wayanad, it is time to chill and soak. The place has some of the best resorts in Wayanad Kerala ranging from luxurious stays to cosy nature retreats.
Some of our top picks are:
Raindrops resort- One of the best resorts in Kerala, our Luxury boutique stay offers incredible views and service. Our best-in-class services include:
- Plantation and wildlife tours
- Green view luxury rooms
- Ayurvedic spa
- Outdoor games
- Customized holiday packages
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, taking a train to Kozhikode and then taking a bus to Wayanad is the cheapest way to get to Wayanad from Chennai. The quickest way is to take a flight from Chennai to Kozhikode and a short car ride. Either way you will enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way, and have a completely unique experience.
No matter if you are traveling to Wayanad solo, with friends, or with family, you will enjoy Chennai to Wayanad as a fun trip. From checking out spice plantations and waterfalls, to relaxing at some of the best resorts in Wayanad, Kerala, this is a trip for everyone.
So get your bags packed and start your Wayanad journey today!