Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of Kerala’s Western Ghats, Wayanad emerges as a gem of tranquility and natural allure. This idyllic town, enveloped in lush greenery and embraced by mist-laden peaks, captivates travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystem. From sprawling spice plantations to dense forests teeming with wildlife, Wayanad offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts seeking solace in the embrace of Mother Nature. As one navigates through its winding paths, the echoes of history and culture reverberate, with ancient caves, sacred temples, and vibrant tribal communities weaving a tapestry of heritage and tradition.
Meandering waterfalls cascade gracefully, inviting adventurers to explore hidden treasures while immersing themselves in the serenity of the surroundings. With each step, from the majestic Chembra Peak to the mystical Edakkal Caves adorned with prehistoric engravings, Wayanad beckons explorers on a journey of discovery and wonder. Embark on an odyssey through this timeless land, where every moment unfolds a new chapter of beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion, promising an unforgettable sojourn in the heart of Kerala’s natural splendor. For a comfortable and convenient travel to this quintessential hill station, book a car rental in Kozhikode with Savaari.
Table of Contents
- Why travel from Kozhikode to Wayanad?
- Travelling from Kozhikode to Wayanad by car
- Best Time To Visit
- Popular Routes from Kozhikode to Wayanad
- Kozhikode to Wayanad Best Route
- How to Reach Wayanad By Train
- How to Reach Wayanad By Flight
- How to Reach Wayanad By Road
- Attractions in Wayanad for Sightseeing
- Savaari Recommends – Popular Places to Eat in Wayanad
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Wayanad
- Nearby Roadtrips from Wayanad
- Highway updates
Why travel from Kozhikode to Wayanad?
Wayanad is located in the mountainous Deccan plateau at an elevation that offers majestic views unlike any other. Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American philosopher once said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” The drive from Kozhikode passes through many beautiful towns and scenic roads along the way, giving literal meaning to the philosopher’s words. The distance, particularly, is not much, making it a very easy and beautiful drive.
Traveling from Kozhikode to Wayanad by car
Savaari offers completely customizable Kozhikode to Wayanad trip packages. This means you can choose the route that suits you best and plan stops along the way for any sightseeing you might want to include. Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Kozhikode to Wayanad by car.
Important Highway information – Kozhikode to Wayanad
| Highway Name | Kozhikode to Kollegal |
| Highway Number | NH 766 |
| Distance | 86 km |
| Starting Point | Kozhikode |
| End Point | Wayanad |
| Highway Quality | Poor |
Best Time To Visit
The best time of the year to visit Wayanad is from November to February, as the weather is ideal in these months. It is pleasant, cool, and dry. The shoulder months of October and March are also worth considering as the number of tourists tends to drop a little, but the weather is considerably decent. On the other hand, the monsoon season from June to September is not ideal, mainly owing to landslides and road blockages due to heavy rainfall. Some tourist attractions might also be closed during this period. That being said, the waterfalls are in their mightiest self in the monsoons, so if you’re going for the waterfalls, monsoons are your best bet.
Popular Routes from Kozhikode to Wayanad
Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Kozhikode to Wayanad via NH766
The shortest route from Kozhikode to Wayanad is via NH766, making it the best option for a road trip. The traffic on this road is fairly smooth except for some hairpins and local towns that come on the way. If you travel during peak season without rain, the chances of a road closure are close to zero, making it a safe choice. The distance from Kozhikode to Wayanad on this route is around 85-90 km, depending on where you start in Kozhikode, and it takes just a little short of 3 hours to reach. However, the real-time status may vary, so it is always a good idea to check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Kozhikode to Wayanad road conditions.
Our drivers say these are the most recommended stops along this route
- Lakkidi View Point – This viewpoint situated on the highway makes for a beautiful stop without any extra effort. The best part is that it offers a side lane for parking, and you can plan a 5-10-minute pitstop here.
- Honey Museum – The museum is located just a few hundred meters off the main highway in Vythiri, making it very convenient for a visit. The museum offers a guided tour, honey tasting, and souvenirs. The ticket price is Rs. 30/- for adults and Rs. 20/- for children above five years.
Popular places to eat along this route where our customers usually stop
- White House Restaurant, Engapuzha, Puduppadi – Popular for its rice & meat platters, this minimalist eatery offers many Indian & Chinese options.
- Wilton Restaurant, Lakkidi – It is located just 600 meters from Lakkidi View Point, with road side car parking near the restaurant. South Indian dishes and continental food are recommended here.
