Bangalore to Wayanad cab, timed around the Bandipur gate
Wayanad is about 273 km from Bangalore, down NH275 through Mysore and Gundlupet and then across the Bandipur reserve on NH766 into Sultan Bathery. Five and a half to six hours through some of the best forest driving in south India.
Shoffr does it in a BYD e6 electric SUV with a trained chauffeur and a fare fixed at booking. The one thing that decides how this trip goes is the Bandipur night gate, and we plan the departure around it.
Book this tripBangalore to Wayanad distance and travel time
- Distance: 273 km one way
- Travel time: 5.5–6 hours
- Route: NH275 to Gundlupet, then NH766 through Bandipur to Sultan Bathery
- Charging stop: One stop, budget an hour
- Car: BYD e6 electric SUV, 4 seats, 4 large suitcases
Charging on the Bangalore to Wayanad route
We leave Bangalore at 100% and plan one charging stop of about an hour before Bandipur. Charging inside Wayanad is limited and slow, so we arrive with range in hand for local running rather than depending on the destination. Kerala has more highway chargers approved for the district, but they are not live yet and we do not plan around chargers that do not exist.
We are field-verifying the chargers on this route — our chauffeurs charge at each one and photograph it before we list it here. Until then, our operations team plans and confirms the charging stop for your specific booking.
What to know about this drive
- NH766 through Bandipur is closed to all vehicles between 21:00 and 06:00, and two-wheelers from 18:00. We plan departures to clear the gate in daylight; the detour if you miss it is long.
- The stretch through Bandipur and Muthanga has strict speed limits and no stopping. Elephants cross regularly and the limits are there for good reason.
- Most Wayanad resorts are well off the main road on plantation tracks. Share the exact pin when you book so the last few kilometres are not being worked out in the dark.
Places to stop between Bangalore and Wayanad
- Srirangapatna: Tipu Sultan's island fort, just off the Mysore expressway.
- Gundlupet: Flower fields either side of the road in season, and the last Karnataka town before the forest.
- Bandipur and Muthanga: Continuous reserve forest across the state border. The drive is the wildlife experience.
- Sultan Bathery: The first Wayanad town, and the base for Edakkal Caves.
Frequently asked questions
What time should we leave Bangalore for Wayanad?
Early. The Bandipur stretch of NH766 closes at 21:00, and you want to be through it well before that. A morning departure also means the forest section is driven in daylight, which is the best part of the trip.
Can we combine Wayanad with Ooty or Coorg?
Yes, both are common. Wayanad, Ooty and Coorg sit close together across the Nilgiri and Kodagu hills, and a round-trip booking lets the chauffeur run a loop rather than doubling back.
Can I book a cab for Wayanad sightseeing after the drop?
Yes — a round trip keeps the car and chauffeur with you for Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar, Chembra Peak and Soochipara without arranging local transport.
Is the road through Bandipur safe at night?
It is closed at night, which answers the question. The restriction exists because animals cross after dark. We plan around it rather than around it being inconvenient.
Will an electric car make it to Wayanad without running out of charge?
Yes. We depart at 100% charge and plan one charging stop on the way. The BYD e6 returns 380-420 km on a highway with the air conditioning running and a full load, and we never plan a route that depends on arriving with an empty battery.
What happens if the charging station is not working?
Every planned stop has at least one named alternative within reach, and our operations team checks charger status on the morning of departure. Charger downtime is a real problem on Indian highways, which is why we plan for it rather than hope.
Does the charging stop make the trip longer?
We budget a full hour for a charging stop, and we schedule it where you would want a break anyway - somewhere with a clean restroom and food. Often it takes less, but we plan the day on an hour so a busy charger does not put you behind schedule.
Which car will I get?
Every Shoffr outstation trip is a BYD e6 - a quiet, Innova-sized electric SUV that seats 4 adults and fits 4 large suitcases, with a 71.7 kWh battery.
Are fares fixed, or does the price change on the day?
The fare is fixed when you book. There is no surge pricing and no renegotiation with the driver. Tolls are payable separately on applicable routes.
Can I travel with my pet?
Yes - Shoffr is officially pet-friendly. Indicate pets while booking; a deep-cleaning fee of Rs 500 for cats and Rs 750 for dogs applies.