A Kashmir trip from Kollam is easiest by air: drive about 70 km to Trivandrum International Airport, fly with one connection to Srinagar, and expect roughly 10 to 12 hours door to door. If you prefer the rail route, the weekly Himsagar Express takes about 63 hours from Kollam Junction to Jammu Tawi, and a Vande Bharat train covers the final stretch to Srinagar in under five hours. Most Kollam travellers choose six days (five nights) to see Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam at a comfortable pace.
Kollam to Kashmir is one of the longest domestic journeys in India, so the details matter: which airport, which train, how many days, and which hotel category suits your budget. This guide answers those questions the way our Srinagar team answers them for Kerala families every season.
Quick answers
- Distance: about 3,400 km by road, about 2,900 km in a straight line.
- Fastest way: fly from Trivandrum with one stop to Srinagar.
- By train: Himsagar Express to Jammu Tawi, then Vande Bharat to Srinagar.
- Best trip length: 6 days / 5 nights.
- Packages: 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options, with named hotels listed below.
Kollam to Kashmir Distance: How Far Is It?
The road distance from Kollam to Srinagar is about 3,400 km, and the straight-line (air) distance is about 2,900 km. By rail, the Kollam to Jammu Tawi leg alone covers roughly 3,570 km, and Srinagar is a further 270 km or so beyond Jammu.
That is why almost nobody drives. A road trip means two long days each way before you have seen a single meadow, so flying or taking the train makes far more sense. Your first short hop is Kollam to Trivandrum airport, about 70 km, which usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Kollam to Kashmir Train: Route, Timing and Connections
No train runs directly from Kollam to Srinagar. The practical rail route has two parts.
Part 1: Kollam to Jammu Tawi. The Himsagar Express (16317) leaves Kollam Junction at 17:15 and reaches Jammu Tawi at around 08:20 on the third morning, a journey of about 63 hours. It runs once a week, so check the running day on IRCTC before you plan anything else around it.
Part 2: Jammu Tawi to Srinagar. The Vande Bharat Express now runs directly between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar, covering about 266 km in roughly 4 hours 50 minutes. The morning service leaves Jammu at 06:20, which you will miss after an 08:20 arrival. The afternoon service leaves at 13:20 and reaches Srinagar at about 18:00, so that is the one to book. It runs six days a week, and timings and running days have changed before, so confirm on IRCTC.
The rail route suits travellers with extra leave who would rather not fly, and the Banihal to Srinagar stretch is among the most scenic train sections in the country.
Kollam to Kashmir Train Ticket Price
Ticket prices depend on class and date. These are the lowest fares listed by booking platforms for the Kollam to Jammu Tawi leg:
| Class | Approximate fare from |
|---|---|
| Lowest listed fare (sleeper) | ₹1,160 |
| 3AC | ₹2,850 |
| 2AC | ₹4,145 |
The highest listed fare is around ₹4,150. Add a separate Vande Bharat ticket for Jammu Tawi to Srinagar. Fares shift with demand and season, so treat these as a guide and confirm the final price on IRCTC when you book.
Flying from Kollam to Srinagar: Trivandrum or Kochi?
There is no direct flight from Trivandrum or Kochi to Srinagar, so you will always connect, usually in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad. Flying time including the layover is typically 8 to 10 hours.
Trivandrum (TRV) is closer, at about 70 km from Kollam. Kochi (COK) is a drive of roughly 3 to 4 hours, so choose it only if its flight times work noticeably better. Whichever you pick, leave at least 90 minutes between connecting flights. A tight connection is the most common way travellers lose their first day in Kashmir.
Kashmir Trip from Kollam Price: What Decides Your Final Cost
Your Kashmir trip from Kollam price depends mainly on five things: hotel category, travel dates, vehicle type, group size, and whether you add extras like ponies or the gondola. Peak seasons and holiday weekends cost more than quieter months.
At a glance, our packages start from:
| Package | Starting price |
|---|---|
| 3-star | ₹14,000 per person |
| 4-star | ₹38,000 for 2 people |
| 5-star | ₹95,000 for 2 people |
These are starting prices. Your written quote will name the hotels, the vehicle and the dates, so you know exactly what you are paying for. Airfare and train fare are not included.
Kashmir Tour Package from Kerala Price: 3-Star Package
The 3-star package starts at ₹14,000 per person. It suits families, friends and first-time visitors who want clean, comfortable rooms and a full sightseeing plan without paying for resort extras. Hotels in this category include:
- Shaf Excellency
- Hotel GM Castle
- Hotel Golden Sands
- Grand Mirage International
- Spring City
Kashmir Tour Package from Kerala Price: 4-Star Package
The 4-star package starts at ₹38,000 for 2 people. It adds more space, better views and a more relaxed stay, which couples and small families often prefer on a longer trip. Hotels in this category include:
- Hotel Downtown
- Hotel Central Park
- Faiz Resort Pahalgam
- White Water Resorts
Kashmir Tour Package from Kerala Price: 5-Star Package
The 5-star package starts at ₹95,000 for 2 people. It is built for honeymooners, anniversary trips and travellers who want premium stays in the best locations. Hotels in this category include:
- Taj Dal View, Srinagar
- The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
- Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Pine N Peak, Pahalgam
Hotel allocation depends on availability for your dates, and we confirm the exact property in writing before you pay.
