Bangalore to Thekkady: distance, travel time and trip plan

About Thekkady

Thekkady is built around Periyar Lake and the forest that surrounds it. Boat rides run on the lake under forest department rules, and walks and guided visits in and near the reserve are organised through the same system. The nearby town of Kumily is full of spice shops and plantation stays.

The drive from Bengaluru usually runs through Tamil Nadu via Madurai or Coimbatore, then climbs into the Western Ghats. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so it works best as a trip about the forest, the air and the plantations, not only animals.

Things to do in Thekkady

• Boat ride on Periyar Lake
• Guided nature walks arranged through the reserve
• Spice plantation visits in Kumily
• Kathakali and kalaripayattu performances
• Mangala Devi temple, which opens only on one festival day each year

Who Thekkady suits

Nature lovers, couples and families who like forests and plantation stays, and travellers combining Munnar with Alleppey.

Getting to Thekkady from Bengaluru

Thekkady has no railway station. The nearest is at Kottayam, roughly 110 km away, and the nearest airport is Madurai, about 140 km. By road from Bengaluru the route is via Madurai or via Coimbatore, with a climb through ghat roads at the end.

A sample Thekkady trip from Bangalore

Day one: arrive in Kumily, walk through a spice plantation and watch an evening performance. Day two: the lake boat ride in the early morning, a guided forest walk if available, and a relaxed afternoon. Day three: drive on to Munnar or back to Bengaluru.

Planning tips for Thekkady

• Book boat and walk slots early in busy periods, because numbers are limited.
• Carry light layers, since mornings on the lake can be cool.
• Plan the drive so you arrive before dark on the ghat roads.

Stays and planning

Tell us your dates, group size and budget range and we shortlist stays in and around Thekkady, then confirm availability and the final price before anything is booked. Request a quote for Thekkady.