How To Reach Munnar From Delhi

Munnar is not just another hill station. It is known for its endless tea estates, winding roads, pleasant weather, and calm lakes. It’s perfect for a family holiday, a romantic honeymoon, or even a solo escape.

If you’re planning to visit from Delhi, you might wonder what is the best way to reach Munnar? This simple guide explains everything by flight, by train, or by road. You’ll also find practical tips on budget, comfort, and time, so you can choose the right way for your type of travel.

Overview – Distance, Typical Travel Time & What to Expect

Munnar is about 2,000 to 2,700 kilometres away from Delhi, depending on the route you take. That’s quite a distance! But reaching Munnar is easier than you think, thanks to good air, rail, and road connections in South India.

The fastest way to reach Munnar from Delhi is by taking a flight to Cochin (Kochi) and then a road transfer to Munnar. This takes about 7 to 8 hours in total. The slowest option is going by train or a full road drive, which can take more than 2 days of travel.

Your journey choice will depend on your budget, comfort, time available, and who you’re travelling with.

If you have just a weekend or 3 days, it’s best to fly. But if you love long journeys and scenic views and have time in hand, train or road trips can be great too.

Travel Modes: How To Reach Munnar From Delhi

There are three main ways to reach Munnar from Delhi: by air, by train, or by road. Each option has its own pros and cons depending on your travel style, time, and budget.

By Air – Fastest & Most Convenient Route

Flying is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach Munnar from Delhi. Since Munnar doesn’t have its own airport, you’ll need to fly to the nearest major airport:

• Cochin International Airport (COK) – about 110 km from Munnar
• Madurai Airport (IXM) – about 135 km from Munnar
• Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – about 250 km from Munnar

A direct flight from Delhi to Cochin takes around 3 hours. From there, it’s a 4- to 5-hour drive through scenic hill roads to reach Munnar. Ideal for: Families with limited time, honeymooners, and senior citizens who want a comfortable and quick journey.  

Tips for Air Travellers:

• Book your flight tickets early to get the best fares.
• Try to reach Cochin or Madurai in the morning or afternoon, so your drive to Munnar happens in daylight.
• Once you land, you can take a pre-booked cab, a private taxi, or a shared shuttle to Munnar.
• If you’re vegetarian or Jain, you’ll find meal options at both airports and along the highway to Munnar.

Flying gives you more time to enjoy Munnar and less time on the road. It’s the best way if you value comfort and speed.

By Train – Budget & Scenic Option

Travelling by train from Delhi to Munnar is slower but budget-friendly and scenic. The nearest railway stations to Munnar are:

• Aluva Railway Station – about 108 km away
• Ernakulam Junction – about 125 km away

Many trains run from Delhi to these stations. The journey takes about 39 to 50 hours, depending on the train. Once you reach Aluva or Ernakulam, you can take a cab, bus, or shared taxi to Munnar. The road journey from the station takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Ideal for: Backpackers, students, budget travellers, or anyone who enjoys slow travel.

Pros:

• Cheaper than flying.
• Experience changing landscapes from plains to coastal views.

Cons:

• Long travel time.
• You may need rest before continuing to Munnar.

Tips for Train Travellers:

• Choose AC sleeper class for better comfort.
• Book tickets well in advance as seats fill up fast.
• Plan an overnight halt in Chennai or Bangalore if you want a break.
• Pre-book your cab from the station to Munnar.

Train journeys are perfect if you enjoy the rhythm of travel and don’t mind spending a couple of days reaching your destination.

By Road / Self-Drive – Adventure & Flexible Route

If you love road trips, driving from Delhi to Munnar can be an unforgettable adventure. The road distance is around 2,600 to 2,700 km, which means about 35 to 40 hours of driving if you go straight but it’s best to break it into multiple days. Ideal for: Groups of friends, road-trip lovers, or travellers planning to visit other cities along the way.

Pros:

• Full freedom to stop wherever you want.
• See different parts of India along the way.

Cons:

• Very long and tiring drive.
• Higher expenses on fuel, tolls, and vehicle maintenance.

Tips for Road Travellers:

• Split the trip into 2-3 segments and stop overnight in cities like Nagpur, Hyderabad, or Bangalore.
• Check the hill road conditions before entering Kerala the last stretch is curvy and narrow.
• Make sure your car is in good condition and your driver gets enough rest.
• Not the best option for short holidays or senior travellers.

The last leg of the journey into Munnar is stunning, full of greenery, waterfalls, and winding roads. It’s truly a road trip to remember.

Which Mode to Choose? Traveller-Type Guide

Choosing how to reach Munnar from Delhi depends on your traveller type, time, and budget. Here’s a quick guide:

Quick Tips: If you have only 2-3 days, take a flight. If you have 5-7 days, the train is a good option. If you love long drives and have a week or more, try the road route.

Detailed Route Options & Step-by-Step Itineraries

Here’s how you can plan your trip in detail, depending on the route you choose.

Route 1 – Delhi → Cochin (COK) → Munnar

Step 1: Book a direct or connecting flight from Delhi (DEL) to Cochin (COK). Step 2: On arrival, take a cab or bus to Munnar (about 110–130 km). You’ll drive through green hills, spice gardens, and waterfalls the road journey itself feels like part of your vacation.

• Approx time: 3-hour flight + 4-hour drive = around 7–8 hours total.
• Approx cost: INR6,000–INR10,000 per person (including cab).

Tips:

• Try reaching Cochin in the morning.
• Book your cab in advance for a smooth transfer.
• Carry light snacks and water for the hill drive.

