Chennai to Wayanad

The distance between Chennai and Wayanad is about 612 kms. There is no direct train to Wayanad from Chennai. One has to travel to Bangalore from Chennai first ideally, and then to Kozhikode. The nearest railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode (Calicut) which is about 77 km away. The same has to be done to travel to Wayanad from Kozhikode.

Available Train Options

A. Option 1

1. Chennai to Bangalore

Train: Chennai Central - Mysuru Shatabdi Express (12007)

Days: Sunday and Monday
Departure: Chennai Central, 06:00 AM
Arrival: Bengaluru City Junction, 10:55 AM
Duration: 4 hours and 55 minutes

Fare: AC Chair - INR 700, Executive - INR 1435, Anubhuti - INR 1600

2. Bangalore to Kozhikode

Train: Banaswadi - Kannur Express (via Salem) (16527)

Days: Sunday and Monday
Departure: Banaswadi (about 8 km away from Bengaluru City Junction), 08:25 PM
Arrival: Kozhikode Main, 07:52 AM
Duration: 11 hours and 27 minutes

Fare: General - INR 164, SL - INR 285, AC 3 - INR 780, AC 2 - INR 1120

B. Option 2

1. Chennai to Bangalore

Train: Chennai Central - KSR Bengaluru Mail (PT) (12657)

Days: Sunday and Monday
Departure: Chennai Central, 11:15 PM
Arrival: Bengaluru City Junction, 05:10 AM
Duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes

Fare: General - INR 131, SL - INR 260, AC 3 - INR 665, AC 2 - INR 930, AC 1st Class - INR 1560

2. Bangalore to Kozhikode

Train: Yesvantpur - Mangaluru Central Weekly Express (16565)

Days: Sunday and Monday
Departure: Yesvantpur Junction (about 6 km from Bengaluru City Junction), 11:55 PM
Arrival: Kozhikode Main, 01:27 PM
Duration: 13 hours and 32 minutes

Fare: General - INR 178, SL - INR 340, AC 3 - INR 935, AC 2 - INR 1340.

The distance between the two cities of Chennai and Wayanad is quite vast - a little over 500 km! The way to reach Wayanad from Chennai is best travelled via car or taxi. The roadways are relatively well maintained, and it makes for an enjoyable and smooth experience. The beauty of south India is brightly reflected out of the windows which one may cherish to the fullest as they drive past it. There are plenty of attractions on the way too that may make for interesting pit stops when the drive gets too monotonous. It takes almost 11 hours to cover the full distance without any pit stops. One can take the NICE Expressway for a smoother journey. A portion of the trip is covered through a forest which only adds to the adventure quotient.

The Routes That Can Be Taken

Route 1 : Chennai to Ulundurpet to Salem to Bhavani to Gobi to Sathyamangalam to Dhimbam Ghats to Chamrajnagar to Gundlupet to Wayanad.

Road Condition: The roads are quite well maintained for the most part. Roads from Chennai to Bhavani are in an excellent condition and it makes for quite the pleasurable drive. There are shorter and narrower roads after that. Sathyamangalam onwards is bursting with scene beauty, and it is even possible to spot wild animals. From Gundlupet, one has to drive through the forest to reach Wayanad which is beautiful in its own credit.

Route 2 : Chennai to Salem to Avinashi to Ooty (via Kotagiri or Connor) to Gudalur to Sulthan Bathery to Wayanad.

Road Condition: The road conditions are quite good for most of this route. There are narrower roads, but plenty of things to see. This is a far more scenic route as well.

Route 3 : Chennai to Poonamallee to Vellore to Krishnagiri to Hosur to Bangalore to Mysore to Nanjangud to Gundlupet to Wayanad.

Road Condition: This is probably the most metropolitan and urban route from the three. Going to Wayanad from Chennai via Bangalore is probably the most common and preferred option by travellers. Taking the NICE Expressway makes the journey easy and smooth, and relatively quicker. The roads from Mysore are not in the best condition, but after reaching Kerala, the roads are in good condition again.

Eating Options on the Way

1. Jubilee Restaurant
2. 1980’s - A Nostalgic Restaurant
3. Chain restaurants such as Cafe Coffee Day

There are no direct flights from Chennai to Wayanad. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode which is still about 100 km from Wayanad. If one chooses to travel via flight, they must go to Kozhikode from Chennai International Airport in Chennai, and then preferably take a rental car or taxi for hire to Wayanad. The prices of the tickets depend on how soon they are booked, so that must be kept in mind. The newly opened airport in Kannur may also be an option for this journey. There is not much connectivity as of yet, but be sure to be on the lookout for further news on this airport.

There is no direct bus to Wayanad from Chennai. The most common transport plan people usually opt for is taking a bus to Bangalore from Chennai, and then booking a taxi for the remainder of the journey to Wayanad from Bangalore. The entire route (Chennai to Bangalore to Wayanad) can also be done entirely through buses. The beauty of southern India is exquisitely portrayed en route and to be enjoyed from the windows.

Available Bus Options