One of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala is Munnar. Located at an altitude of 6,000 feet, this is one of the best locales in South India. The green valleys dotted with coffee and orange plantations and the home of unique flowers, Munnar is a nature lover’s paradise. If you are wondering how to reach Munnar by train, air, or road, here’s a guide.
Munnar By Air:
The nearest airport to Munnar is Kochi Airport which is around 108 km from Munnar. The airport is connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, and Ahmedabad via regular direct flights. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to reach Munnar.
Munnar By Rail:
If you plan to go to Munnar by train, Kochi is the nearest railway station. Kochi station to Munnar is approx. 129 km and takes about 4 hours to drive. Besides, the Kochi railhead is connected to major stations in Kerala, neighboring cities, and other cities like Delhi and Mumbai via trains. To reach your desired location in Munnar, taxis and buses are available from outside.
Munnar By Road:
Munnar is well-connected by regular buses and taxis with the major cities of Kerala and other states. Tourists can also travel to Munnar by their own car from various cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Ernakulam, Alleppey, and Wayanad.
Travel by Own Car
Tourists can travel by their own car till Munnar and it is an incredible experience. The roads that lead to this beautiful place offer breathtaking sights.
Fastest Routes to Reach Munnar:
1. Bangalore to Munnar by Road:
There is good connectivity of roads from Bangalore to Munnar. The best route to Munnar is via Raja Rammohan Roy Road and Langford Road. It will be followed by NH 48, NH 44, and NH 83.
| Bangalore to Munnar by Road | Distance | Travel Time |
| Fastest Route : Bangalore – Hosur – Salem – Perundurai – Dharapuram – Udumalaipettai – Marayoor – Munnar |
480 km (approx.)
|
09 hours 00 minutes (approx) |
- Fastest Route: Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Dindigul – Vathalagundu – Periyakulam – Theni – Bodi- Devikulam- Munnar
- Distance: 480 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 09 hours 00 minutes (approx.)
- Attractions along the route – Shree Parshwa Susheel Dham Swetambar Temple, Pagoda Point Road, Chennimalai Murugan Temple, Thoovanam Falls, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Restaurants alog the route – Hotel Gurubhavan, Sarvana Bhawan, Chandana Restaurant
- Road Conditions: Most of the route is fairly good and the roads are in good condition. However, one has to be extra careful between the section of Udumalaipettai and Marayoor. The 42 km route from Marayoor to Munnar is narrow and one has to drive at an economic speed.
2. Chennai to Munnar by Road:
The best route from Chennai to Munnar is via Trichy and Ulundurpet. There are several beautiful attractions and sights on the way. On the way, one can see several waterfalls and backwaters. This route is followed by NH 32, NH 132, NH 38, NH 83, and NH 45.
| Chennai to Munnar by Road | Distance | Travel Time |
| Fastest Route : Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Dindigul – Vathalagundu – Periyakulam – Theni – Bodi- Devikulam- Munnar |
620 km (approx.)
|
11 hours 11 minutes (approx) |
- Fastest Route: Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Dindigul – Vathalagundu – Periyakulam – Theni – Bodi- Devikulam- Munnar
- Distance: 620 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 11 hours 00 minutes (approx.)
- Attractions along the route – Thirumoorthy Hills, Amaravathi Dam, Kutladampatti Falls, Mailam Murugan Temple, Gingee Fort, Ranjankudi Fort, Dindigul Rock Fort
- Restaurants alog the route – Anna Lakshmi Restaurant, A One Restaurant, Chellam Hotel, Aachi Mess, Biryani Thalappakatti Restaurant
- Road Conditions: Due to the national highways, most of the route is well-made that makes the entire trip pleasant.
3. Kochi to Munnar by Road:
The route from Munnar to Kochi offers breathtaking views. There are numerous awe-inspiring places along the way. The best route from Kochi to Munnar is followed via NH 85 and has good connectivity.
| Kochi to Munnar by Road | Distance | Travel Time |
| Fastest Route : Kochi – Willingdon Island – – Udumalpet Road – Munnar |
125 km (approx.)
|
03 hours 38 minutes (approx) |
- Fastest Route: Kochi – Willingdon Island – – Udumalpet Road – Munnar
- Distance: 125 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 03 hours 38 minutes (approx.)
- Attractions along the route – The Blossom International Park, Karadippara View Point, Pottas Farm World, Valara Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Restaurants along the route – Hotel Sri Nivas Restaurant, Rapsy Restaurant Munnar, Pepper Salt, Farmyard Restaurant, Ira Restaurant and Bakers
- Road conditions: The route from Kochi to Munnar has good roads and one can enjoy a smooth ride.
4. Alleppey to Munnar by Road:
There are several routes among which the best route from Alleppey to Munnar is via NH 66 and NH 85. Tourists can enjoy the scenic views through the lovely Ghats and mountains on their way.
| Alleppey to Munnar by Road | Distance | Travel Time |
| Fastest Route : Alleppey – Ponnamveli – Aroor Gram – Maradu – Thiruvankulam – Valakom – Kothamangalam – Adimali – Munnar |
178 km (approx.)
|
04 hours 30 minutes (approx) |
- Fastest Route: Alleppey – Ponnamveli – Aroor Gram – Maradu – Thiruvankulam – Valakom – Kothamangalam – Adimali – Munnar
- Distance: 178 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 04 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Attractions along the route – Hill Palace Museum, Aliveenakuthu Waterfall, Valara Waterfall, Adimali Viewpoint, Pothamedu Viewpoint
- Restaurants along the route – Noorjahan Restaurant, Hassans Family Restaurant, Matha Food Court, Punnamada Family Restaurant, Sree Vinayaka Pure Veg. Restaurant
- Road conditions: The road conditions are good from Alleppey to Munnar, which offers a smooth ride.
