Bangalore to Munnar – A Detailed Travel Guide

The best route from Bangalore to Munnar is:

Bangalore-Hosur-Salem-Perundurai-Dharapuram-Udumalaipettai-Marayoor-Munnar

Your driving time will be approximately 9 hours to cover the distance from Silk Board Stop, Bangalore. Most of the road is fairly smooth and easy but you will have to be extra careful about the ghat section between Udumalaipettai and Marayoor. The last section between Marayoor and Munnar too comes as a narrow road and for the 42 kilometers that you drive; you will be going at economic speed.

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If one has her/his own vehicle, then the movement from Bangalore to Munnar can be done very easily and swiftly. There is a good connectivity of roads. Good roads, flyovers, bridges and national highways together build a good network. It is around 480 kilometers from a car.

It will take around 9 hours to reach Munnar if one begins at night. The journey will go via Raja Rammohan Roy Road and Langford Road, and then it will be followed by NH 48 and NH 44. Finally, after turning left onto NH 83, one will reach to Udumalpet from where it is less than 2-hour journey. Make the most of your romantic break by exploring the best road trips around Bangalore.

The journey will, however, take a lot of petrol as it is more than 450 kilometer journey. Cars will take around 25 liters of petrol. This will take about 1800 rupees. But own vehicles give own wings, one can stop, pause or haul the journey wherever they wish. There are also taxi services available and there are also some companies that offer their four wheelers for rent. So there are lots of options to explore talking about the road journey from Bangalore to Munnar.

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All of the means to travel from Bangalore to Munnar lacks one thing. That thing is time. All of them charge much and take too much of the time. People who want to discover all the places, but are not able to do so due to time feel guilt. That is why there is an air route. One can travel from Bangalore (BLR) to Kochi (COK) by air and then can travel the remaining distance by road with a taxi or whatever feels suitable. The flights save time immensely. In the land transport, it was mandatory to spend at least ten to twelve hours during travel. But it is good to be noted that the airplanes have dynamic pricing.

So it is considered good to book a ticket at least a month before. If the ticket is done a month before, it will take around 1,200 rupees to four thousand rupees. The interesting fact is that air saves a lot of time. A normal flight takes up two seventy minutes to reach Kochi (COK) from Bangalore (BLR).

So there are lots and lots of options available in terms of transportation from Bangalore to Munnar.

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Munnar is blessed with various kinds of tea estates. It actually boasts of a few of the choicest tea estates available in the region. One such tea estate that is often visited by tourists is the Tata Tea plantation. This tea plantation is near the famous dam and the Kundala Lake. Thanks to its location advantage many tourists come here to bask in the serenity of the tea estate. Increase in footfall of tourists has prompted them to open a Tea Museum in this area. This museum is a unique one which houses various photographs, tea making machines and other knick knacks pertaining to tea. 

This museum is a befitting tribute to all the hard work and endless hours that the workers undergo in a tea plantation.  The museum displays both old methods as well as new age technology that is used to process tea. A few of the must see artifacts at this museum are – an original tea roller dating back to 1905, a rare Pelton wheel used in the 1920’s and a rail engine belonging to the light railway era. This museum is a unique experience for all tourists. It is open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and closed on Mondays.

When in Munnar, you must visit the Kundala Lake. This is a breathtakingly beautiful lake which is located at a distance of about 20 km from Munnar. This lake is on the way to Top Station, making it easier for the tourists to travel. It is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level.  This place is known to be filled with cherry blossoms. If you are lucky you can witness the cherry blossoms that happen twice a year. This place is also known for flaunting the rare NeelaKurinji flowers that are known to bloom once in 12 years. These flowers are generally spotted around the Kundala Lake.

There is an artificial dam near the lake that is also a tourist attraction. It is a one of a kind dam with an arched structure. This lake is known amongst tourists for the boat rides it offers. One can pick from a plethora of options like pedal boats, shikaras, row boats and speed boats. These boats start available for a 15 minute ride and the charges from INR 300 for a group. The surrounding of the lake is equally picturesque. There is a golf course nearby and the famous tea garden of Tata tea.             

