Wayanad is the green plateau just across the Kerala border from Mysore, a district of spice gardens, tea estates, waterfalls and ancient caves. Kalpetta is only about 140 km from Mysore, and the drive takes three and a half to four hours on NH 766 through the Bandipur and Muthanga forests. It is one of the most beautiful short drives in South India, but also one with a strict night closure. Our Mysore to Wayanad taxi is scheduled so that you cross the forest in daylight, with the Kerala permit sorted in advance and a driver who knows the resort roads around Vythiri, Meppadi and Mananthavady.
| Vehicle | Seats | One way (140 km) | Round trip (280 km, 1 day) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire or Similar Compact Sedan | 4 People | ₹2,500 ₹15/km | ₹4,000 | Book |
| Toyota Etios Premium Sedan | 4 People | ₹2,640 ₹16/km | ₹4,300 | Book |
| Maruti Ertiga or Similar Compact SUV | 6 People | ₹3,300 ₹20/km | ₹5,200 | Book |
| Toyota Innova Premium SUV | 7 People | ₹3,580 ₹22/km | ₹5,500 | Book |
| Toyota Innova Crysta Luxury SUV | 7 People | ₹4,000 ₹25/km | ₹6,100 | Book |
One-way fares include fuel and driver allowance (minimum 130 km). Round-trip fares are for the same car returning to Mysore, billed at the round-trip rate with a daily minimum. Tolls, parking and interstate permits are extra where they apply. Tempo Travellers, Urbania and mini buses are available for round trips.
Wayanad can be entered from Mysore in two ways, and the right one depends on where you are staying.
The main route. From Mysore you head through Nanjangud to Gundlupet, then into Bandipur National Park and across the border into the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. The first Kerala town is Sulthan Bathery, after which the road continues to Kalpetta and Vythiri. Best for stays in the southern and central parts of Wayanad.
The quieter alternative goes south-west through HD Kote and past the Kabini area, entering Kerala at Bavali and reaching Mananthavady. It is often the more convenient way to reach Thirunelli, Tholpetty and resorts in north Wayanad. This road also passes through forest, around the Nagarhole and Kabini area, and it too has night traffic restrictions.
NH 766 through Bandipur has been closed to most traffic at night for years, commonly from 9 pm to 6 am, to protect wildlife. The Bavali road also has night restrictions. In practice, that means you should aim to leave Mysore by early afternoon at the latest, and earlier on weekends when the checkposts are busy. Arriving at a closed checkpost means a long wait or a long detour, so our coordinators plan the pickup time with this in mind.
The cab needs a Kerala interstate permit, which we arrange before departure. It is typically listed separately from the base fare, together with tolls and any parking charges. Expect a short stop at the border checkpost for paperwork.
Many resorts and homestays are down narrow estate roads. Send us a map pin or the property's contact number, and the driver will make sure you are dropped at the door rather than at a junction.
Edakkal caves have prehistoric rock engravings and require a short, steep climb. Banasura Sagar dam is one of the largest earth dams in India, with boating and island views. Pookode is a natural freshwater lake ringed by forest. Kuruva island on the Kabini river is a cluster of river islets reached by bamboo raft, open seasonally. Chembra Peak has a heart-shaped lake on the trail, though trekking permits and seasonal closures apply. For tea lovers, the estates around Meppadi and Vythiri offer viewpoints over endless green slopes.
October to May is ideal for sightseeing, with pleasant days and cool nights. The monsoon from June to September brings very heavy rain and the occasional landslide; the scenery is lush but some attractions and trails close. Summer is the best time for wildlife sightings on the NH 766 stretch, as animals come out to waterholes near the road.
Sedans are fine for the main roads and most resorts. For estate stays, steep driveways or monsoon travel, an Ertiga, Innova or Innova Crysta is more comfortable. Families and friends' groups can travel together in a tempo traveller, though some resort roads are too narrow for it; we check first.
A two- or three-day round trip, with the same driver taking you around Wayanad, is usually the most convenient option, as the sights are spread across the district and local taxis are not always easy to find in the evenings.
The last Karnataka town before the forest, surrounded by seasonal sunflower and marigold fields.
The Kerala forest adjoining Bandipur, where elephants are often seen near the highway.
Rock shelters near Sulthan Bathery with prehistoric engravings, reached by a steep climb.
A large earth dam with boating and views of islands formed by the reservoir.
A natural freshwater lake surrounded by forest near Vythiri.
An ancient Vishnu temple in the Brahmagiri hills of north Wayanad.
Leave by early afternoon at the latest. The Bandipur stretch of NH 766 is closed to most traffic at night, commonly from 9 pm to 6 am, so you need to cross before then.
Gundlupet and Muthanga suit stays in Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta and Vythiri. The Bavali route is often more convenient for Mananthavady and Thirunelli. Both have night restrictions.
We arrange the permit before departure. It is usually listed separately from the base fare along with tolls and parking.
Yes, if you book a round trip. The driver can cover Edakkal caves, Banasura Sagar, Pookode lake and other spots over two or three days.
Wayanad gets very heavy rain from June to September. Many places remain open, but some trails close and landslides can affect certain areas. We check conditions and advisories before travel.
Talk to our travel desk for a quote, extra stops or a bigger vehicle. We answer 24/7.
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