Route 2 – Delhi → Madurai (IXM) → Munnar

Step 1: Take a flight from Delhi to Madurai.

Step 2: From Madurai, hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar (around 135 km).

When to choose: If you find better flight deals or plan to visit Madurai temples or South Tamil Nadu before Munnar. This route gives you a cultural experience and scenic hill views as you enter Kerala.

Route 3 – Delhi → Railway to Aluva / Ernakulam → Road to Munnar

Step 1: Take a train from Delhi to Aluva or Ernakulam Junction.

Popular trains include:

• Kerala Express
• Trivandrum Rajdhani Express
• Mangala Lakshadweep Express

Step 2: From the station, hire a cab or bus to Munnar. You can stop overnight in Chennai or Bangalore if you want to rest. The total journey may take 2-3 days but offers a memorable view of India’s landscapes.

Route 4 – Delhi → Self-Drive / Road Trip

If you’re driving, plan your route like this:

Day 1: Delhi → Nagpur (Stay overnight)

Day 2: Nagpur → Bangalore (Stay overnight)

Day 3: Bangalore → Cochin → Munnar

The last stretch from Cochin to Munnar passes through SH 16 and SH 17, with tea estates and misty valleys. Make sure to rest, fuel up, and check weather updates, especially during monsoon.

Cost Breakdown – Estimated Travel Costs from Delhi to Munnar

Here’s a simple cost idea to help plan your trip better:

• Flight option: INR7,000–INR12,000 (flight + cab transfer)
• Train option: INR2,500–INR4,500 (AC sleeper) + INR2,000 for cab/bus
• Road option: INR15,000–INR25,000 (fuel, tolls, accommodation en route)

Tips:

• Flight fares rise during holidays and winter months.
• Book 1–2 months early for best deals.

During the off-season (June–September), rates drop slightly.

Best Time to Travel & Seasonal Considerations

Munnar is pleasant all year, but October to February is the best time to visit. The weather is cool, fresh, and ideal for sightseeing. From March to May, it’s warmer but still enjoyable. From June to September, it rains a lot, perfect for greenery lovers, but road travel can be tricky due to fog or small landslides.

Travel Tips by Season:

• Winter: Pack warm clothes.
• Monsoon: Avoid night driving on hill roads.
• Summer: Carry sunscreen and light clothes.
• Flight and train fares are cheaper just before and after major holidays.

Special Considerations for Different Traveller Groups

Families & Senior Citizens

• Flights are best for families and seniors. You’ll save energy and avoid long road travel. Once you reach it, take a comfortable private cab.
• Choose hotels near Munnar town for easy access to restaurants and shops. Avoid very late-night transfers from the airport.

Honeymooners & Couples

• Take a flight to Cochin or Madurai, then enjoy a scenic cab ride to Munnar. The mountain drive feels magical, especially at sunset.
• Book a tea-estate resort or hill-view stay for a romantic experience. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to relax and watch the evening mist settle over the hills.

Budget & Backpacker Travellers

• If you’re watching costs, the train + bus option is ideal. Take an overnight train to Aluva, then a state bus or shared cab to Munnar.
• Stay in budget lodges or hostels near the main market. Carry light luggage and be ready for long travel hours; the reward is worth it.

Road-Trip & Adventure Seekers

• Love long drives and open roads? Drive from Delhi with your friends or rent a car. Stop at cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, or Coimbatore to explore on the way.
• The climb up to Munnar through lush tea gardens will be the highlight of your trip. Just make sure your vehicle is serviced, and you’re used to mountain driving.

Tips & Travel Advice

• Book flights or trains early to save money.
• Check weather updates before the hill drive.
• Reach Munnar by daylight it’s safer and more scenic.
• Keep buffer time for transfers, especially if you have a connecting flight and cab.
• Carry light woolens, as evenings can be cold even in summer.
• Pack light snacks and water for the hill journey.
• For vegetarian or Jain travellers, inform hotels or cab drivers in advance about your meal needs.
• Avoid night drives during monsoon.
• Buy travel insurance for long trips; it’s always safer.
• Use trusted cab services or book transfers through your hotel.

Traveller Testimonials & Real-Life Experience

• “We took a flight from Delhi to Cochin and then a private cab to Munnar. The road was beautiful, full of greenery and waterfalls. We reached our resort by afternoon and had plenty of time to relax.” – Ritika & Arjun, Delhi
• “Our family took the train to Ernakulam and then hired a cab. It was a long journey but very scenic. We stopped in Bangalore for a day to rest. Totally worth it!” – The Verma Family, Ghaziabad
• “I’m a backpacker and took the Kerala Express to Aluva. It was cheap and fun. The bus ride from Aluva to Munnar was full of hill views. The only issue was the long travel time.” – Ankit, Solo Traveller
• “We drove from Delhi to Munnar over three days. It was tiring, but the drive through Tamil Nadu and Kerala was fantastic. The tea gardens were the best part!” – Rahul & Friends, Gurgaon

Summary & Final Takeaways

Reaching Munnar from Delhi may sound like a long journey, but it’s easy when planned well. If you want comfort and have limited time, fly to Cochin and take a cab.

If you want to save money and enjoy scenic travel, take the train. If you love adventures and freedom, drive your own car.

Whatever you choose, Munnar’s beauty will make the journey worth it. The lush hills, peaceful lakes, and fresh mountain air welcome every kind of traveller. So, pick your route, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable trip from Delhi to Munnar.