Planning a trip from Theni to Munnar? The distance between Theni and Munnar by road is 83 Kms, with a travel time of 2.5 hrs. The best way to travel from Theni to Munnar is by cab or bus as train and flights are not available. This captivating journey is a perfect blend of beauty with mountain views, misty roads and greenery. It’s a treat for people who love long scenic drives for travel.
Most travellers appreciate lush farmlands and tea plantations along the way from Theni to Munnar. This experience and adventure from the plains to the hill station is surreal and magical.
Munnar is located in the hillside of the Western Ghats and offers a visual feast. It’s everything at once—tea gardens, waterfalls and attractive valley views. The weather is always pleasant here.
Here’s everything you need to know before you plan a trip from Theni to Munnar: the travel time, distance, transportation fares, information on nearby attractions & some traveller tips.
Basic Travel Information: Theni to Munnar
Munnar is known to be the Kashmir of South and has pleasant weather year-round. Tourists may travel whenever they want, but the best of Munnar is only explored during the early winter to winter season: September to March. The roads & weather offer a better view for travelling and sightseeing.
The weather during winter is cool and windy. Avoid the monsoon season for travel as the roads get slippery and the air gets humid.
Theni to Munnar: Travel Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Distance by Road | 83 km |
| Distance by Air | 46 km |
| Average Travel Time by Road | Approx 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Nearest Airport to Theni | Madurai Airport (approx 80 km from Theni) |
| Nearest Airport to Munnar | Cochin International Airport |
| Nearest Railway Station to Theni | Palani (PLNI) Railway Station |
| Nearest Railway Station to Munnar | Ernakulam Junction (ERS) Railway Station |
| Nearest Bus Stand to Theni | Theni Bus Stand |
| Nearest Bus Stand to Munnar | Munnar Bus Stand |
| Popular Transit Route | Theni → Bodi → Bodimettu → Munnar |
| Tourist Popularity | Tamil Nadu–Kerala hill route |
- Distance: The route from Theni to Munnar is approximately 83 km by road. It takes about 2 hours and 11 minutes to reach. The flights are also available for travel that covers a 46 km distance.
- Travel Time: It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Theni to Munnar via road. This time varies depending on the weather and traffic conditions.
- Transit Point: Theni is a well-connected town located in Tamil Nadu. Local buses run regularly to nearby cities and Munnar. You may also travel via train from the nearest railway station: Palani. The nearest airport is 80 Km from Theni: Madurai Airport.
- Tourist Volume: Munnar’s tourism has rapidly increased now. It attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually. People prefer to travel from the Tamil Nadu route, thanks to its picturesque tea plantations and roads.
ALSO SEE-Top 10 Places To Visit In Munnar With Family
Weather Conditions: Theni to Munnar
| Season | Months | Weather in Theni | Weather in Munnar | Travel Experience | Pros | Cons |
| Winter (Best Season) | Nov – Feb | Morning & evenings are pleasant& mild. | Cool, chilly nights | Best for sightseeing, tea garden visits, and adventure activities | Clear skies, festive season charm, and comfortable drives | Book hotels in advance, prices are higher than usual. |
| Summer (Good Season) | Days are warm to hot, while evenings are comparatively cool. | Cool, & breezy, mildly warm afternoons | Great for off-season discounts, less crowded | Traffic-free roads, cheaper stays, easy bookings | Afternoon in Theni is tiring. | |
| Monsoon (Least Preferred) | Jul – Oct | Moderate to heavy rain | Heavy rain, misty roads | Challenging trek and driving, but scenic greenery | Waterfalls and greenery at their best | Slippery roads, reduced visibility & prone to landslides |
- Winter & Spring Travel: This is the best season to visit from Theni to Munnar. Make sure to book travel and hotels in advance, as last-minute bookings may charge you extra. It is the tourist season, so you may get traffic and crowded roads. Leave early or late for travel!
- Summer Travel: If you like a bit of warmth, travel during the summer season to Kerala from April to June. It is a great time for road trips. Summer travel to Kerala is an off-season and offers perks like minimal traffic, cheaper stays and fewer crowds.
- Monsoon Travel: Monsoons in Kerala are tricky. The roads to Munnar are narrow, unpaved and uneven, and heavy rains make driving challenging and dangerous. Trekking in the monsoon is also difficult due to slippery roads.
