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If you’re planning a trip to Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala, and wondering how to reach Munnar from Bangalore, you're in the right place! Munnar, famous for its tea gardens, cool weather, and beautiful landscapes, is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore. The hill station is approximately 475 to 500 kilometers away from the city, and you have several travel options to choose from. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss all the Bangalore to Munnar travel options, including road trips, trains, and flights, to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you prefer a road trip through picturesque landscapes, a relaxed train journey, or a quick flight, we'll help you navigate your way from Bangalore to Munnar, focusing on each mode of transport's benefits and drawbacks. Let's explore the transport options, travel distance, and everything you need to know about how to reach Munnar from Bangalore.
When considering how to reach Munnar from Bangalore, it's essential to know the travel distance. The distance between Bangalore to Munnar is approximately 475–500 km, depending on the route you choose.
By Road: A road trip usually takes around 9–10 hours. This can vary depending on traffic, stops, and the route taken.
By Train: If you opt for the train, the total journey time is about 13–14 hours, factoring in the train ride and the taxi or bus journey to Munnar.
By Flight: A flight to Cochin takes about 1 hour, followed by a 3.5–4 hour drive to Munnar, making it the fastest option with a total travel time of around 5–6 hours.
As you travel, the landscape changes gradually from the busy urban sprawl of Bangalore to the lush greenery of Munnar, offering you a preview of the beauty that awaits at your destination.
One of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Munnar is by road. You can either drive yourself or hire a cab to Munnar. Here are the two most common routes from Bangalore:
Route 1 (Fastest): Bangalore → Hosur → Salem → Udumalpet → Munnar (via NH44)
This route is the quickest and most direct, reducing the time spent on the road.
Route 2 (Scenic): Bangalore → Mysore → BR Hills → Coimbatore → Munnar
For those who enjoy scenic drives, this route offers a beautiful journey through forests, tea estates, and wildlife sanctuaries.
For a relaxed road trip, you might even consider booking a Bangalore to Mangalore cab to explore scenic routes.
Pros of traveling by road:
Flexibility to take breaks, explore, and enjoy scenic spots along the way.
Comfort, especially if traveling in a luxury cab or SUV.
You can choose to self-drive or book a cab with a professional driver for a more relaxed experience.
Cons:
It can take 9–10 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Longer travel time may be tiring for some travelers.
Though there is no direct train to Munnar, you can take a train to nearby stations like Ernakulam or Aluva, which are approximately 3–4 hours away from Munnar by taxi or bus.
Popular Trains: Trains such as Bangalore to Ernakulam Express are convenient options for travelers.
Duration: The train ride itself takes about 8–10 hours, followed by a taxi ride to Munnar.
Pros:
Trains are comfortable and allow you to relax during the journey.
More affordable compared to flights.
Cons:
The indirect nature of the journey adds significant travel time.
Limited flexibility in terms of stopping or taking detours.
Flying from Bangalore to Cochin is the quickest way to travel to Munnar. After arriving at Cochin International Airport, you can hire a cab to Munnar, which takes around 3.5–4 hours. For those flying, a Bangalore to Coorg cab might also be an option to consider, if you have multiple destinations in mind.
Flight Time: The flight duration from Bangalore to Cochin is about 1 hour.
After reaching Cochin, you’ll need to drive the remaining distance to Munnar by cab.
Pros:
Fastest option to reach Munnar, taking around 5–6 hours in total.
Comfortable travel with modern amenities.
Cons:
Expensive when compared to other modes of transport.
Indirect, as you need to take a flight and then a taxi to Munnar.
When considering how to reach Munnar from Bangalore, the timing of your trip can significantly impact your experience. Munnar’s climate varies depending on the season, so it’s important to plan accordingly:
Winter (Oct–Feb): The best time to visit Munnar for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
Monsoon (Jun–Sept): Munnar looks lush and green, offering a unique experience, but be prepared for heavy rainfall and slippery roads.
Summer (Mar–May): Munnar offers a cool escape from the heat of Bangalore, making it ideal for a relaxing break.
Taking a cab to Munnar is one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to travel. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, a cab provides flexibility and ensures a relaxing journey. You can consider renting a luxury car rental Bangalore for a more premium experience.
Comfort: Traveling in a cab offers comfort with air conditioning, ample space for luggage, and the option to choose from a variety of vehicle types such as sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Scenic Stops: Enjoy a leisurely journey and stop at picturesque spots along the way, including tea gardens, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Ideal for Groups and Families: A cab to Munnar is a great option for families or groups, providing privacy and comfort.
Economy Sedan: ₹4000–₹5000 one-way.
SUV: ₹5000–₹6000 one-way.
Luxury Options: ₹7000–₹9000 one-way.
Booking a cab ensures you have a professional driver who knows the routes, making the journey smooth and safe.
While traveling from Bangalore to Munnar, there are several scenic and interesting places you should consider visiting along the way:
BR Hills: Known for its wildlife and forested areas, it’s an excellent spot to take a break.
Udumalpet: Famous for its windmills, it offers an interesting view of the countryside.
Marayoor: A quaint town with sandalwood forests and tea plantations, along with the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
These stops not only break up the journey but also offer a chance to enjoy the rich flora and fauna of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. For a longer, comfortable journey, you can also opt for an outstation tempo traveller.
If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Munnar from Bangalore, here’s a rough budget breakdown to help you plan your expenses:
Transport: ₹2000–₹7000 for a one-way journey, depending on the mode of transport.
Accommodation: ₹1500–₹5000 per night, based on the type of stay.
Food: ₹1000 per day for meals.
Sightseeing: ₹1000–₹2500 for entry fees to parks and activities.
The total estimated cost per person for a 3-day trip would range from ₹9000 to ₹17,000, depending on the type of accommodation and transport you choose.
To make your trip to Munnar more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips:
Book in advance: Particularly during the peak season, book your cab or accommodation ahead of time.
Carry essentials: Water, snacks, and identification are important for the journey.
Choose the right route: If you're short on time, opt for the quickest road route or a flight. For a scenic experience, choose a longer route through nature reserves.
Plan breaks: Especially for long journeys, plan frequent stops for rest and sightseeing, particularly if traveling with children or elderly members.
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The best way to reach Munnar depends on your preferences. For a scenic and relaxed trip, taking a cab is ideal. If you're looking to save time, a flight to Cochin followed by a cab ride is the fastest option.
Yes, you can travel by cab to Munnar, which is one of the most comfortable ways. There are also buses available, but they are less flexible and less comfortable than traveling by cab.
The distance from Bangalore to Munnar is approximately 475–500 kilometers, and the travel time can vary depending on your mode of transport.
Traveling by train takes approximately 13–14 hours, including the time for a taxi or bus ride from the train station to Munnar.
Yes, you can fly to Cochin from Bangalore, and then take a cab to Munnar, which takes around 3.5–4 hours.
The best time to visit Munnar is during the winter months (October–February), but it’s also beautiful during the monsoons for those seeking a quieter, greener experience.
The cost of hiring a cab from Bangalore to Munnar depends on the vehicle type. For an economy sedan, it can range from ₹4000 to ₹5000, while SUVs and luxury cars can cost more.
Yes, the road to Munnar is generally safe, especially if you choose a professional cab service. However, during monsoons, some roads may be slippery, so caution is advised.