Wayanad 3-Day Itinerary from Bangalore (with 2-Day Plan & Route Tips)

Pookode Lake surrounded by forest near Vythiri, Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the most popular weekend escapes from Bangalore: forests, waterfalls, ancient caves and cool hill air, about six to seven hours away by road. This 3-day Wayanad itinerary from Bangalore uses Sulthan Bathery as a base. It’s the first town you reach after the Bandipur forest, so you save driving time and see more.

Important: the road through Bandipur forest (NH 766) is closed to private vehicles from 9 PM to 6 AM. Plan to cross it in daylight in both directions. Timings and fees of attractions change often, so check the current status on the day.

Bangalore to Wayanad: the route

Road through Bandipur forest on the Bangalore to Wayanad route
Photo: L. Shyamal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Route: Bangalore → Mysore → Nanjangud → Gundlupet → Bandipur forest (NH 766) → Muthanga → Sulthan Bathery
  • Distance: about 255–265 km to Sulthan Bathery
  • Driving time: about 6–7 hours, including a breakfast stop
  • Night closure: Bandipur stretch closed to private vehicles from 9 PM to 6 AM
  • By bus: KSRTC and Karnataka buses run between Bangalore and Sulthan Bathery, including a limited number of permitted night services

Tip from Le Venzia: Leave Bangalore by 5:30–6 AM to beat city traffic and reach Sulthan Bathery by early afternoon, in time for an afternoon safari at Muthanga.

Day 1: Bangalore to Sulthan Bathery + Muthanga safari

Forest of Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad
Photo: Abhinavsharmamr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • 5:30 AM: Leave Bangalore. Breakfast on the highway or in Mysore.
  • Late morning: Drive through Gundlupet and the Bandipur forest. Stopping inside the forest is not allowed, so enjoy the wildlife from the car.
  • 1–2 PM: Reach Sulthan Bathery, check in and have lunch.
  • 3–5 PM: Jeep safari at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, about 17 km away (afternoon slot around 3–5 PM).
  • Evening: Walk around Sulthan Bathery town and visit the old Jain Temple.

Day 2: South Wayanad (Pookode Lake, Lakkidi, Banasura Sagar)

Banasura Sagar Dam reservoir with hills, Wayanad
Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • 8 AM: Drive about 40 km to Pookode Lake (open around 9 AM–5 PM). Take a pedal or row boat around the forest lake.
  • 11 AM: Lakkidi Viewpoint, a short drive away, for views over the ghat road’s hairpin bends.
  • 1 PM: Lunch around Kalpetta or Vythiri.
  • 2:30 PM: Banasura Sagar Dam (open around 9 AM–5 PM, boating until about 4:30 PM), India’s largest earth dam.
  • Evening: Drive back to Sulthan Bathery (about 45 km).

For trekkers: swap this day for the Chembra Peak trek. Permits are issued at the Meppadi forest office from around 7 AM, first come, first served, with a daily limit.

Day 3: Edakkal Caves + drive back to Bangalore

Ancient petroglyphs carved on the rock walls of Edakkal Caves
Photo: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • 7:30 AM: Check out and drive about 12 km to Edakkal Caves, arriving at opening (around 8 AM).
  • 8–10:30 AM: Climb to the caves (about 45 minutes each way) and see the ancient rock carvings.
  • 10:45 AM: Quick stop at Phantom Rock nearby.
  • 12 noon: Lunch in Sulthan Bathery, then leave for Bangalore.
  • Evening: Cross Bandipur well before 9 PM and reach Bangalore by night.

Tip from Le Venzia: Edakkal Caves is closed on Mondays and national holidays. If your last day is a Monday, visit Edakkal on Day 1 instead of the evening walk, or swap with the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.

2-day version (weekend trip)

  • Day 1: Drive from Bangalore, afternoon Muthanga safari, evening in Sulthan Bathery.
  • Day 2: Edakkal Caves at opening, Phantom Rock and Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, lunch, and leave by 2 PM to cross Bandipur before 9 PM.

Travel tips for the Bangalore–Wayanad trip

  • Cross the Bandipur forest only between 6 AM and 9 PM, and don’t stop or feed animals inside the forest.
  • In the monsoon (June–September), travel in daylight, drive slowly on hill roads and check weather alerts before you leave.
  • Carry cash for small entry fees and parking.
  • Weekends and holidays are busiest. Reach popular spots like Edakkal and Muthanga early.

Where to stay: Sulthan Bathery

Staying in Sulthan Bathery keeps the drive from Bangalore short and puts Muthanga and Edakkal Caves close by. Le Venzia Luxury Apartments offers two-bedroom serviced apartments with a full kitchen, AC bedrooms, a private balcony and free parking, 4 km from town and 100 m from the National Highway, ideal for families and groups driving from Bangalore. Contact us or WhatsApp +91 82899 76000.

More ideas: 17 best tourist places in Wayanad · tourist places near Sulthan Bathery

Frequently asked questions

How far is Wayanad from Bangalore?

Sulthan Bathery, the first major town in Wayanad, is about 255–265 km from Bangalore via Mysore and Bandipur, roughly 6–7 hours by road.

What are the Bandipur night traffic ban timings?

The Bandipur forest stretch of NH 766 is closed to private vehicles from 9 PM to 6 AM. Only a limited number of buses and emergency vehicles may pass at night.

Are 3 days enough for Wayanad?

Yes. Three days lets you see the Sulthan Bathery side (Edakkal Caves, Muthanga) and south Wayanad (Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam) at a relaxed pace.

Where should I stay in Wayanad when coming from Bangalore?

Sulthan Bathery is the most convenient base: it is the first town after the Bandipur forest and close to Muthanga and Edakkal Caves.

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