Mullaperiyar Dam is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, near the border with Tamil Nadu. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in scenic beauty and engineering marvels. This guide helps you understand the best ways to travel to Mullaperiyar Dam from nearby cities and towns.

You will learn about the main transport options including train, bus, car, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. Whether you are coming from Kochi, Madurai, or other nearby hubs, this guide covers all essential travel details.

Getting from Nearby Cities to Mullaperiyar Dam – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you want a comfortable and scenic journey to the region near Mullaperiyar Dam. The nearest major railway stations are Kottayam and Madurai, which connect well with other Indian cities.

• Kottayam Railway Station is about 60 km from Mullaperiyar Dam and well connected to Kochi and other Kerala cities; from here, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the dam, with travel time around 2 hours.

• Madurai Junction in Tamil Nadu is approximately 110 km from the dam; it is a major rail hub with frequent trains from Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities, making it a good entry point for travelers coming from the north or east.

• Train fares to Kottayam or Madurai vary by class, ranging from INR 150 to INR 800; booking via IRCTC is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and festivals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Local transport from stations to Mullaperiyar Dam includes state-run buses and private taxis; buses may be infrequent, so pre-booking a cab or using app-based taxis like Ola or Uber is advisable for convenience and safety.

• Monsoon season can cause delays on rail routes in Kerala due to heavy rains and occasional landslides; plan extra travel time during June to September to avoid missing connections.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Mullaperiyar Dam, especially from nearby towns like Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Madurai. Both Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operate services in the region.

• KSRTC runs regular buses from Kottayam and Ernakulam to Kumily, which is about 15 km from Mullaperiyar Dam; from Kumily, local buses or taxis can be used to reach the dam site.

• From Madurai, TNSTC buses connect to Thekkady and Kumily, with travel times around 3 to 4 hours; fares are affordable, typically between INR 100 and INR 300 depending on the bus type.

• Bus services can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance at bus depots or online through KSRTC and TNSTC portals is recommended for a comfortable journey.

• Highways NH85 and NH183 are the main routes used by buses; these roads have several toll plazas, so expect minor delays during peak hours and holiday seasons.

• Food options on buses are limited; plan to carry snacks or stop at popular rest points like Vandiperiyar or Kumily where local eateries offer fresh Kerala and Tamil Nadu cuisine.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mullaperiyar Dam offers flexibility and the chance to explore the scenic Western Ghats at your own pace. The roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding near the dam.

• The distance from Kochi to Mullaperiyar Dam is around 110 km via NH85, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions; tolls apply at several points along the route.

• From Madurai, the drive is about 110 km via NH85 and SH17, taking around 3 hours; the route passes through forested and hilly terrain, so drive carefully especially during monsoon.

• Car rentals are available in major cities like Kochi and Madurai; companies like Zoomcar and local rental agencies provide self-drive options with prices ranging from INR 1500 to INR 3000 per day depending on the vehicle.

• Parking near Mullaperiyar Dam is limited; arrive early in the day to secure a spot and avoid crowding, especially on weekends and public holidays.

• Fuel stations are available en route at towns like Kottayam and Kumily; it is advisable to fill up before heading into more remote areas to avoid inconvenience.

Flight

The nearest airports to Mullaperiyar Dam are Cochin International Airport (COK) and Madurai Airport (IXM). Flights are suitable if you are coming from distant cities and want to reduce travel time.

• Cochin International Airport is about 110 km from Mullaperiyar Dam, with regular domestic flights connecting to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai; from the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the dam.

• Madurai Airport is approximately 120 km away and serves flights mainly from southern Indian cities; it is a convenient option for travelers coming from Tamil Nadu or nearby states.

• Taxi services and app-based cabs are readily available at both airports; pre-booking is recommended to avoid surge pricing and ensure timely pickup.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season and booking time, with prices generally ranging from INR 2000 to INR 6000 for domestic routes; booking early can secure better deals.

• From the airports, the onward journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours; plan your arrival time to avoid night travel on hilly roads for safety reasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Mullaperiyar Dam. It will help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to get confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during peak seasons like summer and festivals.

• Arrange local transport from your arrival station or airport in advance using trusted taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber to ensure safe and timely transfers to Mullaperiyar Dam.

• If traveling by bus, check the latest schedules on KSRTC or TNSTC websites and book tickets at least a day in advance to secure your seat and avoid overcrowding during weekends.

• For self-drive travelers, plan your route using Google Maps and check road conditions, especially during monsoon; carry a physical map as backup since network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

• Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit; also carry valid ID proofs as some areas near the dam may require security checks.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and reach Mullaperiyar Dam with ample daylight for sightseeing and photography.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues; local shops near the dam sell packaged water and snacks but at higher prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs instead of unmetered autos to avoid fare disputes and ensure safe travel, especially when returning late from the dam.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry rain gear during monsoon months as the dam area can be slippery and wet; also, insect repellent is useful in forested zones.

• Book train and bus tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and KSRTC to avoid queues and scams at stations and depots.

• Keep your luggage light and secure; avoid carrying valuables openly and use lockable bags to prevent theft in crowded transport hubs.

• Be mindful of local customs and environmental rules near the dam; avoid littering and follow guidelines provided by the dam authorities for a safe visit.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mullaperiyar Dam is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the roads are dry. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains and possible landslides.

During festivals like Onam and Pongal, traffic on highways and near tourist spots increases significantly, causing delays. Planning your trip outside these peak times ensures a smoother experience.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months as heavy rains can cause roadblocks and delays, especially on the winding routes near the dam.

• Early morning departures are ideal to beat traffic and enjoy clear views of the dam and surrounding hills before afternoon clouds gather.

• Festive seasons see a surge in tourists; book all transport and accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

• Winter months offer the best visibility and comfortable temperatures, making sightseeing and outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Arrival at Mullaperiyar Dam & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Mullaperiyar Dam, you will find limited public transport options directly at the dam site. Most visitors use taxis or private vehicles to reach and explore the area. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and offers peaceful views.

The nearest town for accommodation and food is Kumily, about 15 km away, which has a range of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants serving local Kerala and Tamil Nadu cuisine. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Kumily for easy last-mile connectivity.

At the dam, expect basic visitor facilities and security checks. It is advisable to carry some cash as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere. Local buses are infrequent, so planning your return transport ahead is important.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mullaperiyar Dam is manageable and enjoyable with proper planning. The most efficient way depends on your starting point: trains to Kottayam or Madurai followed by taxis are popular, while self-drive offers flexibility for exploring the scenic route. Flights to Cochin or Madurai airports also provide convenient access for distant travelers.

Remember to book your tickets early, plan for local transport in advance, and avoid monsoon travel for a safe and comfortable journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your visit to Mullaperiyar Dam and enjoy its natural beauty and engineering marvel without stress.