Periyar National Park is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, nestled in the Western Ghats. It is a popular wildlife sanctuary known for its elephants, tigers, and scenic lake. Many travelers visit Periyar for nature walks, boat safaris, and to experience Kerala’s rich biodiversity.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Periyar National Park from major cities in Kerala and nearby states. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Major Cities to Periyar National Park – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those coming from cities like Kochi, Madurai, or Chennai. The nearest major railway stations offer good connectivity and affordable fares.

• The closest railway station to Periyar is Kottayam, about 110 km away, well connected to Kochi, Chennai, and Madurai with frequent trains. From Kottayam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Periyar.

• Changanassery station is another option, around 100 km from Periyar, with regular trains from Ernakulam and Trivandrum. It is suitable for travelers wanting a quieter route and local bus connections.

• Train travel time from Kochi to Kottayam is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares ranging from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on class. Booking via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• From Madurai, trains to Kottayam or Ernakulam take about 6 to 8 hours. Night trains are available, offering sleeper classes for comfort. Be aware of delays during monsoon months due to heavy rains in the Western Ghats.

• Local transport from stations to Periyar involves taxis or state-run buses. Prepaid taxi counters are available at Kottayam station, and Ola/Uber services operate in nearby towns but may be limited closer to the park.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and widely used option to reach Periyar National Park from nearby cities and towns. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run frequent services.

• Direct KSRTC buses run from Kochi’s Ernakulam bus station to Kumily, the gateway town to Periyar, covering about 120 km in 4 to 5 hours. Fares typically range from ₹150 to ₹300 depending on the bus type.

• From Thekkady or Kumily bus stands, local buses and taxis are available for the short 5 to 10 km journey to the park entrance. Bus frequency reduces after 6 pm, so plan accordingly.

• Private deluxe and Volvo buses operate on routes from Madurai and Coimbatore to Kumily, offering comfortable travel with air conditioning and reclining seats. Booking tickets online or at bus stations is advisable during holidays.

• During the monsoon season, some bus routes may experience delays or temporary suspension due to landslides or road damage in the hilly areas. Check local weather updates before traveling.

• Rest stops on the way include popular eateries near Kottayam and scenic viewpoints along NH183, where you can enjoy local Kerala snacks and tea.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Periyar National Park offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. The roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding near the park.

• From Kochi, the drive to Periyar is about 120 km via NH85 and NH183, taking roughly 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The route passes through towns like Kothamangalam and Munnar, offering beautiful landscapes.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are available in Kochi, with daily rates starting around ₹1500. Ensure your vehicle has good ground clearance for hilly stretches and check for toll plazas on NH85.

• From Madurai, the drive covers approximately 150 km via NH85, taking around 4 to 5 hours. The road is mostly two-lane with some sharp curves; drive cautiously, especially during night or rainy conditions.

• Parking is available near the park entrance at Kumily, but it can fill up during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Fuel stations are available in towns along the route, but fewer near the park, so fill up before entering remote areas. Carry bottled water and snacks for the journey.

Flight

Flying is suitable for travelers coming from distant cities or other states. The nearest airports offer good connectivity and onward travel options to Periyar.

• Cochin International Airport (COK) is the closest major airport, about 110 km from Periyar. It handles domestic and international flights, making it the most convenient entry point for most travelers.

• From Cochin Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to Kumily. Taxi fares range from ₹2500 to ₹3500, and travel time is around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic.

• Madurai Airport (IXM) is another option, about 140 km from Periyar. It has domestic flights connecting to Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities. From Madurai, taxis and buses are available to reach the park.

• Flights to Cochin and Madurai are frequent, but booking early during festival seasons like Onam or Christmas is important to avoid high fares and seat shortages.

• There are no airports closer to Periyar, so plan for a road transfer after your flight. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate from airports to major towns nearby.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Periyar National Park to make the journey simple and stress-free.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred timings, especially during peak seasons.

• If arriving by train, choose Kottayam or Changanassery stations and pre-arrange a taxi or check KSRTC bus timings to Kumily to avoid waiting long at the station.

• For bus travelers, confirm the departure time from your city’s main bus station and arrive early to get a good seat. Carry some snacks and water for the journey.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps, check weather conditions, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full fuel tank before starting.

• On arrival at Kumily or Thekkady, book your park entry tickets online if possible to avoid queues. Use prepaid taxis or local buses to reach the park entrance safely.

• Carry a daypack with essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Wear comfortable shoes for walking inside the park and follow all park guidelines for a safe visit.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in towns near Periyar to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during your travel and inside the park area to prevent waterborne illnesses common in rural Indian regions.

• Book your train, bus, or flight tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance during holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year, or Onam to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Local transport options inside Kumily and Thekkady include auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps. Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on meter usage to avoid confusion.

• Pack light but carry rain gear during the monsoon months (June to September) as sudden showers can disrupt travel plans and make roads slippery.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly in crowded stations or bus stands to prevent theft, which can happen in busy Indian transit points.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Periyar National Park is from October to March when the weather is cool and dry. This period offers pleasant conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, which can cause roadblocks and delays. Summer months (April and May) can be hot and humid, making daytime travel less comfortable.

• Avoid traveling during major Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu when roads and transport services are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Fog and mist are common in early mornings during winter, which may reduce visibility on roads and inside the park, so plan safaris accordingly.

• Depart early in the morning from your city to avoid city traffic and reach Periyar before dusk, as wildlife activity is higher during early hours.

• During monsoon, check local weather and road conditions daily, as landslides can temporarily close NH85 and other routes leading to the park.

Arrival at Periyar National Park & What to Expect

When you arrive at Periyar National Park, you will find a well-organized entrance with ticket counters and information booths. The park is located near Kumily town, which serves as the main base for visitors.

Local transport options include prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, and shared jeeps that can take you to your accommodation or the park’s boat jetty. Many hotels and resorts offer shuttle services for guests.

Popular areas to stay include Kumily town and nearby resorts that provide easy access to the park. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate in Kumily but may be limited inside the park area.

Be prepared for some walking inside the park and carry cash for small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere. The park staff and local guides are helpful and can assist with safari bookings and nature walks.

Conclusion

Traveling to Periyar National Park is convenient by train, bus, car, or flight, depending on your starting point and preferences. The most efficient option for many is to fly into Cochin International Airport and then take a taxi or bus to Kumily. Train travel to Kottayam or Changanassery followed by road transfer is also popular and budget-friendly.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, especially during peak seasons, and choose your transport mode based on comfort and time availability. With good preparation and local knowledge, you can enjoy a smooth journey to this beautiful wildlife sanctuary and make the most of your visit to Periyar National Park.