Advice wanted: ooty-cochin

molecl

Hi just wondered if anyone could provide some advice on how best to get from ooty to cochin

we want to travel down the Toy train (is this worth it, is the experience still good going down the hills?) which from my research is 3 1/2 hours getting into to Met at 6.30pm.

From Met what is the quickest way to get to Cochin: are there any direct buses or trains or is it best to get train to Coimbatore?

Also from Coimbatore how is it best to get to Cochin (train, bus or taxi)? My research show there is a train but it is later and doesn't get into Cochin until after 1am.

On this trip we will be more time short than money short so am wondering whether if buses/trains don't work out a taxi is worth it... any idea on costs?

Many thanks

labrol

Taxi would be the best. Rs.6per km for the small Indica car. Next is bus.

__________________
Alone I walked. Strangers joined in. We became a caravan.

molecl

Rs 6 per km sounds cheap: distance to cochin is around 190km (so say 200) that would be Rs1200?

Or would it be double as u would have to pay for taxi back to coimbatore?

Also does anyone have a bus timetable for Coimbatore-Ernakulam in case we decide to go for that option

Really we just want to be able to make it from Ooty - Cochin (via toy train) and not get in too late at night to Cochin

If taxi would work around Rs 2000 or less it would be fine but if it is going to be super expensive then we will go for bus or train

Many thanks

n kumar

Hi,
If you travel by car and if the tarrif is rs 6/= per km, it will cost you 1200/= one way and you have to pay for the return journey also plus the kerala state permit fees and totally you will be spending roughly 3000/=. The best option would be to catch a train to cochin/erunakulam.

Dacoit Chief

The toy train is worth it, but I prefer it going up than down. From Metty to Coimbatore there are busses almost every 5/10 mins and the journey only takes a bit more than an hour. Once in Coimbatore, you will need to take an auto to the area where the private busses go from which is nearby but not the same bus station. (The place evades me at the mo though).. You could almost rock up at the area where all the private busses go from and find a bus heading towards Ernakulam or elsewhere in Kerala via Ernakulam on the NH 47. Bear in mind that all/most busses going from Bangalore or Salem to Ernakulam pass through Coimbatore as well so there are loads of options.

You could also try and call one of the numerous bus agencies. Try NJK Super travels on 0091 422 2490408. They could recommend you someone else if they do not run that route. I have travelled with them before and found them to be decent. Conti Travels are also a big operator who are bound to do that route.
See: http://www.coimbatoreyellowpages.com...rs_Travels.asp

edit: Just checked. Ixigo list Conti as doing this route leaving at 4PM. Too early for you though if you take toy train: http://www.ixigo.com/search/result/b...am/27012009//1

Bound to be others though...

There are also loads of trains (more than the one you mentioned). Check the relevant Trains at a Glance page! It is the mainline from Chennai to Trivandrum after all.

I wouldn't bother doing it by pricey cab given you have such good public transport options and that there isn't all that much to see/visit on the way.

vandy

Try Shama Transports, Deluxe Volvo Bus,I think it
Passes through Coimbatore late at night on Route
to Ernakulam.

Tickets can be purchased through www.redibus.com

My ticket from Bangalore cost approx 600rps in Oct
last year.

There is also another Volvo Deluxe service run by
Sharma with an "R"

vandy

labrol

Hi, You probably meant www.redbus.in