Chennai to Thekkady
The distance from Chennai to Thekkady is about 644 km by road, roughly 13 hours (estimated). Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich
Tentative Fare Estimate
Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.
Overview
The distance from Chennai to Thekkady is about 644 km by road, roughly 13 hours (estimated). Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations and thick jungles. The sanctuary, 60 km from Idukki, 190 km from Cochin and 114 km away from Kottayam is open throughout the year, but the best season for a visit is from September to March.
Route Map
By Car: Chennai to Thekkady
644 km · ~13h 33m · About 13h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.
- Start from Chennai
Leave early (5–6 AM) and avoid driving on highways after dark.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 150Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
172 km · 3h 26m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 322Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 472Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.
By Bus: Chennai to Thekkady
644 km · ~14h 19m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Chennai
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Chennai. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Chennai → Thekkady
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~644 km
~14h 19m|Tentative fare ₹710–₹1,850
- Arrive in Thekkady
Thekkady, Kerala
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Chennai to Thekkady
Nearest railway stations: Chennai Central for Chennai, Rajapalayam (about 44 km away) for Thekkady.
Direct trains
Other options with a change
1 change · 11h 9m in total
Change trains at Sivarakottai — about 53m wait
1 change · 11h 34m in total
Change trains at Tiruparankndrm — about 1h 16m wait
1 change · 11h 42m in total
Change trains at Kodambakam — about 1h 24m wait
Waits assume each train runs daily — the timetable data has no running days, so check the days for every train before you plan a change.
Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.
Transport Options
By Car
Approximately 644 km by road from Chennai to Thekkady, roughly 13 hours of driving (estimate from straight-line distance).
By Train
The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Rajapalayam railway station, about 44 km from the town centre.
Railhead
Reach Rajapalayam railway station, then continue by local transport.
- Rajapalayam railway station — about 44 km
Budget Estimate
road
644 km
13 hours
Approximately 644 km by road from Chennai to Thekkady, roughly 13 hours of driving (estimate from straight-line distance).
train
644 km
The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Rajapalayam railway station, about 44 km from the town centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 644 km by road (estimated from straight-line distance).
Madurai Airport (IXM), about 104 km away.
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Destination Hub
Thekkady Overview