How To Reach Munnar

A lot of Chennai travellers come to Munnar to see the good climate, scenic nature, waterfalls and honeymoon resorts, and most of the people have questions such as how to go to Munnar from Chennai, and this is your perfect guide. Munnar is a great destination to relax, whether you are travelling with family members, friends or your partner.

Looking to know how to go to Munnar from Chennai by road trip, train or flight, everything is in this guide: the road trip, the train, and the flight. Depending on your time, comfort and budget, you can select the most appropriate mode of transport.

Distance Between Chennai And Munnar

The Chennai to Munnar route is about 580km by road to Chennai. Depending on the way you travel, the amount of time and comfort can be different:

•  By Road (Car or Bus): 10 to 12 hours

• By Train + Cab: Around 12 to 14 hours

• By Flight + Cab: 4 to 5 hours

Munnar lacks its own airport or railway station, but is well connected by its neighbouring metropolises such as Cochin, Aluva, and Ernakulam. A long way is really worth it with the scenic views of mountains and tea estates.

Travel Options From Chennai to Munnar

Munnar can be accessed by road, train or air via Chennai. All of these modes provide a variety of experiences - road trips are picturesque, train travels are comfortable, and flights are the quickest.

1. By Road

The most common means of reaching Munnar from Chennai is by road. It allows you the full latitude to ride at your own speed.

Self-Drive or Private Car

• Best Routes:

• Chennai – Trichy – Dindigul – Theni – Munnar (NH38 and NH85)

• Chennai – Salem – Dindigul – Theni – Munnar

The most scenic and popular route is the route through Dindigul. Their roads are generally smooth and well-maintained, with frequent petrol pumps, food outlets, and bathrooms.

• Highways: Excellent highways that are intersected by winding hill roads around Munnar.

• Toll Fares: There are about 6-8 tolls, with an approximate fare of Rs. 500-700 per way.

• Time of travel: Approximately 10 to 12 hours with breaks and traffic.

• Scenic View: Coconut farms, little villages, Palani Hills and green tea estates are some of the attractions you will come across as you approach Munnar.

The journey up to Munnar is a journey on its own. When you are fond of road trips, this is one of the finest ways to reach Munnar in Chennai.

Bus Services

In case you do not want to drive, you can easily find buses plying between Chennai and Munnar

Types of Buses:

• Government buses (SETC and TNSTC)

• Private Volvos

• Sleeper and semi-sleeper.

• AC and Non-AC coaches

• Origin of Buses in Chennai: Buses in Chennai usually originate at Koyambedu Bus Terminal (CMBT).

• Booking Options: You can reserve via online booking systems, such as RedBus, Abhibus or the official SETC site.

• Duration: 10-12 hours, depending on the route and number of stops.

• Comfort: Volvo or sleeper buses are most suitable for night trips.

Chennai to Munnar bus timings: The Chennai to Munnar bus timings vary; however, night buses (commencing between 7 PM to 10 PM) are famous as you reach Munnar the following morning.

 2. By Train

Though there is no direct Chennai to Munnar train route, there is an easy way to reach Munnar by train and road. The closest railway stations to Munnar are Aluva (110 km) and Ernakulam (130 km). And it is very important to know how to reach Munnar from Chennai by train, as there is no direct train on the route, and it is also the most budget-friendly option.

Trains from Chennai

The train is available at Chennai Egmore or Chennai Central to Aluva or Ernakulam. Some popular trains include:

• Chennai – Aluva Express (Approx. 10 hours)

• Chennai – Ernakulam Superfast Express (Approx. 11 hours)

• Chennai – Alleppey Express (Approx. 12 hours)

You can check schedules and book tickets on IRCTC or through travel apps. During the peak tourist season, book your tickets well in advance.

From Railway Station to Munnar

Once you reach Aluva or Ernakulam, you can hire a taxi, cab, or take a bus to Munnar.

• Taxi Fare: Around ?3000–?4000 for a one-way trip.

• Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours from Aluva or Ernakulam.

• Bus Option: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs regular buses from both stations to Munnar.

The train route is ideal if you prefer a budget-friendly and relaxed journey, especially if you are travelling in a group.

 3. By Air

How to reach Munnar from Chennai by flight? Travelling by air will take the shortest time to reach Munnar in case you need to get there as quickly as possible, and is considered as best way to reach Munnar from Chennai. Munnar lacks its own airport; the closest being Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 110 km from Munnar.

Chennai to Cochin Flights:

•  Airlines Operating: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet.

• Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.

• Frequencies: Multiple flights per day out of the Chennai International Airport (MAA).

• Mean Fare: Rs. 2500- Rs. 5000 (one way and varies according to the season and time when tickets are taken)

From Airport to Munnar:

Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private cab to get to Munnar.

• Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours

• Approximate Cost: Rs. 3000– Rs. 4000 one way

• Transportation: Prepaid cabs are offered at the airport, and there is also an option of pre-booking a private car.

Taxi App-based cabs such as Uber or Ola are not always present in every location in Munnar, thus it is recommended to book a local taxi or cab in advance in Cochin.

The best mode of transport is flying to Munnar when you are in Chennai to save time and have a comfortable ride.

Comparison Table: Road vs Rail vs Air

The above comparison table is to guide you to a quick decision on the various means of travel between Chennai and Munnar, be it by road, rail or air, enabling you to make your choice as per your schedule, budget and comfort level.

When you like a long journey and want to enjoy the travelling experience more than the place you are going to, a road transport is the option. It spans approximately 580 km and takes 10 to 12 hours, with prices ranging between ?1000 and ?4000; this will depend on whether you are using a private car or a Volvo bus. The highway has scenic views and is ideal for road trip lovers and families.

To travel more cheaply but in more comfortable conditions, it is best to take a train in Chennai to Aluva or Ernakulam and a cab to Munnar. It takes an average of 12-14 hours and costs between Rs 1500- Rs 5000, which offers you a hassle-free ride without the burden of driving.

In case you are in a hurry and want a convenient route to Munnar, the best way is to fly from Chennai to Cochin and then take a drive to Munnar. It is a little bit more costly (Rs 4000- Rs 8000), but it will save you travel time and provide maximum comfort. It is ideal in case of a short trip, luxury tourism or business tourism.

Best Time To Travel Munnar From Chennai

The ideal season to visit Munnar is October to March, when the climate is cool and pleasant. Temperature varies between 10°C to 25°C in this season: ideal time to sightsee, go on hikes, and visit tea gardens.

Monsoon season (June to September) should be avoided because it may be raining hard, there can be landslides and slippery roads. It can also be family time (summer, April to June), but the weather is likely to be a bit warmer.

Planning your trip, you should first take into account the time of year and then decide how to get to Munnar:

• Oct -Feb: Winter, perfect time to take a road trip, or ride the train.

• Summer (Mar-Jun): Family and light hiking season.

•  Monsoon (Jul–Sep): It is not advisable to travel by road because of the threat of rain.

Get seasonal travel deals for Munnar from Chennai with Travel Triangle.

Travel Tips For Chennai to Munnar Journey

Here are some simple yet important tips for a smooth journey:

• Book in Advance: Whether it’s a flight, bus, or train, book tickets early during tourist season.

• Carry Light Woollens: Even in summer, Munnar can get chilly in the evenings.

• Plan Meal Stops: For road trips, stop at popular eateries around Dindigul or Theni for South Indian meals.

• Keep Cash Handy: Some hill areas have limited card or UPI facilities.

• Network Coverage: Mobile networks may weaken near Munnar’s higher altitudes.

• Travel Light: For bus and train journeys, keep essentials easily accessible.

• Fuel & Charging Points: Fill up with fuel before the hill climb and carry a power bank for devices.

These small preparations can make your journey more comfortable and worry-free.

Book Your Chennai to Munnar Trip With Travel Triangle

It is high time you planned the best holiday that would suit your budget, comfort and travel style now that you know the way to reach Munnar by starting at Chennai. Munnar has it all to offer, whether you are going out on a romantic honeymoon, family vacation or even a weekend out with friends. It is one of the most stress-free places in South India with its mist-covered hills, tea gardens, falls, and wild animals.

The following is a short review of the most suitable travelling options between Chennai and Munnar:

• By Road: This is a scenic, though long, ride that will suit those who love to drive through the changing landscapes. You may make a stopover at Dindigul or Theni to sample the pure South Indian food.

• By Train: It is a cheap and comfortable way to travel, and it is particularly convenient when one is travelling in a group. The travel between Chennai and Aluva or Ernakulam by train, and then a short ride in a cab to Munnar makes the journey pleasant and cheap.

• By Air: The quickest and easiest method. Take a flight from Chennai to Cochin and then take a three to four-hour drive across the valleys of lush greenery to Munnar.

What path you follow is up to your time, money, and comfort levels, but either way, it will be worth it when you get there.

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