Coimbatore To Munnar- A Complete Trip Guide

If someone paid us a dollar every time we take a dashing drive to Ooty, I bet we would have been a billionaire by now. Honestly not an over the top statement but the fact that we have been drooling over the heavenly Nilgiri hills for a long time has become evident.

Not that we loathe it, but there is something on the other end that has been taunting us to try out the glossy roads. Yes it’s Munnar, a greeny retreat amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala, a complete Coimbatore to Munnar trip guide to know where to start, what to do in Munnar and where to visit.

Munnar History & Geographical location

A beautiful town and former British station in the Western Ghats of Kerala at 5,200 ft above the sea level. A glorious hill station with tea plantations adorning the scenic backdrop under a clear sky with a dash of mist and fog during the seasonal times. A renowned honeymoon destination for newlyweds, people also call it as the Kashmir of south India.

Munnar had struck a cordial bond with the British and it’s quite obvious with some buildings as the attention to detail is hard to miss and also the aesthetic lines giving us shades of the England vibes, vintage bridges sprawling over the melodic streams flowing below.

The vibrant hill station is well connected by National and state highways. The town lies in the Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway.

It is 157kms away from Coimbatore.

The nearest railway stations are at Aluva, Ernakulam and Udumalpet while the nearest airport is at Cochin and Coimbatore.

How to reach Munnar via Coimbatore

Coimbatore airport is 162 kilometers away from Munnar while the railway station stays away at 158kms from the hill station. You can book a direct cab from the airport or railway station and hop on to a 4 hours’ drive through the Pollachi road. From the center, you take the intersection road that takes you to Udumalpet-Palani road from where you can continue your journey through the forest at the foothills of Munnar.

The roads are a bit grumpy initially if you are planning for a bike ride, but once past the foothills the tantalizing corners of Munnar roads tempt you to keep twisting the throttle to go even further.

There is a check post at the foothills near a bridge set up by the forest department to monitor the activities in the forest.

Tourist places in Munnar

The lush green vibes just doesn’t end with the road and climates but transits throughout the town with tea estates leaving behind a dash of magical spell for travellers to indulge into nature. Munnar is never short on the tourist places as the wow quotient keeps blooming as we check past different beautiful spots in the town.

Take a look at some of the best tourist destinations in Munnar that’s sure to leave us all spellbound.

Eravikulam National Park

One of the most sought after places in Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is nuzzled on the lines of Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala sprawling at a huge 97kilometers stretch. It is 150kms away from Coimbatore.

If you are an avid wildlife lover then this Park is a feast to your eyes as there is a long list of exotic birds and butterflies adorning the place with some rare variety of lion, leopards. There are also lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri langur, atlas moth etc. And not to forget the Nilgiri Tahr that seems to be the people’s favorite here.

Book your tickets upfront to avoid the long pain staking queue. A well maintained protected area by the Government without letting the quality and safety go off for a toss.

Make sure to reach there in advance to save your time on the verification and security check process, once you are good to go, you can board their special busses that will take you on a breezy drive through the impeccable tall woods. The drive lasts anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes as it is a 5kms blissful drive across the bumpy roads and spectacular view points.

The panoramic view offers an undiluted view of the misty hills covering the green layer of the town below. The Park is known for its herd of majestic looking wild goats and there are plenty of them adoring the sidewalks.

A wonderful hiking experience amidst the breezy waves of fresh cold air, especially during the months of November to February when the ambiance comes to life.

Address:

The Wildlife Warden Munnar PO, Kerala 685612

Ratings:

4.3

Mattupetty Dam

Another surreal destination joins the hoard of tourist places in Munnar. Mattupetty Dam blazes past its counterparts to be people’s go-to location here in Munnar as it offers an unrivalled view of the town and the light greenish blue water that steals the souls of Nature lovers in the house.

Located at 10 kilometers from the center of Munnar, the dam looks spectacular with the Mountains at the backdrop adding to the seductiveness of the overall ambiance, making people crave for more of the blissful beauty.

We can’t really blame people’s choice as there are tonnes of activities that you can get here, some of which can never be seen anywhere around Munnar. You can avail the boating services, speed boating or even jet skis to raise the bar a notch higher.

Address:

Munnar – Top Station Hwy, Mattupetty, Kerala 685616

Ratings:

4.1

The place is always busy with shops, snack counters outside, souvenir shops. It literally feels like a carnival out there during the weekends.

If lucky you can spot herds of wild tuskers getting down to quench their thirsts.

There are other tourist places like the Anamudi peak that gives you an unparalleled bird’s eye view over the foggy clouds passing over Munnar, The Blossom International Park where the idea of Tranquility strikes our heart.

If you are still holding yourself from trying out the misty hills of Munnar, let your hair down for a wild ride of your lifetime as the beautiful town of Kerala holds the reputation of sprouting blissfulness in the hearts of people visiting.

Munnar, known for its breathtaking views, lush tea plantations, and cool climate, is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. If you are planning a trip from Coimbatore to Munnar, here is a complete guide that covers how to get there, the best time to visit, places to explore, and other essential tips for a smooth journey.

Distance from Coimbatore to Munnar

• Distance: Around 160–170 kilometers (100–105 miles) by road.

• Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

• Winter (October to February): This is the most popular time to visit Munnar, with pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

• Monsoon (June to September): Munnar experiences heavy rainfall during these months. While the landscape is lush and green, it’s best avoided if you’re not comfortable with rain.

