how to reach thekkady - #43123

I am planning a trip to Thekkady, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost about how to reach Thekkady. I’ve read a bunch of stuff online, but nothing really seems clear! I live in Kochi and thought it’d be a fun getaway! But I keep getting different info from friends—like, is it better to drive or take a bus? Some say it’s easier to just book a tour, but then I'll miss exploring on my own, right? Last week, I was catching up with some friends who recently went and they told me they saw elephants in the wild! That’s a huge reason I wanna go, but I also don’t want to feel stressed about how to reach Thekkady. Is it a long drive? I know it’s through the mountains, so I’m curious about the roads. Are they safe, especially if I decide to rent a car? Or would a bus be more convenient? I’m guessing it’s like 3–4 hours from Kochi? Please share any tips or experiences, like what mode of transport would you recommend and any scenic spots I should check out on the way! Thanks a ton!