How to Reach Munnar

How to Reach Munnar by Air

Nearly 130 Km away, at a driving distance of 4 hours from Munnar, the Cochin (Kochi) International Airport is cradled in Nedumbassery. It has two active terminals for international and domestic operations. The airport receives passengers from all across the globe and is served by leading carriers like Air India, Jet Airways, Emirates, Air Asia, Etihad Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Prepaid cabs are least affordable yet comfortable. You can also hire a ride to Munnar from the pool of Indica taxis lined outside.

Buses outside the airport can transport travellers seeking pocket friendly transfers to the hill station. However, there are no direct buses to Munnar. The shuttles at the Airport can take you to Angmaly and Ernakulam Depot. These terminals cater to KSRTC buses which consume 4-5 hours to reach the hilly retreat. The KSRTC website lists departure timings and arrival details apart from the option for online reservations.

How to Reach Munnar by Rail

Munnar does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is at Kochi, or rather at Ernakulum. The Ernakulum Junction is a major junction in the south; it gets trains from all over the country including frequent ones from Delhi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Mangalore and Bangalore.

Most trains make a quick stop at Angamaly. The Kanyakumari Express arriving at Mumbai’s Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Bangalore City Junction is a great high speed facility. Alleppey Express and Trivandrum Mail from Chennai Central are comparatively economical options.

At Angamaly, you can hire a cab, board the state run bus or the swanky private shuttle to Munnar for a two hour drive to the hill station that’s placed 85 km from the railhead.

How to Reach Munnar by Bus

The best way to get to Munnar’s fabulous tea bushes is by road from Kochi. Take a cab from Kochi, Kottayam (5 hours), Madurai (6 hours), Coimbatore (6 hours too), or Thiruvananthapuram (9 hours). Both rattling, state transport and sleeker privately run buses also service these routes.

Getting Around Munnar

Munnar is great for walking. It’s a great spot also to take off for hikes in the picturesque mountains around. The air is crisp and you can rent a bicycle and explore the hillsides. There are some trails that aren’t too steep so you can go through tracts of virgin forest. For going to spots around Munnar like Top Station and Thettakad it is possible to get a local bus. But if you’ve hired a car from Kochi (like we suggested) go ahead, take it around and enjoy the woods and the lovely Blue Mountains.