Getting Here
Centre Location
The Centre is located in Southern India, within Alappuzha district of the State of Kerala.
Location on Google Maps
Address: Dhamma Ketana Vipassana Meditation Center, PO Box 2, Cheriyanad PO, Chengannur, Alappuzha district, Kerala 689511, India
GPS coordinates: 9.271994, 76.602902
Note: relying solely on a GPS device is not recommended. Some models occasionally direct users to locations several kilometres away from the intended destination.
By Road
The centre is approximately equidistant from the towns of Chengannur and Mavelikkara (about 8km from the respective town centres). The recommended route is as follows. Turn into ‘Aala’ from Chengannur town. Travel straight approximately 7km along the ‘Aala’ route. There is a small yellow signboard for the centre on the left side of the road. Turn left here and travel approximately 500m to the centre’s front gate. If in doubt, autorikshaw drivers in town will usually be able to give guidance on how to come on to the ‘Aala’ route.
A map is appended below for reference.
By Train
Most express trains stop at Chengannur railway station. Travel from the station could be made by bus or autorikshaw. It is more convenient to take an autoriskshaw. They are available right outside Chengannur railway station. At least one of the drivers at the stand would usually know where the centre is located. If they do not recognise the name Dhamma Ketana or Vipassana Centre, telling the driver to come to the “Dhyana kendram” along the “Aala” route might help . The fare by autorikshaw is between Rs. 150 – Rs. 200. For those preferring to travel by bus, further instructions are below.
Note: Cheriyanad also has a small train station located approximately 3km from the centre. But most trains do not stop at this station. It is advised that only experienced or local travelers consider this option.
By Bus
Buses can be boarded from either Chengannur town or Mavelikkara town. The bus stand nearest the centre is called “Ottappees” (about 0.5km from the centre). It is advisable to check with bus conductors at the stand to see which buses stop at Ottappees. The other alternative is to board a bus to “Cheriyanad Padanilam” (about 2.5km from the centre). More buses travel through Cheriyanad Padanilam as compared to Ottappees. Local bus fares will be approximately Rs. 10. An autorikshaw can then be taken from Cheriyanad Padanilam to the centre (autorikshaw fare from Rs. 30 to Rs. 50). It is advisable to carry change.
By Air
From Trivandrum International Airport (about 130 km south of the centre)
Taxi: About 3 hours drive to Dhamma Ketana. Drive north along NH 47. Turn east near Kayamkulam (or further north at Nangiar-kulangara) and drive through Mavelikkara. Follow further directions as noted in the “By Road” section above. Taxis charge about Rs 13 per kilometre (double this rate as the charge would be calculated including the return distance as well). This would give a fare of approximately Rs. 3,400. Taxis are by far the most expensive option but at the same time also the most comfortable. It is safest to use pre-paid taxis which can be booked directly from the airport departure area.
Bus/train: Take the Airport bus to Trivandrum Thampanoor Bus Station from where frequent KSRTC buses to Mavelikkara and Chengannur are available. Trivandrum central railway station is also at Thampanoor, where express trains that stop at Mavelikkara/Chengannur are available (traveling time 2.5-3 hours). Follow further instructions as noted in the “By Train/Bus” sections above. Budgeting Rs. 500 would usually suffice for this mode of transportation.
From Cochin International Airport (about 140 km north of the centre)
Taxi: About 3.5 hours to the Centre. Drive south along NH47 and from Nangiar-kulangara turn to Mavelikkara. Follow further directions as noted in the “By Road” section above. Taxis charge about Rs 13 per kilometre (double this rate as the charge would be calculated including the return distance as well). This would give a fare of approximately Rs. 3,700. Taxis are by far the most expensive option but at the same time also the most comfortable. It is safest to use pre-paid taxis which can be booked directly from the airport departure area.
Bus/Train: Take bus/taxi to Angamali or Aluva. Board a Trivandrum-bound train (Kottayam route) to Chengannur or take a south bound bus to Chengannur. Make sure the bus is on the Kottayam route. Follow further instructions as noted in the “By Train/Bus” sections above. Budgeting Rs. 500 would usually suffice for this mode of transportation.
