A Guide on How to Reach Munnar

Munnar is a hill station destination within the majestic state of Kerala. The region that surrounds Munnar is covered in amazing hillscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The altitude of these rolling hills can vary from 1500 m to 2695 m in height.

Munnar is an undisturbed, natural terrain. It is famously known as South India’s most widespread tea-growing region. The wilderness of Munnar is complemented well by the sustainable agriculture that gives rise to its large expanse of sprawling tea estates.

The hills of Munnar are a haven for exotic flora and fauna, and tourists flock to the region year-round to get a glimpse of its silent majesty. If you are planning to visit Munnar, here is everything you need to know about how to reach Munnar.

Transportation

Munnar is a hill range, so it is not directly accessible by rail or air. If you are travelling from out of state, it is best to pick nearby railway stations or airports as your designated offboarding point.

Nearby Airports

  • Kochi International Airport (COK) – 110 Km away by road
  • Madurai International Airport (IXM) – 140 Km away by road

Railway Stations

  • Aluva Railway Station (AWY) – 110 Km away by road
  • Ernakulam Railway Station (ERS or ERN) – 130 Km away by road
  • Madurai Railway Station (MDU) – 135 Km away by road

From these points, you can chart a course by road for Munnar, and reach these majestic hills in record time.

How to Reach Munnar from Different Locations

From Kochi

Kochi to Munnar Distance: 126 Km
Duration: 4:00 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Kochi, head towards the town of Ambalamedu.
  • Mark a route through the quaint towns of Kolenchery – Muvattupuzha – Oonukkal – Valara – Adimali – Anachal for the quickest route to Munnar from Kochi.
  • From Anachal, the route to Munnar is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

The road ascends through hairpin turns and multiple winding roads, but the route is scenic and covered in greenery and many famous sightseeing spots. There are plenty of spots for you to stop, take pictures, drink tea, and make memories along the way.

From Wayanad

Wayanad to Munnar Distance: 336 Km
Duration: 8:45 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Wayanad, head towards the town of Kambalakkad.
  • Follow the roads that lead through the towns of Madiyur – Vythiri – Pevumkandy – Mukkam – Vallilapuzha – Kavanur – Pariyapuram – Vilayur – Kundannur – Anachal for the quickest route to Munnar from Wayanad.
  • From Anachal, the route to Munnar is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Wayanad to Munnar distance can seem vast and unending, but there are plenty of great views along the way. Take a break, look around, and take in the sights. Enjoy your journey—the destination will make it all worthwhile.

From Trivandrum

Trivandrum to Munnar Distance: 278 Km
Duration: 6:30 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Trivandrum, head towards the town of Vembayam.
  • Follow the roads that lead through the towns of Venjarammoodu – Chadayamangalam – Poovanpara – Makkapuzha – Kumaramangalam – Thalakode – Adimali – Anachal for the quickest route to Munnar from Trivandrum.
  • From Anachal, the route to Munnar is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Alternative Travel route strategy from Trivandrum: Take a train to Kochi or Alleppey. From there, hail a taxi or rent a car to cut down on hours spent behind the wheel. You can follow the directions from Kochi/Alleppey to Munnar for this route.

From Alleppey

Alleppey to Munnar Distance: 163 Km
Duration: 4:30 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Alleppey, head towards the town of Mannanchery.
  • Follow the roads that lead through the towns of Monippally – Pandapilly – Paingottoor – Thalakode – Anachal for the quickest route to Munnar from Alleppey.
  • From Anachal, the route to Munnar is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

The distance from Alleppey is one of the easier travel routes to the magical hills of Munnar. The journey is not too harrowing, and there are plenty of sightseeing and resting points across the route. You can take your time and rest easy along your short journey—then rest some more once you make it into the hills of Munnar.

From Ooty

Ooty to Munnar Distance: 163 Km
Duration: 6:50 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Ooty, head towards the town of Coonoor.
  • Follow the roads that lead through the towns of Odanthurai – Kittampalayam – Kombakadu – Palladam – Peryapatti – Pallapaalayam – Saiapattrai – Anamalai – Marayoor – Kannan Devan Hills for the quickest route to Munnar from Ooty.
  • From Kannan Devan Hills, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Ooty to Munnar distance is an interstate journey. Your travel will take you across the scenic towns of Tamil Nadu, past the forest checkpoint at Saiapattrai, and into the rolling hills and sparkling wilderness of Kerala’s high-range.

