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Urbania Rental Kochi to Thekkady
10, 12 & 16-seater Force Urbania vans with an experienced driver for the Kochi–Thekkady route to Periyar and the Kumily spice plantations.
Kochi to Periyar, in one comfortable cabin
Force Urbania from Kochi to Thekkady
Avancer runs Force Urbania vans on the Kochi to Thekkady route for groups heading to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the spice plantations of Kumily. The drive covers roughly 190 km and takes about 5 hours, climbing from the Kochi plains up through Kothamangalam and the Idukki ghats. The Urbania carries 10 to 16 people in one cabin with pushback seats, individual AC, and luggage room for a multi-day Thekkady stay.
We pick up anywhere in Kochi — Ernakulam, Edapally, Kakkanad, and Cochin airport — with rates from ₹6,500/day. For the full rate card see our Urbania rental price page, or browse the statewide Urbania rental in Kerala overview.
Built for the ghat run
Why the Urbania Suits the Thekkady Route
Ghat Comfort
The Idukki ghat climb past Kothamangalam has long winding sections — the Urbania's car-like handling keeps the group steady through every bend.
Group Together
One van keeps a family or office group in a single cabin for the 5-hour run instead of splitting across cars.
Spice Routes
Compact dimensions handle the narrow Kumily plantation roads where larger buses struggle.
Cool Cabin
Individual AC and recliner seats keep passengers fresh on the long climb to Periyar.
Transparent, group-friendly rates
Urbania Rates: Kochi to Thekkady
| Vehicle | Local (8 hrs / 80 km) | Outstation (per day / 100 km) | Extra km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Seater Force Urbania | ₹6,500 | ₹7,000 | ₹30/km |
| 12-Seater Force Urbania | ₹7,000 | ₹7,500 | ₹30/km |
| 16-Seater Force Urbania | ₹7,500 | ₹8,000 | ₹32/km |
Rates may vary by season and route. Tolls, parking, and permits are extra on outstation trips. Call +91 77366 77077 to confirm.
Along the way
Key Stops on the Kochi–Thekkady Route
Kothamangalam — natural midway tea-and-snack halt before the ghat climb begins.
Idukki Ghats — winding forest road with valley viewpoints where the driver can pull over for photos.
Spice Plantations, Kumily — cardamom, pepper, and clove estates just before Thekkady; many offer guided plantation walks.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — boat safaris on Periyar Lake and elephant, bison and bird sightings.
Kumily Town — base for hotels, spice markets, and Kathakali shows; the Urbania handles its narrow streets easily.
Seating Tip — the 12-seater suits most families and office groups; choose the 16-seater for larger tours keeping everyone in one van.
The Kochi to Thekkady Drive by Urbania
Leaving Kochi, the Urbania rolls out through Ernakulam and picks up the Kothamangalam road, the last big town before the land starts to rise. From here the route threads Adimali and Nedumkandam on its way to Kumily and Thekkady — roughly 145 km that most groups cover in about 4.5 to 5 hours, a touch longer with photo halts. The stretch after Adimali is the memorable part: the twin cascades of Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls sit right beside the highway, an easy five-minute stop where the driver can pull over safely. Closer to Kumily, cardamom and pepper plantations line the road, and many run short guided walks worth folding into the day.
This is a genuine ghat run, and it is exactly where the Urbania earns its keep. The soft suspension and car-like handling flatten out the hairpins past Adimali, so passengers prone to motion sickness stay comfortable while the whole group rides in one cabin instead of splitting across cars. It seats a family or an office team of 10 to 16 without anyone feeling crowded on the climb. The best window is September to March, when the ghats are green and Periyar's boat safaris run at full swing. One practical tip: start from Kochi by 7 am. The Periyar boat counter releases limited tickets each morning, and an early departure gives your group the best shot at a forenoon lake safari. For the wider fleet see our Urbania rental in Kerala page, or compare smaller vehicles on the Kochi to Thekkady taxi route.
Why Us
Every Urbania Comes Loaded
2 into 1 Seater
LED TV
First Aid Box
Pushback Seats
Icebox
Extra Luggage Space
Excellent Interiors
Leg Space, Stereo System
Charging USB Port
Fully Air Conditioned
Contact Us
Tell us your dates, route and group size — we reply within 30 minutes.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kochi to Thekkady drive is about 190 km and takes roughly 5 hours via Kothamangalam and the Idukki ghats. With a spice-plantation or tea-break stop, plan for around 5.5 hours to your Kumily hotel. The Urbania holds good speed on the highway and stays comfortable through the ghat climb.
Outstation Urbania rental to Thekkady is an estimated ₹7,000/day for a 10-seater, ₹7,500 for a 12-seater, and ₹8,000 for a 16-seater, plus driver allowance, tolls, and parking. See our price page for the full rate card.
Yes. The same Urbania and driver stay with your group throughout the Thekkady trip — Periyar boat point, Kumily spice gardens, and town sightseeing — then drive you back to Kochi. The van's compact size handles the narrow plantation roads with ease. Smaller groups may prefer our Kochi to Thekkady taxi.
For most families and office groups the 12-seater Urbania gives the best balance of comfort and luggage space. Larger groups of up to 16 can stay together in the 16-seater. Both handle the Idukki ghat road without restrictions that affect full-size tourist buses.
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Plan your Kochi to Thekkady trip
Tell us your dates, route and group size — we'll have the right Urbania and driver ready.