How to Get to Munnar. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Nearest Airports

Munnar has no airport. Nearby are Cochin International Airport (COK) and Madurai Airport (IXM).

Airport Distances

Cochin International Airport (COK): 68-75 miles (110-120 km), 3-4 hour drive.
Madurai Airport (IXM): 99-105 miles (160-170 km), 4-5 hour drive.
COK: Main international gateway to Munnar.

Airlines & Routes

COK connects to global hubs via major airlines. IXM mostly domestic flights.

Flight Details

International: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines to COK.
Domestic: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India to COK & IXM.
Direct Flights: From Middle East, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo to COK.

Booking Flights

Prices higher during peak season (Oct-Mar), Indian festivals, international holidays. Book ahead of time for lower prices. Find flight deals.

Airport Amenities COK

Free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental desks. Check flights on Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers

Taxis/private cars most convenient (₹3,000-₹4,000 from COK). Pre-paid taxi counters at airport.

Airport Transfer Bus

Bus Option

From COK, take a local bus to Angamaly or Aluva (nearby railway stations).
Then, connect to a direct KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus to Munnar.
This option is significantly cheaper, costing ₹150-₹250.
It takes longer, around five to six hours or more, and involves transfers.

Considerations

Less convenient if you carry much luggage.
Not recommended for late-night arrivals.
Tickets purchased on board or at bus stations.
A true local experience for budget-conscious travelers.

Airport Facilities & Services

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi available throughout Cochin International Airport (COK) terminals.

Financial Services

Currency exchange counters and ATMs readily present for financial needs.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, various restaurants, plus lounges exist for travelers' comfort.

Land Travel

Rail Connections

Munnar no railway station. Nearest major stations: Aluva (AWY) and Ernakulam (ERS/ERN) in Kochi.

Railway Hubs

Aluva (AWY): ~68 miles (110 km) from Munnar.
Ernakulam (ERS/ERN): ~78-81 miles (125-130 km) from Munnar.
Connect to major Indian cities. Hire taxi or bus to Munnar from here.

Bus Travel

KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) runs regular government coaches to Munnar.

Bus Routes

From major cities in Kerala: Kochi, Ernakulam, Aluva, Thrissur, and Kottayam.
From neighboring Tamil Nadu: Madurai and Coimbatore.
Fares are economical. Private operators offer more comfortable AC options.

Self-Drive Considerations

Self-drive rentals mainly from Kochi, not typically in Munnar. An International Driving Permit (IDP) needed with the house license.

Driving Tips

IDP needed. Indian road conditions can be chaotic.
Roads winding, hilly, and narrow with sharp turns.
Hiring a private car with local driver highly recommended for safety.

Car Rental Options

Consider renting a car for flexibility, especially from major cities like Kochi. Local agencies are common.

Booking Your Ride

Major international companies have limited presence.
Best to book from a larger city if you prefer self-drive.
Reserve through reliable platforms: DiscoverCars.com.

Road Safety Notes

NH85 from Kochi to Munnar generally well-maintained.
The ascent into the hills features numerous hairpin bends.
Stay cautious of aggressive driving, oncoming traffic, and municipal buses.

Indian road conditions often chaotic with unpredictable traffic.
During monsoon, roads can be slippery or prone to minor landslides.
For most tourists, hiring a private car with a local driver is highly recommended.

Sea & River Arrivals

Kochi Port Access

Kochi has a major port for cruise ships and ferries. Onward travel to Munnar occurs by land.

Port Information

Standard Indian immigration procedures apply at seaports.
No direct water transport connects to Munnar for long-distance travel.
Munnar is an inland hill station.

River Transport

Munnar's inland location means no options for travel on the river connect directly for travel.

Local Boating

Boating is available on lakes like Mattupetty and Kundala as a recreational activity.
Not a means of transit between locations.

Cruise Arrivals

Not a direct route to Munnar.

Ferry Connections

No ferries connect directly to Munnar.

River Routes

Munnar is not reachable by river.

Departure Details

Exit Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged separately on departing from India; these usually include in your airline ticket.

Departure Timing

Arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK) 2-3 hours before international flights.
1.5-2 hours before domestic flights for check-in and security.
Account for 3-4 hours travel time from Munnar to the airport.

Airport Facilities

Airport and station facilities for departing visitors are similar to those on arrival.

Amenities

Check-in counters, baggage drop, security checks.
Immigration for international departures, duty-free shops.
Restaurants plus lounges for comfort.

Planning for Departure

Travel Time

Plan to leave Munnar at least six to seven hours before your flight departure.

Traffic Delays

This time cushion accommodates potential traffic delays on the roads to the airport.

Pre-booking Transport

Pre-book your taxi or private transfer for a stress-free journey to the airport.

Departure Readiness

Allocate enough time for your trip from Munnar to the airport. This ensures a relaxed departure experience.

How to Get to Munnar