Weekend getaway from Mysuru · #3 of 10
Wayanad
Kerala's green plateau district across Bandipur forest from Mysuru: prehistoric Edakkal caves, Banasura Sagar dam, lakes and wildlife. NH-766 through the reserve closes 9 PM-6 AM, so plan daylight crossings.
Escape across the border into lush Kerala for an effortless 48-hour loop: prehistoric cliff carvings and epic dam vistas on day one, followed by a misty dawn safari and roaring falls on day two. Pure, unhurried bliss.
Getting there
Heads up: the Bandipur forest road shuts sharp between 9 PM and 6 AM, and speed limits are strict. Plan your drive in broad daylight so you don't get stuck at the gates.
Day 1 - Saturday
Ancient caves, misty heights, and reservoir views- 16:30 AMDrive
Drive Mysuru to Sulthan Bathery
Roll past Gundlupet and deep into the Bandipur-Muthanga forest corridor. Keep your eyes peeled on the roadside-spotted deer and wild elephants love an early morning crossing.
- 29:30 AMFood
Kerala breakfast
Kick off your Kerala food trail in Sulthan Bathery with piping-hot, fluffy appams or steamed puttu dunked in rich, spicy kadala curry.
📍 Sulthan Bathery, Kerala
- 310:30 AMSight
Edakkal Caves
Hike up Ambukutty Mala to explore two dramatic natural caves covered in 6,000 BCE petroglyphs-easily some of South India's rarest and most enigmatic Stone Age carvings.
📍 Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
Tip · The final push up the steps is a steep leg-burner, so lace up shoes with good grip. Remember, it's closed on Mondays!
- 41:00 PMFood
Kerala meals lunch
Refuel around Kalpetta or Ambalavayal with an all-out traditional feast: steaming rice and curries served on a fresh banana leaf, or fiery local fish curry.
📍 Kalpetta, Kerala
- 53:00 PMSight
Banasura Sagar Dam
Stand atop India's largest earth dam, taking in emerald hill-backed waters and scattered islands at the foot of Banasura Hill. Hop on a speedboat if you fancy a thrill.
📍 Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad
- 65:30 PMSight
Pookode Lake
Unwind at 770m by this tranquil freshwater lake wrapped in lush evergreen forest near Vythiri. Grab a pedal boat, stroll the leafy trail, or check out the aquarium.
📍 Pookode Lake, Wayanad
- 77:00 PMStay
Resort stay near Vythiri
Call it a night in Wayanad's lush resort haven around Vythiri and Kalpetta-tuck into a dreamy treetop hideaway or a cozy plantation estate.
📍 Vythiri, Kerala
Day 2 - Sunday
Wild safari encounters and rushing waterfalls- 86:30 AMActivity
Muthanga safari, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Hop into an open jeep across the Muthanga range, part of the famed Nilgiri Biosphere. Scan the morning mist for wild elephants, massive gaur, deer, and rare big cats.
📍 Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad
Tip · Get to the gate early to snag your safari tickets-the dawn slots vanish in no time.
- 99:30 AMFood
Breakfast
Post-safari appetites are real. Head back toward Kalpetta or unwind over a hearty, lazy spread at your resort.
📍 Kalpetta, Kerala
- 1011:00 AMSight
Soochipara Falls
Take a scenic 15-minute trek down through the Vellarimala forest near Meppadi to reach this thunderous three-tiered cascade and its refreshing rock pool.
📍 Soochipara Falls, Wayanad
- 111:00 PMFood
Lunch
Savor one last authentic Kerala meal in Kalpetta, then hit the local market for crispy fresh banana chips, aromatic spices, and wild honey.
📍 Kalpetta, Kerala
- 122:30 PMActivity
Shop for spices
Stock up on estate-fresh black pepper, fragrant cardamom, and rich local coffee straight from the town's spice merchants at unbeatable prices.
📍 Kalpetta, Kerala
- 133:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Mysuru
Cruise back through the Muthanga-Bandipur forest with plenty of daylight to spare well before the night gate shuts at 9 PM.
Where to eat
Fluffy steamed rice-and-coconut cylinders served with aromatic, dark-spiced black chickpea gravy-the ultimate Kerala morning fuel.
A grand, colorful spread of curries, pickles, and rice served on a fresh plantain leaf-tastes best at bustling local lunch joints.
Pungent whole black peppercorns, aromatic green cardamom, and raw forest honey bought straight from local growers.
When to go
Crisp, misty mornings and lush greenery everywhere-hands down the prime window for safari drives, cave treks, and dam views.
Dramatic downpours turn the hills emerald and waterfalls roar, though cave trails, treks, and boat rides may close for safety.
Warmer afternoons on the plateau, but your odds of spotting thirsty wildlife gathering around forest waterholes shoot right up.
Good to know
- Keep a valid government ID handy-you'll need it both for the state border crossing and at the safari ticket counter.
- Head to Edakkal Caves first thing in the morning; daily entries are strictly capped and lines get crazy by midday.