- India Gate Restaurant, Vythiri – This restaurant serves a mix of North Indian and South Indian food.
A food channel, Discover Wayanad, said, “India Gate Restaurant in Vythiri is a must-visit for anyone exploring Wayanad. The food is a delightful mix of traditional Indian flavors, and the service is top-notch. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal after a day of exploring. I highly recommend trying their biryani—it’s incredibly flavorful! The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you need. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a fantastic choice.”
Kozhikode to Wayanad Road Condition via Route 1:
This is the shortest and fastest route despite some usual traffic, and it is a National Highway without any road closures. It is also the most frequently used route by travelers, driving from Kozhikode to Wayanad.
Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Kozhikode to Wayanad via SH54
This is a longer route to travel from Kozhikode to Wayanad than NH766. Given the increased distance, even though the traffic conditions are similar, this route takes slightly longer than route 1. The total distance from Kozhikode to Wayanad on the SH54 route is around 109 km and takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. We recommend you to always check for the latest road conditions and follow a live map when traveling to ensure your drive from Kozhikode to Wayanad is smooth.
If you wish to make this drive more enjoyable, our drivers recommend these detours along this route.
- Janaki Forest – This place is for all nature lovers. It is a quiet and peaceful reserve. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Kuttiady River and also cool off by dipping in the river.
- Pakranthalam Churam View Point – The views offer a thickly dense forest with fog in pristine nature. You can also plan a trek to Pakranthalam, which takes you through lush green forests, gurgling streams, and steep hills. However, it is considered challenging and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The trail to Pakranthalam is dotted with several viewpoints from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
These are some popular restaurants to eat at along this route
- Srank Restaurant, Ulliyeri – The bamboo design creates a unique and inviting ambiance that makes passers-by want to stop here for a bite.
- Taj Family Restaurant, Thondernad—This restaurant serves Malabar dishes, especially a mixed Wayanadan-Kozhikode style. It is famous for its ‘pothum kaal’ and ‘aattin thala’.
- Uppum Mulakum Restaurant, Korome – The restaurant boasts an elegant and cozy atmosphere, with dim lighting and tasteful décor. The menu offers a wide range of dishes but visitors particularly enjoy their beef preparations like fried beef.
Kozhikode to Wayanad Road Condition via Route 2:
This route is slightly longer in distance, so the time taken is slightly more. Route 2 is a state highway and takes about half an hour more than Route 1.
Most preferred route from Kozhikode to Wayanad by Savaari customers
Both the above routes are decent options if you’re driving from Kozhikode to Wayanad. However, the route via NH766 has the famous Lakkidi viewpoint, which is a must-visit. There are slightly more famous food options on Route 1, but the restaurants on SH54, although fewer, are also good. If you want to save time and still have a picturesque drive, then the route via NH766 is a slightly better option.
Other means of traveling from Kozhikode to Wayanad
How to reach by Train?
There are no trains available from Kozhikode to Wayanad. In fact, the closest railway station to Wayanad is the Kozhikode railway station. Therefore, the best way to travel to Wayanad is by driving, and you can book a Savaari Kozhikode to Wayanad cab to make your experience comfortable.
How to reach by Flight?
There is no flight from Kozhikode to Wayanad as the closest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport, which is in Kozhikode itself. However, you can hire a reliable Savaari airport taxi from Kozhikode Airport and travel to Wayanad.
How to reach by Bus?
KSRTC runs a few buses between Kozhikode and Wayanad, but most of them are non-AC buses, making the travel a little uncomfortable. There are a few KSRTC Swift buses that are air-conditioned and you can book the tickets for the same on the KSRTC website.
You can hire a Savaari taxi from Wayanad bus station to your hotel for a convenient ride.
Price comparison for choosing different travel means
| Means of transportation | Time taken via each of these means | Price |
| Kozhikode to Wayanad by train | No train | No train |
| Kozhikode to Wayanad by bus | 2 hours | Rs 227 |
| Kozhikode to Wayanad by flight | No flight | No flight |
| Kozhikode to Wayanad by cabs | 2 hours 50 mins | Rs 3,964 |
If you take a bus from Kozhikode to Wayanad, it is the cheapest option, but it doesn’t offer the level of comfort that a cab can provide. Both experiences are absolutely different, and if you are with your family or friends, then a cab definitely makes much more sense than taking a bus. You can avoid public congestion while also customizing your drive itinerary to suit your needs.
