How To Reach Munnar

Regardless of your choice, reaching Munnar is both comfortable and convenient. The surrounding nature makes the journey itself enjoyable. So, whether you are coming by plane, train, or road, Munnar welcomes travellers with its green landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.

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Where Is Munnar Located?

Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is located at an altitude of around 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level, which makes it one of the coolest and most scenic hill stations in South India. Because of its height, Munnar has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is surrounded by lush green hills, tea gardens, and rivers.

The roads leading to Munnar are very scenic. As you drive, you will pass through rolling tea plantations, flowing rivers, misty hills, and waterfalls. Many travellers say that the journey itself is as beautiful and enjoyable as the destination.

Here are the distances from some major cities to Munnar, which can help you plan your trip:

• Kochi (Cochin): 125 km
• Madurai: 160 km
• Coimbatore: 160 km
• Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): 530 km
• Bangalore: 470 km

Because Munnar is in the hills, the roads are winding. Driving through them gives travelers amazing views of nature, including waterfalls and vast stretches of green hills. Using a map or GPS while planning your trip is helpful. It allows you to choose the best route and estimate travel time. Whether you are travelling from a nearby city or a far-off place, the road trip to Munnar is always scenic and memorable.

How to Reach Munnar by Air

Travelling by air is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Munnar, especially if you are coming from far-off cities in India or from other countries. Even though Munnar does not have its own airport, there are several nearby airports that connect well with major Indian and international cities.

Nearest Airport to Munnar

The closest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (COK). It is about 110 km away, which usually takes 3–4 hours by road to reach Munnar.

Cochin Airport is well-connected with many big cities in India, including

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Bangalore

For international travellers, direct flights are available from cities like Dubai, Singapore, and other countries. Other nearby airports include

• Madurai Airport – around 155 km from Munnar
• Coimbatore Airport – around 160 km from Munnar

These airports can also be used if you want to plan a longer road trip to Munnar.

From the Airport to Munnar

Once you land at any of these airports, there are multiple ways to reach Munnar:

• By Taxi or Cab: You can hire a taxi directly from Cochin Airport. The journey takes about 3–4 hours. The route is very scenic, with waterfalls, hills, and tea plantations, including famous stops like Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. This is a comfortable option, especially for families and those carrying luggage.
• By Bus: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses run from Cochin to Munnar several times a day. This is a budget-friendly option for solo travellers or those looking to save money.
• By Self-Drive Car: If you enjoy driving, you can rent a car at the airport and drive yourself. The road via NH85 is smooth and passes through beautiful hills, tea gardens, and waterfalls, making the drive very enjoyable.

Who Should Travel by Air

Air travel is ideal for:

• Couples and families who want a fast and comfortable journey
• International tourists coming from abroad
• Travellers who want to save time and start exploring Munnar quickly

How to Reach Munnar by Train

Travelling by train is a budget-friendly option for domestic travelers and those who enjoy train journeys. While Munnar does not have a railway station, you can reach nearby stations and continue the journey by road.

Nearest Railway Stations

• Aluva Railway Station (110 km): The most convenient station for travellers coming from Kerala.
• Ernakulam Junction (125 km): Offers excellent connectivity with most Indian cities.
• Madurai Junction (135 km): Best for travellers coming from Tamil Nadu.

From Railway Station to Munnar

• By cab: Prepaid taxis are available from all major stations. A 3–4 hour drive will take you to Munnar through scenic hills.
• By bus: KSRTC and private buses operate from railway stations to Munnar multiple times a day.

Ideal for

Train travel is suitable for budget travellers, senior citizens, and domestic tourists who enjoy a relaxed journey and do not mind a road transfer to Munnar.

How to Reach Munnar by Road

Road travel is the most popular option for many travellers, especially for those who enjoy scenic drives, stopovers, and exploring along the way.

By Bus

KSRTC and private buses operate from Kochi, Aluva, Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Chennai. Buses are frequent and offer both regular and Volvo options. Travel duration varies depending on the city:

• Kochi to Munnar: 3–4 hours
• Bangalore to Munnar: 9–10 hours
• Chennai to Munnar: 12–14 hours

By Car / Self-Drive

The most popular self-drive route is Kochi ? Kothamangalam ? Adimali ? Munnar via NH85. Other routes include:

• Madurai ? Theni ? Munnar
• Coimbatore ? Marayoor ? Munnar

The roads are mostly good, but some hairpin bends require careful driving, especially during the monsoon. Driving gives you the flexibility to stop at waterfalls, viewpoints, and local attractions.

