Kerala

By taxi

Also called autos, these are a convenient mode of transport for very short distance travel. By law the auto driver has to start a meter for every journey. However at times this law tends to be overlooked. It is wise to ask the driver, politely, to ensure he starts the meter at the start of your journey , to avoid unecessary arguments at the end of the trip. Most of the larger railway stations and all the airports have pre-paid auto-rickshaw and/or taxi stands. Just tell them where you want to go and you will get a slip of paper with the destination and amount written on it. Pay only that amount of money and nothing more.

By taxi

Taxis are a good but expensive way to cover short distances. Negotiate the price before you get into the taxi. Ambassador/Indica Taxis are the big players. Ambassador Taxis are rarely air-conditioned and are most commonly used in Trivandrum. Indica is more common in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kottayam areas. Most of the Indica taxis are air-conditioned. Normal rate is 50 Rs as minimum rate for 2 Kms and 20 Rs per Km later. A/C cabs charge normally 10 to 15% more. In Cochin, Trivandrum, day cabs are available that charge 450 Rs for 4 hour trip anywhere within City limits or 850 Rs for 8 hour trip within city limits. Most these will be Indica.

Jeeps and 4 wheel SUVs are the most common form of taxi in hilly areas.

By ship

Kerala has an extensive series of water bodies with rivers, backwaters and lagoons making travel by ferry an effective service. In some places, ferries are more popular and easier than road transport. Most of the places in Alapuzha-Kuttanad area is interconnected with regular ferry services.

The main waterways route, served by Kerala Water Transport Department boats are as follows

1 Vembanattu lake - 52 sq kms, connecting between districts of Alapuzha and Kottayam and numerous of canals in Kuttanad

2 Ashtamudy lake - 200 sq kms, connecting various points in Kollam district.

3 Ernakulam - Vypeen - Fort Cochin ferry Cochin port & Harbour

4 Muhamma - Kumarakom, connecting islands within Kottayam district

5 Vaikom - Thavanakkadavu , connecting Kottayam with Ernakulam districts.

6 Payyannur - Parassinikkadavu, connecting various parts of Kannur district.

In addition to this, the National Waterway- NW 3 has formally opened, which runs from Kollam in south Kerala to Kottapuram in Thrissur district, which shall be served large boats. The final touches to this waterway is underway and scheduled to open mid of this year.

By car

Roads remain the primary popular options. Almost each nook and corner of the state is well connected by road. The primary roads are NH 47, NH 49, NH 17 and NH 212 which all National Highways. The NH 47 is one of most busiest as it connects Kochi and Trivandrum. The traditional primary road is MC Road, which covers on the most scenic places in south Kerala. However NH 47 cut the time at least by 1 hour for a travel between Kochi and Trivandrum.

State Highways connect to almost all parts of Kerala. Most of the SH are Bi-lane roads. Due to heavy rains, its common to see potholes in most of roads. Some of the wettest areas like Alleppey, Kottayam, Iddukki etc have damaged roads.

By bus

Bus transport is most popular transport to travel within Kerala and ideal for budget conscious travellers. Kerala has an excellent public bus system operated by both government-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corp KSRTC-Kerala and various private operators. All fares are determined by Transport Department and uniform across the state in accordance to nature of buses. Typically, there are 4 class of buses, all are non air-conditioned.

Ordinary (ORD)

which is a basic, no-frills services with covering short and medium distance areas with stoppages at all legal stops in its authorised route. The minimum fare is Rs 5 with 42 paise for every km

Fast Passenger (FP)

is better service covering large distances with limited stops, only at main villages or towns. Also known as Limited Stop Bus with initials LP/FP marked in red in its route board. The minimum fare is Rs 7 with 50 paise for every km

Super Fast (SF)

also known as Express Services, connects major towns and district headquarters with limited stop only at major towns in its route. The minimum fare is Rs 7.00 with 60 paise per km

Deluxe Express (LF)

also known as Lightening Fast, is a strictly point-to-point services, connecting major cities with technical stops only in major cities. This services uses larger air-suspension bus with comfortable cushion seats. The minimum fare is Rs 20 with 65 paise for every km

KSRTC also has some services as Malabar for all North Kerala services and Venad for all South Kerala services.

Apart from above services, air-conditioned buses also operate, mainly between regional centres and cities, known as Garuda and Hi-tech Services, premium Volvo buses are used. Minimum fares starts from Rs 50 with 75 paise to Rs 1 for every km, depending upon bus type.

While KSRTC has different liveries for each of class of service red for Ordinary, green for FP, blue-white for SF and LF, private operators has no uniform liveries and paint according to their choice. Check at route board, to know the class of service. All KSRTC buses have its own bus depots or stations in major towns and villages and stops only at those stops that displays its logo. Whereas private buses do stop at any convenient part of towns and villages, though in few cities it has its own private bus stands and stations. Check with locals, to know where each class of bus operates. There is no route numbering for buses in Kerala. Most of the buses are crowded and must beware of pick-pockets.