Munnar is the first hill station many visitors to Kerala think of. The tea gardens, the mist and the cool air are only a few hours from Kochi, which makes it popular with families flying in or out of the airport. A taxi is the most comfortable way to go, because the road has bends and the best stops are not on the bus route. This guide explains the road, the season, the stops on the way and the points to check before you book.
The road from Kochi
The first part of the drive is on busy roads through the towns east of Kochi, such as Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam, where traffic can be slow. After that the road climbs into the hills with forest and plantations on both sides. The climb has many bends, and some stretches are narrow. In the rain, there can be mist and poor visibility. Allow more time than the distance suggests.
Keep the timing of the day in mind. The road from the lower hills to the high range is slower after the afternoon, when clouds come in and traffic is heavier near the viewpoints. Start from Kochi early, so that you reach the stops in good light, and avoid planning to drive the hill road in the dark. A driver familiar with the route will know the safest places to rest if the weather turns.
Stops worth making on the way
Two waterfalls on the road, Cheeyappara and Valara, are popular stops, and they look best after the monsoon. There are viewpoints along the climb, and small restaurants serve simple Kerala food. Keep stops short, and ask the driver for the safe places to pull over. Do not stand on the road to take photographs.
- Waterfalls on the road, best just after the monsoon
- Viewpoints along the climb
- Spice and tea shops on the way
- Short tea or lunch breaks in the towns
The best season
Munnar is cool for most of the year. The best months for clear weather are from September to March, with the cold at its peak in December and January. The summer months are pleasant by the standards of the plains, but busy with visitors. The monsoon, from June to August, brings heavy rain, and landslides can affect the roads in some years, so check the weather and the road status before you start.
What to see once you reach Munnar
The tea gardens are the main sight, with a tea museum that explains how the leaf is processed. Many visitors go to a lake for boating and to a high range viewpoint. A national park near the town is known for a mountain goat, and it is closed for a few weeks each year during the calving season, so check before you plan to visit. The town's roads are narrow, and a local driver knows where to park.
How many days
A day trip is possible from Kochi, but you will spend most of the day on the road. One night in Munnar is a better plan, and two nights let you see the main places without rushing. If you are travelling with elders or children, choose a slower pace, with a stop for rest on the way up.
Do not try to cover every sight in one trip. Munnar has more places than a single visit can take, and the distances between them on hill roads are longer than they look on the map. Choose a few that suit your group, such as a tea garden walk, a lake and one viewpoint, and leave the rest. Ask the driver what is open, since some places are closed on certain days or in certain seasons.
Round trip or drop taxi
For a short visit, a round trip keeps the same car and driver, and he can drive you to the local sights. If you end the trip in Munnar and travel on, for example to Thekkady or Alappuzha, a one way drop may suit you. Compare the quotes, and check what is included for local sightseeing and the driver's stay.
Checks before you book
Ask the booking about the car type and the luggage space, the toll and parking charges, and the driver allowance and night halt. Tell the booking if anyone gets motion sickness, so that the driver can take the bends gently. Oray shows fares and charges before you pay.
Travelling in a group of five or six people with luggage? An SUV or an Innova is more comfortable than a sedan on the hill road, and gives you room for jackets and shopping. If you have elders, ask for the front seat for the person who gets motion sick, and tell the driver to take it slowly. A gentle drive makes the stay more pleasant when you arrive.
Questions
How long does it take to reach Munnar from Kochi?
Allow several hours, as the road is busy in the first part and has bends in the hills. Rain and traffic can add time.
When is the best time to visit Munnar?
September to March has the clearest weather. The monsoon brings heavy rain and can affect roads.
Can I visit Munnar in one day from Kochi?
It is possible, but most of the day goes on the road. One night in Munnar is more comfortable.
Is the national park always open?
It closes for a short period every year in the calving season. Check before you plan your visit.