How To Reach Thekkady From Alleppey

Both towns are popular stops in Kerala tour packages and are well connected by different modes of transport, including road, bus, train, and cab. The total distance between Alleppey and Thekkady is around 140 km, and it usually takes 4 to 5 hours to travel by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road journey itself is very scenic. As you leave the backwaters behind, you’ll pass through small villages, rubber plantations, and winding hill roads that lead up to Thekkady. The drive is smooth and enjoyable, especially if you love nature views. Whether you choose to travel by private cab, tourist bus, or taxi, reaching Thekkady from Alleppey is quite easy and comfortable. Most travellers prefer road travel because it gives them the freedom to stop along the way for photos or short breaks.

Distance Between Alleppey and Thekkady

The distance between Alleppey and Thekkady is around 140 km. The journey takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on your travel mode. The route is scenic, passing through villages, plantations, and rolling hills. Here is a quick guide to help you understand the distance and travel time by different modes of transport:

Knowing these distances helps you plan your trip efficiently and choose the mode of travel that suits your needs.

How to Reach Thekkady from Alleppey by Road

Traveling by road is the most preferred option because it is convenient and scenic. You get to see the changing landscapes, from backwaters and towns to hills and plantations. There are two main routes:

• Route 1: Alleppey – Changanassery – Kanjirappally – Kumily – Thekkady (via NH183). This is the most popular and direct route.
• Route 2: Alleppey – Kottayam – Vagamon – Thekkady. This route is slightly longer but more scenic, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

The travel time is around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The roads are mostly in good condition, but during the monsoon, some parts can be slippery, so caution is needed.

Travel Tips:

• Start early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy a smooth drive.
• You can stop at beautiful viewpoints like Kuttikanam, Parunthumpara, and Vagamon.
• Keep water and snacks handy for the journey.

How to Reach Thekkady from Alleppey by Bus

Travelling from Alleppey to Thekkady by bus is one of the easiest and most affordable options, especially for solo travellers, students, and backpackers. It’s a good choice if you want to travel comfortably without spending too much money. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services between Alleppey and Thekkady throughout the day. You can find a bus almost every 1 to 1.5 hours, so you don’t have to worry much about timing.

The total travel time is around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the number of stops and the type of bus you choose. The journey is quite scenic, as the route passes through small villages, green fields, and hilly roads as you approach Thekkady.

There are different types of buses available to suit your comfort and budget:

• Ordinary Buses: Cheapest option, with basic seating.
• Super Fast Buses: Quicker, with fewer stops.
• Deluxe and AC Volvo Buses: More comfortable with air conditioning and better seats.

The bus fare generally ranges from INR180 to INR300 per person, depending on the type of bus. Travelling by bus is best for those who want to enjoy a relaxed, budget-friendly ride while also getting a glimpse of Kerala’s countryside along the way.

How to Reach Thekkady from Alleppey by Train

There is no direct train from Alleppey to Thekkady. The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam, about 60 km from Alleppey.

Steps:

The total journey time is around 5.5&6.5 hours. This option is suitable for travellers who enjoy train travel and do not mind combining it with a road journey. The route from Kottayam to Thekkady offers scenic views of hills, rivers, and plantations.

How to Reach Thekkady from Alleppey by Cab / Taxi

Private cabs offer comfort and flexibility, especially for families, seniors, or honeymooners. The journey by cab takes 4 -- 4.5 hours for the 140 km distance.

Fare Range:

• Sedan: INR 3,500–INR 4,500
• SUV: INR5,500–INR6,000

Advantages:

• Door-to-door service.
• Option to stop at viewpoints, spice gardens, or plantations.
• Comfortable for carrying luggage.

Tip: Book an Alleppey–Thekkady cab with your Kerala package for a seamless transfer.

How to Reach Thekkady from Alleppey by Bike or Self-Drive Car

Travelling from Alleppey to Thekkady by bike or your own car is a great idea if you enjoy road trips and want to explore at your own pace. The drive takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Kerala with winding roads, green hills, tea and spice plantations, and a few small waterfalls along the way. It’s a journey that’s as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Route Overview

The distance between Alleppey and Thekkady is around 140 km, and it usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours to reach, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The most common route is: Alleppey → Changanassery → Kanjirappally → Kumily → Thekkady This route offers a good mix of smooth highways and scenic hilly roads.

Road Conditions

• The roads are generally well-maintained and smooth for most of the journey.
• As you get closer to Kumily and Thekkady, the roads start winding through hilly areas, so you’ll need to slow down and drive carefully around curves.
• There are enough places to stop for tea, snacks, and photos along the way.

Safety Tips

• Avoid driving at night, especially on the hilly parts, since visibility can be low and sharp bends can be risky.
• Refuel early. Make sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is full before leaving Alleppey. You can also stop for fuel at Kanjirappally or Vandiperiyar, as petrol pumps are fewer after these towns.
• Carry essentials. Keep a basic tool kit, a spare tyre, and a small first-aid box with you.
• Check weather updates. If you are travelling during the monsoon, be extra careful, as the roads can get slippery.

