Kumarakom and Vembanad Lake
Backwater village on the shore of Vembanad Lake, about 14 km from Kottayam town, known for houseboats and its bird sanctuary.
Comfortable outstation travel
Madurai to
Kottayam Cab
A day's drive from Madurai across the Western Ghats to Kottayam, the town of letters, lakes and rubber estates in central Kerala. The road crosses into Kerala at Kumily and then winds down through Peermade and Mundakayam on the KK Road. Good for family visits, church and temple trips, Kumarakom holidays and onward travel by train from Kottayam station.
Road distance250 km
Travel time5.5 – 6.5 hours
Trip optionsRound trip · Multi-day
One-way drop fare
Madurai to Kottayam one-way taxi fare
Based on about 250 km by road. Fare = km × per-km rate + ₹400 driver bata.
| Vehicle | Rate | Charged km | One-way fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (4+1) | ₹15/km | 250 km | ₹4,150 |
| SUV (6+1) | ₹19/km | 250 km | ₹5,150 |
| Innova (7+1) | ₹20/km | 250 km | ₹5,400 |
| Innova Crysta (6+1) | ₹23/km | 250 km | ₹6,150 |
- Toll and parking are extra.
- Distance is approximate; the exact km depends on your pickup and drop address.
- Final fare is confirmed by our team before booking.
Route at a glance
Madurai to Kottayam by road
Times are typical driving times; traffic, weather and stops can change them.
- Road distance
- About 250 km
- Driving time
- 5.5 – 6.5 hours
- Usual route
- Via Usilampatti, Andipatti, Theni, Cumbum, Kumily, Peermade, Mundakayam and Kanjirappally
- Road conditions
- From Madurai the cab takes the Theni highway to Theni and Cumbum, climbs the Kumily ghat into Kerala, then follows the Kottayam–Kumily road (NH 183) through Vandiperiyar, Peermade, Mundakayam and Kanjirappally to Kottayam. The ghat sections are narrow and winding, and the Kerala side is busy in town stretches. Kottayam is in Kerala, so the Kerala state permit is extra along with toll and parking.
- Best time to travel
- Open all year. October to March is the most comfortable. The June to September monsoon brings heavy rain and mist on the Peermade stretch, so we plan to cross the ghat in daylight. Roads are crowded during the Sabarimala season (mainly November to January).
Journey highlights
Make more of your trip to Kottayam.
Our drivers know the major routes and popular stops along the way.
01Theni highway out of Madurai through Usilampatti and Andipatti
02Cumbum valley vineyards and the climb to the Kerala border at Kumily
03Cardamom and tea country around Vandiperiyar and Peermade
04Rubber plantations on the descent through Mundakayam and Kanjirappally
05Door drop anywhere in Kottayam town or nearby
Destination guide
Places to visit in Kottayam
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Old Shiva temple in the heart of Kottayam town, built in traditional Kerala style.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Well-known Shiva temple about 12 km north of Kottayam, famous for its murals.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Major temple on the banks of Vembanad Lake, around 40 km from Kottayam.
Bharananganam
Town near Pala with the shrine of St. Alphonsa, a major pilgrim centre about 30 km from Kottayam.
Thekkady and Kumily
Spice town and Periyar Tiger Reserve on the Kerala border, right on the way, for a break or a stay en route.
FAQ
Madurai to Kottayam — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the one-way taxi fare from Madurai to Kottayam?
For about 250 km, the one-way fare is Sedan ₹4,150, SUV ₹5,150, Innova ₹5,400, Innova Crysta ₹6,150. This is 250 km × the per-km rate plus ₹400 driver bata. Toll and parking are extra, and our team confirms the final fare before booking.
How long does the Madurai to Kottayam journey take?
The Madurai to Kottayam drive covers about 250 km and takes approximately 5.5 – 6.5 hours, depending on traffic and halts.
Is there a minimum distance for a one-way cab?
Yes. One-way trips are charged for a minimum of 130 km. Longer trips are charged for the actual road distance.
Are toll and parking charges included in the Madurai to Kottayam fare?
No. Toll and parking are extra and are paid at actuals during the trip.
What does a Madurai to Kottayam round trip cost?
Round-trip fares depend on your dates and the total kilometres. Select Round Trip in the live calculator or call us with your plan for a quotation.
Which vehicles are available for Madurai to Kottayam?
We offer Sedan (4+1), SUV (6+1), Innova (7+1) and Innova Crysta (6+1) for Madurai to Kottayam. Luggage reduces usable passenger space, so share your passenger and bag count before confirming.
How long does the Madurai to Kottayam drive take?
Usually 5.5 to 6.5 hours with tea and meal breaks. The ghat sections near Kumily and Peermade are slow, and the monsoon or pilgrim season can add time.
Is a Kerala permit charged on this route?
Yes. Kottayam is in Kerala, so the interstate permit is added at actuals along with toll and parking. Our team shows it in the quotation before you confirm.
Can we stop at Thekkady or Kumily on the way?
Yes. Kumily is on the route and Thekkady is right next to it. Tell us how long you want to stop when booking so we can plan the start time.
Can you drop us at Kumarakom or Kottayam railway station?
Yes. Share the exact resort, hotel or station when booking. Charged km follows the actual road distance to your drop point.
Can the cab go on to Erumeli or Sabarimala?
Yes. Tell us the final drop and we will quote the full distance. See our Madurai to Sabarimala page for the pilgrim route.
Is GST included in the fare?
Yes. GST is included in the quoted fare. Toll, parking and the Kerala permit are extra.
How do I book?
Balaji Travels has run cabs from Madurai since 1991. Call or WhatsApp +91 98596 85968; our booking desk is open 5 AM–9 PM (India time), daily.
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