Wayanad is one of the most famous locations for people to visit in Kerala. If you love thick forests, the sound and smell of forest rains, and mountain trails, this spot is a must-visit for you. While planning a trip to this hilly region, one of the most crucial things to know is the nearest airport to Wayanad. Knowing this helps plan your trip and ensures minimal inconvenience. Wayanad in itself doesn’t have an airport. However, it is in proximity to the airports of other cities in Kerala and Karnataka, simplifying everyone’s journey.
Located in Northern Kerala, bordering Karnataka, the best camps you will find here are around Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, or Kuruva Island. Whether you want to visit the river, the hills, or the forest, the choice is all yours. Some nearby spots for you to also explore are Edakkal Caves, Meenmutty Falls, and Pookode Lake.
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Which is the Nearest Airport to Wayanad?
Kannur International Airport (CNN)
The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kannur Airport. It caters to both domestic and international flights and is well-connected to various states.
Kannur Airport is a fairly new option that has quickly become popular among travelers visiting North Kerala. If you’re heading to the northern parts of Wayanad, this can be a good choice.
The distance from Wayanad is around 100 to 120 kilometers, and it will take you two to three hours to reach. You will pass through forested areas, quiet villages, and peaceful stretches of road. The drive is calm and refreshing, ideal if you want to avoid traffic.
Some of the nearby attractions are the Periyar Forest and Banasura Sagar Dam. You can actually spot wildlife here. And the dam in Wayanad is one of the largest ones in India.
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Location: Mattanur District, Kannur
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Reach Via: Private cab or bus
You will not find many food stalls or fuel stations along the route, so plan your stops accordingly. This route will be best if you are planning to stay in places like Mananthavady or Thirunelli.
Kannur Airport is a very convenient option for reaching North Wayanad. The airport itself is not that crowded, so you will have a smooth arrival experience. You have your restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, and car rental counters.
Before you leave, you can spend a couple of hours in Kannur. You can visit the Payyambalam Beach, St. Angelo Fort, or enjoy local snacks like banana chips and Kerala parottas.
Again, if you’re flying in during the monsoon, always check road safety updates due to frequent rains in this region. You will also get prepaid taxis, and private cabs are available at the airport, but you can also book one in advance to avoid waiting.
Other Airports Closer to Wayanad
Calicut Airport is the nearest to Wayanad. However, if you are unable to find a suitable flight that lands there, you can choose another airport.
Here are the other airports near Wayanad:
1. Calicut International Airport
Although the airport is considered the closest to Wayanad, it depends on your location. If you are staying at the outskirts, the distance might be reduced to around 60 km. That’s why it is also often known as the nearest airport to Wayanad.
- Location: Kozhikode District
- Distance: Approximately 100 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Reach Via: Private or public bus
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Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, is the closest airport to Wayanad. It’s located near Kozhikode, in Kerala.
The distance is approximately 100 kilometers, and it will take you around two to three hours to reach.
This is a very popular place that most people use to reach Wayanad. As you drive through the Thamarassery Ghat, you will pass winding roads, dense forests, and scenic viewpoints. The drive is exciting, but you should stay careful because there are sharp bends.
Some of the nearby attractions are Thusharagiri Waterfalls and Lakkidi View Point. You can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and some great views of hills and valleys.
Some of our tips are that you can book a taxi or a private cab so that your journey is easier. Lease avoid travelling late in the evening. You might come across rain, and the visibility will be poor.
2. Mysore Airport
Mysore Airport is located in Karnataka, but it is a good option if you’re flying in from cities like Bangalore or Chennai. The airport is small and offers limited flights, but it’s convenient for regional travelers.
This is a smaller airport, as compared to its counterparts. It is open to only domestic airports and is often a convenient choice if you travel from nearby cities.
- Location: Mysore District
- Distance: Approximately 132 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Reach Via: Private cab or bus
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The distance from Wayanad is 120 to 140 kilometers, and it will take around four hours to reach.
The route is from Mysore to Wayanad via Nanjangud and Bandipur National Park.
If you’re looking for a scenic route, this drive will be perfect for you. You will pass through national parks and small towns. However, the forest roads are usually closed at night to protect wildlife, so plan accordingly.
There’s Bandipur National Park that you can visit. You will come across wild animals. There is also Sulthan Bathery, which has historical sites. You can even book your stays there as they have many good options.
But do carry your own snacks and water since the forest stretch has limited facilities.
Mysore Airport is a small domestic airport, perfect if you’re flying in from cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, or Bengaluru. You will also get all essential amenities like prepaid taxis, basic food counters, and car rental desks. I
Before leaving Mysore, take time to visit the Mysore Palace or grab a quick bite of Mysore masala dosa. You can even buy some Mysore silk or sandalwood products.
3. Coimbatore Airport
Coimbatore Airport also offers a convenient mode to reach Wayanad. It has international and domestic terminals, connecting the city to major states and countries.
- Location: Peelamedu
- Distance: Approximately 245 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Reach Via: By train or cab
If you’re coming from Tamil Nadu or want to explore Ooty before heading to Wayanad, Coimbatore Airport will be a good choice. Though farther away, it’s well-connected to major Indian cities.
