Introduction
Planning a trip to Kerala requires understanding the distances between popular tourist destinations to create an efficient, enjoyable itinerary. Kerala's diverse attractions - from the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the misty hills of Munnar and the pristine beaches of Kovalam - are spread across the state, making distance planning crucial for a memorable journey.
This comprehensive Kerala distance chart and travel guide provides accurate distances between major destinations, estimated travel times, route information, and practical tips to help you plan your perfect Kerala vacation. Whether you're planning a quick Kerala tour or an extended exploration, this guide ensures efficient travel planning.
Understanding Kerala's Geography
Kerala stretches approximately 580 kilometers along India's southwestern coast, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats mountain range to the east. This unique geography creates three distinct zones - the coastal plains, the midland hills, and the high mountain ranges - each offering different attractions and travel experiences.
The state's road network is well-developed, with National Highways (NH), State Highways (SH), and district roads connecting all major tourist destinations. Understanding distances helps optimize your itinerary, reduce travel fatigue, and maximize time at each destination.
Complete Kerala Distance Chart: Major Tourist Destinations
From Kochi (Cochin) - Central Kerala Hub
Kochi serves as Kerala's primary gateway and central hub. Here are distances from Kochi to major destinations:
- Kochi to Munnar: 130 km (4 hours) - Scenic mountain route through tea plantations
- Kochi to Alleppey (Alappuzha): 53 km (1.5 hours) - Coastal route to backwater capital
- Kochi to Thekkady (Periyar): 140 km (4-4.5 hours) - Journey through spice plantations
- Kochi to Kovalam: 200 km (4.5 hours) - Coastal highway through Trivandrum
- Kochi to Kumarakom: 65 km (1.5 hours) - Easy backwater access
- Kochi to Wayanad: 270 km (6-7 hours) - Northern hill station route
- Kochi to Varkala: 165 km (3.5 hours) - Cliff beach destination
- Kochi to Thrissur: 74 km (1.5 hours) - Cultural capital route
- Kochi to Athirappilly: 65 km (2 hours) - Waterfall destination
- Kochi to Vagamon: 110 km (3 hours) - Hill station gateway
From Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) - Southern Gateway
Kerala's capital city and southern entry point distances:
- Trivandrum to Kovalam: 16 km (30 minutes) - Quick beach access
- Trivandrum to Varkala: 51 km (1 hour) - Cliff beach route
- Trivandrum to Alleppey: 159 km (3.5 hours) - Backwater connection
- Trivandrum to Kochi: 200 km (4 hours) - Major city connector
- Trivandrum to Thekkady: 257 km (5-6 hours) - Wildlife sanctuary route
- Trivandrum to Munnar: 290 km (6-7 hours) - Full-day mountain journey
- Trivandrum to Kumarakom: 165 km (3.5 hours) - Backwater destination
- Trivandrum to Poovar: 27 km (45 minutes) - Estuary destination
- Trivandrum to Ponmudi: 61 km (2 hours) - Hill station escape
- Trivandrum to Kollam: 71 km (1.5 hours) - Coastal city route
From Munnar - Hill Station Hub
Mountain destination distances from Kerala's premier hill station:
- Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar): 110 km (3-3.5 hours) - Scenic hill route
- Munnar to Kochi: 130 km (4 hours) - Descending journey
- Munnar to Alleppey: 170 km (4.5 hours) - Hills to backwaters
- Munnar to Trivandrum: 290 km (6-7 hours) - Cross-state journey
- Munnar to Vagamon: 65 km (2 hours) - Hill-to-hill transfer
- Munnar to Athirappilly: 140 km (4 hours) - Waterfall connection
