How to Reach Wayanad: Complete Guide From Every Major City
How to reach Wayanad by road, train, and flight from Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Kozhikode, and Mysore. Routes, distances, fares, and the famous 36 hairpin bends.
Wayanad sits on a plateau in the Western Ghats, about 700 to 2,100 metres above sea level. There is no railway station and no airport inside the district, which means reaching Wayanad is always a road journey for the final stretch — and that journey, particularly via the Thamarassery Ghat with its 36 hairpin bends, is one of the most scenic drives in South India.
Here is how to get there from every major starting point.
From Kozhikode (Calicut) — The Most Common Route
Distance: 75 to 85 km (depending on destination within Wayanad) Driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours Route: Kozhikode → Thamarassery → Thamarassery Ghat (36 hairpin bends) → Lakkidi → Vythiri → Kalpetta
This is the classic approach to Wayanad and the one most travellers use. The road is NH 766, and the highlight is the Thamarassery Ghat section — 12 km of mountain road with 36 numbered hairpin bends climbing from the plains to approximately 700 metres.
The 36 Hairpin Bends
The bends are individually numbered with signboards, and driving through them is an experience in itself. The road passes through dense tropical forest, with occasional breaks in the canopy revealing valley views below. Mist is common in the morning and evening, adding atmosphere but requiring careful driving.
At the top of the ghat, Lakkidi Viewpoint marks your official entry into Wayanad with panoramic views of the valley. The Chain Tree nearby is worth a quick stop for its local legend.
Driving tip: Use second or third gear on the ghat. Sound your horn before blind bends. Keep headlights on in fog or rain. The road is well-maintained but narrow in places with heavy truck traffic.
By Bus
KSRTC buses run from Kozhikode KSRTC Bus Stand to Kalpetta every 30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs ₹80 to ₹130 depending on the service (ordinary or fast passenger).
Private buses also operate this route frequently. Both KSRTC and private buses navigate the 36 hairpin bends — drivers on this route are experienced, but if you are prone to motion sickness, take a seat near the front and carry medication.
By Taxi
Pre-paid taxis from Kozhikode railway station to Kalpetta cost ₹2,000 to ₹2,500. From Calicut International Airport (Karipur), taxis cost ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 as well, since the airport is about 25 km from Kozhikode city but roughly the same distance from the ghat road.
From Bangalore — The Overnight Route
Distance: 275 to 290 km Driving time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours Route: Bengaluru → Mysore (NH 275) → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Sultan Bathery → Kalpetta
This is the most popular route for visitors from Bangalore and Karnataka. The drive passes through Bandipur Tiger Reserve between Gundlupet and Sultan Bathery, which means you might spot wildlife on the road — elephants, deer, and monkeys are common sightings.
Important restriction: The Bandipur stretch has a night traffic ban from 9 PM to 6 AM. No vehicles (including buses) are permitted through the forest during these hours. Plan your travel to clear this section in daylight, or you will be stopped at the checkpost until morning.
An alternative route avoiding Bandipur goes via Bengaluru → Mysore → HD Kote → Mananthavady, adding about 30 km but bypassing the night ban. However, this road is narrower and less maintained.
By Bus
KSRTC (Karnataka): Overnight buses from Bengaluru Majestic Bus Stand to Sultan Bathery or Kalpetta run daily. Fares range from ₹500 to ₹900 depending on the bus type (ordinary, semi-sleeper, Airavat). Journey time is 6 to 8 hours.
KSRTC (Kerala): Kerala KSRTC also operates direct buses from Bengaluru to Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery.
Private operators: RedBus and AbhiBus list several private operators on this route, particularly overnight sleeper services. Fares range from ₹600 to ₹1,200.
By Self-Drive
The Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway covers the first 120 km in under 2 hours. From Mysore, the road to Gundlupet is a good two-lane highway. The Bandipur stretch is scenic but requires slow driving (speed limit 30 to 40 km/h inside the reserve). Total self-drive time is 5.5 to 6.5 hours with breaks.
