Is there a direct bus from Ithalar to Trivandrum?

No, you must travel to Ooty or Coimbatore first to find long-distance buses.

Which is the nearest airport?

Coimbatore International Airport is the closest to Ithalar.

Are there trains from Ooty?

Only the Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Ooty to Mettupalayam.

How long does the drive take?

The drive takes approximately 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic.

Is it safe to drive at night?

Driving at night on the ghat sections is discouraged due to fog and wildlife.

Thiruvananthapuram

Train Driving

Ithalar to Thiruvananthapuram

Updated: 22 May 2026

The journey from the high-altitude village of Ithalar to Thiruvananthapuram covers approximately 380 km. You must first descend to Ooty or Coimbatore to access major transport hubs. The route primarily follows the Western Ghats via NH 544 and NH 66. Expect a travel time of 10 to 12 hours depending on road conditions in the ghat sections. This route transitions from the cool Nilgiris to the tropical coastal climate of Kerala.

Total Distance: 380 km by road, 260 km straight-line.

Fastest Way

Private taxi from Ithalar to Coimbatore Airport, then a flight to Thiruvananthapuram.

Cheapest Way

State transport bus from Ooty to Coimbatore followed by a sleeper train to Thiruvananthapuram.

Compare Ithalar to Thiruvananthapuram Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	14 hours	10 hours
Avg Price	800-1500 INR	4500-6000 INR
Operator	Kerala Express	Private Taxi
Route	Coimbatore Junction to Thiruvananthapuram Central.	Ithalar - Ooty - Coimbatore - Palakkad - Thrissur - Thiruvananthapuram via NH 544 and NH 66.
Tip	Book your ticket from Coimbatore Junction at least 30 days in advance.	Start early at 4 AM to avoid heavy traffic in Coimbatore and Palakkad.

Travel Tips

Ghat Driving
The road from Ithalar to Ooty has sharp hairpins; ensure your vehicle's brakes are serviced.
Bus Connectivity
TNSTC buses are frequent from Ooty to Coimbatore, but limited from Ithalar directly.
Language
Malayalam is the primary language in Trivandrum, but English and Tamil are widely understood.
Food
Try the traditional Kerala Sadya served on a banana leaf at local restaurants.
Connectivity
Download offline maps as network coverage can be spotty in the Nilgiri forest stretches.

Safety Tips

Wildlife
Do not stop your vehicle in forest areas between Ithalar and Ooty to avoid wildlife encounters.
Night Travel
Avoid driving on the ghat roads after sunset due to fog and limited visibility.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of local police stations in Ooty and Coimbatore handy.
Hydration
Carry sufficient water as the transition from cold to humid climate can cause dehydration.