Road Trip From Bangalore To Wayanad

Wayanad – A Great Road Trip From Bangalore

Wayanad has been in the news of late for political reasons, but we love this beautiful region of Kerala for its rich natural assets and cultural heritage. Its location makes for a great road trip from Bangalore. Wayanad strategically located on the border of Karnataka and Kerala is a great weekend getaway from Bangalore. So much so the roads leading to Wayanad get jammed with weekend revelers. Considering this we always head to Wayanad during weekdays when we can enjoy the beauty of the place in relative seclusion.

The Best of Both Worlds

Considering that Wayanad is located right on the inter-state border of Karnataka and Kerala, one literally gets to enjoy the best of both the states. As you zip along the smooth Bangalore-Mysore highway, you are treated to many of the attractions of Karnataka. A soon as you enter the Kerala border the landscape changes and you enter the verdant green terrain of the state. However, the geographical layout of Wayanad is somewhat different from other parts of the states. Here emerald tea gardens, hills, and lakes dot the land giving it an enchanting aura different from the romantic aura that one usually associates with Kerala.

A Bike Ride To Wayanad

We love road trips. We generally prefer cars, but also love to experience the exhilarating feeling of freedom that a bike ride offers. The feel of the wind brushing your face is something that only a bike ride can provide. So on a recent trip, we decided to ditch the car and take the bike instead. However there was one impediment, we realized that our two-wheeler insurance had just expired. We remembered having done our travel insurance online and immediately renewed our two wheeler insurance online. Thanks to the power of digitalization and the harnessing of internet technology by insurance service providers we were off early morning, our hearts thumping with excitement, and the bike too seemed happy to be off on the road again!

Pit Stops On The Road

The best thing about the road trip from Bangalore to Wayanad is that the road is very good. And again the entire route from Bangalore to Wayanad is full of places where one can stop.

Food Stop

The Bangalore-Mysore road is dotted with umpteen motels and restaurants where you can stop for a hot breakfast including steaming cups of filter coffee. We too fortified ourselves and were off with renewed zeal and energy. We recommend a stop at Maddur which is about 81 km from Bangalore. You have some nice restaurants on the road here and when you are there you must enjoy the famed Maddur Wada, a crisp and unique preparation eaten with chutney.

Ramnagar

Just around 48 kilometers from Bangalore is located the town of Ramnagar. You notice huge rocks in the distance as you drive into this town. Ramnagar acquired celluloid immortality as Ramgadh in the Bollywood classic Sholay. It was here that the chilling voice of Gabbar Singh once resonated. The complete village of Ramgadh had been created here against the backdrop of seven hills that surround the village. Those looking to relive their Sholay moments can stop over here.

Channapatna

Just before you reach Maddur, at a distance of about 61 km from Bangalore, is the small town of Channapatna. This town is famous for wooden toys which are named after the town itself. It is really worthwhile to stop briefly here and look at the toys in some of the shops that line the road. If you can spare some time you may visit one of the factories too. We have nostalgic memories associated with the toys, the wooden dolls from Channapatna were a part of our childhood. In the era of technology when kids take to smartphones and gadgets almost from the crib, the wooden toy industry is not doing all that well and the art of wooden toy making unique to this place may be on the verge of extinction. Do buy a couple of wooden toys or showpieces when you are there as this will in a small way help in sustaining the craft.

Srirangapatna

After you drive 124 km from Bangalore, you reach the historical town of Srirangapatna. This place is an important landmark in the history and culture of the region. Srirangapatna is a complete destination in itself and requires at least half a day to see all its attractions.

• Ranganathaswamy temple is the main attraction of Srirangapatna the famous temple dates back to the 9th century. It is one of the important Vaishnavite shrines of South India. The three famous temples dedicated to Ranganathaswamy and are important pilgrimage centers in Southern India are Adi Ranga, the deity at Srirangapatna, Madhya Ranga at Sivasamudram and Antya Ranga at Srirangam.
• Daria Daulat Bagh is a palace made of teak wood associated with Tipu Sultan, it served as his summer palace. The most striking feature of the palace is the colorful frescoes that adorn the walls, pillars, archways, almost every available space. The enchanting frescoes are painted in a classical style referred to as Mysore Painting.
• Tipu Sultan’s Death Place is another historic landmark not far from the summer palace. An inscription at the place informs that the body of Tipu Sultan was found at the spot. It is said that met his death there in a battle.
• Ranganathitthu Bird Sanctuary is the biggest bird sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is home to around 170 species of birds depending on the time of the year. Boating is an attraction in the serene environs of the sanctuary.

Passing Through Wildlife Habitat On The Road Trip from Bangalore To Wayanad

One of the most exciting parts of the route to Wayanad on the road trip from Bangalore is when you pass through the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This is part of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve on the Karnataka side and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary on the Kerala side. As you drive through a road surrounded by lush forests on either side, you pass by flocks of graceful deer eyeing you shyly. If you are lucky you may even see an elephant or two by the side of the road. Indeed this is one of the thrilling elements of the road trip.

Road Trip From Bangalore To Wayanad – Sunflower Bonus

If you are traveling to Wayanad during the blooming season of sunflowers which is around the months of June-July, you are in for a treat. You will be treated to the visual spectacle of rows and rows of sunflowers swaying in the breeze. Many sunflower farms dot the road as you leave the boundaries of Karnataka state.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a unique blend of culture, heritage, and history, with generous toppings of natural beauty. A land so beautiful it is sure to inspire the imagination of many. Undulating tea plantations, hills, valleys, and lakes, make the place a veritable paradise of nature. Chembra Peak makes for an exciting trek and the Edakkal Caves and interesting insight into the stone age. The Heritage Museum in Wayanad provides a window into the cultural heritage of the place. Places like Pookut Lake and various waterfalls offer soothing sanctuaries for the mind. All this ensures that Wayanad is a perfect weekend getaway with a tapestry of experiences

Yes, Wayanad is a beautiful destination, but the road trip from Bangalore is no less lovely and exciting, an experience to be relived again and again.

Have you been to Wayanad? Do you like road trips by Bike or Car? Which do you rank as your best road trip in India? Do connect through our comments section, we look forward to your feedback.

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