- Munnar to Kumarakom: 135 km (3.5 hours) - Mixed terrain route
- Munnar to Kodaikanal: 145 km (4 hours) - Inter-state hill connection
From Alleppey (Alappuzha) - Backwater Capital
Venice of the East connectivity:
- Alleppey to Kumarakom: 32 km (45 minutes) - Backwater to backwater
- Alleppey to Kochi: 53 km (1.5 hours) - Quick city access
- Alleppey to Kovalam: 159 km (3.5 hours) - Backwaters to beach
- Alleppey to Thekkady: 142 km (3.5-4 hours) - Wildlife connection
- Alleppey to Munnar: 170 km (4.5 hours) - Backwaters to hills
- Alleppey to Trivandrum: 159 km (3.5 hours) - Southern connection
- Alleppey to Varkala: 108 km (2.5 hours) - Beach route
- Alleppey to Kollam: 85 km (2 hours) - Coastal connectivity
From Thekkady (Periyar) - Wildlife Sanctuary Base
Distances from the wildlife and spice region:
- Thekkady to Munnar: 110 km (3-3.5 hours) - Hill-to-hill scenic route
- Thekkady to Kochi: 140 km (4-4.5 hours) - Spice route descent
- Thekkady to Alleppey: 142 km (3.5-4 hours) - Mixed terrain
- Thekkady to Kovalam: 243 km (5.5 hours) - Southern journey
- Thekkady to Trivandrum: 257 km (5-6 hours) - Wildlife to capital
- Thekkady to Kumarakom: 108 km (3 hours) - Backwater access
- Thekkady to Vagamon: 100 km (2.5 hours) - Hill station transfer
- Thekkady to Madurai: 140 km (3.5 hours) - Tamil Nadu connection
From Wayanad - Northern Hill District
Northern Kerala's hill station distances:
- Wayanad to Calicut (Kozhikode): 90 km (2.5 hours) - Coastal descent
- Wayanad to Kochi: 270 km (6-7 hours) - Long coastal journey
- Wayanad to Mysore: 120 km (3 hours) - Karnataka connection
- Wayanad to Ooty: 90 km (2.5 hours) - Hill-to-hill route
- Wayanad to Kannur: 95 km (2.5 hours) - Northern coastal access
- Wayanad to Alleppey: 330 km (7-8 hours) - Full-state traverse
- Wayanad to Coorg: 100 km (3 hours) - Coffee country connection
From Kovalam - Premier Beach Destination
Beach resort connectivity:
- Kovalam to Trivandrum: 16 km (30 minutes) - Capital access
- Kovalam to Varkala: 55 km (1.5 hours) - Beach-to-beach
- Kovalam to Alleppey: 159 km (3.5 hours) - Beach to backwaters
- Kovalam to Kochi: 200 km (4.5 hours) - Southern to central
- Kovalam to Thekkady: 243 km (5.5 hours) - Beach to wildlife
- Kovalam to Kumarakom: 165 km (3.5 hours) - Resort connection
- Kovalam to Poovar: 25 km (40 minutes) - Estuary access
- Kovalam to Kanyakumari: 87 km (2 hours) - Southernmost point
From Kumarakom - Backwater Paradise
Tranquil backwater destination distances:
- Kumarakom to Alleppey: 32 km (45 minutes) - Backwater connectivity
- Kumarakom to Kochi: 65 km (1.5 hours) - City access
- Kumarakom to Thekkady: 108 km (3 hours) - Wildlife route
- Kumarakom to Kovalam: 165 km (3.5 hours) - Beach connection
- Kumarakom to Munnar: 135 km (3.5 hours) - Hills route
- Kumarakom to Trivandrum: 165 km (3.5 hours) - Southern journey
- Kumarakom to Varkala: 115 km (2.5 hours) - Beach access
Inter-City Distances: Major Kerala Cities
Between Major Urban Centers
- Kochi to Trivandrum: 200 km (4 hours via NH66)
- Kochi to Calicut: 194 km (4 hours via NH66)
- Kochi to Thrissur: 74 km (1.5 hours via NH544)
- Kochi to Kollam: 115 km (2.5 hours via NH66)
- Trivandrum to Kollam: 71 km (1.5 hours via NH66)
- Trivandrum to Calicut: 394 km (8 hours via NH66)
- Calicut to Kannur: 92 km (2 hours via NH66)
- Calicut to Thrissur: 120 km (2.5 hours via NH66)
- Kannur to Kasaragod: 80 km (1.5 hours via NH66)
- Kollam to Alleppey: 85 km (2 hours via NH66)
Airport to Destination Distances
From Cochin International Airport (COK)
- Airport to Kochi City: 30 km (45 minutes)
- Airport to Munnar: 110 km (3.5 hours)
