How To Reach Munnar
How To Reach Munnar
Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is renowned for its lush tea gardens, misty mountains, and serene landscapes. This charming destination is perfect for those looking to escape the urban grind and immerse themselves in nature. Although Munnar is well-connected, it requires some planning to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Munnar, covering various transportation options and routes.
By Air: The Quickest Route to Munnar
For travelers preferring air travel, the nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (COK), located approximately 110 kilometers away. Cochin Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities and several international destinations, making it a convenient option for reaching Munnar.
From Major Cities:
- Delhi to Cochin: The flight covers around 2,630 km and takes approximately 3 hours. Airfare typically ranges between ₹3,000 and ₹10,000, depending on the season and booking time.
- Mumbai to Cochin: This 1,375 km flight takes about 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹8,000.
- Bangalore to Cochin: Covering 370 km, the flight duration is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, with fares between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000.
- Chennai to Cochin: The 685 km flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with costs ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹7,000.
Route to Munnar from Cochin Airport: Upon arriving at Cochin International Airport, the best way to reach Munnar is by road. You can hire a taxi or rent a car for a scenic drive through Kerala’s beautiful landscapes. The journey from Cochin to Munnar usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, covering a distance of 110 kilometers. The route passes through picturesque towns like Aluva, Muvattupuzha, and Kothamangalam, offering stunning views of rolling hills and tea plantations.
By Train: A Scenic and Budget-Friendly Option
While Munnar does not have its own railway station, the nearest major station is Ernakulam Railway Station, situated about 130 kilometers away. Ernakulam is a major junction in Kerala and is well-connected to various cities.
From Major Cities:
- Delhi to Ernakulam: The train journey covers approximately 2,700 km and takes about 48 to 50 hours. Ticket prices range from ₹800 to ₹4,500, depending on the class of travel.
- Mumbai to Ernakulam: Covering around 1,600 km, this train ride takes about 28 to 30 hours, with fares between ₹700 and ₹3,800.
- Bangalore to Ernakulam: This 575 km journey takes about 10 to 12 hours by train, with tickets priced between ₹400 and ₹2,500.
- Chennai to Ernakulam: Covering roughly 690 km, this train ride takes about 12 to 14 hours, with ticket prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,800.
Route to Munnar from Ernakulam Railway Station: After arriving at Ernakulam Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar. The drive from Ernakulam to Munnar is approximately 3 to 4 hours long, covering 130 kilometers. The route via Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam offers a delightful journey through winding roads, lush greenery, and tea estates.
By Road: A Scenic Drive to Munnar
Munnar is well-connected by road, making it accessible for those who enjoy road trips. The drive to Munnar is a part of the adventure, with beautiful views of Kerala’s hills and tea gardens.
From Major Cities:
- Bangalore to Munnar: The drive covers about 470 kilometers and takes approximately 8 to 10 hours. The most common route is via NH 44 and NH 85. Fuel costs for this trip typically range from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
- Chennai to Munnar: Covering around 590 kilometers, the drive takes about 11 to 13 hours via NH 44 and NH 85. Fuel costs range between ₹5,000 and ₹7,000.
- Cochin to Munnar: The drive from Cochin covers 110 kilometers and takes about 3 to 4 hours via NH 85. Fuel costs for this journey range from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
- Trivandrum to Munnar: A 160-kilometer drive from Trivandrum takes around 4 to 5 hours via NH 66 and NH 85. Fuel costs for this trip typically range between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500.
Scenic Routes:
- Cochin to Munnar via NH 85: This route takes you through lush tea estates and picturesque hill roads.
- Bangalore to Munnar via NH 44 and NH 85: This route combines highway driving with scenic views as you approach Munnar.
Travel Tips for Munnar
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Munnar is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains, which can make travel challenging.
- Packing Essentials: Munnar can be cool, especially in the evenings, so bring light woolens. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery are also recommended.
- Local Attractions: In Munnar, explore attractions like the Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak. Adventure activities such as trekking and boating are also popular.
Munnar’s allure lies in its enchanting natural beauty and tranquil environment. Whether you choose to fly, take a train, or drive, the journey to Munnar promises to be as captivating as the destination itself, offering a perfect blend of serenity and adventure.
Best Seller Package Kerala
Explore More About Kerala
To reach Kerala, you have several options depending on where you’re starting from. Here’s an overview:
1. By Air
- Kerala has four main international airports: Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Kozhikode, and Kannur International Airport (CNN).
- Direct flights are available from major cities in India and international destinations like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your final destination within Kerala.
2. By Train
- Kerala has a well-connected railway network with major train stations in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Ernakulam (Kochi), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur.
- Book tickets through IRCTC or at local railway stations. Major trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad connect to Kerala.
3. By Road
- Kerala is well connected by road with neighboring states: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- You can take a long-distance bus run by KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) or private operators, which are frequent from Bangalore, Chennai, and other South Indian cities.
- Alternatively, you can self-drive or hire a cab for a road trip into Kerala.
4. By Sea
- Kochi has a major port, and some luxury cruises and boats stop here on certain international and domestic routes.
- You can explore options for cruises from destinations like Mumbai.
5. Local Transport within Kerala
- Once in Kerala, travel between cities is convenient via trains, state-run buses, and private taxis.
- For shorter distances, you can also consider auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing services.
If you need specific guidance based on your starting location, let me know!
The best time to visit Kerala largely depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the ideal time is from October to March. Here’s a breakdown:
October to March: This is the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and low humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing, backwater tours, and beach activities.
April to June: These months are hotter and more humid, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, this is a good time to find deals on accommodations and visit less crowded places.
July to September: This is the monsoon season, with heavy rainfall. While it’s not the most popular time to visit, the lush greenery and fewer tourists can be appealing. It’s also a great time for Ayurvedic treatments, as the weather is believed to enhance the effectiveness of these therapies.
If you’re interested in specific activities like wildlife watching, festivals, or cultural experiences, those can also influence the best time for your visit.
If you are coming through Train or Flight then you need to reach By reaching Ernakulam Railway station or Cochi airport.
You want to visit then July to Junauary will be the proper time to visit Kerala. If you want to avoid high cost then don’t come in holiday dates.
You can explore Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrums.
To visit 5 days 4 nights is the best plan in which you can explore Alleppey Vagamon Varkala Kovalam Trivandrum.
Houseboat Experiences by Carnival Tours, Alleppey.
In companies account on the 1st day only
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Depends upon the Package you have taken.
Yes, Kerala is generally safe at night, especially in tourist areas, but remain cautious and avoid isolated places.
God’s Own Country: Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” due to its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and natural beauty, including backwaters, hills, and beaches.
High Literacy Rate: Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates in India, at over 96%. This is attributed to the state’s strong focus on education and social welfare.
Unique Festivals: The state is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, which showcase traditional music, dance, and feasting. The snake boat races during Onam are particularly popular.
Ayurveda Hub: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness tourism. The state has numerous Ayurveda resorts and practitioners, making it a leading destination for holistic healing.
Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that offer houseboat experiences and are a major tourist attraction.
Diverse Wildlife: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
Cultural Melting Pot: The state has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art forms.
Spice Capital: Historically, Kerala was a major spice trading center, earning the nickname “Spice Garden of India.” It produces a variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Hill Stations of Kerala, including the Western Ghats, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Women Empowerment: Kerala is known for its progressive gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives, which are reflected in higher participation of women in education and the workforce compared to many other Indian states.