The distance from Kochi to Kottayam is 75 km, taking approximately 2 hours by road via NH 85 through Muvattupuzha and Ettumanoor. Kottayam is the gateway to several major Kerala destinations — Kumarakom backwaters, Thekkady wildlife sanctuary, and Sabarimala pilgrimage. It’s also an important educational and commercial hub in central Kerala with a rich Christian heritage.
Kochi to Kottayam — Distance & Route
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 75 km |
| Drive Time | 2 hours |
| Route | Kochi → NH 85 → Muvattupuzha → Ettumanoor → Kottayam |
| Road Type | 4-lane NH, well-maintained |
| Toll Gates | 1 |
Kochi to Kottayam Taxi Fare
Kottayam fits within our 1-day 80 km package for a day trip. For multi-day trips continuing to Kumarakom or Thekkady, outstation daily rates apply.
Day Trip (Local Slab)
For local use, the 1-day package above applies: up to 80 km in a day, with extra km at the same per-km rate.
Outstation (Multi-Day / Continuing Beyond)
| Vehicle | 1 Day (80 km) | Extra km |
|---|---|---|
| Dzire / Etios | ₹2,500 | ₹18 |
| Ertiga | ₹2,700 | ₹20 |
| Crysta 7+1 | ₹3,500 | ₹24 |
Driver bata included. GST, tolls, parking and permits are billed separately; night charge ₹300 for cars and ₹650 for Tempo Travellers, 8 PM – 8 AM. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
Kottayam — Gateway to 3 Major Destinations
Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam)
Kerala’s premium backwater destination on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Known for luxury resorts, bird sanctuary (₹50 entry, best at dawn), and houseboat cruises. A Kochi → Kottayam → Kumarakom day trip covers everything.
Thekkady / Periyar (115 km from Kottayam)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with lake boat cruises and elephant sightings. Many travellers use Kottayam as a lunch stop on the Kochi-Thekkady route.
Sabarimala / Pamba (100 km from Kottayam)
The Kottayam-Erumely-Pamba route is the most popular approach to Sabarimala. Kottayam is the last major city with full services before the forest section.
What to See in Kottayam
- Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple — Ancient Shiva temple on the Kochi-Kottayam highway. Famous for the Arattu festival.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — 14 km from Kottayam. Best at sunrise.
- Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple — In the heart of Kottayam town.
- St. Mary’s Church, Kottayam — One of Kerala’s oldest churches (1550 AD).
- Illikkal Kallu — Hilltop rock formation with panoramic views. 45 km from Kottayam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Kochi to Kottayam?
75 km via NH 85, approximately 2 hours.
How much does a taxi from Kochi to Kottayam cost?
A sedan day trip (1-day package, 80 km) costs ₹2,500, which covers the round trip. For multi-day travel, a sedan is ₹2,500/day with driver bata included (160 km for 2 days, 100 km/day for 3 days or more).
Can I combine Kottayam and Kumarakom in one day from Kochi?
Yes. Kochi → Kottayam (75 km) → Kumarakom (16 km) → Kochi fits within the 1-day 80 km package. Total distance approximately 80 km round trip from Kottayam, plus the Kochi legs.
Is Kottayam on the way to Thekkady from Kochi?
Yes. The standard Kochi-Thekkady route passes through Kottayam. It’s a natural lunch stop, 75 km into the 165 km journey.
Cochin Car Rental — Vyttila, Ernakulam, Kochi 682019
WhatsApp: +91 79942 58889 | Email: taxi@cochincarrental.com