- Airport to Alleppey: 85 km (2 hours)
- Airport to Thekkady: 165 km (4.5 hours)
- Airport to Kumarakom: 85 km (2 hours)
- Airport to Athirappilly: 55 km (1.5 hours)
- Airport to Vagamon: 130 km (3.5 hours)
From Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
- Airport to Kovalam: 12 km (25 minutes)
- Airport to Varkala: 45 km (1 hour)
- Airport to Trivandrum City: 6 km (15 minutes)
- Airport to Poovar: 30 km (45 minutes)
- Airport to Ponmudi: 65 km (2 hours)
- Airport to Alleppey: 165 km (3.5 hours)
- Airport to Thekkady: 260 km (5.5 hours)
From Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
- Airport to Calicut City: 28 km (40 minutes)
- Airport to Wayanad: 95 km (2.5 hours)
- Airport to Kannur: 120 km (3 hours)
- Airport to Bekal: 200 km (4.5 hours)
- Airport to Kochi: 222 km (4.5 hours)
From Kannur International Airport (CNN)
- Airport to Kannur City: 28 km (40 minutes)
- Airport to Bekal: 90 km (2 hours)
- Airport to Wayanad: 110 km (3 hours)
- Airport to Kasaragod: 108 km (2.5 hours)
- Airport to Coorg: 145 km (4 hours)
Railway Station Distances
Major Railway Stations to Tourist Spots
- Ernakulam Junction to Munnar: 140 km (4 hours)
- Ernakulam to Alleppey: 64 km (1.5 hours)
- Trivandrum Central to Kovalam: 13 km (30 minutes)
- Trivandrum Central to Varkala: 41 km (1 hour)
- Kottayam to Kumarakom: 13 km (30 minutes)
- Kottayam to Thekkady: 114 km (3 hours)
- Thrissur to Athirappilly: 58 km (1.5 hours)
- Calicut to Wayanad: 95 km (2.5 hours)
Travel Time Estimates and Route Information
Factors Affecting Travel Time
Actual travel time may vary based on:
- Road Conditions: Mountain roads take longer than highways
- Traffic: Urban areas experience peak hour congestion
- Season: Monsoon (June-September) may slow travel
- Time of Day: Early morning travel generally faster
- Stops: Viewpoint, refreshment, and meal breaks add time
- Vehicle Type: Cars faster than buses on mountain roads
Average Speed Expectations
- National Highways (NH): 60-80 km/hour
- State Highways (SH): 40-60 km/hour
- Mountain Roads: 25-40 km/hour
- Urban Areas: 20-30 km/hour
- Rural Roads: 30-40 km/hour
Popular Kerala Tour Circuits with Distances
Classic Kerala Triangle (7-8 Days)
Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kochi
Total Distance: Approximately 550 km
- Kochi to Munnar: 130 km (4 hours)
- Munnar to Thekkady: 110 km (3.5 hours)
- Thekkady to Alleppey: 142 km (4 hours)
- Alleppey to Kochi: 53 km (1.5 hours)
Southern Kerala Circuit (5-6 Days)
Route: Trivandrum → Kovalam → Varkala → Kollam → Alleppey → Trivandrum
Total Distance: Approximately 400 km
- Trivandrum to Kovalam: 16 km (30 minutes)
- Kovalam to Varkala: 55 km (1.5 hours)
- Varkala to Kollam: 30 km (45 minutes)
- Kollam to Alleppey: 85 km (2 hours)
- Alleppey to Trivandrum: 159 km (3.5 hours)
Hill Station Hop (6-7 Days)
Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Vagamon → Kochi
Total Distance: Approximately 480 km
- Kochi to Munnar: 130 km (4 hours)
- Munnar to Thekkady: 110 km (3.5 hours)
- Thekkady to Vagamon: 100 km (2.5 hours)
- Vagamon to Kochi: 110 km (3 hours)
Northern Kerala Explorer (5-6 Days)
Route: Calicut → Wayanad → Kannur → Bekal → Calicut
Total Distance: Approximately 450 km
- Calicut to Wayanad: 90 km (2.5 hours)
- Wayanad to Kannur: 95 km (2.5 hours)
- Kannur to Bekal: 65 km (1.5 hours)
- Bekal to Calicut: 200 km (4.5 hours)
Complete Kerala Tour (10-12 Days)
Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Trivandrum → Kovalam → Varkala → Kochi
Total Distance: Approximately 800 km
This comprehensive circuit covers mountains, backwaters, and beaches, representing Kerala's diversity.