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Mattupetty Dam is a breathtaking tourist destination in Munnar. This dam is well connected from various parts of Munnar. It is located on the way to the Top station that means that many tourists can club it along with visit to the top station. The dam is around 13 kms from Munnar. It is surrounded by hills and very near to the Anamudi hill range. This place is known for the lush green valleys and the awesome climate. The main attraction of this tourist destination is the dam here and the lake where people are allowed to do with boating.

The water in the lake looks surreal as it reflects the surrounding tea garden, making it look breathtakingly beautiful.  The place also offers a variety of options for sports lovers like boating and watersports options. Thanks to the Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki there are various kinds of watersports available. Also, if you are into trekking, then you can go for a trek to Shola Forest. The entry fee is INR 10 for entry, INR 500 for a speedboat ride for 15 minutes and INR 300 for an ordinary boat ride for 15 minutes.  The best time to visit this place is during the evening.

Once in Munnar, you have to visit the Eravikulam National Park. This is the first wildlife national park in Kerala. This is the place where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr is found. Spread across an area of 97 sq km.  This park has the maximum number of Nilgiri Thar and hence this national park has been declared as a protected area.

Apart from the famous Thar, this place is also known to have various kinds of rare animals, birds and butterflies. It is the home of 26 different kinds of mammals, 133 species of birds, 85 kinds of butterflies and 22 kinds of amphibians. Apart from the various kinds of animals, it also gives the tourists a breathtaking view of the tea plantation around it. During season the park is a must visit place as its slopes covered with the Neelakurinji flower makes it look blue in color. These flowers are rare and found in only the Western Ghats and are known to bloom once in 12 years.

The park remains open from end of March/ April to February each year. It is only closed for 2 months in a year. The timings are 7.30 am to 3.30 pm. The entry fee starts from INR 190 per adult.

Yet another enticing landscape in the heart of the Munnar country, the Echo Point is popularly known for its natural resonance. You can speak your heart out and listen to yourself! It’s amazing to hear your voice reverberating throughout the valley and coming back at you. Consequently, every chirp an tweet made by the birds here makes the valley a very musical place to spend hours. If you are keen on romancing with the music of nature, this is it! It not just the sonic phenomenon that makes the Echo Point so popular among all kinds of tourists.

The natural scenery here too is breathtaking. The beautiful river flowing through the lush green valley and the surrounding mountains is a sight to behold in Munnar and you can choose to get lost here any day! To add to the charm are the terraces tea and coffee plantations in the background. The Echo Point is a must visit place in Munnar for tourists, trekkers, lovers, friends, photographers and adventure lovers. It will arguably be advisable that you take your time here and breathe in the beauty of the space after having screamed your heart out or sent your love messages to the valley!

The trek to Anamudi peak is something that you seriously cannot miss out on when traveling across Munnar. A part of the Eravikulam National Park, the Anamudi rises to a height of more than 9000 ft and is the highest mountain summit for all of Western Ghats, as consequently for the whole of South India. It’s no wonder that the Anamudi Peak is called the “Himalaya of the South” and if you are an outdoor lover, you surely wouldn’t miss out the chance to conquer this summit. This trek in Munnar is one of a kind and takes your through the most gorgeous terrains you would come across in the Western Ghats.

The gorgeous scenic beauty and the abundance of wildlife are sure to leave you awestruck. Amidst the sprawling vistas of untouched nature are the lust tea and coffee plantations. Further, you would be crossing three very beautiful rivers – the Periyar, the Thamirabarani and the Vaigai. It’s nature at its full force – gorging waterfalls, a rhythmic symphony of singing birds, an aroma of spices and the fortunate sighting or the Nilgiri Tahr and the Asian Wild Elephant. Everything is so majestic about this trek. The trek will however require you to take a permit from the park authorities, which is fairly easy to get. It will also be advisable that you go in a group and traveling alone in this huge secluded landscape comes with its own risk.

Munnar is the land of the tea gardens and no place is more representative of this title than the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. Just 38 kilometers from Munnar city the picturesque Tea Estate is situated at an elevation of more than 8000 ft and is deemed to be the highest tea plantation in the world. The rolling green hills covered in a veil of mist are scenery that you will not forget for the rest of your life. Needless to say, you should be getting yourself a cup of tea and sit for a couple of hours in solitude. The breeze and the calmness will have left your rejuvenated.