From Kochi (Ernakulam) — The Long Kerala Route
Distance: 290 to 310 km Driving time: 6 to 7 hours Route: Kochi → Thrissur → Kozhikode → Thamarassery Ghat → Kalpetta
There is no short route from Kochi to Wayanad. The most common option follows the national highway north to Kozhikode and then turns inland up the Thamarassery Ghat. The road is generally good, passing through Thrissur and along the Kerala coast before turning into the hills.
By Bus
No direct KSRTC bus runs from Kochi to Wayanad. The practical approach is to take a bus or train to Kozhikode (4 to 5 hours) and then catch a Kozhikode-to-Kalpetta bus (3 hours). Total travel time is 7 to 9 hours including the wait between connections.
By Train + Bus
Take any train from Ernakulam Junction to Kozhikode (3.5 to 5 hours, ₹150 to ₹500 depending on class). From Kozhikode railway station, the KSRTC bus stand is a 10-minute auto ride away, and buses to Kalpetta leave every 30 minutes.
This combination is often more comfortable than a single long bus ride.
From Chennai — The Longest Common Route
Distance: 670 to 700 km Driving time: 10 to 13 hours Best option: Fly to Calicut Airport, then drive up
By Air + Road (Recommended)
Fly from Chennai to Calicut International Airport (1 to 1.5 hours, fares from ₹2,500 to ₹6,000). From the airport, take a taxi (₹2,000 to ₹2,500) or arrange a pickup for the 2.5 to 3 hour drive to Wayanad via the Thamarassery Ghat.
This is by far the fastest and least exhausting option.
By Train + Bus
Take the overnight Chennai-Kozhikode train (Malabar Express or West Coast Express, 10 to 12 hours, ₹350 to ₹1,200 depending on class). Arrive in Kozhikode by morning and catch a bus to Kalpetta.
By Road
The full drive via Salem → Coimbatore → Palakkad → Kozhikode → Thamarassery Ghat takes 10 to 13 hours. Alternatively, drive via Bengaluru → Mysore → Sultan Bathery, which is slightly longer in distance but often faster due to better highway conditions on the Bengaluru route.
Either way, this is a two-driver or overnight-stop journey. Consider breaking the drive at Mysore or Coimbatore.
From Mysore — The Quick Karnataka Entry
Distance: 115 to 130 km Driving time: 3 to 3.5 hours Route: Mysore → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Sultan Bathery → Kalpetta
This short route passes directly through Bandipur Tiger Reserve and enters Wayanad at Sultan Bathery. The Bamboo Forest stretch between Sultan Bathery and the Karnataka border is beautiful, with towering bamboo groves forming a natural canopy over the road.
Buses from Mysore Bus Stand to Sultan Bathery and Kalpetta run frequently, costing ₹200 to ₹350.
Remember the night ban: No traffic through Bandipur between 9 PM and 6 AM. Time your journey accordingly.
From Ooty (Udhagamandalam) — The Nilgiris Connection
Distance: 115 to 125 km Driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours Route: Ooty → Gudalur → Meppadi → Kalpetta (or Ooty → Gudalur → Sultan Bathery)
This route connects two famous South Indian hill stations without dropping down to the plains. The road passes through Gudalur in the Nilgiris and enters Wayanad near Meppadi. Scenery is consistently beautiful — tea estates, eucalyptus groves, and misty mountain roads.
Bus frequency on this route is lower than the Kozhikode or Bangalore routes, but services run several times daily. A taxi from Ooty to Kalpetta costs ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
Calicut International Airport at Karipur is the closest airport to Wayanad, approximately 100 km from Kalpetta. Airlines operating here include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express, with connections to major Indian cities and several Gulf destinations.
From the airport to Wayanad, options are a pre-booked taxi (₹2,000 to ₹2,500) or a bus to Kozhikode city followed by a connecting bus to Kalpetta.
Kannur International Airport is an alternative at about 120 km from the northern end of Wayanad (Mananthavady area), useful if you plan to start your trip in north Wayanad.
