Tucked away in the lush green hills of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most scenic and unspoiled travel destinations. Blessed with dense forests, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling tea plantations, Wayanad Tour is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Unlike Kerala’s more tourist-heavy locations like Munnar and Alleppey, Wayanad remains relatively untouched, making it a perfect getaway for those who seek solitude and natural beauty. Whether you want to explore caves with ancient rock carvings, trek to breathtaking viewpoints, or relax in a jungle resort, Wayanad offers an unforgettable experience.
This Wayanad Tour covers everything you need to plan your trip, including how to reach, the best time to visit, accommodations, must-visit places, travel routes from Mysore and Kozhikode, distances from major cities, and local cuisines.
How To Reach Wayanad? 🚗🚆✈️
Wayanad is well-connected by road, but the nearest railway stations and airports are in nearby cities like Kozhikode and Mysore.
By Road 🛣️
Wayanad is accessible via winding mountain roads, offering breathtaking views.
- From Kozhikode (90 km) – A 3-hour drive via NH 766.
- From Mysore (130 km) – A 3.5-hour drive via NH 766 through Bandipur & Nagarhole National Parks.
- From Bangalore (270 km) – A 6-hour drive via Mysore.
Regular KSRTC buses and private taxis are available from Kozhikode, Mysore, and Bangalore.
By Train 🚆
The nearest railway station is:
- Kozhikode Railway Station (90 km) – Connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Cochin.
From Kozhikode, take a taxi or bus to Wayanad.
By Air ✈️
The nearest airports are:
- Calicut International Airport (100 km) – The closest option, with flights from major Indian cities.
- Mysore Airport (120 km) – A smaller airport with limited flights.
From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to Wayanad.
Best Time To Visit Wayanad ☀️🌦️
Wayanad enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, but each season offers a unique experience.
| Season | Months | Weather | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October – February | Cool & Pleasant (10°C–25°C) | Trekking, Sightseeing, Wildlife Safari |
| Summer | March – May | Mildly Warm (20°C–35°C) | Tea Plantation Visits, Caves, Waterfalls |
| Monsoon | June – September | Heavy Rainfall (18°C–28°C) | Photography, Rainy Forest Walks, Waterfalls |
Best Time to Visit: October to February for pleasant weather, trekking, and outdoor adventures.
Wayanad Hotels & Resorts 🏨🌿
Wayanad Tour offers luxury resorts, eco-lodges, and budget homestays, ensuring a comfortable and nature-friendly stay.
Luxury Resorts & Boutique Stays 🌳
- Vythiri Resort – A luxurious jungle retreat with treehouses, infinity pools, and spa services.
- Banasura Hill Resort – A premium eco-resort built with mud huts, offering breathtaking valley views.
- Windflower Resort & Spa – A serene retreat with spacious villas and Ayurvedic treatments.
Budget & Mid-Range Stays 🏡
- Wayanad Wild (CGH Earth) – A budget-friendly nature resort with wildlife safaris.
- Coffee Grove Resort – A mid-range resort surrounded by coffee plantations.
- Wayanad Nature Resorts – A comfortable stay offering adventure activities like zip-lining and trekking.
For a unique experience, opt for a treehouse stay or a jungle lodge inside the forests of Wayanad.
Best Places To Visit In Wayanad 🌄🌲
1. Edakkal Caves
A must-visit site with prehistoric rock carvings dating back 8,000 years, reachable via a short trek.
2. Chembra Peak & Heart-Shaped Lake
Wayanad’s highest peak (2,100m), famous for its scenic trekking trails and a natural heart-shaped lake.
3. Banasura Sagar Dam
One of India’s largest earthen dams, offering boating, nature trails, and stunning mountain views.
4. Soochipara Waterfalls
A spectacular three-tiered waterfall, perfect for trekking and nature photography.
5. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to elephants, deer, leopards, and exotic birds, offering exciting jeep safaris.
6. Pookode Lake
A serene freshwater lake, ideal for boating, nature walks, and birdwatching.
7. Thirunelli Temple
A 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple surrounded by forests, known as the “Kashi of the South”.
8. Kuruva Island
A beautiful river island in the Kabini River, ideal for bamboo rafting and forest walks.
Wayanad from Mysore 🚗
Wayanad is just 3.5 hours from Mysore, making it a perfect weekend retreat.
- Distance: 130 km
- Travel Time: 3.5 hours
- Route: Mysore → Bandipur → Wayanad
2-Day Itinerary from Mysore
- Day 1: Drive via Bandipur, visit Edakkal Caves & Soochipara Waterfalls.
- Day 2: Explore Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake & return to Mysore.
Wayanad from Kozhikode 🚗
Wayanad is just 3 hours from Kozhikode, making it an easy nature getaway.
- Distance: 90 km
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Route: Kozhikode → Thamarassery Ghat → Wayanad
1-Day Itinerary from Kozhikode
- Morning: Visit Edakkal Caves & Pookode Lake.
- Afternoon: Explore Banasura Sagar Dam & Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset at Lakkidi Viewpoint before heading back.
Wayanad Distances from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mysore | 130 km | 3.5 hrs |
| Kozhikode | 90 km | 3 hrs |
| Bangalore | 270 km | 6 hrs |
| Coimbatore | 200 km | 5 hrs |
Wayanad Local Cuisines 🍛🌶️
Wayanad Tour offers delicious Malabar cuisine, heavily influenced by tribal flavors and Kerala spices.
Must-Try Dishes 🍽️
- Malabar Biryani – A fragrant rice dish with chicken or mutton.
- Puttu & Kadala Curry – Steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry.
- Nadan Kozhi Curry – Spicy Wayanad-style chicken curry.
- Karimeen Pollichathu – Grilled pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves.
Try these at local tea shops, tribal kitchens, and eco-resorts for an authentic taste of Wayanad.
Final Thoughts 🌿🏞️
Wayanad is a hidden gem in Kerala, offering a mix of adventure, history, and nature. Whether you want to trek through misty hills, explore ancient caves, or relax in a jungle resort, Wayanad has something for everyone.
So pack your bags and explore the untouched beauty of Wayanad! 🍃✨
