How To Reach Munnar

In terms of both convenience and speed, air travel has always been the most optimal method of transportation, for those who can afford it at least. When it comes to traveling to the lush town of Munnar, individuals must take into consideration their point of departure in order to select the best option – in terms of time and money.

Although the hill station of Munnar does not have its own aerodrome, individuals may fly into Cochin International Airport, which is situated only 104 km away. The world’s first airport to be fully powered by solar energy, those who land here receive a green welcome! Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including accommodation, shopping and medical aid, one will have access to absolutely everything they need to feel at ease.

Cochin International airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Kerala, catering to 61.8% of the total air passenger movement. Which means, it’s well connected to all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. Individuals may select from the following carriers - IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet. In terms of the fastest route, Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport is the closet air hub. The flight duration is approximately 50 to 55 minutes, as opposed to a flight from Delhi that will take 3 hours.

Upon arrival, individuals can select between prepaid taxi services, hotel shuttles or simply hop onto a bus to the main city centre and select a mode of transportation from there.

Train travel has always been an efficient and reliable means of travelling, especially since India is blessed with an intricate network of connections. Plus, this option is far more cost-effective than air travel. However, this medium requires one to compromise on time.

While the region of Munnar doesn’t have its own railhead, the closest ones are located in Aluva, Ernakulam and Madurai at a distance of 110, 130 and 135 km respectively. These aforementioned junctions are well connected to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore and Chennai.  The duration of the trip will vary according to the point of origin. While a train from Mumbai to Aluva will take anywhere between 27 and 36 hours, a train from Bangalore will take approximately 9 to 13 hours. Upon arrival, individuals can book a cab or select from state-run or public buses to reach Munnar.

Traveling on the road can be a life-changing experience for many. The rugged nature of this sort of journey, amidst picturesque sceneries and transforming landscapes, makes for an exciting adventure. However, this option comes with its own set of perils and is recommended to those who can withstand long hours in a car. Individuals can hire a car and self-drive or opt for a chauffeur-driven vehicle. It will take approximately 9 hours from Thiruvananthapuram, 6 hours from Coimbatore and 2.5 hours from Palani. if you’re planning to drive up, consider planning a road trip from these destinations as it makes the most sense.

If you’re departing from Kochi or Aluva, you can opt for a taxi or state-run bus, which can be booked on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website. In fact, there’s a bus that departs from Fort Kochi Bus Station (near the Chinese Fishing Nets) to Munnar at 7.30 a.m. every day.