For example, the restaurant that you would like to eat at on the way, how many stops you would like to take, any detour for sightseeing or a non-stop drive from your origin to destination. You can also easily choose a one-way option instead of a round trip at no extra cost. Book a cab by Savaari and gift yourself a comfortable road trip that guarantees stunning views.
Attractions in Wayanad for Sightseeing
As you get closer to Wayanad, the landscapes turn greener, the jungles become deeper, and the views just take your breath away. If Kerala is God’s Land, Wayanad is definitely a big slice of this paradise with unique flora, vast plantations, and thick woods. While Wayanad is stunning for anyone who wishes to travel here, it is especially recommended for backpackers with its affordable prices and plentiful trekking trails. You can refer to this comprehensive guide for things to do in Wayanad.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary– This is ranked 8th among the world’s Biodiversity Hotspots and was officially established in 1973. It is an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has the largest population ever recorded of Asian elephants and tigers, making it an intensely bio-rich treasure.
- Soochipara Waterfalls– This stunning waterfall is located 35 km from Wayanad and is a three-tiered marvel that culminates into a pristine natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip.
- Iruppu Falls– The extremely significant Rameshwara Temple sits on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, which will come on your way to the falls. While the waterfall itself is quite beautiful, a forest trail from here winds up to the Brahmagiri Peak in Southern Kodagu.
- Banasura Sagar Dam– This is the most famous and visited place in Wayanad, especially because it is the largest earthen dam in the country. Tiny islands spot the dam while majestic hills surround it, making it an unmissable visual spectacle.
- Edakkal Caves—Edakkal Caves are among the oldest human settlements ever discovered, and the pictorial drawings and engravings inside make them a very interesting place to visit. Although the name suggests that these are caves, they are not actually caves. They are located 25 km from Wayanad and are a must-visit place.
- Kurumbalakotta Mala– It is a monolith hillrock that rises 990 mtrs above sea level. Whether or not you are a morning person, the mesmerizing sunrise here will surely make your jaw drop in awe of the natural beauty. The sun usually shines above a bed of clouds, almost making one feel surreal.
- Kuruvadweep or Kuruva Island is a hidden gem that especially attracts offbeat travellers who wish to indulge in the lap of Mother Nature, surrounded by scenic views and uncommon species. This river delta is protected and spreads across 950 acres of unbeatable views. Bamboo boating is a major tourist attraction here.
Savaari’s customer recommends – Popular places to eat in Wayanad
The food scene in Wayanad is quite good, especially if you love Indian food. While there are some great local eateries, you can also plan a meal at one of the exotic restaurants in 5-star hotels like the Taj.
These are some of the best-rated places to eat in Wayanad –
- 1980s A Nostalgic Restaurant
- Wilton Restaurant
- Café Corner House
- The Hill District Club
- Shamiana
- Café Ladder
Hotels and Resorts in Wayanad
Wayanad has a property for everyone. From expansive views at a budget price to luxury hotels that pamper you to the fullest, there are many great hotels and resorts in Wayanad. You can consider staying close to the main town or at a slightly off-the-path location, managing your travels with a customizable Savaari Cab. Here are a few options to get you started-
| Hotel Name | Address |
| Hiliya Resort Wayanad | Kenichira, Near Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad- 673596 PH: 099466 08800 |
| Misty Gate | Opposite chain tree, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Kunnathidavaka- 673576 PH:081297 02901 |
| Ananterra Resort | Poolakkandi Road, Thekkumthara, Wayanad- 673124 PH: 089213 17552 |
| Hotel Indriya | Near New Bus Terminal, Mandayapuram, Kalpetta- 673121 PH: 04936 203 877 |
| Taj Wayanad | 1/72-A, Ward- 1, Manjoora East Crescent Road Thariyode, North, Padinjarathara- 673575 PH: 04936 232 000 |
Nearby Roadtrips from Wayanad
Wayanad is undoubtedly a paradise, and there are plenty of places to visit and activities to do there. But if you wish to explore more of the South, there are some stunning places you can visit on a short road trip from Wayanad.
| Location | Distance | Best time to visit |
| Wayanad to Ooty | 109.7 km | March – June |
| Wayanad to Kannur | 111.1 km | November- February |
| Wayanad to Bandipur National Park | 36.9 km | October to March |
Download our Savaari car Booking app for a seamless booking of cabs from anywhere, anytime. Enjoy a smooth and pleasant journey whether you’re traveling to Wayanad or looking for road trip options from Wayanad.
Highway updates:
Kozhikode-Wayanad Tunnel Project to Begin in August
