If you are looking to escape your bustling life from Coimbatore and travelling from Coimbatore to Munnar, you should consider a trip to the picturesque Munnar. To travel to Munnar, you can go by road, rail, or flight. The next time you want to break, head to the hills.
Munnar is undoubtedly one of the top hill stations in South India. The hill station is located in the Idukki district. Located at an altitude of 16000 m, Munnar is picturesque and is a popular weekend gateway for those living in Coimbatore. Coimbatore is 156.9 km by road with a travel time of 3.30 hrs by car and 4.52 hrs by bus through NH 83 and and Munnar – Udumalpet Rd. There are several private bus companies that operate between Coimbatore and Munnar. Alternatively, you can opt for Tamil Nadu and Kerala Road Corporation Bus Services.
Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. The hill station formerly served as a summer retreat for the British government in South India before independence. Munnar is one of Kerala’s most popular honeymoon destinations, with a wide variety of resorts and lodging options to suit a variety of budgets. The town is best known for its vast tea plantations, charming towns, winding lanes, and holiday amenities.
The Neelakurinji is one of the unusual plants that may be found in these forests and meadows. The next blooming of this flower, which once every twelve years bathes the hills in blue, will take place in 2030. Anamudi, which rises to a height of 2,695 meters, is the tallest peak in South India and is located in Munnar. Be sure to try delicious Keralite cuisine during your stay.
ALSO SEE – Best Munnar homestays for an Authentic Holiday
How many days are required for a trip to Munnar from Coimbatore?
A trip from Coimbatore to Munnar will take about 3 days. This includes the time needed for traveling and exploring the various attractions in Munnar. Make sure to include some time in your itinerary for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery of this beautiful hill station.
Coimbatore to Munnar by Train
There are no direct trains from Coimbatore to Munnar. The nearest major station is Ernakulam Jn (ERS). Several trains ply the route, and you can book your tickets either on the IRTC website or other travel websites. You can get down at Aluva, approximately 108.5 km from Munnar.
There are frequent KRTC buses there that ply between Aluva and Munnar. Alternatively, you can take a cab between Aluva and Munnar.
Coimbatore to Munnar by flight
Munnar does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport. There are several daily flights between Kochi and Coimbatore. Munnar is 127 km from Kochi International Airport. You can hire a cab from Kochi International Airport to Munnar. The journey between Munnar and Kochi is 4 to 5 hrs.
Coimbatore to Munnar by bus
The bus journey from Coimbatore to Munnar can take anywhere from 4.52 hrs to 7.43 hrs. You can go via Thrissur or Madhura.
Coimbatore to Munnar by road in Car or bike
Driving down from Coimbatore to Munnar is rather short. It takes approximately 3 hours and is definitely the best way to travel. We recommend you take the following route Coimbatore- Pollachi – Udumalapet – Chinnar – Marayoor – Munnar. The total distance is 160 km.
The Coimbatore -Pollachi stretch is 44 km and is a straight highway. The route between Pollachi and Udamalapet is picturesque, with huge windmill farms along the way.
ALSO SEE – Best Treks In Munnar- Camping
Udamapalmet to Chinnar sector is a 37 km stretch. It is a protected region with abundant wildlife and is home to several endangered species. The Thoovanam waterfall, which is inside the sanctuary, is yet another amazing feature of this location. The Western Ghats may be seen from the Udumalpet-Munnar road, which offers beautiful scenery. The reserve forests of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (now Anamalai Tiger Reserve) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are close by, and Chinnar is 37 km from Udumalpet.
You need to drive cautiously as wild animals cross the road when they walk towards Amarvathi Dam for water.
The route from Chinnar to Marayoor is breathtaking as you go through beautiful sandalwood forests. You can see farmers practicing terrace farming on the ghats along the way. Marayoor is famous for Jaggery. Be sure to check out the Jaggery production huts en route. On the final stretch of the journey, you can stop at the scenic Lookam Waterfalls, which is around 25 km from Munnar. Be sure to check out the famous Eravikulam National Park, which is at a distance of 21 Km from Lakkam, during your stay in Munnar.
Tips during the journey
While navigating the ghat sections on the way to Munnar. The road has steep hairpin bends. Remember to make sure your car or bike has enough fuel because there won’t be any stores open for business or gas bunks for the next 1.30 hours. The upward slope of the road means that your car will need more petrol. In other places, the road’s condition is likewise not great. Drive carefully and avoid speeding.
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