Chennai to Trivandrum Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Chennai to Trivandrum? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 782km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Chennai to Trivandrum
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 12h 00m | ₹7,468 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | 1h 30m | ₹2,737 - ₹5,474 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹586 – ₹1,915 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹966 – ₹6,569 |
How to Travel: Chennai to Trivandrum
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
By Car
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
By Flight
Speed, long distances, business travel
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 782km long-distance journey, consider flying (1h 30m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
Before You Leave Chennai
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Local Specialties
- local_dining Idli and Sambar - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with lentil soup and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop).
- local_dining Dosa - Crispy rice and lentil crepe filled with potatoes or other fillings (try at Saravana Bhavan).
- local_dining Chettinad Chicken - Spicy chicken curry with a blend of aromatic spices (try at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant).
Saravana Bhavan • Various locations
Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route
These cities are within 50km of your Chennai to Trivandrum route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:
Santhigiri
Trichy
Kovalam
Kovalam is a beach town located in Kerala, South India, known for its crescent-shaped beaches, shallow waters, and Ayurvedic treatments. It's a popular destination for both Indian and international tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation by the Arabian Sea.
attractions Top Attractions
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is the southernmost and most popular beach in Kovalam, named after the prominent Vizhinjam Lighthouse. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Arabian Sea.
Hawa Beach
Hawa Beach, also known as Eve's Beach, is located north of Lighthouse Beach. It's known for its more secluded and relaxed atmosphere.
Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach is the northernmost beach in Kovalam, separated from the other beaches by a rocky promontory. It's a quieter and more secluded beach, popular with locals.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Fish Molee - A creamy coconut milk-based fish curry (try at German Bakery)
Madurai
Madurai, located in Tamil Nadu, is one of South India's oldest cities, renowned for its magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple. This ancient city is a vibrant hub of Tamil culture, known for its rich history, bustling markets, and exquisite temple architecture. The aroma of jasmine, locally grown, permeates the air, adding to the city's sensory appeal.
attractions Top Attractions
Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is the most prominent landmark in Madurai, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. This sprawling complex is an architectural marvel, showcasing intricate carvings and vibrant colors. It's one of the most important Hindu temples in India.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal is a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak. This Indo-Saracenic style palace showcases a blend of Dravidian and Islamic architectural elements. Once grand, only a portion of the original structure remains today.
Gandhi Memorial Museum
The Gandhi Memorial Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. It houses a collection of photographs, letters, and personal belongings related to Gandhi's life and the Indian independence movement. It is one of the six Gandhi Museums in India.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - Soft, steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutney (try at Murugan Idli Shop)
Sriperumbudur
Explore Trivandrum
Trivandrum offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chennai to Trivandrum
Related Routes from Chennai
Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Chennai:
Other Routes to Trivandrum
Traveling to Trivandrum from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:
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