Day Trip Distances from Major Hubs
Day Trips from Kochi
- Athirappilly Waterfalls: 65 km (2 hours round trip) - Perfect day excursion
- Fort Kochi Heritage Walk: Within city - 3-4 hours
- Cherai Beach: 25 km (1 hour) - Beach day trip
- Marine Drive & Bolgatty: Within city - Half day
- Hill Palace Museum: 12 km - Half day trip
Day Trips from Trivandrum
- Kovalam Beach: 16 km (30 minutes) - Classic beach day
- Poovar Island: 27 km (45 minutes) - Estuary experience
- Ponmudi Hill Station: 61 km (2 hours) - Mountain escape
- Neyyar Dam & Wildlife: 32 km (1 hour) - Nature day out
- Varkala Cliff Beach: 51 km (1 hour) - Beach alternative
Day Trips from Munnar
- Top Station: 34 km (1.5 hours) - Viewpoint visit
- Echo Point: 15 km (30 minutes) - Quick excursion
- Mattupetty Dam: 13 km (30 minutes) - Lake visit
- Tea Museum: Within Munnar - Half day
- Eravikulam National Park: 15 km (30 minutes) - Wildlife experience
Transportation Options Between Destinations
Private Car/Taxi
Advantages: Flexibility, comfort, direct routes, luggage space
Cost: ₹12-18 per km depending on vehicle type
Best For: Families, groups, those with tight schedules
KSRTC Buses
Advantages: Economical, extensive network, frequent services
Travel Time: 20-30% longer than private vehicles
Cost: ₹1-2 per km
Best For: Budget travelers, solo explorers
Train
Advantages: Comfortable, scenic, affordable
Limitations: Limited to destinations with railway stations
Best Routes: Trivandrum-Kochi-Calicut coastal route
Pre-Booked Tour Packages
Advantages: All-inclusive, planned itinerary, no logistics hassle
Best For: First-time visitors, international tourists
Explore well-planned Kerala tour packages with optimized routes and travel arrangements.
Seasonal Distance Considerations
Monsoon Season (June-September)
- Add 15-20% extra travel time for mountain routes
- Landslide-prone areas may require alternative routes
- Reduced visibility affects speed on winding roads
- Plan buffer time for weather-related delays
- Check road conditions before starting journey
Peak Tourist Season (December-January)
- Increased traffic on popular routes
- Longer wait times at tourist spots
- Early morning starts recommended
- Consider weekday travel to avoid weekend crowds
- Book accommodations and transport in advance
Summer Season (March-May)
- Faster travel on dry roads
- Heat can make midday travel uncomfortable
- Plan travel during early morning or evening
- Carry water and sun protection
- Hill stations offer pleasant daytime temperatures
Distance-Based Travel Tips
For Short Distances (Under 50 km)
- Consider auto-rickshaws for ultimate flexibility
- App-based cabs offer good value for short trips
- Local buses frequent and economical
- Allow 1-1.5 hours for travel plus sightseeing setup
For Medium Distances (50-150 km)
- Private car most comfortable and time-efficient
- Plan 1-2 stops for refreshments and photos
- Morning travel preferred to avoid afternoon traffic
- Consider semi-luxury buses for budget option
- Book vehicles with good air conditioning
For Long Distances (Over 150 km)
- Split journey with overnight stay if possible
- Book comfortable vehicle with experienced driver
- Plan multiple comfort breaks
- Consider train for very long distances
- Start early to avoid traveling in dark on unfamiliar roads
- Download offline maps for backup navigation
Road Quality and Route Preferences
Best Maintained Routes
- NH66 (Coastal Highway): Excellent condition, well-maintained, scenic ocean views
- NH544 (Kochi-Dhanushkodi): Good quality, connects major cities
- Kochi-Munnar Road: Well-paved, scenic mountain route
- Trivandrum-Kovalam: Smooth coastal road
Challenging But Scenic Routes
- Munnar-Thekkady: Winding mountain road with spectacular views
- Wayanad Ghat Roads: Multiple hairpin bends, misty conditions