Theni to Munnar By Road – Route Options
The Theni to Munnar road trip is all about beautiful views of hills, waterfalls and valleys along the way. There’s only one primary route available for travel via road. Travellers get to experience many stopovers like tea plantations, local villages and unique valleys:
Route 1 : Theni to Munnar via NH49 & Dharapuram Road
Why choose Dharapuram Road ?
The route via NH49 & Dharapuram road is the only way to reach from Theni to Munnar. The roads are in good condition with scenic Western Ghats sections, easy curves and other natural attractions. It is also the shortest travel route to reach Munnar.
- Theni to Munnar Distance: approx 100 km
- Average time travel: approx 3 hours
- Recommended vehicles: Any car or SUV, buses or bikes
Theni to Munnar Route Map:
Theni → Bodi → Bodimettu → Poopara → Devikulam → Munnar
Tourist Attractions: Theni to Munnar Route
(source: Google)
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Stop at this famous tea plantation to grab a cup of freshly brewed organic tea.
- Kundala Lake: This lake is surrounded by hills. Stop for 15-20 min to enjoy the vibe around.
- Eravikulam National Park: This place is home to many wildlife species. Explore the national park if you’ve planned a slow and explorative trip.
- Mattupetty Dam: It is a popular boating and picturesque spot for tourists.
- Echo Point: It is a vantage point that offers attractive views for the travellers.
- Lockheart Gap: Explore the breathtaking views of nature in the misty atmosphere.
- Attukal Waterfalls: Another waterfall addition to the hills. Explore the beauty of the misty atmosphere.
ALSO SEE-Coimbatore to Munnar Trip-Distance, Duration,
Popular Restaurants on the Theni to Munnar Route
- Hotel Gurubhavan – Local Tamil & Kerala cuisines available.
- Saravana Bhavan – Known for vegetarian thalis and South Indian dosa.
- Rapsy Restaurant – Known for Kerala, continental, and fusion cuisines.
- Anbu Hotel – Homely South Indian meals.
- Karuppaiah Biryani Centre – Authentic biryani of South India.
- Abinaya Cold Drinks – Refreshing beverages and snacks.
- Annai Snacks & Coolbar – Snacks and cool drinks for tea/coffee stops.
Comparison Table for Different Modes of Travel:
| Mode of Travel | Fare Range | Travel Time | Pros | Cons |
| Bus | ₹450 – ₹1,400 per head | ~3–4 hrs | Affordable, multiple options (Ordinary, Non-AC, AC, Volvo), online booking available, basic amenities available | Less privacy, fixed schedules, slower than cabs |
| Cab | From ₹1,942 – ₹2,709 (one-way) | ~3 hrs | Door-to-door service, comfortable, flexible stops | Expensive, price based on booking time and type of cab |
| Private Car | Fuel cost ~₹1,000–₹1,500 (one-way) | ~3 hrs | Full flexibility, privacy, freedom to explore | self-drive, possible fatigue |
| Train | There are no direct trains to the destination. Nearest major station: Ernakulam (~120 km from Munnar) | Train to Ernakulam + 4 hr road trip | Comfortable for long-distance travel before a road trip | No direct rail to Munnar, requires bus/cab from Ernakulam. |
| Airplane | No direct flights available. | Flight to Madurai + 3 hr road trip | Fast for long-distance travellers. | Extra transfers needed, stopovers & costly |
- The best way to travel from Theni to Munnar is via bus/ private car, or cab service.
Quick Guide to Munnar
Munnar is a hill station located in Kerala that looks nothing but heaven on Earth. You’ll get to witness tea-scented breezes, misty hills and cloud drifts from mountain peaks. The waterfalls and valleys make it a relaxing space for travel.
Places to Visit
As you now know how to get from Theni to Munnar, let’s get a quick guide on what to do in the Kashmir of South India:
- Wildlife & Birdwatching: The place is home to many flora and fauna. Spot Nilgiri Tahr, Indian star tortoise and countless bird species at sanctuaries like Chinnar Wildlife, Eravikulam National Park & Thattekad Wildlife.
- Tea Plantations & Tasting: Explore the aroma of organic natural tea at the famous Kolukkumalai tea estate.
