Wayanad is Kerala's high country: a plateau of tea, coffee and pepper gardens, bamboo forests and wildlife sanctuaries, bordered by the Nilgiris and the Karnataka forests of Bandipur and Nagarhole. Its resorts and homestays are scattered across a large district, and many of its best sights are reached by quiet rural roads. Savari Holidays provides taxis in Wayanad for local sightseeing, pickups from resorts and homestays, and outstation trips to Mysore, Bangalore, Ooty and Coorg. Our drivers understand the forest timings and ghat roads that shape travel in and out of Wayanad.
Wayanad is not a single town but three broad areas, each with its own character. Sulthan Bathery, in the south-east near the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu borders, is close to Edakkal Caves and Muthanga. Kalpetta and Vythiri, in the centre, are the busiest resort belt, near Pookode Lake and the Lakkidi viewpoint. Mananthavady, to the north, is the gateway to Thirunelli, Kuruva Island and Tholpetty. Distances between them run to an hour or more, so a cab is the easiest way to explore without being tied to bus timings.
In July 2024, devastating landslides struck the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas near Meppadi. Some attractions on that side of the district, such as Soochipara Falls and trails towards Chembra Peak, have had restricted access since then. Most of Wayanad remains open and welcoming to visitors, and tourism is important to local livelihoods. Our team checks the current status of each place before planning your itinerary.
Wayanad has no airport or railway station. The nearest airports are Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kannur, each a few hours away, while Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru offers the widest choice of flights. The nearest railheads are Kozhikode on the Kerala side and Mysore on the Karnataka side. Whichever gateway you use, the driver collects you there and takes you to your resort door.
Prices for single drops and multi-day round trips appear in the fare table here.
The main road to Mysore and Bangalore crosses Bandipur Tiger Reserve, where traffic is barred at night, typically between 9 PM and 6 AM. Some roads through the Nagarhole and Tholpetty forests also have restricted hours. We plan departures so that forest sections are crossed in good time, and suggest a morning start for long trips.
For Wayanad, the Ertiga, Innova and Innova Crysta are well suited to Wayanad's hilly terrain and resort access roads. A Swift Dzire or Toyota Etios is a good fit for couples staying at properties on main roads. Groups and families can book a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania, although the narrowest plantation lanes may suit smaller vehicles better.
October to May is the main travel season. November to February brings cool, misty mornings and clear afternoons, ideal for trekking and wildlife. March to May is warmer but still comfortable on the plateau. Monsoon rains between June and September are intense; the landscape is at its greenest, but trekking routes may close and some roads can be affected. Check conditions before travelling in the wet months.
Fares include fuel and driver allowance. Toll, parking and state permit are extra.
Yes. We plan tours around Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta and Mananthavady, covering Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar, Pookode Lake, Thirunelli and wildlife sanctuaries, with current access checked in advance.
Fly into Kozhikode, Kannur or Bengaluru, or take a train to Kozhikode or Mysore. We provide pickups from all of these and drive you directly to your stay.
Leave in the morning so you cross the Bandipur forest well before it closes at night, usually at 9 PM. The drive takes about six to seven hours.
Some spots on the Meppadi side have had restricted access since the 2024 landslides. Our team checks the current status before planning your itinerary.
Yes. The usual route runs north via Mananthavady and Kutta to Gonikoppal and Madikeri. Some sections pass through forest, so daytime travel is best.
Talk to our travel desk for a quote, extra stops or a bigger vehicle. We answer 24/7.
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