Tuticorin to Bhutan Family Trip – Travel Options, Routes & Best Ways to Reach
If you are planning a family trip from Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) to Bhutan, there are multiple ways to reach – by air, train, and road. Below are the best, fastest, and most economical routes with travel tips and example costs.
✈️ By Air – Fastest and Most Comfortable Option
The easiest way to reach Bhutan from Tuticorin is by taking a flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, which is the nearest Indian airport to Bhutan. From Bagdogra, you can either:
- Fly directly to Paro International Airport (PBH) (Drukair/Bhutan Airlines – limited seasonal flights)
- Or take a private taxi/shared cab from Bagdogra to Phuentsholing (Bhutan border town) – approx. 4 to 6 hours by road.
Approximate Airfare (One Way): ₹3,500 – ₹13,000 (Tuticorin → Bagdogra) + ₹13,000 – ₹15,000 (Bagdogra → Paro, if available)
Total Travel Time: 6 – 10 hours (including layover)
Recommended Route: Tuticorin → Chennai / Kolkata → Bagdogra → Phuentsholing or Paro
🚆 By Train – Budget-Friendly Option
For travelers looking for an economical option, train travel is possible from Tuticorin to Bhutan border via New Jalpaiguri (NJP).
- Step 1: Take a train from Tuticorin to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). This is a long-distance route and may take around 48–72 hours.
- Step 2: From NJP, take another train to Hasimara Railway Station (HSA) – the nearest railway station to the Bhutan border.
- Step 3: Hire a local taxi from Hasimara to Phuentsholing (approx. 15–45 minutes drive).
Popular Trains (Subject to availability): Chennai – NJP Express, Guwahati Express via Howrah, Kanchankanya Express (NJP–Hasimara)
Approx. Train Fare: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 per person (Sleeper/3AC class)
🚗 By Road – Scenic Journey (For Adventure Lovers)
Driving directly from Tuticorin to Bhutan is not practical, as the total distance is over 2,600 km (3–4 days of continuous travel).
The best way is to fly or take a train till Bagdogra / Siliguri / NJP, then continue your journey by road to Phuentsholing — the main border entry point to Bhutan.
- Bagdogra to Phuentsholing Distance: 165 km (Approx. 5 hours)
- Taxi Fare: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 (one way)
- Shared Cab/Bus: Available from Siliguri & NJP
🛂 Entry Permit for Indian Travelers
Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. A free entry permit can be obtained at Phuentsholing or Paro airport by showing a valid Passport or Voter ID and passport-sized photographs. Children can use their birth certificates for identification.
💡 Best & Economical Travel Plan for Families
- Fly Tuticorin → Bagdogra (most time-saving)
- Then travel by road from Bagdogra → Phuentsholing (budget-friendly and comfortable)
- Explore Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha with Bhutan family tour packages from BhutanTrip.in