Is there a direct bus?

No, you must travel to Mysore to catch a direct bus to Palakkad.

What is the best route?

The route via Gundlupet and Sultan Bathery is the most direct.

No direct trains exist from Bylakuppe; the nearest station is Mysore.

Yes, but avoid night travel due to wildlife movement.

No special permit is required for private vehicles on this highway.

Bylakuppe

Palakkad

Driving

Bylakuppe to Palakkad

Updated: 23 May 2026

The journey from Bylakuppe to Palakkad spans approximately 210 km through the scenic Western Ghats. You will primarily travel via NH 766 and NH 544. The route passes through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, offering potential wildlife sightings. Public transport is limited, so hiring a private cab from Mysore is recommended. The total travel time averages 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic at the Kerala-Karnataka border.

Total Distance: 210 km driving distance; 165 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Private taxi takes 5 hours via the Bandipur route.

Cheapest Way

KSRTC bus from Mysore to Palakkad costs approximately 450 INR.

Compare Bylakuppe to Palakkad Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

5 hours 30 mins

Avg Price

3500-5000 INR

Operator

Private Taxi Operators

Route

Bylakuppe - Gundlupet - Bandipur - Sultan Bathery - Palakkad

Ensure you have your vehicle documents ready for the forest check-post.

Travel Tips

Border Crossing
Carry original ID proofs as the Kerala-Karnataka border check-post often conducts random vehicle inspections.
Road Conditions
The stretch through the forest is narrow; avoid night driving to prevent wildlife accidents.
Booking Cabs
Book your taxi from Mysore rather than Bylakuppe for better availability and competitive pricing.
Food Stops
Stop at Gundlupet for authentic local breakfast before entering the forest zone.
Connectivity
Mobile network is intermittent inside the Bandipur forest area; download offline maps.

Safety Tips

Wildlife Safety
Never step out of your vehicle inside the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
Driving Caution
The ghat roads have sharp hairpin bends; drive slowly during the monsoon season.
Emergency Numbers
Save local police and forest department helpline numbers before starting your journey.
Vehicle Check
Check your tire pressure and fuel levels before leaving Bylakuppe as fuel stations are sparse in the forest.