Kerala, famously known as "God’s Own Country," is one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Blessed with lush greenery, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, misty hill stations, and vibrant culture, Kerala attracts travelers from all over the world.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing vacation, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous getaway, reaching Kerala is easy and convenient. The state has well-developed transportation infrastructure, including air, rail, road, and water networks. This detailed guide will help you understand the various ways to reach Kerala, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Different Ways to Reach Kerala
Kerala is well-connected to the rest of India and the world through multiple modes of transportation. Below are the primary ways to reach Kerala:
- By Air (Fastest and Most Convenient Option)
- By Train (Scenic and Budget-Friendly Option)
- By Road (Flexible and Adventurous Option)
- By Water (Unique and Serene Option)
1. By Air: Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Major Airports in Kerala
Kerala has four international airports, making it one of the most accessible states in India:
| Airport Name | Location | IATA Code | Major Domestic & International Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivandrum International Airport | Thiruvananthapuram | TRV | Flights from Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and major Indian cities |
| Cochin International Airport | Kochi | COK | Largest airport in Kerala with global connectivity |
| Calicut International Airport | Kozhikode | CCJ | Flights from Gulf countries and major Indian cities |
| Kannur International Airport | Kannur | KIAL | Newest airport with connections to the Middle East and India |
Domestic and International Connectivity
- Kerala is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad via regular flights.
- Internationally, flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Colombo, and London provide direct access to Kerala.
Best Airlines to Kerala
- Domestic Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Go First.
- International Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, SriLankan Airlines, Oman Air.
Airport Transport
- Taxis & Cabs: Available outside all airports.
- Buses: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates services from airports to major towns.
- Metro (Kochi only): The Kochi Metro connects Cochin International Airport to the city center.
2. By Train: Scenic and Budget-Friendly Option
Kerala has an extensive railway network, with trains connecting the state to almost every major city in India. Traveling by train offers a budget-friendly and scenic journey, allowing passengers to enjoy Kerala’s landscapes.
Major Railway Stations in Kerala
| Railway Station | Location | Station Code | Major Trains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiruvananthapuram Central | Thiruvananthapuram | TVC | Rajdhani Express, Kerala Express, Netravati Express |
| Ernakulam Junction | Kochi | ERS | Mangala Express, Duronto Express, Shatabdi Express |
| Kozhikode Railway Station | Kozhikode | CLT | Mangalore Mail, West Coast Express |
| Alappuzha Railway Station | Alleppey | ALLP | Alleppey Express, Jan Shatabdi Express |
| Kannur Railway Station | Kannur | CAN | Matsyagandha Express, Nizamuddin Express |
Popular Trains to Kerala
- From Delhi: Kerala Express, Rajdhani Express
- From Mumbai: Netravati Express, Mangala Lakshadweep Express
- From Bangalore: Ernakulam Express, Bangalore-Kanyakumari Express
- From Chennai: Trivandrum Express, Alleppey Express
Booking Tickets
Train tickets can be booked online through:
- IRCTC Website: www.irctc.co.in
- Railway Booking Apps: RailYatri, ConfirmTkt, Paytm, MakeMyTrip
Types of Classes in Trains
- AC First Class (1A) – Expensive but luxurious
- AC 2-Tier (2A) – Comfortable with good facilities
- AC 3-Tier (3A) – Budget-friendly with AC
- Sleeper Class (SL) – Affordable but without AC
- General Class (Unreserved) – Cheapest, but usually crowded
3. By Road: Flexible and Adventurous Option
Traveling by road to Kerala offers flexibility and scenic views, especially if you are coming from neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
National Highways Connecting Kerala
- NH 66 (Mumbai-Kanyakumari) – Passes through major cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram.
- NH 544 (Salem-Kochi Highway) – Connects Kerala to Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Chennai.
- NH 85 (Madurai-Kochi Highway) – Best route from Tamil Nadu.
Reaching Kerala by Bus
- KSRTC Buses: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Mangalore, and Mysore.
- Private Buses: Operators like Kallada, SRS Travels, GreenLine, and Orange Travels offer luxury sleeper and Volvo buses.
- Best Cities for Bus Travel:
- Bangalore to Kochi – 10 hours
- Chennai to Trivandrum – 12 hours
- Mysore to Wayanad – 6 hours
Self-Driving to Kerala
If you prefer a road trip, Kerala’s highways are well-maintained, offering picturesque routes through the Western Ghats and coastal roads.
- Best Road Trip Routes:
- Bangalore to Munnar via Coimbatore
- Chennai to Trivandrum via Madurai
- Goa to Kochi via Mangalore
4. By Water: Unique and Serene Option
Kerala is home to a vast network of backwaters, lakes, and ports, offering a unique waterway travel experience.
Traveling to Kerala by Ship/Cruise
- Major Seaports: Kochi, Vizhinjam, Beypore
- Cruise Services: International luxury cruises dock at Kochi Port, connecting to Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Dubai.
- Lakshadweep Cruise: Ships operate between Kerala and Lakshadweep islands from Kochi.
Inland Water Transport in Kerala
- Kerala has boat ferries connecting towns and islands.
- Houseboats in Alleppey & Kumarakom offer luxurious waterway experiences.
- KSINC (Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation) operates government-run boat services.
Conclusion: Best Way to Reach Kerala
The best way to reach Kerala depends on your preferences:
- For speed and convenience: Take a flight to one of Kerala’s four international airports.
- For budget-friendly scenic travel: Choose a train journey.
- For adventure and flexibility: Travel by road, either by bus or self-drive.
- For a unique and peaceful experience: Consider traveling by boat or cruise.
Regardless of how you reach Kerala, the journey will be memorable, leading to an unforgettable experience in one of India's most beautiful states. So, plan your trip wisely and enjoy the magic of "God’s Own Country"!