Taxi and Vehicle Options for Your Kashmir Trip
Choose the vehicle by group size and luggage, because the roads to Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are long and hilly. Seat counts below are typical, so confirm for your group.
| Vehicle | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sedan | Couples and solo travellers |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Small families who want an economical MPV |
| Scorpio | Small groups who prefer a sturdy SUV |
| Innova Crysta | Families of 4 to 6 on long hill drives |
| Innova Crysta Captain | Seniors or anyone wanting extra legroom |
| Fortuner | Premium SUV comfort for a small group |
| Thar | Adventure-minded couples or friends with light luggage |
| Urbania | Mid-size groups travelling together |
| Tempo Traveller | Larger families and friend groups |
| Bus | Big groups and corporate tours |
What Is Included in the Package
- Comfortable accommodation as per the selected package
- Private cab for all transfers as per the itinerary
- Mineral drinking water throughout the trip
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Airport or railway station pickup and drop
- Professional and friendly driver
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Toll taxes, parking charges and driver allowances
- A free 1-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Dedicated assistance throughout your stay
What Is Not Included
- Airfare or train fare to and from Srinagar
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets, currently ₹800 per person for Phase 1, ₹1,000 for Phase 2 and ₹1,800 for both phases (rates can change). Book ahead in busy seasons, and note that Phase 2 can be suspended in strong wind or bad weather.
- Local taxi charges at sightseeing points where local taxis operate
- Other activities, such as ponies and adventure rides
- Lunch and any meals beyond breakfast and dinner
- Shopping and all personal expenses
Kashmir Tour Package from Kollam: 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Our driver meets you at Srinagar International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Check in, rest after the journey, and if you arrive early enough, take a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake. Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 2: Sonamarg Day Trip
After breakfast, drive to Sonamarg, the Meadow of Gold, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours each way. Along the road you will see green meadows and the Sindh River. You can visit Thajiwas Glacier by pony or local transport, subject to weather and access. Return to Srinagar for the night.
Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip
Drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers, about 1.5 hours from Srinagar. Walk the meadows, visit the golf course and ride the famous gondola. Our Gulmarg Gondola guide explains the two phases and when to book. Return to Srinagar for the night.
Day 4: Srinagar to Pahalgam
Check out after breakfast and drive to Pahalgam, passing the saffron fields around Pampore (season permitting). After you check in, walk along the Lidder River and through the local market. Overnight in Pahalgam. For ideas on where to go, see these places to visit in Pahalgam.
Day 5: Pahalgam Valleys and Return to Srinagar
Explore Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari, depending on time and local access. Later, drive back to Srinagar for your final night.
Day 6: Departure from Srinagar
Have breakfast, check out, and our driver takes you to Srinagar International Airport in time for your flight. Leave a generous buffer before a domestic departure.
Prefer a Shorter Trip? Kashmir Trip from Kollam: 5-Day Plan
- Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your hotel
- Day 2: Srinagar to Sonamarg, full-day sightseeing
- Day 3: Srinagar to Gulmarg, full-day sightseeing
- Day 4: Srinagar to Pahalgam, valley sightseeing
- Day 5: Departure from Srinagar Airport
The 5-day plan is tighter, so it works best if you land in Srinagar in the morning. Six days gives you an overnight in Pahalgam and a calmer pace.
Snow, rain and wind can affect Gulmarg, Sonamarg and the roads on any given day, and we cannot promise a particular view or ride. If conditions change, we adjust the day on the spot. For month-by-month guidance, read our guide to the best time to visit Kashmir.
Why Choose Marahib Travels for a Kashmir Tour Package from Kollam?
We are based in Srinagar, so the person planning your trip lives in the same valley where you will be travelling, and we know which road is clear, which hotel has the better rooms, and when to shift a day because of the weather. Travellers rate us 4.9 on Google, and what we hear most is that Kerala families feel looked after from the airport pickup to the final drop. You get named hotels, a driver who stays with you throughout, and a real person on WhatsApp who answers while you are still on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Kollam to Kashmir?
No. Take the Himsagar Express from Kollam to Jammu Tawi, then the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar.
How long does the Kollam to Kashmir train take?
The Himsagar Express takes about 63 hours to reach Jammu Tawi, and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar takes about 4 hours 50 minutes.
What is the Kollam to Kashmir train ticket price?
Booking platforms list fares from about ₹1,160 in sleeper, about ₹2,850 in 3AC and about ₹4,145 in 2AC for the Kollam to Jammu Tawi leg. The Vande Bharat ticket is separate.
What is the distance from Kollam to Kashmir?
About 3,400 km by road and about 2,900 km by air.
What is the Kashmir trip from Kollam price?
Our 3-star package starts at ₹14,000 per person, the 4-star at ₹38,000 for 2 people and the 5-star at ₹95,000 for 2 people. Flights and train tickets are extra.
How many days do I need for Kashmir from Kollam?
Six days and five nights is the most comfortable plan. Five days works if you land in the morning.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola included?
No. Phase 1 costs ₹800, Phase 2 costs ₹1,000 and both phases cost ₹1,800 per person at current rates, and Phase 2 can close in strong wind or bad weather.
Are lunch and ponies included?
No. The package includes breakfast and dinner, while lunch, ponies and adventure activities are extra.
Which vehicle is best for a family?
An Innova Crysta suits most families of four to six. Larger groups can choose a Tempo Traveller, Urbania or bus.
Plan Your Kashmir Trip from Kollam with Marahib Travels
Tell us your dates, group size and hotel category, and we will send a written plan with named hotels and a clear quote. Message us on WhatsApp or explore our Kerala departure options.
Marahib Travels Mandoo Building, Shaheed Gunj, Sutra Shahi Rd Ln, near Milad School, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190009.
