How to Reach Munnar: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Munnar, a serene hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a true gem for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure enthusiasts. Famous for its lush green tea gardens, misty mountains, and cool climate, this picturesque destination draws visitors from across the globe. If you’re planning to experience the magical beauty of Munnar, getting there is relatively easy with several travel options available. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can reach Munnar by road, rail, and air, ensuring a smooth journey to this beautiful hill station.

1. Reaching Munnar by Air

Nearest Airports to Munnar

While Munnar doesn’t have its own airport, it is well connected to major cities through nearby airports. The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 110 kilometers away. Other nearby airports include Madurai International Airport (IXM) in Tamil Nadu, approximately 160 kilometers away, and Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), which is roughly 280 kilometers from Munnar.

Flying into Cochin (Kochi)

Cochin International Airport is the most convenient option for travelers coming to Munnar by air. The airport serves several domestic and international airlines, with frequent flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and more. From here, you can choose between a taxi, bus, or rental car to travel further to Munnar.

Taxi and Car Rentals

After landing at Cochin, you can hire a private taxi to reach Munnar. The journey from Cochin to Munnar by road takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route, especially once you start ascending the hills, is incredibly scenic with views of cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and tea plantations.

Several taxi operators offer services from Cochin airport, with both one-way and round-trip options. If you prefer flexibility, you can also rent a car and drive yourself. Be prepared for winding roads and sharp curves as you near Munnar.

Public Buses from Cochin

For budget travelers, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run regular bus services between Cochin and Munnar. The buses vary in comfort levels, with options ranging from ordinary buses to luxury Volvo coaches. The bus journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, providing a cost-effective and scenic way to travel.

Other Airport Options

• Madurai International Airport: Located 160 kilometers from Munnar, this airport is a good option if you’re coming from southern parts of Tamil Nadu. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Madurai to Munnar, though the distance makes it a longer trip compared to Cochin.
• Trivandrum International Airport: Though further away at 280 kilometers, this airport connects to Munnar for travelers coming from destinations in South India or abroad. The drive from Trivandrum to Munnar takes about 7 to 8 hours, so it’s not the most practical option unless you plan to visit other attractions en route.

2. Reaching Munnar by Train

Nearest Railway Stations

Munnar does not have a direct rail connection, but you can easily reach the hill station by taking a train to one of the nearby railway stations. The nearest major railheads are:

• Aluva Railway Station: 110 kilometers away.
• Ernakulam Junction (South): 125 kilometers away.
• Madurai Junction: 160 kilometers away.

Train Travel to Munnar

The Aluva Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction are both well-connected to major cities across India. These stations receive daily trains from metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, among others.

Once you arrive at either of these stations, you can proceed to Munnar by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. From Aluva or Ernakulam, it takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Munnar by road.

Madurai Junction

If you’re traveling from Tamil Nadu, Madurai Junction is a viable option. Located around 160 kilometers away from Munnar, it offers train services connecting to many important cities. After arriving at Madurai, a taxi ride to Munnar will take around 4.5 to 5 hours, giving you a beautiful view of the landscape as you approach the hill station.

Taxi and Bus Services

From any of the railway stations, you can opt for a taxi or use public bus services. The bus stations are generally located near the railway terminals, and buses to Munnar run frequently. Taxis, while faster and more comfortable, tend to be pricier.

3. Reaching Munnar by Road

By Private Vehicle

If you enjoy driving through scenic landscapes, traveling to Munnar by road is an excellent choice. Munnar is connected by well-maintained roads from various cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The winding roads, lush green tea gardens, and waterfalls along the way make it a memorable journey.

• From Cochin (130 km): The most common route is via NH85 (previously NH49). The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, with frequent stops for tea and sightseeing along the way.
• From Madurai (160 km): You can take the NH85 or NH44 to reach Munnar from Madurai. The journey takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
• From Coimbatore (160 km): If you’re coming from Coimbatore, the trip to Munnar will take around 5 hours via Udumalpet on NH83. The drive passes through beautiful forest reserves and waterfalls.

By Bus

If you prefer not to drive, Kerala and Tamil Nadu offer extensive bus networks to Munnar. KSRTC and private operators run buses from various cities including Cochin, Aluva, and Madurai.

• From Cochin: Buses are available from the Vyttila Mobility Hub or the KSRTC bus stand. Most buses are well-maintained and comfortable, with both regular and air-conditioned options.
• From Madurai: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) runs regular services to Munnar. The buses depart from the Madurai Central Bus Stand, and the journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
• From Bangalore: While the journey is longer (around 10 to 11 hours), there are overnight buses available from Bangalore to Munnar. These buses usually stop at Coimbatore or Salem before reaching Munnar.

4. Best Time to Travel to Munnar

Munnar can be visited year-round, but the best time to plan your trip depends on your preferences:

• Winter (October to March): The weather is cool and pleasant, making it the best season for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 5°C to 25°C.
• Monsoon (June to September): Munnar transforms into a lush green paradise during the monsoon, though heavy rainfall can cause roadblocks or landslides. It’s a great time for nature lovers, but be prepared for a few travel inconveniences.
• Summer (April to May): While the lower plains get hot, Munnar remains cool with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. This is an excellent time to escape the summer heat.