Nearest Railway Stations
| Station | Distance to Kalpetta | Key Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Kozhikode (CLT) | 75 km | Rajdhani, Malabar Express, Jan Shatabdi |
| Mysore (MYS) | 120 km | Bengaluru-Mysore trains, Chamundi Express |
| Kannur (CAN) | 110 km | Malabar Express, Mangala Express |
| Nilambur Road (NIL) | 90 km | Limited services |
Kozhikode is the most practical railhead because of the frequency of onward buses to Wayanad.
Self-Drive Tips for Wayanad
Fuel up before the ghats. Fill your tank in Kozhikode, Mysore, or Gundlupet before starting the mountain roads. Petrol stations exist in Kalpetta and Sultan Bathery but are less frequent on ghat roads.
Mountain driving basics. Use lower gears on descents, horn before blind corners, and keep headlights on in fog. The Thamarassery Ghat’s 36 bends are well-surfaced but demand attention.
Wildlife crossings. On the Mysore-Sultan Bathery road through Bandipur, elephants cross the road, sometimes blocking traffic for 15 to 30 minutes. Maintain distance and never honk at wildlife.
Monsoon caution. During June to September, the Thamarassery Ghat road occasionally sees minor landslides. Check road conditions before starting, especially after heavy rain.
Parking. Kalpetta town has limited parking. Most attractions have designated parking areas, usually free or ₹20 to ₹50.
Once you arrive, see our 3-day Wayanad itinerary for a day-by-day plan covering the best of the district.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Wayanad from Bangalore?
Wayanad is about 280 km from Bangalore. Drive via Mysore and Gundlupet (5.5 to 6.5 hours) through Bandipur Tiger Reserve, entering Wayanad at Sultan Bathery. Alternatively, take an overnight KSRTC bus from Majestic Bus Stand (₹500 to ₹900, 6 to 7 hours). The Mysore-Wayanad road passes through the Bamboo Forest and is scenic but watch for wildlife crossings.
How many hairpin bends does the Wayanad Ghat road have?
The Thamarassery Ghat road from Kozhikode to Wayanad has 36 numbered hairpin bends. Each bend is marked with a signboard showing the bend number. The ghat section is about 12 km long and climbs from the plains to approximately 700 metres elevation. The road is well-maintained but requires careful driving, especially during monsoon.
What is the nearest airport to Wayanad?
Calicut International Airport (Karipur Airport, code: CCJ) is the nearest airport, located about 100 km from Kalpetta. The drive from the airport to Wayanad takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via the Thamarassery Ghat. Taxis from the airport cost ₹2000 to ₹2500. Kannur International Airport is an alternative, about 120 km from north Wayanad.
How to reach Wayanad from Kochi?
Kochi to Wayanad is approximately 300 km via NH 544 and NH 766 through Kozhikode, taking 6 to 7 hours by car. The most common route goes via Thrissur and Kozhikode, then up the Thamarassery Ghat. KSRTC buses run from Ernakulam bus stand with one or two changes, total travel time 7 to 9 hours. A more scenic route goes via Palakkad and Silent Valley.
Can I take a train to Wayanad?
There is no railway station in Wayanad. The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut) at about 75 km from Kalpetta. Other nearby stations include Mysore (120 km) and Kannur (110 km). From any of these stations, you need to take a bus or taxi for the remaining journey into Wayanad. Kozhikode station has the most frequent bus connections.
How to reach Wayanad from Chennai?
Chennai to Wayanad is about 680 km, taking 10 to 12 hours by road via Salem, Coimbatore, and Palakkad or via Bengaluru and Mysore. The fastest option is to fly to Calicut Airport (1.5 hours) and drive up from there. By train, take the Chennai-Kozhikode train (overnight, 10 to 11 hours) and then a bus from Kozhikode to Wayanad.
Is the Wayanad Ghat road safe to drive?
The Thamarassery Ghat road is well-maintained and driven by hundreds of vehicles daily. However, the 36 hairpin bends require careful driving. Drive in second or third gear, use horn at blind corners, and keep headlights on in fog or rain. Avoid driving the ghat at night if you are unfamiliar with the road. During heavy monsoon, occasional landslides may cause temporary closures.