The tea produced here is more than a hundred year old and more interestingly, the production is still done in the traditional process, ensuring that you get the best of flavors. It will be a great idea to spend an evening here and watch the sun go down across the sprawling hills. The sight is nothing short of a spectacle. At one point of time you will not be photographing anymore but just fall in love and look far and deep into the horizon and wish it were the same for the rest of your life!

Just a short distance from Chinnar, the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests is another spectacular outdoor opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. The mystical veil of the fragrant sandalwood trees and with many waterfalls breaking the essence, it’s a hypnotic place to be in. 

Another exciting thing about the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests is the legendary Treasure of Dolmens, the stories of which date back to the Stone Age between the 3000 BC and 1400 BC. The enigmatic stones are huge structures that have acted as the burial grounds for the ancient dead and needless to say, they make a fantastic reason to get awed to! 

The place has attracted both photographers and historians for more than decades now. The luxuriant flora all over just adds to the beauty and magic of the place.

Another interesting place inside the Marayoor Sandalwood Forests is the Ezhuthu Guha, an ancient cave that preserves rock painting from the bygone era. The paintings belong to the Neolithic Age and depict human and animal figures and the visit will surely leave your inspired by the artwork that was prominent such a long time ago. In total, there are 90 such motifs to see here. 

Though just a short distance from Munnar, there’s so much to see in the Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, that a day wouldn’t be quite enough. It will be recommended that you also plan you stay nearby to complete your experience.

Smoky white mist from all around and a vast expanse of green and blue forest – the Attukad Waterfalls defines the epitome of scenic beauty. It amounts to say that the waterfalls becomes a must see attraction when you are in Munnar. If you are a lover or a solace seeker, let the sound of the nature overpower your senses and put you in a hypnotic sleep that you will remember and crave for the rest of your life. It’s serene, tranquil and everything that can define your holiday in Munnar.

There’s just a lone tea shop, rather shack that is established by the waterfalls, and apart from selling hot cup of brews, it also makes for the postcard perfect pictures. Grab a cardamom tea and sit by a rock to feel the aromatic flavors take over you on the inside while the panorama of cascading beauty around leaves you spellbound. This is also the perfect place if you are keen on some birding. The falls attract many unique species of animals and birds and you will even find some very amazing wild flowers growing all across. A trek along the slopes of the falls is something that will unfold the true sense of adventure.

25 kilometers from Munnar, the Lakkom Waterfalls will be on your road to Udumalaipettai, along the NH 17. A park of the Eravikulam National Park, the Lakkom Waterfalls has been a favorite hideout for all kinds of tourists visiting Munnar. The waterfalls is an important tributary of the Pambar River and you can enjoy some quality time here doing swimming, photography or just sitting in appreciation of the beauty of nature. The water falls from a considerable height and piercing lush greenery. All of it comes together to form a very lovely sight to behold.

The Lakkom Waterfalls invites tourists and outdoor enthusiasts all round the year. There is also a good population of foreign visitors to this place. If you have been looking for a quick escape, the Lakkom Waterfalls is an ideal escape. While not quite recommended, the monsoons are perhaps the best time to see the beauty of the falls when it is in its full force. It will take a drive of just about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the falls. Further, it will not be a very long trip to the place. Just include it on your way to Munnar, or on your way back.

Just 1 kilometer from the NH 49, the Aranyaka Resort comprises of four cottages that serve very high on aesthetics. Located close to the Attukad Waterfalls, it’s a place to fall in love with and consequently, a perfect pick if you are traveling with your partner or are on a honeymoon. The exact location of the Aranyaka Resort is the Pallivasal Tea Estate and it is famous for travelers looking to take part in bird watching, nature walks, sort treks, romantic bonfires or just spend some quality time with their partners.

Apart from the great ambiance, you also get to be a part of the regular sauna sessions and private Hatha yoga sessions. When here, do take a stroll through the tea plantation to the nearest point of the waterfalls. It will be a private trek and completely safe – making it highly recommended for people in love.

The Aranyaka Resorts also serve high quality authentic food on requests and the prices are slightly on the higher range. A night’s stay will cost you about INR 5000, depending on the season. However, it is totally worth it.

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Set right in the hills, it’s probably the best resort in Munnar if you are on your honeymoon or are looking for some privacy with your partner. Country style cottages in the wilderness and space quite far from each other, you have all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. 

