Cochin to coorg - prefered route

Believe there are 3 routes to coorg.
1. Cochin to coimbature by train. Then to mysore and then to madikeri by bus
2. Cochin to kasarkode by train . Then to madikeri by bus.
3. Cochin to kozhikode by train. Then catch a bus to kalpetta. Then hire a jeep? Or take a bus to madikeri.?
Any ideas as to which one is prefered to reach coorg. Also please tell how long the bus travel takes.

Best &Comfortable option could be:

Take Train from Ernakulam Jn to Mangalore [ Managalore is just an hour from Kasaragod] BUT the bus frequency is just too much .From Mangalore JN, you could go to KSRTC bus stand and board Madikeri / Mysore Bound bus . You could reserve Airavath [Volvo A/C] for comfort in advance [www.ksrtc.in]

From Kasaragod Or Kozhikode , bus frequency to Madikeri is Just tooo less and cumbersome and Volvo doesn't ply in this route Or Even Rajahamsa [ Push Back 2*2 is very limited] . Majority of the buses in this route will be normal 3 + 2 seat and also involves bus change!
Hope this helps.

how long does it take on bus from mangalore to coorg?

Around 4 Hours for Mangalore -Madikeri travel by bus!