To help you plan your journey to Thekkady in Kerala, India, here's a detailed guide with information on the nearest airport and railway stations, as well as how to reach Thekkady from India's top 10 cities by road, flight, and train.
**Nearest Airport**: The nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai Airport (IXM), which is about 136 kilometers away.
**Nearest Railway Stations**:
- Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM) - approximately 107 kilometers away.
- Changanassery Railway Station (CGY) - approximately 93 kilometers away.
- Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station (ERS) - approximately 155 kilometers away.
**Reaching Thekkady from India's Top 10 Cities**:
**By Flight**: The most convenient way is to take a flight to the nearest airport, Madurai Airport, and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Thekkady.
**By Train**: Take a train to the nearest railway station, either Kottayam or Ernakulam, and then a bus or taxi to Thekkady.
**By Road**: You can drive to Thekkady or take a long-distance bus.
**From Mumbai**:
- **Flight**: Fly from Mumbai to Madurai, then take a taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Board a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam and then take a taxi or bus.
- **Road**: Approximately 1,550 km; Mumbai -> Pune -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopovers in Pune and Bangalore recommended.
**From Delhi**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai and then take a taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Trains to Kottayam or Ernakulam and then a taxi or bus to Thekkady.
- **Road**: Approximately 2,650 km; Delhi -> Agra -> Gwalior -> Nagpur -> Hyderabad -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopovers in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
**From Bangalore**:
- **Flight**: Bangalore to Madurai by flight, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Board a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then proceed by road.
- **Road**: Approximately 510 km; Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopover in Salem.
**From Hyderabad**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Trains to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then taxi or bus.
- **Road**: Approximately 1,030 km; Hyderabad -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopover in Bangalore.
**From Chennai**:
- **Flight**: Chennai to Madurai by flight, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Take a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then proceed by road.
- **Road**: Approximately 600 km; Chennai -> Trichy -> Madurai -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; consider stopping in Madurai.
**From Kolkata**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai and then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Train journeys to Kottayam or Ernakulam, followed by a taxi or bus.
- **Road**: Heading to Thekkady by road from Kolkata is not commonly recommended due to the distance.
**From Ahmedabad**:
- **Flight**: Ahmedabad to Madurai by flight, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Take a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then road.
- **Road**: Approximately 1,960 km; Ahmedabad -> Mumbai -> Pune -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stops in Pune and Bangalore advised.
**From Pune**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Board a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then by road.
- **Road**: About 1,235 km; Pune -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopover in Bangalore.
**From Jaipur**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Trains to Kottayam or Ernakulam are available, followed by road travel.
- **Road**: Jaipur to Thekkady by road is not commonly recommended due to the distance.
**From Surat**:
- **Flight**: Fly to Madurai, then taxi or bus.
- **Train**: Take a train to Kottayam or Ernakulam, then take a taxi or bus.
- **Road**: Approximately 1,800 km; Surat -> Mumbai -> Pune -> Bangalore -> Salem -> Dindigul -> Theni -> Kumily -> Thekkady; stopovers in Pune and Bangalore.
Please note that road distances are approximate and road conditions and travel times can vary. It's advisable to plan your journey taking into consideration local travel advisories and weather conditions.