Ideal for

Adventure lovers, friends, bikers, and road trippers prefer road travel because it allows them to explore at their own pace.

How to Reach Munnar from Major Cities

Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala, and while it doesn’t have its own airport or railway station, it can be reached easily by road from nearby cities. Here’s a city-wise guide to help you plan your trip. From Kochi to Munnar:

• Distance: 125 km
• Travel Time: 3–4 hours
• Best Option: Take a cab or a bus via NH85. Cabs are convenient and comfortable, while buses are a budget-friendly option.
• Travel Tip: On the way, you can stop at Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls. They are great for taking photos and a short break.

From Bangalore to Munnar:

• Distance: 470 km
• Travel Time: 9–10 hours
• Options:

• Take an overnight Volvo bus – comfortable and saves a night’s accommodation.
• Self-drive or cab via Salem–Udumalpet scenic route, but a long drive.
• Fly to Kochi and then take a cab – faster and less tiring.

From Chennai to Munnar:

• Distance: 590 km
• Travel Time: 12–14 hours

Options:

• Train to Aluva (nearest railway station) and then take a cab to Munnar.
• Flight to Kochi and then a road transfer – quicker and easier.

From Mumbai to Munnar:

• Distance: ~1,400 km
• Travel Time: Around 5–6 hours (flight + road transfer)
• Option: Take a flight to Kochi, then a 4-hour cab ride to Munnar.

From Hyderabad to Munnar:

• Distance: ~1,000 km
• Travel Time: 5–6 hours (via flight)
• Option: Fly to Kochi or Coimbatore, then take a cab or taxi to reach Munnar.

From Delhi to Munnar:

• Distance: ~2,600 km
• Travel Time: 6–7 hours (via flight)
• Option: Take a direct flight to Kochi, and then continue by cab to Munnar.

Best Scenic Routes to Munnar

Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala, and the journey to reach there is just as enjoyable as the destination itself. The roads to Munnar pass through lush green hills, tea plantations, rivers, waterfalls, and small villages, making every route scenic. Here are some of the best routes you can take:

Kochi ? Adimali ? Munnar: This is one of the most popular routes for travellers coming from Kerala’s main cities. The drive takes about 3–4 hours. Along the way, you will pass through endless tea gardens and misty hills. You can also stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, which are perfect spots for photography or a short break. This route is ideal for nature lovers who enjoy greenery, waterfalls, and quiet surroundings.

Coimbatore ? Marayoor ? Munnar: This route is great for travellers coming from Tamil Nadu. Starting from Coimbatore, you will pass through Marayoor, which is famous for its sandalwood forests and traditional villages. The drive offers a combination of forested areas, small streams, and rural landscapes. It’s perfect for those who want to see a mix of nature and local culture on the way to Munnar.

Madurai ? Theni ? Munnar: For travellers coming from Madurai, this route takes you through winding mountain roads with beautiful views of valleys and hills. Along the way, there are several viewpoints where you can stop for photos and enjoy the scenery. This route is ideal for those who enjoy mountain drives and panoramic views.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Before travelling to hilly areas, take precautions like carrying motion-sickness tablets, avoiding night driving, pre-booking transport, checking mobile coverage, and keeping your fuel tank full for a safe journey.

Carry motion-sickness tablets: If you get dizzy or feel nauseous while travelling on winding hilly roads, it’s a good idea to carry motion-sickness tablets. They can make your journey more comfortable, especially on steep or curvy routes.

Avoid night driving: Try not to drive at night, especially during the monsoon season when there is heavy rain or thick fog. Visibility is low, and the roads can become slippery, making it dangerous.

Pre-book cabs and buses in peak season: During busy months like December and January, many tourists visit hill stations. To avoid last-minute stress or unavailability, book your cabs, buses, or any other transport in advance.

Check mobile network coverage: Mobile signals can be weak in some hilly areas. Make sure your phone works and has good network coverage before you start your trip. Networks like Airtel and Jio generally have better coverage in most hilly regions.

Keep your fuel tank full: Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank before starting the uphill journey. Fuel stations are rare on some hill roads, so it’s better to be safe than run out of fuel in the middle of the route.