Kozhikode to Wayanad via the Thamarassery Ghat
Kozhikode is the closest city, railway station and airport to Wayanad. The road climbs the Thamarassery Ghat's hairpin bends to Lakkidi, and Vythiri is a few minutes beyond.
How far is Wayanad from Kozhikode?
About 60 km from Kozhikode city to Vythiri, around 2 hours by road on NH 766 via Thamarassery and the ghat road to Lakkidi. From Calicut International Airport it is about 90 km, 2.5 to 3 hours. Kozhikode railway station is the nearest major station, about 65 km away.
Updated
The route
| Stage | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Calicut airport (CCJ) → Kozhikode city | about 25–30 km | 45 min |
| Kozhikode → Thamarassery | about 35 km | 1 hr |
| Thamarassery Ghat → Lakkidi (top) | about 12 km | 30–45 min |
| Lakkidi → Vythiri | about 5 km | 10 min |
Distances and times are approximate; the ghat is slower on weekends.
Driving the ghat
The Thamarassery Ghat (Thamarassery Churam) climbs from the plains to Wayanad’s plateau in nine hairpin bends. In the monsoon, mist can settle on the upper bends, so keep headlights on and give way to buses. Heavy rain sometimes causes slides that close the road for a few hours; check before you set out on very wet days.
Coming by train
Kozhikode railway station is on the main west coast line, with trains from Kochi, Mangaluru, Chennai and Bengaluru. From the station, take a taxi or a KSRTC bus towards Kalpetta; get off at Vythiri.
Arriving in Wayanad
Vythiri is only a few minutes past the top of the ghat, which makes it the easiest part of Wayanad to reach from Kozhikode. Resorts in Vythiri and Lakkidi are the quickest to reach; we send you directions to your resort when you book.
Places to visit
| Place | Distance | Drive | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pookode Lake | 3 km | 10 min | Families, a slow first evening |
| Chembra Peak | 20 km | 45 min | Fit walkers, sunrise views |
| Banasura Sagar Dam | 25 km | 50 min | Speedboats, island views, families |
Approximate road distances from Vythiri. Ghat roads are slow after rain, so add time in the monsoon.
Questions
How difficult is the Thamarassery Ghat drive?
It is a well-paved two-lane road with nine hairpin bends over about 12 km. Traffic is heavy on weekends and holidays, and trucks slow the climb. Drive in daylight if you can, use low gear going down, and expect delays after heavy rain.
Is there a bus from Kozhikode to Vythiri?
Yes. KSRTC buses from Kozhikode to Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mysuru run through Vythiri on NH 766 throughout the day. Ask for the stop nearest your resort.
How do I get from Calicut airport to Wayanad?
Prepaid and app taxis run from the airport; the drive to Vythiri takes 2.5 to 3 hours via Kozhikode city or the bypass and the ghat. Ask us how to reach your resort when you book.
Is the Lakkidi viewpoint on the way?
Yes. It is at the top of the ghat, just before Vythiri, with views back down the hairpins. Stop there on a clear morning or evening.
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