- Trout Fishing: Visit the Sita Devi Lake and picnic. Enjoy freshly grilled trout during sunsets.
- Waterfall Dips: Munnar has many waterfalls like Lakkom, Attukal, Nyayamakad, Chinnakanal, Kuthumkal, Thoovanam, Valara, and Cheeyappara. Take a fresh water dip.
- Mattupetty Dam: The place is perfect for picnic and is surrounded by tea estates, lakes and spice gardens.
- Echo Point: Get to the Top Station Echo Point. You can trek to the area to witness the perfect sunset and sunrise.
- Mountain Biking: If you’re good at biking, get onto the thrilling adventure with mountain trails of Suryanelli, Kundala, Anamudi Shola, Vandanmedu, or Marayoor.
- Kundala Lake: The lake is known for its famous Kashmiri Shikara ride.
- Spice Gardens: Explore the cinnamon gardens and other ayurvedic farms of south India.
- Ayurvedic Therapies: Get hot potli massages, shirodhara and full body spa treatment at famous Punarjani Traditional Village, Angels’ AyurSpa, Chandy’s Windy Woods Spa & Aura Ayurveda & Spa.
- Culture Exploration: Book a show to witness Kathakali dance at Thirumeni Cultural Centre or Punarjani Traditional Village.
- Prehistoric Sites: Explore 2,000 year old dolmens at Anakottapara Park. Ur id located in Marayoor, Kerala.
Travel Tip: On the way from Theni to Munnar do try the local street food like crispy banana fritters, hot chai and spicy beef fry!
ALSO SEE-Best of Munnar Tourist Places
Places to Stay
Munnar has a stay for every kind of traveller. Here’s our handpicked list for you:
- Mistletoe Munnar: A perfect boutique homestay with Kanan Devan Hill views, a bakery, library and ayurvedic spa.
- Elixir Hills: This homestay is a perfect blend of nature with luxury stay. You’ll get to explore tea estate views, spacious suites and infinity pool with private jacuzzi.
- Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat: It is a stone and wood retreat that offers ayurvedic programs and yoga. You may also try their Satvik organic dining and tea tasting sessions.
- Talayar Valley Bungalow: This is a vintage 4-bedroom stay bungalow and offers artistic interiors, floral themed decor and fireplace.
- Mountain Club Resort: It is a stone cottage with valley views located in Chinnakanal village.
- Moselberg Riverside Cottages: These are jungle based cottages in Muthirapuzha. Try activities like boating and fishing here.
- Parakkat Nature Resort: It is the perfect resort for families and couples. Enjoy a perfect Mountain View with a spa and buffet breakfast.
- The Leaf Munnar: This stay comes with an infinity view, spacious rooms and a Multi cuisine restaurant.
- Treehouse Resort: This resort has secluded treehouses with tea estate views.
- Munnar Tea Hills Resort (MTHR): Another comfortable and affordable stay with amenities like wellness centre, spa and scenic balconies.
- Zostel Munnar: This is a perfect stay option for a solo traveller with a peaceful vibe in the hills.
- The Mudhouse Marayoor: This cottage stay is pet friendly with amenities like lush gardens, open barbecue and organic food.
Interested in exploring Munnar? Book your Theni to Munnar packages with us for a seamless experience. The holiday experts can help you curate the desired package.
FAQs
- How much time does it take to travel from Theni to Munnar?
It takes around 2 hours 40 minutes (77 km) to reach from Theni to Munnar.
- Which month is the best to visit from Theni to Munnar?
The best season to travel Munnar is November to February. The weather is cool, pleasant & perfect for sightseeing.
- What are the must-see attractions on the Theni to Munnar route?
You may explore Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Kundala Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and beautiful waterfalls like Cheeyappara, Valara, and Attukal on your way to Munnar.
- What are the different travel options available to reach directly to Munnar?
- Bus: ₹450 – ₹1,400 per person (3–4 hrs)
- Cab: From ₹1,942 – ₹2,709 (one-way)
- Private Car: Fuel cost ~₹1,000–₹1,500
- What are the stay options available for Munnar?
Munnar’s budget-friendly stays include Zostel, mid-range resorts like The Leaf Munnar and luxury stays like Elixir Hills and Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat. Explore stays with tea estate views, infinity pools, ayurvedic spas, or treehouse experiences.
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