Why Choose This Option: Taking a bike or self-drive car gives you complete freedom to travel at your own pace. You can stop anywhere to enjoy the view, take photos, or try local food. It’s ideal for those who love adventure, prefer flexible timings, and want a more personal travel experience.

Alleppey to Thekkady Route Map

When travelling from Alleppey to Thekkady, it’s helpful to look at a route map to understand the journey better. The distance between these two places is around 140 km, and the drive usually takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The main route passes through some beautiful towns such as Changanassery, Kanjirappally, Kumily, and Vagamon. Each of these towns has something special to see:

• Changanassery – A lively town known for its markets and local food.
• Kanjirappally – Surrounded by rubber plantations and greenery.
• Vagamon – Famous for its rolling hills, pine forests, and viewpoints.
• Kumily – The gateway to Thekkady, located close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The roads are well-connected and scenic, with plenty of spots where you can stop for tea or to take photos of the hills and plantations. For navigation, the easiest option is to use Google Maps. Just type “Alleppey to Thekkady” in the search bar, and it will show you the best available route based on current road conditions and traffic. This route is one of the most enjoyable road trips in Kerala, especially if you love nature, winding hill roads, and quiet countryside views.

Best Time to Travel from Alleppey to Thekkady

The journey from Alleppey to Thekkady can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best time for your trip:

• Winter (October to February): This is the most comfortable and popular time to travel. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring Thekkady’s famous attractions like the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also enjoy boating and nature walks without feeling too hot or tired.
• Monsoon (June to September): During the monsoon season, the entire route looks fresh and green. The hills, forests, and plantations become more lively with rain. It’s a great time for nature lovers who enjoy scenic drives and peaceful surroundings. However, since there can be heavy rainfall, roads may be wet or slippery, so it’s important to drive carefully and avoid travelling during very heavy showers.
• Summer (March to May): Summer brings warmer weather, especially during the afternoons. However, mornings and evenings are still quite pleasant for travel. If you start your trip early in the morning, you can avoid the heat and enjoy the scenic route comfortably. This season also sees fewer tourists, so you can explore attractions more peacefully and find better deals on stays and travel.

Stopovers & Sightseeing En Route

If you want to make your road trip from Alleppey to Thekkady more exciting and enjoyable, you can stop at a few beautiful places along the route. These stops not only give you a break from driving but also allow you to see some of Kerala’s most scenic spots. Here are some of the best places to stop:

• Kuttikanam: Kuttikanam is a peaceful hill area surrounded by tea and cardamom plantations. The cool climate and fresh air make it a nice place to stop for a short break. You can enjoy the hill viewpoints and take a walk through the tea gardens. It’s also a great spot to take some pictures of the mist-covered hills.
• Vagamon: Vagamon is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. It is known for its green meadows, pine forests, and cool breeze. Travellers can go paragliding here, take long walks through the misty hills, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The roads leading to Vagamon are very scenic, offering wonderful views of valleys and plantations.
• Parunthumpara Viewpoint: This is a popular viewpoint located near Peermade. From here, you can see wide stretches of hills and valleys covered in greenery. On clear days, the view is truly breathtaking. It’s also a great place for photography, so make sure to stop here for a few pictures before continuing your journey.
• Kumily: Kumily is the last main town before Thekkady and is well-known for its spice plantations. You can visit a spice garden to see how pepper, cardamom, and other spices are grown. There’s also an Elephant Junction nearby, where you can see elephants up close and learn more about them.

Stopping at these places will make your trip from Alleppey to Thekkady more enjoyable and memorable. You’ll get to see a mix of hills, forests, tea estates, and spice gardens, all showing the natural beauty of Kerala at its best.

Travel Tips for Alleppey to Thekkady Journey

To make your trip from Alleppey to Thekkady comfortable and hassle-free, it’s good to plan a few things in advance. Here are some simple travel tips that can help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey:

• Carry essentials like snacks, water, and medicines: The drive from Alleppey to Thekkady takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your route and stops. It’s a good idea to carry light snacks and drinking water for the road. If you or anyone in your group feels dizzy or uncomfortable on winding hill roads, keep motion-sickness tablets handy. This will help you travel without discomfort.
• Book your stay in Thekkady early, especially in peak season: Thekkady is a popular tourist spot, and during the main season, especially in December and January, hotels and resorts get booked quickly. To avoid last-minute problems or high prices, book your accommodation in advance. This ensures you have a comfortable place to rest as soon as you arrive.
• Plan your houseboat checkout time wisely: If you are staying in a houseboat in Alleppey, most checkouts happen around 9 a.m. After you check out, you can start your journey toward Thekkady. This timing is perfect because you can reach Thekkady by afternoon, with enough time to check in and relax before exploring the town in the evening.
• Mobile network availability: Mobile signal is usually good on most parts of the route. However, in some forested or hilly areas, the signal may be weak for a short time. It’s better to download offline maps or note down directions before starting your trip, just in case.
• Keep your ID and important documents with you: Always carry a valid ID proof, such as an Aadhaar card or driver’s license, along with your booking confirmations and travel documents. These may be needed at checkposts, hotels, or during entry to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Keeping them easily accessible will save time and avoid any inconvenience.

By following these simple travel tips, your road trip from Alleppey to Thekkady will be smooth, safe, and enjoyable.