How to Reach Thekkady from Munnar, Kochi & Alleppey
Hey fellow wanderer! 🚐 Planning a trip to Thekkady and wondering how to get there? Whether you're coming from misty Munnar, buzzing Kochi, or the dreamy backwaters of Alleppey, this guide will help you figure out how to reach Thekkady without stress.
Let’s map out the smoothest, most scenic routes for your adventure!
Distance & Travel Options from Munnar
Traveling from Munnar to Thekkady is one of the most beautiful road trips in Kerala.
- Distance: Around 90 km
- Time: About 3 hours by road
- Best Mode: Private taxi or rental car
Why it's awesome:
You’ll drive through spice plantations, misty hills, and rolling valleys. It's all twisty roads and postcard-perfect views.
No direct buses? No worries. You can take a bus to Kumily (near Thekkady) via Kattappana, but it may involve some waiting.
Tip: Pack some snacks and your playlist—this ride is all about the journey!
Kochi to Thekkady: Train, Road & Flight
If you’re flying into Kochi (Cochin International Airport), you’re about 155 km away from Thekkady.
Option 1: By Road
- Time: ~5 hours
- Route: Kochi → Kottayam → Kumily (Thekkady)
- How: Private cab, self-drive, or bus
It’s a pleasant drive with roadside coconut vendors and chai stalls along the way.
Option 2: By Train + Road
- Take a train to Kottayam (closest major station)
- Then book a taxi or take a local bus to Thekkady (4 hours)
Option 3: By Bus
- Kerala State Transport (KSRTC) runs buses from Kochi to Kumily
- Budget-friendly but a bit longer and more crowded
Check out the full travel scoop in our Thekkady Travel Guide
Alleppey to Thekkady: Backwaters to Forests
Ready to go from calm waters to thick green forests? Alleppey to Thekkady is a dreamy transition.
- Distance: ~140 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Best Mode: Private taxi or local bus
Route Details:
Alleppey → Changanassery → Kanjirappally → Kumily
This route is full of lush paddy fields, rivers, and sleepy little towns. It’s a Kerala postcard in motion.
No direct trains between Alleppey and Thekkady, so road is your best bet!
Want to know what to see once you arrive? Visit Places to Visit in Thekkady
Budget Travel Tips
Let’s keep those travel costs in check without missing out on the fun:
- Book buses early using KSRTC or RedBus apps
- Group up for taxis—split costs with fellow travelers
- Carry cash for remote stops where cards aren’t accepted
- Travel early morning for fewer crowds and cooler weather
- Avoid last-minute plans during holiday seasons (Dec-Jan especially)
Wherever you're starting from, getting to Thekkady is part of the adventure. The roads wind through spice-scented towns, tea gardens, and jungle edges. Whether you hop in a bus, book a cab, or go all out on a road trip, you’ll feel the shift as you move deeper into nature.
Now that you know how to get there, all that’s left is to explore! Check out our Thekkady Travel Guide and Things to Do in Thekkady for the full experience.
See you in the forest trails, friend! 🌳🌟
