Bengaluru to Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is Kerala's green upland just across the border from Karnataka: coffee and pepper under tall rosewood, tea on the higher slopes, and forest that still shelters elephants and the occasional tiger. It is close enough for a weekend and different enough to feel like a proper escape.
We cross Bandipur and Muthanga at first light and head for the Meppadi side, where Soochipara's falls drop through the forest and the glass bridge and zip line at 900 Kandi hang over the canopy. Saturday ends with dinner by a bonfire at the camp; Sunday takes in Banasura Sagar Dam, a tea museum and a spice stop before the drive home.
Day by day
Drop-off: Bengaluru (same pickup points, dropped back after the trip)
Day 1
An overnight run to the Bandipur gate, a dawn crossing into Kerala, then waterfalls and forest canopy near Meppadi before a bonfire dinner at the camp.
Board the Tempo Traveller (Friday night). First pickup at RMZ Ecospace, Bellandur, then Banashankari, RR Nagar and Kengeri; exact spots go on the trip WhatsApp group. Pack a warm layer and a torch for the camp.
Wait at the Bandipur forest gate. The highway through Bandipur and Muthanga closes to traffic from 9 pm to 6 am to protect wildlife. We park near the gate and sleep until it opens.
Dawn drive through Bandipur and Muthanga. Deer, langurs and sometimes elephants along the road, then Sulthan Bathery and the plantation country beyond.
Arrive at the camp, breakfast. A Kerala breakfast of puttu, kadala curry or appam. Check in, freshen up and rest; tents and rooms are on sharing basis with western washrooms.
Soochipara falls. A forest walk down steps and trail to a tall, three-tiered fall and its pool. Bathing is allowed only in marked areas when safe; the climb back is steep. Entry is pay-your-own.On your own
Lunch near Meppadi. Pay-as-you-go. A Kerala meals plate on a banana leaf.On your own
900 Kandi glass bridge and zip line. A glass-floored walkway and a zip line strung above the forest canopy, with the valley opening below. Entry and rides are optional and paid on your own; the approach road is rough.On your own
Back at the camp. Tea as the light goes, and the first sounds of the forest night.On your own
Bonfire dinner and overnight at the camp. Dinner together around the fire, then tents or rooms for the night. It gets cool and damp; keep socks handy.
Day 2
Breakfast at the camp, a morning at Banasura Sagar Dam, the tea museum and a spice shop, then the road back through the forests before the gates close.
Breakfast and check out. Breakfast at the camp, then pack up and load the vehicle.
Banasura Sagar Dam. An earthen dam holding back a wide reservoir scattered with green islands, with the Banasura hills behind. Entry is included; speedboat rides are optional.
Tea museum. Old machinery, photographs and the story of Wayanad's plantations, housed in a former estate factory. Entry is pay-your-own.On your own
Spice and banana chip shopping. Pick up pepper, cardamom, coffee and fresh banana chips from a local shop. Entirely optional.On your own
Lunch in Kalpetta. Pay-as-you-go lunch before the drive.On your own
Depart for Bengaluru. Back through Muthanga and Bandipur well before the 9 pm closure, then via Mysuru with a tea break.
Dinner stop near Mysuru. Pay-as-you-go dinner at a highway restaurant.On your own
Arrive Bengaluru, trip ends. Drops at Kengeri, RR Nagar, Banashankari and RMZ Ecospace. Sunday traffic on the Mysuru expressway can shift this a little.
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