From Madurai

Madurai to Munnar Distance: 162 Km
Duration: 4:00 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Madurai, take NH85 towards the town of Checkanurani.
  • Follow the roads from Checkanurani that lead through the towns of Usilampatti – Theni – Pudura – Bodimettu – Poopara – Devikulam for the quickest route to Munnar from Madurai.
  • From Devikulam, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Munnar is closer to Madurai than Ooty, making it easy for interstate travellers who are looking for an adventure that is not too far from home. The winding roads that lead into the forested hills of Munnar offer picturesque views for travellers from Madurai.

From Chennai

Chennai to Munnar Distance: 589 Km
Duration: 10:45 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Chennai, take NH179B towards the town of Tambaram.
  • Follow the roads from Tambaram that lead through the towns of Tindivanam – Viluppuram – Tiruchirappalli – Dindigul – Theni – Poopara – Devikulam for the quickest route to Munnar from Chennai.
  • From Devikulam, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Alternative Travel route strategy from Chennai: Take a train to Kochi, Alleppey, or Madurai, and rent a car/hail a taxi to cut down on hours spent behind the wheel. You can follow the directions from your offboarding point to Munnar for this route. This is the best way to avoid restless travel for 10+ hours from Chennai. 

From Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal to Munnar Distance: 167 Km
Duration: 4:15 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Kodaikanal, travel towards the town of Machor.
  • Follow the roads from Machor that lead through Manjalar Dam – Kamakkapatti – Minakshipuram – Theni – Poopara – Devikulam for the quickest route to Munnar from Kodaikanal.
  • From Devikulam, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Kodaikanal forms a historical part of Tamil Nadu’s thriving wilderness. The winding roads from Kodaikanal to Munnar is a long stretch of winding roads that cross multiple landmarks and scenic spots on the way. For people on a long vacation, travelling from Kodaikanal to Munnar and vice versa can result in a fruitful trip filled with moments of natural marvels.

From Coimbatore

Coimbatore to Munnar Distance: 155 Km
Duration: 4:15 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Coimbatore, travel towards Pollachi.
  • Follow the roads from Pollachi that lead through Udukkampalayam – Manupatti – Udumalpet Forest Checkpoint – Gundumalai – Kannan Devan Hills for the quickest route to Munnar from Coimbatore.
  • From Kannan Devan Hills, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

There are not a lot of detours on this route. Tourists can enjoy a trouble-free journey filled with majestic views that roll by your windows as you enjoy the fresh, mountain air and take in the sights along the way.

From Theni

Theni to Munnar Distance: 83 Km
Duration: 2:30 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Theni, travel towards Pooppara.
  • Follow the roads from Pooppara that lead through Devikulam for the quickest route to Munnar from Theni.
  • From Devikulam, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Theni is extremely close to the region of Munnar. The environment that surrounds both regions is filled with overlapping flora and fauna. You can spot similar animals along your journey as well. This route is jam-packed with amazing sight-seeing points, so you can take your time and slow your trip down to make the most of what these picturesque hills have to offer.

From Bangalore

Bangalore to Munnar Distance: 83 Km
Duration: 2:30 Hrs Approximately
  • Starting from Bangalore, travel towards Salem.
  • Follow the roads from Salem that lead through Avinashi – Udumalpet Forest Checkpoint – Gundumalai – Kannan Devan Hills for the quickest route to Munnar from Bangalore.
  • From Kannan Devan Hills, the route to Munnar town is more or less a straight shot with no detours along the way.

Alternative Travel route strategy from Bangalore: Take a train with Alleppey, Madurai or Kochi as your off-boarding point. From your off-boarding point take a taxi or rent a car and make your way down to Munnar using the suggested route maps above.

Things you should know before Travelling to Munnar

Note: These travel times are estimates. Actual travel time and routes may vary due to traffic congestions, route obstructions, natural disasters, etc.

Warning: Many of the roads leading to Munnar are winding roads with many dangerous hairpin turns. We advise that you exercise caution and stay vigilant in order to avoid any mishaps along the way.

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