Wayanad
Kerala · 276 km from Bangalore
- Distance
- 276 km
- Ideal duration
- 2–3 days
- Best season
- Oct–May
- Avg cost
- ₹5,800
About Wayanad
Wayanad is the plateau where Kerala meets Karnataka and Tamil Nadu — tea and coffee slopes, spice gardens, and forest that runs unbroken into Bandipur and Mudumalai. Chembra Peak's heart-shaped lake is the photograph everyone wants; the Neolithic petroglyphs inside Edakkal Caves are the thing you did not expect. Most groups drive up through the Muthanga or Thamarassery ghats, base themselves near Kalpetta or Meppadi, and split two days between a trek, a waterfall and a plantation walk. **Getting there.** 280 km from Bengaluru via Mysuru and the Muthanga forest road (6–7 hours); the forest stretch closes to night traffic, so departures plan around it. Only 136 km from Mysuru. **Where to stay.** Homestays and plantation stays around Kalpetta, Meppadi and Vythiri; treehouses if you book early.
Things to do
- • Chembra Peak and the heart-shaped lake
- • Edakkal Caves petroglyphs
- • Soochipara and Meenmutty falls
- • Banasura Sagar dam and island
- • Bamboo rafting at Kuruva Island
- • Spice plantation walk
Best time to visit
October to May. The monsoon is heavy here — some treks including Chembra close during peak rain and after fire warnings.
How to reach
280 km from Bengaluru via Mysuru and the Muthanga forest road (6–7 hours); the forest stretch closes to night traffic, so departures plan around it. Only 136 km from Mysuru.
Where to stay
Homestays and plantation stays around Kalpetta, Meppadi and Vythiri; treehouses if you book early.