Back

Kovalam to Thekkady by car

Hire a cab from Kovalam to Thekkady for Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice plantations and a boat ride on Periyar lake among the hills.

Thekkady Mullaperiyar Lake in Periyar Tiger Reserve
Distance
About 240 km by road
Drive time
6–7 hours one way
Pickup
Kovalam
Destination
Thekkady, Kerala
Trip type
One way, or stay over and return
Vehicles
Sedan, SUV, tempo traveller, coach

About the trip

Thekkady is the gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, set around a lake formed by the old Mullaperiyar dam in the Cardamom Hills. Visitors come for the boat ride to spot elephants and gaur, guided forest walks, spice garden tours and Kathakali or Kalaripayattu shows in Kumily. From Kovalam the drive goes via Kottayam and then climbs the hills through Mundakayam and Peermade.

What to see in Thekkady

On the road

Take the MC road via Kottayam, then the KK road through Mundakayam and Peermade ghat. Leave by 5 am and avoid the ghat at night.

Choose your vehicle

SedanEtios, Dzire or similarUp to 4 guests

Airport runs, couples and small families on short trips.

SUVInnova Crysta6–7 guests

The usual pick for family trips, ghat roads and long days on the highway.

PremiumInnova Hycross, Fortuner4–6 guests

Extra room and comfort for special occasions and senior guests.

Tempo Traveller12 to 18 seatsGroups

Extended families, pilgrimage parties and office outings.

Mini coach & coach32 to 50 seatsLarge groups

Weddings, school trips and temple tours with a big party.

Every car is air-conditioned and comes with an experienced driver. Our quote is all-inclusive — fuel, tolls, parking, interstate permit and driver batta — and is confirmed in writing before you book.

More car trips from Kovalam

Book a car for this trip

Send us the date, pickup point, number of people and whether you need a return. We reply with the vehicle and a single all-inclusive price.

Hi! I'm Robo — need help planning your trip?