Wayanad sits high in the Western Ghats, and it has no airport or railway station of its own. Getting there is part of the adventure: forest highways, misty hairpin bends and coffee country along the way. This guide explains how to reach Wayanad, and Sulthan Bathery in particular, by air, train, bus and car from Bangalore, Kozhikode, Kochi, Kannur and Mysuru.
Quick answer
- Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 3 hours by road
- Nearest railway stations: Kozhikode (about 96 km) and Mysuru (about 115 km)
- Main bus hub: Sulthan Bathery KSRTC bus stand, with buses from Kozhikode, Bangalore, Mysuru and other cities
- By car: NH 766 links Sulthan Bathery with Kozhikode in the west and Mysuru and Bangalore in the east
Distances and drive times to Sulthan Bathery
| From | Distance | Typical drive | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kozhikode (Calicut) | about 96 km | 2.5–3 hours | NH 766 via Thamarassery ghat |
| Calicut Airport | – | about 3 hours | via Kozhikode and the ghat |
| Kannur | about 120 km | about 3 hours | via Mananthavadi |
| Mysuru | about 115 km | about 3 hours | NH 766 via Gundlupet and Bandipur |
| Bangalore | about 255–265 km | 6–7 hours | via Mysuru and Bandipur |
| Kochi | about 250 km | 6–7 hours | via Thrissur and Kozhikode |
How to reach Wayanad by air
- Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode): the nearest airport, with domestic and international flights. The drive to Sulthan Bathery takes about 3 hours.
- Kannur International Airport: another good option, about 3 hours by road.
- Bengaluru (Kempegowda) International Airport: the best choice for many travellers from North India and abroad. Allow 6–7 hours by road via Mysuru.
Pre-book a taxi from the airport, especially if you land in the evening, and plan to drive the ghat or forest roads in daylight.
How to reach Wayanad by train
There is no railway line in Wayanad. The two most convenient stations are:
- Kozhikode railway station: well connected to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Chennai. From here, take a KSRTC bus or taxi to Sulthan Bathery (about 96 km).
- Mysuru Junction: convenient from Bangalore. From Mysuru, take a bus or taxi along NH 766 via Gundlupet and Bandipur (about 115 km).
How to reach Wayanad by bus
Sulthan Bathery is Wayanad’s largest town and main transport hub. KSRTC (Kerala) and KSRTC (Karnataka) buses connect it with Kozhikode, Bangalore, Mysuru, Ooty, Kochi and other cities, and private overnight buses run from Bangalore. From the bus stand, autorickshaws and taxis take you to your stay.
How to reach Wayanad by road
From Bangalore and Mysuru
The most popular route runs Bangalore → Mysuru → Gundlupet → Bandipur forest → Muthanga → Sulthan Bathery on NH 766. The road through Bandipur is closed to private vehicles from 9 PM to 6 AM, so cross the forest in daylight. Full details are in our Bangalore to Wayanad guide.
From Kozhikode (Calicut)
NH 766 climbs from Adivaram to Lakkidi through the Thamarassery ghat: about 14 km with nine hairpin bends and great views from the Lakkidi viewpoint at the top. Traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays, and the ghat is sometimes restricted for repairs or after heavy rain, so check the latest status before you set off.
From Kochi
Kochi to Sulthan Bathery is about 250 km by road via Thrissur and Kozhikode, around 6–7 hours. Many travellers break the journey in Kozhikode, or take a train to Kozhikode and continue by road.
From Kannur
From Kannur, the road goes inland via Mananthavadi to Sulthan Bathery, about 120 km and roughly 3 hours.
Getting around Wayanad
Places in Wayanad are spread out, so a car or taxi is the easiest way to explore. Local taxis and jeeps can be hired for the day, autorickshaws work well for short trips, and buses link the main towns. For trip ideas, see our Wayanad tourist places guide and 3-day itinerary.
Tip from Le Venzia: Le Venzia is just 100 m from NH 766, the main highway through Sulthan Bathery, so it’s easy to find whether you arrive from Kozhikode, Mysuru or Bangalore. Message us on WhatsApp before you set off and we’ll share the map pin.
Where to stay when you arrive
Le Venzia Luxury Apartments offers two-bedroom serviced apartments in Sulthan Bathery with a full kitchen, AC bedrooms, a private balcony and free parking, 4 km from town and 100 m from the National Highway, an easy first stop after a long drive. Contact us or WhatsApp +91 82899 76000.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the nearest airport to Wayanad?
Calicut International Airport in Kozhikode is the nearest, about 3 hours by road from Sulthan Bathery. Kannur International Airport is about 3 hours too.
Is there a railway station in Wayanad?
No. The nearest stations are Kozhikode (about 96 km from Sulthan Bathery) and Mysuru (about 115 km).
What is the best way to reach Wayanad from Bangalore?
Drive or take a bus via Mysuru, Gundlupet and Bandipur on NH 766, about 6–7 hours. Cross the Bandipur forest between 6 AM and 9 PM, when it’s open to private vehicles.
Is the Thamarassery ghat road safe?
Yes, it’s a busy national highway, but it’s winding and can be slow. Drive carefully, avoid peak holiday hours if you can, and check for restrictions after heavy rain.
How do I get around Wayanad without a car?
Use KSRTC buses between towns, and hire a taxi or jeep for sightseeing days. Autorickshaws are handy for short trips around Sulthan Bathery.
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