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Amit Khanna Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching the Kerala Backwaters can be accomplished through various modes of transportation depending on your starting point. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the most convenient ways to reach the Kerala Backwaters from major cities and airports:
By Air
The quickest way to reach the Kerala Backwaters is by flying to one of the major airports in Kerala:
Cochin International Airport (COK)
Nearest Backwater Destinations: Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom.
Distance to Alleppey: Approximately 83 km (about 2 hours by road).
Distance to Kumarakom: Approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours by road).
How to Reach: From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked car to your backwater destination.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Nearest Backwater Destination: Kollam.
Distance to Kollam: Approximately 71 km (about 1.5 hours by road).
How to Reach: Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport to take you to Kollam.
Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
Nearest Backwater Destination: Bekal (famous for its fort and backwaters).
Distance to Bekal: Approximately 200 km (about 4.5 hours by road).
How to Reach: Taxis and rental cars can be hired at the airport.
By Train
Kerala’s railway network is well-connected to major cities across India, making train travel a popular option:
Alleppey Railway Station (ALLP)
Nearest Backwater Destination: Alleppey.
How to Reach: The station is within the town, and you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach your houseboat or accommodation.
Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM)
Nearest Backwater Destination: Kumarakom.
How to Reach: Kumarakom is about 15 km from Kottayam. Taxis and local buses are available from the station.
Kollam Junction Railway Station (QLN)
Nearest Backwater Destination: Kollam.
How to Reach: The backwaters are easily accessible from the station via taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Road
Kerala’s road network is extensive, providing easy access to the backwaters:
From Cochin
To Alleppey: About 60 km via NH66 (approximately 1.5 hours).
To Kumarakom: About 50 km via NH66 and Kottayam-Kumarakom Road (approximately 1.5 hours).
How to Travel: Taxis, buses, and rental cars are readily available.
From Trivandrum
To Kollam: About 71 km via NH66 (approximately 1.5 hours).
How to Travel: Buses, taxis, and rental cars can be used.
From Bangalore/Chennai
Bangalore to Alleppey: Approximately 600 km (about 10-12 hours by road).
Chennai to Alleppey: Approximately 750 km (about 13-15 hours by road).
How to Travel: Long-distance buses, private taxis, and self-driving are common options.
By Bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run frequent buses from major cities within Kerala and neighboring states:
KSRTC Buses
Routes: Extensive routes connecting cities like Cochin, Trivandrum, and other parts of Kerala to the backwater regions.
Booking: Tickets can be booked online or at bus stations.
Private Buses
Operators: Various private bus services operate long-distance and inter-state routes.
Booking: Tickets can be booked online through bus service websites or aggregators like RedBus.
Local Transportation
Once you reach the backwaters, local transportation options include auto-rickshaws, taxis, and bicycles. Houseboats and shikaras (traditional wooden boats) are popular for exploring the backwaters.
For the most convenient travel experience, flying into Cochin International Airport and taking a taxi to Alleppey or Kumarakom is often the best option for those short on time. For budget travelers, trains offer an efficient and scenic route to the backwaters. Buses and self-driving are also viable options depending on your starting location and travel preferences.
Sameer Staff answered 3 weeks ago
Reaching the Kerala backwaters is fairly easy due to Kerala’s well-developed transportation network. Here’s how you can reach popular backwater destinations like Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom, Kollam, and Kochi:
1. By Air
Nearest Airports:
Cochin International Airport (COK): This is the closest major airport to many backwater destinations, such as Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom. It’s around 75 km from Alleppey and 85 km from Kumarakom.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): This airport is ideal if you’re visiting backwaters near Kollam or the southern part of Kerala. It’s about 70 km from Kollam.
Calicut International Airport (CCJ): If you plan to explore backwaters in northern Kerala, like in Kozhikode or Bekal, this is the nearest airport.
How to Reach from the Airport:
From Cochin International Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to reach Alleppey or Kumarakom.
Many private taxis, pre-arranged pickups, and even buses are available at both Cochin and Trivandrum airports to reach the desired backwater destination.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Stations:
Alleppey (Alappuzha) Railway Station: This is the nearest railway station for travelers heading to Alleppey backwaters. It’s well connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, and Bangalore.
Kottayam Railway Station: This station is closest to Kumarakom, and from there, it’s about 16 km to Kumarakom by road.
Kollam Junction: Ideal for those visiting the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam, it’s about 4 km from the backwater area.
Ernakulam Junction: This is one of Kerala’s busiest railway stations, located in Kochi. You can easily take a taxi or bus from here to reach backwater destinations such as Alleppey (53 km) or Kumarakom (55 km).
Train Connectivity:
Kerala has good rail connectivity with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Regular express and superfast trains service these routes.
3. By Road
From Kochi: Alleppey is about 53 km, Kumarakom is about 55 km, and Kollam is around 140 km. You can easily hire a taxi, take a state transport bus, or even self-drive.
From Trivandrum: Alleppey is around 150 km, and Kollam is around 70 km. Private cabs, taxis, and state buses are available.
Private Buses: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular buses to Alleppey, Kumarakom, and other backwater regions. Many private operators also offer bus services from cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Bangalore.
Self-Drive/Taxi: If you prefer comfort and flexibility, renting a car or hiring a private taxi is a good option. Several car rental services are available in Kochi and Trivandrum.
4. By Water (Ferry Services)
Kerala has a water transport system linking several backwater towns and islands.
Ferry services operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department are available between various backwater regions like Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam.
You can board local ferries to explore nearby islands or towns along the backwaters. For example, a ferry from Alleppey to Kottayam is a scenic, budget-friendly option.
Houseboats: Many tourists opt for a houseboat ride to explore backwaters. Houseboats can be booked in advance from operators in Alleppey, Kumarakom, or Kochi.
5. By Bus
Kerala’s KSRTC buses connect most cities and towns. You can catch a bus from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, or Calicut to backwater regions such as Alleppey, Kumarakom, or Kollam.
Private bus services also operate regularly from neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
6. By Private Car/Taxi
If you prefer a more comfortable and direct route, hiring a private taxi or cab from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, or Bangalore is convenient.
Many online car rental companies offer self-drive options, and taxis can be booked easily at the airport or hotels.
Popular Routes to the Backwaters:
Kochi to Alleppey: 53 km (1.5 to 2 hours by road)
Kochi to Kumarakom: 55 km (1.5 to 2 hours by road)
Kochi to Kollam: 140 km (3 to 4 hours by road)
Trivandrum to Kollam: 70 km (1.5 hours by road)
With various options available, reaching Kerala’s backwaters is convenient and enjoyable, allowing travelers to dive right into the scenic beauty of the region.