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If you are planning a trip from the bustling city of Chennai to the serene backwaters of Kerala, you are in for an unforgettable journey. The Chennai to Kerala distance takes you from the urban coastline of Tamil Nadu to the lush greenery, hill stations, and palm-lined beaches of “God’s Own Country.” Whether you choose to fly, drive, or take a scenic train route, each mode offers its own unique experience.
This guide will help you understand every travel option in detail — by road, by train, and by flight — so you can plan your Kerala vacation with ease and confidence.
Kerala is a long coastal state stretching from Kasaragod in the north to Thiruvananthapuram in the south. Hence, the distance from Chennai to Kerala depends on which city in Kerala you’re visiting.
On average:
Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram: ~780 km (12–13 hrs by road)
Distance from Chennai to Munnar: ~600 km (10 hrs by road)
Distance from Chennai to Kochi: ~690 km (10–11 hrs by road)
Distance from Chennai to Alleppey: ~700 km (11 hrs by road)
Distance from Chennai to Wayanad: ~630 km (11 hrs by road)
Distance from Chennai to Thekkady: ~620 km (10–11 hrs by road)
The route you choose can vary depending on your destination, weather conditions, and whether you prefer scenic detours or faster expressways.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient option for travelers with limited time. Major airports in Kerala are well connected to Chennai, offering multiple daily flights.
| Route | Flight Duration | Airlines |
| Chennai → Kochi (Cochin) | 1 hr 10 min | |
| Chennai → Thiruvananthapuram | 1 hr 20 min | |
| Chennai → Calicut (Kozhikode) | 1 hr 15 min | IndiGo, Air India |
| Chennai → Kannur | 1 hr 30 min | Air India Express |
The Chennai to Kerala distance by flight covers around 500–700 km depending on your destination.
Perfect for weekend trips or short vacations
Affordable if booked early
Saves over 10 hours of travel time
Convenient connections to hill stations and coastal destinations.
Kerala’s airports are well linked to local taxis, prepaid cabs, and KSRTC buses. You can easily reach major tourist destinations like Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, or Kovalam within 1–3 hours from the nearest airport.
For road trip lovers, this journey offers a mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. The Chennai to Kerala distance by road ranges between 600 km to 780 km, depending on your chosen route and destination.
Best for travelers heading to hill stations like Munnar or Thekkady.
Excellent highway conditions (NH 38).
Attractions en route: Gingee Fort, Kodaikanal detour, and scenic Western Ghats drive.
Most popular for those visiting Kochi, Alleppey, or Thrissur.
Smooth NH 544 stretch.
Plenty of pit stops, food courts, and petrol stations.
Ideal for exploring South Kerala (Trivandrum, Varkala, Kovalam).
Coastal route with lush views and authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine on the way.
Start early to avoid Chennai traffic.
Carry offline maps; some hilly regions have weak signals.
Check tolls and fuel stations beforehand.
For comfort, consider halting overnight at Dindigul, Salem, or Coimbatore.
Yercaud (Hill Station near Salem)
Dindigul Fort
Palakkad Gap (stunning mountain pass)
Athirapally Waterfalls (detour from Thrissur)
If you love slow travel and wish to enjoy nature along the way, taking a train is a memorable experience. The Chennai to Kerala distance by train offers multiple routes through the lush plains and ghats.
| Train Name | Destination | Travel Time | Days of Operation |
| Chennai Express (12685) | Ernakulam Junction | ~11 hrs | Daily |
| Alleppey Express (22639) | Alleppey | ~12 hrs | Daily |
| Kanyakumari Express (12633) | Trivandrum | ~13 hrs | Daily |
| Mangalore Mail (12601) | Kozhikode / Kannur | ~12 hrs | Daily |
Most trains depart from Chennai Central (MAS) or Tambaram (TBM) and pass through scenic towns like Villupuram, Salem, and Palakkad before entering Kerala.
Book AC 2-Tier or 3-Tier Sleeper for overnight convenience.
Carry packed food or use IRCTC’s e-catering.
Window seats offer panoramic countryside views, especially during monsoon.
Many travelers also make the return journey — the Cochin to Chennai route — to explore Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage. The approximate distance is 690 km by road and 510 km by air.
Popular travel choices include:
By Air: 1 hr 10 min direct flights
By Train: 11–12 hrs overnight journey (Ernakulam–Chennai Express)
By Road: NH544 via Coimbatore, Salem, and Villupuram
This reverse journey is equally scenic, with plenty of opportunities to stop for local delicacies and heritage sightseeing along the way.
| Season | Duration | Travel Experience |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Best | Pleasant weather, ideal for houseboats & hill stations |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Good | Lush greenery & Ayurvedic retreats |
| Summer (Mar–May) | Moderate | Hot in plains, cool in Munnar & Wayanad |
Pro Tip: Book in advance during December and January — Kerala’s peak tourist months.
Once you arrive in Kerala, you can explore a mix of beaches, mountains, and backwaters:
Famous for houseboats, lagoons, and backwater cruises. Perfect for couples and families.
Kerala’s crown jewel hill station — tea gardens, misty mountains, and waterfalls.
Blend of history and modernity — Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry Palace.
Tribal heritage, Edakkal Caves, and lush forests make it a nature lover’s dream.
Iconic beaches near Trivandrum known for water sports and cliffside cafes.
Home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
Serene village near Vembanad Lake, perfect for birdwatching and backwater stays.
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Chennai → Dindigul | Enroute temples, stay overnight |
| Day 2 | Dindigul → Munnar | Scenic hill climb, waterfalls |
| Day 3 | Explore Munnar | Tea estates, Eravikulam National Park |
| Day 4 | Munnar → Alleppey | Houseboat cruise |
| Day 5 | Alleppey → Kochi | Fort Kochi sightseeing |
| Day 6 | Kochi → Varkala | Beach and Ayurveda relaxation |
| Day 7 | Return via Trivandrum / Flight to Chennai | Shopping and local cuisine |
From spicy Tamil cuisine in Villupuram to authentic Kerala sadya in Palakkad, your journey is a feast for the senses. Must-try dishes:
Kerala Parotta & Beef Curry
Puttu & Kadala Curry
Appam with Stew
Fish Pollichathu
Banana Chips from Coimbatore–Palakkad route
Traveling from Chennai to Kerala isn’t just about distance — it’s a journey from city buzz to soulful calm. Whether you take a flight for speed, a train for scenery, or a road trip for adventure, every option lets you witness the cultural and natural contrast between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
If you’re ready to explore houseboats, misty tea gardens, or sun-kissed beaches, book your Kerala tour packages from Chennai through TourTravelWorld.com — India’s trusted travel marketplace connecting travelers with verified tour operators and authentic itineraries.
Ans: Around 700 km, taking roughly 11–13 hours depending on the route and stops.
Ans: Yes, highways are in excellent condition. However, avoid late-night mountain driving during monsoon.
Ans: 5–7 days are ideal to cover Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey comfortably.
Ans: Trains are budget-friendly, while flights save time. Early flight bookings often cost 2500–4000 only.
Ans: Just a valid photo ID. E-passes are not required post-pandemic.