The distance is around 200 to 250 kilometers, and it will take you six to seven hours.
It will be a long drive, but you will be surrounded by hills, greenery, and cool mountain weather. You can stop in Ooty for a few hours or even stay a night before continuing your journey to Wayanad.
Some places you can explore are Ooty Botanical Gardens, tea plantations, and Pyakara Waterfalls.
Do note, if you’re not used to hill driving, consider hiring an experienced driver. And make sure you plan breaks along the way and check the weather forecast for the hills.
Coimbatore Airport is a well-connected airport. You will get both domestic and international flights. It’s a good option if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive to Wayanad. Again, this airport also has everything you need: ATMs, currency exchange, food courts, and car rentals.
If you have a little time, you can explore Coimbatore as well. There’s Marudhamalai Temple, VOC Park, or you can also go for a quick shopping spree at Brookefields Mall.
4. Cochin Airport
Cochin Airport is a significant international airport in Kerala and is well-connected to major locations. It is a convenient choice for travellers, especially those coming from other countries.
- Location: Ernakulam District
- Distance: Approximately 234 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 7 hours
- Reach Via: Private cab
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5. Bangalore Airport
Bangalore Airport is an international connectivity hub for major Indian cities and countries. It offers a convenient way to reach Wayanad, especially for foreign travellers.
- Location: Devanahalli, Bengaluru Rural District
- Distance: Approximately 320 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours
- Reach Via: Indirect flight, cab
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If you’re flying in from an international destination or a northern Indian city, Bengaluru is likely your point of entry. Though it’s the farthest, it offers good connectivity and infrastructure.
The distance is around 280 to 300 kilometers, and it will take six to seven hours for you to reach. Basically, you will travel from Bangalore to Wayanad via Mysore or Chamarajanagar.
You will drive past Mysore and through forested areas like Bandipur, or you can take the Kanakapura-Gundlupet route if you prefer a quieter stretch.
Some of the places nearby for you to explore are Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace, and Bandipur Jungle Lodges. You can book an overnight stay at one of these lodges. It will surely be a different experience.
If you’re going from Bangalore, start early in the morning to avoid peak traffic in and around Bangalore. If you have time, split the journey by staying overnight in Mysore or Bandipur.
Bengaluru’s airport is the largest among all the options we have suggested in this blog. It is very well-connected globally.
If you’re arriving from abroad or from major Indian cities, this is a very nice option. You will get everything at the airport. There are luxury lounges and currency exchange, multiple car rental services, shops, and food courts. Before starting your drive, you can explore nearby areas like Nandi Hills or grab a good meal at one of the cafes around the airport.
Car rentals are also available both at the airport and in the city. But you should pre-book during weekends and holidays. Make sure your car papers are in order, as you’ll be crossing state borders into Kerala.
Travel Tips for your trip to Wayanad
You need to keep in mind that Wayanad is a hill station. Your route will also be through forests. So staying safe should be your priority. We have some tips here for you to make sure you don’t face any issues during the trip.
- The roads can get risky at night because there is low visibility. But honestly, we would suggest a day trip because that’s the only way you can really enjoy the views and the scenes.
- If you’re taking or booking a car, please make sure that the car is safe to drive. You will go on steep climbs and bends, so this is important.
- There are heavy rains in Wayanad between June and September. We don’t suggest visiting at this time, but if you want to experience the monsoon, carry everything needed to keep you safe there.
- The network connections can get weak in Wayanad. So it will be a good idea to carry a power bank, download offline maps, and a first aid kit just in case.
- If you’re travelling with kids, keep water and food handy.
- Follow local rules if you’re driving through the forests. Like avoiding loud music, littering, and following the instructions of forest guards.
- There are many places to stay in Wayanad, but if you’re visiting in peak season, you definitely should make your bookings early.
- There are many activities in Wayanad, so you can go for treks, boating, and others, but make sure you have a guide with you.
- The best time to visit, in our opinion, is October to March for pleasant weather.
Final Word
The road to Wayanad is beautiful. If you slow down a bit, you will notice the way the air gets cooler, how the landscape shifts from town to forest to hill. Whether you’re driving through the green ghats from Calicut, the quiet routes from Kannur, or the forest paths from Mysore, there’s always something new to see.
Make a few planned stops. Enjoy a tea break at a small village stall. Look out from a viewpoint. Feel the change as you leave the city and enter the calm, green world of Wayanad.
You’re not just reaching a destination. You’re arriving at a different rhythm of life. One that’s slower, quieter, and deeply connected with nature.
So choose the airport that fits your route and schedule best. Once you land, take your time. Because the journey to Wayanad is just as memorable as the stay itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the closest airport to Wayanad?
Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, and it’s around 100 km from Wayanad.
- What should I choose? Calicut or Kannur Airport?
Calicut is closer and has better connectivity. But Kannur is less crowded and can be a good alternative, especially for North Wayanad.
- How do I get from the airport to Wayanad?
The easiest way is to book a taxi or a private cab. You can also rent a car. Public buses are also available but may require multiple changes.How To Reach Wayanad By Air in 2025
- Is there a railway station in Wayanad?
No, Wayanad doesn’t have a railway station. Kozhikode and Mysore are the nearest stations.
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