How to Reach Munnar from Bangalore: A Complete Travel Guide

YesCabs ,

• March, 03 2025

Munnar, the picturesque hill station in Kerala, is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners. If you’re in Bangalore and planning a trip to Munnar, you’re in for an exciting journey filled with scenic landscapes, winding roads, and breathtaking views. Whether you prefer a comfortable taxi ride, a self-drive adventure, or a budget-friendly public transport option, this guide will help you choose the best way to reach Munnar from Bangalore.

Distance and Travel Options

Bangalore to Munnar is approximately 520 km, and the journey takes around 9 to 11 hours, depending on your mode of travel and route. There are multiple ways to reach Munnar:

By Road: The most flexible and scenic option.

By Train: A combination of train and road travel.

By Air: The fastest option, but requires additional travel from the airport.

Let’s explore each option in detail!

Road Trip from Bangalore to Munnar

A road trip is the best way to enjoy the journey at your own pace. You can either book a taxi, rent a self-drive car, or drive your own vehicle.

A. Taxi Booking in Bangalore

If you prefer a stress-free journey, taxi booking in Bangalore is a great choice. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats. YesCabs offers reliable and comfortable taxi services for outstation trips. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and tempo travelers for group travel.

Why Choose a Taxi?

• Comfortable and hassle-free journey: Sit back and relax while a professional driver handles the road, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views without stress.

• Experienced drivers who know the best routes: Local drivers are familiar with the best and safest routes, helping you avoid traffic congestion and roadblocks.

• No worries about fuel, parking, or tolls: With a taxi service, all expenses like fuel, tolls, and parking are taken care of, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip.

• Ideal for family trips and group travel: Taxis offer spacious options like SUVs and tempo travelers, ensuring a comfortable ride for families and large groups.

• 24/7 availability and doorstep pickup: Book a taxi at any time, and get picked up right from your doorstep without the hassle of reaching a pickup point.

B. Rent a Self-Drive Car

For those who love road trips and adventure, rent a self-drive car as it is a fantastic option. You get the freedom to explore, stop at scenic spots, and take detours as you wish. Many car rental services in Bangalore offer self-drive options, from hatchbacks to luxury SUVs.

Advantages of Self-Drive Cars:

• Complete freedom to plan your itinerary: You can create your own travel schedule, stop whenever you want, and explore offbeat destinations along the way.

• Enjoy the thrill of driving through the beautiful landscapes: Driving through the winding roads of the Western Ghats adds excitement and adventure to your journey.

• Privacy and flexibility: Travel at your own pace without worrying about a driver, and make impromptu stops to capture scenic views or explore hidden gems.

• Choose from a wide range of vehicles: Car rental services offer various options, from budget-friendly hatchbacks to luxurious SUVs, based on your comfort and budget.

• Perfect for road trip enthusiasts: If you love long drives, a self-drive car allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of driving through nature.

Recommended Routes:

There are three main routes from Bangalore to Munnar:

Bangalore – Salem – Udumalpet – Munnar: This is the fastest route via NH 44 and NH 83.

Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty – Munnar: Perfect for those who want to explore Ooty on the way.

Bangalore – Coimbatore – Pollachi – Munnar: Offers a mix of highways and scenic countryside roads.

Train Journey to Munnar

Munnar doesn’t have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Aluva (110 km) or Ernakulam (130 km). From there, you need to take a taxi or bus to reach Munnar.

Steps to Travel by Train:

• Book a train from Bangalore to Aluva or Ernakulam.

• Hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to Munnar.

Pros of Train Travel:

• Budget-friendly option.

• Comfortable overnight journey.

• A good choice for solo travelers and backpackers.

Flight Travel to Munnar

The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (110 km).

Steps to Travel by Air:

• Book a flight from Bangalore to Cochin.

• Take a taxi or a bus from Cochin Airport to Munnar.

Pros of Air Travel:

• Fastest way to reach Munnar.

• Ideal for business travelers or those with limited time.

Where to Stay in Bangalore Before Your Trip

If you’re coming from another city and need a place to stay in Bangalore before heading to Munnar, you can find plenty of hotels in Bangalore that offer comfort and convenience. Whether you need a budget stay or a luxury hotel, Bangalore has great accommodation options near the airport, railway station, and major bus terminals.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

Munnar is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon season (June to September) makes the landscape lush and green, but heavy rains can affect travel plans.

Things to Do in Munnar

Once you reach Munnar, here are some must-visit attractions:

1. Tea Gardens & Tea Museum – Experience the beauty of endless tea plantations.

2. Eravikulam National Park – Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

3. Mattupetty Dam & Kundala Lake – Enjoy boat rides and scenic views.

4. Top Station – Get breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.

5. Attukal & Lakkam Waterfalls – Perfect for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Reaching Munnar from Bangalore is an exciting journey, whether you drive, take a train, or fly. If you want a hassle-free and comfortable ride, YesCabs provides reliable taxi booking in Bangalore for outstation travel. For adventure lovers, renting a self-drive car adds more thrill to the trip.