- Vagamon Approach: Steep climbs, narrow sections, beautiful landscape
- Ponmudi Route: 22 hairpin bends, requires experienced driver
Fuel and Rest Stop Information
Petrol Pump Availability
- National Highways: Petrol pumps every 30-50 km
- Mountain Routes: Limited; fuel up before ascent
- Rural Areas: Sparse; plan fuel stops strategically
- Major Towns: Multiple options including 24-hour pumps
Recommended Rest Stops
- Kochi to Munnar: Neriamangalam (midpoint refreshment)
- Kochi to Trivandrum: Kollam (lunch stop with beach option)
- Munnar to Thekkady: Kumily town (food and facilities)
- Kochi to Calicut: Thrissur (cultural sightseeing break)
Creating Your Optimal Kerala Itinerary
Distance-Based Itinerary Planning Tips
- Group Nearby Destinations: Combine places within 100 km to minimize travel
- Follow Geographic Logic: Move north-to-south or vice versa, avoiding backtracking
- Balance Travel Days: Alternate long travel days with shorter movements
- Consider Hub-Based Approach: Use Kochi or Trivandrum as base for day trips
- Factor in Experience Type: Don't rush from beach to backwater to mountain in quick succession
- Allow Recovery Time: Include rest days after long journeys
- Build in Flexibility: Reserve one day for unexpected delays or extended stays
Sample 7-Day Itinerary with Optimized Distances
Day 1: Arrive Kochi, local sightseeing (0 km travel)
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (130 km, 4 hours) - Settle in hill station
Day 3: Munnar local sightseeing (50 km local) - Tea estates, viewpoints
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (110 km, 3.5 hours) - Wildlife sanctuary
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey (142 km, 4 hours) - Houseboat overnight
Day 6: Alleppey to Kochi (53 km, 1.5 hours) - Backwater cruise, return to city
Day 7: Kochi departure - Shopping, final sightseeing
Total Travel Distance: ~485 km over 6 days - Well-paced, manageable
Mobile Apps and Navigation Tools
Recommended Navigation Apps
- Google Maps: Real-time traffic, accurate ETAs, offline maps
- Apple Maps: Good alternative with clean interface
- Maps.me: Excellent offline functionality
- Sygic GPS Navigation: Detailed offline maps
Kerala-Specific Travel Apps
- KSRTC Mobile App: Bus timings and bookings
- Kerala Tourism App: Destination information and distances
- RedBus: Inter-city bus bookings
- Ola/Uber: Point-to-point taxi services
Cost Estimates Based on Distance
Private Car Rental Costs
- Sedan (4 passengers): ₹12-15 per km + driver allowance
- SUV (6-7 passengers): ₹16-20 per km + driver allowance
- Tempo Traveler (12 passengers): ₹25-30 per km + driver allowance
- Driver Daily Allowance: ₹300-500 per day
- Minimum Daily Distance: Usually 250-300 km charged
Sample Cost Calculations
Kochi to Munnar Round Trip (260 km):
- Sedan: ₹3,640 (260 km × ₹14) + ₹400 driver = ₹4,040
- SUV: ₹4,680 (260 km × ₹18) + ₹400 driver = ₹5,080
7-Day Kerala Circuit (600 km total):
- Sedan: ₹8,400 (600 km × ₹14) + ₹2,800 (7 days driver) = ₹11,200
- SUV: ₹10,800 (600 km × ₹18) + ₹2,800 (7 days driver) = ₹13,600
Safety Considerations for Different Routes
Mountain Route Safety
- Avoid driving during heavy rain or fog
- Use lower gears on steep descents
- Allow overtaking space on narrow roads
- Watch for wildlife crossings in forest areas
- Keep headlights on even during daytime
- Honk before blind curves
- Avoid night travel on unfamiliar mountain roads
Coastal Highway Safety
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists
- Observe speed limits in town sections
- Be alert for stray animals
- Avoid beach areas during high tide if driving close to shore
- Watch for fishing nets drying on roadside
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance between Kochi and Munnar?
