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Bus journey from Alleppey to Madurai
Train journey from Madurai to Chennai
Date of the journey:- December 2019
Distance travelled:- 479 miles
The journey from Alleppey to Chennai took a few days and because of the journey starting on Boxing Day it didn’t quite go as planned.
The first leg of the journey was by the local state bus from Alleppey KSRTC bus station to Kumily KSRTC bus station. The bus departed at 1300 hrs from the bus station. Our journey took 5 hours and 15 minutes at a cost of 138 Rupees each.
The journey to Kumily went up through the mountains and along the edge of Periyar National Park and wildlife sanctuary, an elephant, and a tiger reserve. The bus took National Highway 183, which, for Indian roads, was a good road.
Our research showed there were plenty of hotels but we didn’t realise just what a popular Christmas destination Kumily was. All the hotels we tried were full. Eventually, we managed to get the last room in the Sterling Thekkady hotel.
The following morning a short walk across the state line crossing from the State of Kerala into the State of Tamil Nadu to the Kumily TNSTC bus station.
We caught the 1200 hrs state bus to Madurai TNSTC bus station a journey of 4 hours for 107 Rupees each. This time we were required to pay 54 Rupees for our backpacks. Something we had not done in any other state. Reluctantly we paid, but only after a lengthy discussion with the conductor and the bus station dispatcher.
The journey out of Kumily, down the mountains along the National Highway 183 to Theni was picturesque. From Theni, the bus took us along National Highway 85, passing through a variety of pineapple and banana plantations.
Madurai was an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gateway towers of the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The towers are covered in bright carvings of the Hindu gods and it is a major pilgrimage site, but not a major international tourist attraction.
The overnight stay in Madurai afforded us the opportunity to book our train tickets for the following night’s sleeper train to Chennai. We did this at the Tourist booking counter at Madurai Junction train station. The counter is located on the left-hand side as you look at the main station entrance.
The only train available to book was Train No.12641, the Thirukkural Superfast Express. This meant the whole of the following day and evening in Madurai as the departure wasn’t until 0045 hrs. The train journey was 8 hours and 5 minutes at a cost of 1130 Rupees each for AC 3 tier bunks, booked under the tatkal ticket quota. See our Indian travel tips & advice page for more information on this type of ticket.
Our accommodation in Madurai was at The Golden Park hotel. Maybe not our first choice. But the best that we could find that had availability. Again, as in Kumily, all the hotels were full as it was the Christmas holidays. The hotel allowed us to keep the room until 1600 hrs and they stored our luggage whilst we went for something to eat. Finding a very nice buffet restaurant in the Hotel Royal Court, a few minutes walk away.
The sleeper train journey was pleasant enough. Boarding as late as we did, meant we were tired and able to sleep some of the night. Arrival at Chennai Egmore train station in the morning was on time. Being in Chennai for the New Year, we decided to spoil ourselves and stay at the Taj Club House Hotel. Booked through Booking.com. A 10-minute tuk tuk journey from Egmore train station.