• Summer (March to May): Munnar’s weather is still pleasant during summer, making it an ideal time for a visit. However, temperatures are slightly higher compared to the winter months.

How to Travel from Coimbatore to Munnar

There are several ways to get from Coimbatore to Munnar:

1. By Car (Private or Rental)

• Best Option for Flexibility: This is the most convenient way to travel as it gives you the flexibility to stop and enjoy scenic spots along the way.

• Route: The common route is via NH181 and NH85. The road conditions are mostly good, but the last stretch has winding, hilly roads. It’s a beautiful drive through tea estates, hills, and forests.

• Tips: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you’re traveling in a small car. Take some motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to nausea due to the winding roads.

2. By Bus

• State Transport Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) operates buses from Coimbatore to Munnar, which is a budget-friendly option.

• Private Buses: Several private bus operators also offer comfortable sleeper and semi-sleeper buses.

• Travel Time: Around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus.

• Tip: While it’s economical, the bus ride may not be the most comfortable, especially on hilly terrain.

3. By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva Railway Station (around 110 km from Munnar). Coimbatore is well-connected to Aluva via train.

• From Aluva to Munnar: You can take a taxi or a bus from Aluva to Munnar. The journey from Aluva to Munnar is scenic, but it takes an additional 3–4 hours.

4. By Flight

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 110 km from Munnar, is the closest airport to Munnar.

• From Cochin Airport to Munnar: You can take a taxi or a private car from the airport to Munnar. The road trip takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Where to Stay in Munnar

Munnar offers a range of accommodations, from budget stays to luxury resorts. Some of the best options are:

1. Tea County Munnar (KTDC)

   • A government-run hotel, offering great views and comfortable amenities.

2. The Panoramic Getaway

   • A luxury resort with stunning views of the tea estates and an infinity pool.

3. Windermere Estate

   • An eco-friendly boutique resort located amidst tea gardens with a cozy, rustic feel.

4. Club Mahindra Munnar

   • A family-friendly resort with excellent facilities, activities, and a great location.

5. Green Magic Resort

   • A nature resort nestled amidst the wilderness, perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers.

Top Places to Visit in Munnar

Munnar is known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and natural spots. Here are some must-visit places:

1. Tea Gardens and Tea Museum

• Tea Gardens: Munnar is famous for its tea plantations. You can visit Kolukkumalai, one of the highest tea estates, for stunning views.

• Tea Museum: Located near the Munnar town, the museum offers insight into the tea-making process.

2. Eravikulam National Park

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park offers trekking opportunities and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

3. Mattupetty Dam

• Located about 13 km from Munnar, this dam is popular for boating and picnics. You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the reservoir.

4. Attukal Waterfalls

• A beautiful waterfall located on the Munnar-North Munnar road. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.

5. Anamudi Peak

• The highest peak in South India, located inside Eravikulam National Park. It’s perfect for trekking and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

6. Kundala Lake

• A serene, picturesque lake ideal for pedal boating, surrounded by rolling hills and forests.

7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located about 60 km from Munnar, this sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna. You can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.

8. Tea Plantations at Kolukkumalai

• A visit to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (the highest tea estate in the world) offers sweeping views of the valley and a chance to learn about tea production.

9. Rose Garden

• The Rose Garden in Munnar offers an array of colorful flowers and plants. It’s an excellent place for a relaxed stroll.

10. Lakshmi Hills

• A viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the hills and valleys around Munnar. It’s a less crowded spot for nature lovers and peace seekers.

Activities to Enjoy in Munnar

• Trekking: Munnar offers a number of trekking trails like the Anamudi Peak Trek and Meesapulimala Trek.

• Boating: Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam or Kundala Lake.

• Wildlife Safari: Visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary or Eravikulam National Park for a wildlife safari experience.

• Spice Plantation Tour: Explore spice plantations in the surrounding areas and learn about the spices grown in Munnar.

Food and Dining in Munnar

Munnar offers a range of restaurants, from traditional Kerala cuisine to multi-cuisine options. Some great places to eat include:

• Saravana Bhavan (for traditional South Indian food)

• Rapsy Restaurant (known for its Kerala-style meals)

• Tea Gardens Restaurant (for a delightful tea and snacks experience)

• Sree Krishna Restaurant (for Kerala-style vegetarian food)

Shopping in Munnar

• Tea: Munnar is famous for its tea, so don’t forget to pick up some high-quality tea from local tea shops.

• Spices: You can buy aromatic spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon from spice plantations.

• Handicrafts: You can buy handmade wooden crafts, coir products, and other souvenirs from local markets.

Essential Tips for the Trip

• Pack Warm Clothes: Even during summer, the weather in Munnar can be cool, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Carry Motion Sickness Tablets: The winding roads can make some people feel queasy, so it’s good to be prepared.

• Book in Advance: Munnar can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons (winter months), so it’s always a good idea to book your accommodations in advance.

• Respect Local Environment: Munnar is a hill station, so it’s important to respect nature and keep the surroundings clean.

Conclusion

A trip from Coimbatore to Munnar is an enriching experience that offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or someone just looking to relax, Munnar has something to offer for everyone. With this guide, you’re all set to enjoy your journey to one of South India’s most beautiful hill stations!