Trip costs · Thekkady · from Chennai
How much does a Thekkady trip from Chennai cost?
About ₹24,500 for two people for 5 days (4 nights) in November — ₹12,250 each — at rates a travel agent can actually book. That's by train to Kottayam + bus, about 16 hours each way.
What it costs, season by season
Two people, 5 days, leaving Chennai on the 12th of the month (and on 26 December for Christmas week).
| When | What it's like | Total for 2 |
|---|---|---|
| November | Best time to go | ₹24,500 |
| May | Good time to go | ₹24,500 |
| June | Heavy monsoon | ₹23,500 |
| Christmas–New Year | Holiday rush — hotels cost the most | ₹29,500 |
Where the money goes
Two people in November.
| Travel there and back — Train to Kottayam + bus | ₹5,040 |
| Stay — 4 nights at about ₹1,800 a night | ₹7,200 |
| Food | ₹7,200 |
| Local travel | ₹2,500 |
| Activities & buffer | ₹2,560 |
| Total | ₹24,500 |
Getting from Chennai to Thekkady
- 🚆 Train — train to Kottayam + bus: about 16 hours each way, ₹2,520 per person there and back (3AC).
- ✈️ Flight — flight to Madurai + bus: about 7 hours door to door, ₹8,300 per person there and back.
Best time to go
Periyar lake, spice gardens and bamboo rafting. The best months are September to April. Avoid June and July: heavy monsoon.
Making it cheaper
- Avoid Christmas–New Year week if you can: the same trip costs about ₹5,000 more than in November, because hotels charge far more that week.
- Taking the train instead of flying saves about ₹13,000 for two — 16 hours each way by train, 7 by air.
Questions
How much does a Thekkady trip from Chennai cost for 2 people?
About ₹24,500 for a 5-day trip in November — ₹12,250 each — travelling by train and staying at about ₹1,800 a night, at rates a travel agent can book.
How do you get from Chennai to Thekkady?
By train to Kottayam + bus: about 16 hours each way and ₹2,520 per person, there and back. Flying (flight to Madurai + bus) takes about 7 hours and costs about ₹8,300 per person.
When is the best time to visit Thekkady?
September to April. Avoid June and July: heavy monsoon.
How much does a solo or family trip to Thekkady from Chennai cost?
Solo: about ₹16,500; Family of 4: about ₹45,000; 4 friends: about ₹49,000.
Estimates as of 28 September 2026, for a 5-day trip (4 nights): stays, food and local travel at the lowest rates a travel agent can genuinely book for that place and season, plus modelled 3AC train or economy flight fares and 10% for activities and extras. Realistic minimums, not live quotes — plan the trip for a day-by-day plan, and the exact price is confirmed before you pay anything.