How to Reach Wayanad – Complete Guide by Road, Train and Flight
Quick answer: The easiest way to reach Wayanad is by road from Kerala or Karnataka. The nearest airports are Kannur (CNN) and Kozhikode/Calicut (CCJ), and the nearest major railway stations are Kozhikode, Kannur and Mysuru. From each, continue to Wayanad by taxi, cab, or bus.
Wayanad at a Glance
Wayanad is a calm, green district in North Kerala known for misty hills, waterfalls, forests and tea estates. Distances inside the district are short, so you spend less time traveling and more time experiencing viewpoints, treks, lakes and caves. If you love nature, Wayanad is an easy, refreshing getaway.
Wayanad Map – Plan Your Trip
These towns connect to almost all entry routes. Choose your base based on where you enter: Kalpetta for central access, Sulthan Bathery if you’re coming via Bandipur–Muthanga, and Mananthavady if you’re arriving from Kannur, Coorg or North Kerala.
How to Reach Wayanad by Flight (Nearest Airports to Wayanad)
Wayanad does not have an airport. Fly to a nearby airport and continue by road (cab, taxi, or bus). Below are typical distances and driving times to the main Wayanad towns.
| Airport | To Kalpetta | To Sulthan Bathery | To Mananthavady | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kannur (CNN) | 90–100 km (~2.5 hrs) | ~110 km (~3 hrs) | 70–75 km (~2 hrs) | Often the closest for North Wayanad |
| Kozhikode/Calicut (CCJ) | 70–95 km (~2.5 hrs) | 100–120 km (~3 hrs) | ~120 km (~3–3.5 hrs) | Popular, frequent flights; 9 hairpins via Lakkidi |
| Mysuru (MYQ) | ~130 km (~3–3.5 hrs) | 100–110 km (~2.5–3 hrs) | ~105 km (~2.5–3 hrs) | Good for travelers from Karnataka |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | ~310 km (~7 hrs) | 290–300 km (~6–7 hrs) | 300–310 km (~6.5–7 hrs) | Best for international connectivity |
Tip: For fewer mountain bends, reach Sulthan Bathery via the Bandipur–Muthanga route from Karnataka.
How to Reach Wayanad by Train (Nearest Railway Stations)
Wayanad has no railway station. The nearest major railheads are Kozhikode, Kannur and Mysuru. From there, continue by road to Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta or Mananthavady.
| Railway Station | To Kalpetta | To Sulthan Bathery | To Mananthavady | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kozhikode (CLT) | 70–80 km (~2.5 hrs) | 90–100 km (~3 hrs) | 80–90 km (~3 hrs) | Frequent Kerala trains; popular choice |
| Kannur (CAN) | 100–120 km (~3.5 hrs) | ~125 km (~4 hrs) | 80–100 km (~3 hrs) | Best if staying in North Wayanad/Mananthavady |
| Mysuru (MYS) | 140–150 km (~3.5 hrs) | 110–120 km (~3 hrs) | 120–130 km (~3.5 hrs) | Ideal from Karnataka side |
Budget tip: Kerala SRTC and KSRTC buses connect these rail stations to Wayanad towns. For faster transfers, book a cab in advance.
How to Reach Wayanad by Road (Best Driving Routes)
Popular Routes & Driving Times
From Karnataka (Bengaluru / Mysuru)
- Mysuru → Nanjangud → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Muthanga → Sulthan Bathery
Fastest and most recommended. - Mysuru → H.D. Kote → Bavali → Kattikulam → Mananthavady
Scenic, good for North Wayanad.
From Tamil Nadu
- Coimbatore / Ooty → Gudalur → Sulthan Bathery
- Erode / Salem → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Sulthan Bathery
- Ooty → Nadukani Ghat → Sulthan Bathery
From Kozhikode (Calicut)
Kozhikode → Thamarassery → Adivaram → Lakkidi → Kalpetta — the shortest and most popular climb with 9 hairpin bends.
From Kannur
- Kannur → Iritty → Periya → Mananthavady (recommended)
- Kannur → Mattannur → Nedumpoyil → Periya → Mananthavady
- Kannur → Mattannur → Peruvannamuzhi → Padinjarathara → Mananthavady
From Malappuram
- Malappuram → Nilambur → Vazhikadavu → Nadukani Ghat → Meppadi → Kalpetta (scenic, recommended)
- Malappuram → Kondotty → Kozhikode → Thamarassery → Kalpetta
| Origin | Best Entry Town | Why This Route? | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru / Mysuru | Sulthan Bathery | Fast highway + wildlife corridor via Bandipur–Muthanga | 6–7 hrs (BLR) / ~3 hrs (MYS) |
| Kozhikode | Kalpetta | Shortest climb into central Wayanad (9 hairpins) | ~2.5–3 hrs |
| Kannur / Coorg | Mananthavady | Direct access to North Wayanad’s viewpoints & wildlife | ~2.5–3.5 hrs |
| Ooty / Gudalur | Sulthan Bathery | Gentle rolling roads; great scenery | ~3–4 hrs |
Smart Travel Tips for Wayanad
- Plan by base town: Choose Kalpetta (central), Sulthan Bathery (Karnataka side), or Mananthavady (Kannur/Coorg side) to cut drive time between attractions.
- Forest timings: Bandipur–Muthanga road may have night travel restrictions. Cross the corridor in daylight.
- Monsoon driving: Bend sections (Lakkidi/Nadukani) can be foggy and wet. Drive cautiously and keep fuel topped up.
- Public transport: KSRTC/Kerala SRTC and private buses connect Kozhikode, Kannur, Mysuru to Wayanad towns. Taxis are widely available.
- Navigation: Download offline maps for hairpin segments where signal can dip.
- Peak weekends: Start early from Bengaluru/Mysuru to avoid corridor traffic and enjoy wildlife sightings.
FAQs on How to Reach Wayanad
What is the nearest airport to Wayanad?
Kannur (CNN) and Kozhikode/Calicut (CCJ) are the nearest airports to Wayanad. Choose Kannur for North Wayanad (Mananthavady) and Kozhikode for central Wayanad (Kalpetta).
How to reach Wayanad from Bengaluru?
Drive via Mysuru → Gundlupet → Bandipur → Muthanga → Sulthan Bathery. It’s the fastest and most scenic option with a good mix of highways and forest stretches.
Does Wayanad have a railway station?
No. Use Kozhikode, Kannur or Mysuru stations and continue by bus or cab.
Which is the best month to visit Wayanad?
October to March is cool and pleasant for treks and viewpoints. Monsoon (June–September) is lush and great for waterfalls, but expect rain and mist.
Conclusion
Now you know how to reach Wayanad by road, train and flight. Even without its own airport or railway station, Wayanad is well-connected by road from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Pick the nearest airport or railway station, drive in calmly, and keep enough days to explore the hills, lakes and forests. Wayanad is more than a destination—it’s a slow, refreshing break for the mind and soul.
Pingback: Wayanad Visiting Places : Complete Local Guide to 16 Spots - Wayanadn