The distance from Kochi to Munnar is 130 kilometers, which takes approximately 4 hours by road. The route is scenic, passing through Neriamangalam and offering beautiful views of tea plantations as you ascend into the hill station.
How far is Alleppey from Thekkady?
Alleppey (Alappuzha) to Thekkady (Periyar) is 142 kilometers, taking about 3.5-4 hours by car. The journey takes you from the backwaters through changing terrain to the wildlife sanctuary region, passing through small towns and spice plantations.
What is the distance from Trivandrum to Kovalam?
Trivandrum to Kovalam is just 16 kilometers, a quick 30-minute drive along the coastal road. This short distance makes Kovalam an ideal day trip or easy beach extension from the capital city.
How long does it take to travel from Munnar to Thekkady?
The distance from Munnar to Thekkady is 110 kilometers, taking approximately 3-3.5 hours. This scenic route winds through mountain roads, tea estates, and spice plantations, offering spectacular Western Ghats views throughout the journey.
What is the distance from Kochi Airport to Alleppey?
Cochin International Airport to Alleppey is approximately 85 kilometers, taking about 2 hours by road via NH66. Most hotels and houseboats can arrange airport pickup, or you can book a pre-paid taxi from the airport.
How far is it from Kovalam to Alleppey?
Kovalam to Alleppey is 159 kilometers, approximately 3.5 hours by car via Trivandrum. This route connects Kerala's premier beach destination with its famous backwater capital, allowing you to experience both experiences in one trip.
What is the best route from Kochi to Trivandrum?
The best route from Kochi to Trivandrum is via NH66 (the coastal highway), covering 200 kilometers in approximately 4 hours. This well-maintained highway passes through Kollam and offers good road conditions with several rest stops and fuel stations along the way.
How much does it cost to hire a car for Kerala sightseeing?
Private car hire in Kerala costs ₹12-15 per kilometer for a sedan and ₹16-20 per kilometer for an SUV, plus driver allowance of ₹300-500 per day. Most rentals have a minimum 250-300 km daily charge. A typical 7-day Kerala tour covering 600 km would cost approximately ₹11,000-14,000 including driver charges.
Can I cover Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey in one trip?
Yes, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey form a popular triangle circuit covering approximately 420 kilometers. A recommended itinerary would be: Kochi to Munnar (130 km), Munnar to Thekkady (110 km), Thekkady to Alleppey (142 km), and Alleppey back to Kochi (53 km). This can comfortably be done in 5-6 days with 2 nights in each location.
What is the distance from Wayanad to Alleppey?
Wayanad to Alleppey is approximately 330 kilometers, taking 7-8 hours by road. This long journey traverses nearly the entire state from the northern hill district to the central backwater region. Consider breaking this journey with an overnight stop in Thrissur or Kochi.
How far is Varkala from Trivandrum?
Varkala is 51 kilometers from Trivandrum, taking approximately 1 hour by road via NH66. This cliff beach destination is easily accessible for a day trip from the capital or as a 1-2 night beach extension to your Kerala itinerary.
What is the distance between Kumarakom and Alleppey?
Kumarakom to Alleppey is just 32 kilometers, approximately 45 minutes by road. These two premier backwater destinations are close enough to visit both, or you can choose one based on your preference - Kumarakom is quieter while Alleppey offers more houseboat options and backwater activities.
Conclusion
Understanding distances between Kerala's attractions is fundamental to creating an enjoyable, stress-free travel experience. This comprehensive distance chart helps you plan realistic itineraries, budget accurately for transportation, and make informed decisions about route selection and timing.
Kerala's compact size relative to its diversity means you can experience beaches, backwaters, mountains, and wildlife within relatively short distances. However, mountain terrain and traffic conditions mean actual travel time often exceeds simple distance calculations, making thorough planning essential.
Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or an extensive Kerala exploration, use these distances as a foundation for your itinerary. Factor in travel times, rest stops, and buffer periods to create a relaxed, enjoyable journey through God's Own Country.
Ready to plan your Kerala adventure? Let Kerala Tour India help you create the perfect itinerary with optimized routes, comfortable transportation, and unforgettable experiences across this beautiful state. For more details you may check Kerala Maps.
