Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala to Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu.
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
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.
Route Map
By Car: Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram
571 km · ~12h 5m · About 11h of driving split over 2 days, plus stops.
- Start from Thiruvananthapuram
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.
136 km · 2h 43m drive from previous stop
Overnight halt around km 286Stop for the night in a town along the highway with hotels.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest stop around km 436Look for a town or highway plaza with fuel and food.
136 km · 2h 43m drive from previous stop
Arrive in ChidambaramChidambaram, Tamil Nadu
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: Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram
571 km · ~12h 41m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Thiruvananthapuram
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Thiruvananthapuram. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Thiruvananthapuram → Chidambaram
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~571 km
~12h 41m|Tentative fare ₹630–₹1,650
- Arrive in Chidambaram
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram
Nearest railway stations: Trivandrum Central for Thiruvananthapuram, Chidambaram for Chidambaram.
No direct train found — best options with a change
1 change · 14h 15m in total
Change trains at Tirunelveli — about 1h 35m wait
1 change · 16h 42m in total
Change trains at Tirunelveli — about 3h 45m wait
1 change · 19h 12m in total
Change trains at Villupuram Jn — about 2h 50m 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.
Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram is about 571 km by road, roughly 11.4 hours of travel time.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 571 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹19,697 · Ertiga ₹25,093 · Innova ₹26,171 · Innova Crysta ₹32,242 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹44,518
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹630 · AC Seater ₹1,030 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹910 · AC Sleeper ₹1,310 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹1,650
- Train: Sleeper ₹370 · Economy ₹600 · Third AC ₹830 · Second AC ₹1,170 · First AC ₹1,630
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Want the full Chidambaram guide?
Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Chidambaram.
Stops & Places Along the Route
Good places to break the journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.
- Sivakasi180 km from Thiruvananthapuram
- Madurai265 km from Thiruvananthapuram
- Thanjavur455 km from Thiruvananthapuram
- Kumbakonam495 km from Thiruvananthapuram
Hotels in Chidambaram
Comfortable 3-star stays in Chidambaram. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
3 Star Hotel
Chidambaram
Things to Do in Chidambaram
Explore the Thillai Nataraja Temple
Spend time marveling at the intricate architecture, the 108 karana sculptures, and the sacred sanctum. Don't miss the Raja Sabha, a hall of 1000 pillars, and the…
2-3 hours
Witness the Chidambara Rahasyam
Visit the inner sanctum to see the empty space behind the curtain, symbolizing the formless cosmic ether. This is the temple's most profound and unique feature.
30 minutes
Attend the Arudra Darshan Festival
If visiting in December/January, participate in the grand festival celebrating Nataraja's cosmic dance, with processions and special rituals.
Full day
Take a Boat Ride in Pichavaram Mangroves
Drive to Pichavaram and hire a boat to glide through the winding canals of this vast mangrove forest, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
2-3 hours
Watch a Bharatanatyam Performance
During the Natyanjali festival or at local cultural events, witness classical dance performances that pay homage to the temple's artistic heritage.
1-2 hours
Visit the Sivaganga and Parvati Tanks
Circumambulate the temple's sacred water tanks, which are believed to have healing properties and are integral to the temple's rituals.
1 hour
Suggested Chidambaram Itinerary
Day 1Day 1
- Check-in and rest
- Explore Thillai Nataraja Temple
- Witness evening aarti
Day 2Day 2
- Morning darshan at Sivakami Amman Temple
- Study the 108 karana sculptures
- Boat ride at Pichavaram Mangroves
Day 3Day 3
- Final darshan at Thillai Nataraja Temple
- Visit the temple tank and art gallery
- Shop for souvenirs
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Chidambaram trip and see the full Thiruvananthapuram → Chidambaram → next stop route.
Chidambaram → Kumbakonam
About 75 km by road
Chidambaram → Velankanni
About 105 km by road
Chidambaram → Thanjavur
About 120 km by road
Chidambaram → Tiruvannamalai
About 150 km by road
Plan My Trip: Thiruvananthapuram to Chidambaram
Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.
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