Key hubs
Idukki airport and railway station
- Airport
- Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery is the nearest working airport, about 120 km from Painavu by road per Wikipedia; allow around 3 to 4 hours
- Railway station
- The district has no railway. Nearest railheads are Kottayam (KTYM), Aluva (AWY) and Ernakulam; Kottayam is about 97 km from Painavu
- Getting around
- A hired car or taxi from Thodupuzha, Kattappana or Cheruthoni is the practical option; state buses link the main towns and run towards Kalvari Mount
How to reach Idukki by air
The nearest working airport is Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery, about 120 km from Painavu by road per Wikipedia. Allow around 3 to 4 hours by taxi. Sathram airstrip in the district has no commercial service.
How to reach Idukki by train
The district has no railway. Kottayam (KTYM) is about 97 km from Painavu, and Aluva (AWY) and Ernakulam Junction (ERS) are the other main railheads. Take a taxi or bus onward via Thodupuzha.
How to reach Idukki by road
The usual route is from Kochi or Kottayam to Thodupuzha, then on the hill road towards Cheruthoni and Painavu, about 35 to 40 km from Thodupuzha. Kattappana is the other main town, and roads are winding in the hills.
Getting around Idukki
A hired car or taxi is the practical choice for the dams, Hill View Park and boat landing. State buses run between Thodupuzha, Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kattappana and towards Kalvari Mount, but timetables are limited.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Idukki
- Hill roads are winding. Hire a car with a driver, break the journey from Kochi at Muvattupuzha or Thodupuzha, and avoid night driving in the monsoon.
- Carry water, a hat and a light jacket; the crest and viewpoints are open to sun and wind, and evenings can be cool.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.