Perched on bamboo poles, the entry to your cottage is through a bamboo bridge that overlooks the wilderness below. Deemed as one of the most luxurious and unique option for stay in Munnar, the Windermere Estate allows you to lose yourself to nature and love. 

The beautiful cottage also includes a balcony that you can put a chair in and just stare into the nature around. So take a stroll in the cardamom gardens surrounding your cottage and fall in love once again with your partner.

The Estate also houses a cozy restaurant called the Barn and the Hut. The tickets to the cottage should however be got from their office in the Munnar town. The best room here is the Planter’s Villa and you might require paying a little extra for the view. The price of the cottages is between INR 8000 and INR 15000, depending on the season.

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Another amazing honeymoon resorts, Camelot is comparatively more pocket friendly than the above two. However, the natural opportunities here are pretty same! With well furnished rooms and modern facilities, it will be a great experience for anyone at Camelot. The resort includes 12 completely furnished rooms that are well spaced in a large stretch. The scene around is idyllic and the highlight is the simplicity of the nature around. Grass and flowers beds for lawns and a mountainous vista in the backdrop is enough to make your trip memorable. Camelot Resorts is located at the top of a sprawling tea estate and the solitude will immediately reverberates the charm you would expect out of a hill station.

Another highlight of the Camelot Resort is the food that they serve. Purely authentic meals, the food is prepared from the produce of their private organic farms. You have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of cuisines at the Camelot. The best room with the best view is perhaps the Humming Bird, followed by SunBird. The resort also has a travel desk that can help you with any plans you are keen to arrange during your stay at Munnar.

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Famous for its twist to cuisines, Raspy is one of the oldest and possibly the best place to order your food in town. An omelet at Raspy is mandatory and you can also try out among their other famous cuisines including Mexican Salsa, Beef Fry, Kerala Biryani and Shakshuka – and all of it with the infamous tinge of Raspy spices!

The restaurant is pretty small for its popularity and the best thing is that the food is quite affordable here. Be it for a quick bite or a lavish dinner, Raspy should be a great pick. It will be helpful if you can get a reservation in advance.

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The things you should be carrying to Munnar will thoroughly depend on the kind of travel you are looking to make. If you are driving your own vehicle, the requirements would differ than if you were looking to take public transport. Similarly, the place you choose to stay will affect a lot on the things you will need to carry along.

Overall, here are some things that you must be throwing into your backpack:

1. Light jackets / sweater depending on the month you are traveling. If you are visiting Yercaud during the winters (between November and February, make sure you have carried warm clothing)

2. If possible, carry a binocular – there are many amazing birds that you want to get a closer look at.

3. Camping in Munnar requires various equipment if you are looking to pitch your tent outside and sleep under the stars.

4. Raincoats, if you are traveling during the monsoons. The rains in the hill station can always take you by surprise. Wayanad is best enjoyed after the monsoons but if you want the waterfalls to be the highlight of the trip, be ready to get wet.

5. Good pair of trekking boots, as you cannot miss out on the opportunity

6. Preventive medicines

7. Flashlights and mosquito repellants, if you are in the habit of exploring in the dark. There are a lot of mosquitoes in the forests.

8. Camera – you won’t forget it of course!

1. Start late Friday evening such that you reach one of the several sops by morning. This trip is all about enjoying the journey and not the destination. Don’t miss out on opportunities or hurry!

2. Research for the best Bangalore to Munnar package to have a comfortable and hassle free holiday.

3. Be ready to rent cabs if you are not driving your own vehicle. The distances between popular spots are quite huge.

4. It is best to move around Munnar on foot or perhaps a bicycle. You can rent one from your place of stay.

5. Start early, wherever you plan to go, as the evening dawns pretty fast in Munnar.

6. Be careful when driving the car around the ghats – the hairpin bends can be fatal and have caused accidents in the past.

7. Trek only if you are with a lively group of friends. Otherwise, the offerings might easily bore you.

8. Book a nice hotel as food and stay will be the highlight of your trip. Sipping coffee with a view is the best things in Munnary.

9. Meet and talk to the locals if you have an interest in history.

10. Be ready for a lot of trekking.

11. Take extra clothes as you cannot miss taking a dip in the waterfall pools that have assimilated everywhere.

Lastly, enjoy your stay at Munnar. Have fun and be ready for Bangalore again! You will certainly look forward to going back.

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