Kochi to Munnar Road Trip : Perfect Weekend Getaway
Why travel from Kochi to Munnar?
India is land to many scenic destinations. One of the best road trips in India during monsoon is the stretch from Kochi to Munnar. As you wind up from this beach town to a picturesque hill station in South India spread with tea estates, this road trip offers the best views in India.
Although some journeys can be long, this road trip is definitely worth it because of vast stretches of beaches, waterfalls, and misty hills. With great weather, windows down and stereo at full volume, a road trip from Kochi to Munnar is nothing short of refreshing and breathtaking. Regardless of season, It would be a great time to drive all the way from the warmth of Kerala’s shores to the coolness of its hills.
Distance from Kochi to Munnar
The Kochi to Munnar road trip would be approximately 130 kilometres, covering the scenic views of the western ghats. The best route to travel from Kochi to Munnar by car is through NH 85 and NH 183. The route generally takes 3-4 hours on the best of days but if the weather in Kochi is a little iffy, it can take a maximum of 5 hours. The Kochi to Munnar route down south is among the smoothest and most frequented owing to the excellent condition and proper maintenance of road networks here.
Travelling from Kochi to Munnar by Car
Although there are many paid cab services, one of the best things to do in monsoons in Kerala is to travel through Kochi to Munnar by car. With the distance being short, consider stopping by the various sightseeing spots in Kochi and Munnar to make your journey special.
Accompanied by good weather, it provides the perfect opportunity to explore the food spots en route. As the journey could be beautiful and exhaustive at the same time, let’s make it easier for you and breakdown the journey –
– Head down from Kochi through NH 85, the shortest and fastest route to travel from Kochi to Munnar by car. The route goes through Angamaly, Kollenchy, Neriamangalam, Adimali and then to Munnar. This journey takes you through quaint villages with lush greenery, and offers a refreshing glimpse into Kerala.
– Another route to travel from Kochi to Munnar by car is NH 544. Despite being longer than the NH 85, this route is more scenic and beautiful. This route takes nearly 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach, and goes through Ernakulam, Pukkattupady, Kothamangalam, Adimali and then Munnar.
– Do note that both these routes converge at Adimali which lies on the NH 183. This part of the route is particularly scenic, with winding roads that ascend through the hills.
Best time to take a road trip from Kochi to Munnar by car
Kochi and Munnar have pleasant weather year round. After the first monsoon showers, the weather of Kochi and Munnar mellows down and provides a charming escape into the hilly terrains. However, it is good to take caution as it could be difficult to drive through the hills.
The best time to take a road trip from Kochi to Munnar by car is during the months of September to November. During these months, the weather is charming and provides you with a beautiful driving experience. What’s better than a lush green driveway, delightful mists of air and wafts of the tea estates of Munnar.
An off-season to visit Kochi to Munnar by car would be during the pre-summer months of February and April. The temperatures are lower compared to other hill stations in India and can be an ideal places to visit in the summers.
Places to eat on the route of Kochi to Munnar
Who doesn’t love a pit stop during a road trip? While pit stops are a good way to relax the vehicle, it’s also a great opportunity to try some lip-smacking food and cuisine of Kerala. Here’s a handy list of the best restaurants you can make a pitstop en route-
Malabar Village Restaurant, Muvattupuzha – Best for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, the place is known for its Biryani.
Rapsy Restaurant – Rapsy Restaurant is well-known for preparing traditional Kerala dishes like Puttu and Kadala Curry.
Swad Family Restaurant – This restaurant in Kolenchery offers mouth-watering Kerala cuisine and breakfast in a cozy, family-run local eatery.
Saravana Bhawan – Saravana Bhawan is famed for its delicious offering of Appam with Stew, a cherished combination in South Indian cuisine.
Post Office Road – This place offers the quintessential Idiyappam with egg curry which is one of Kerala’s most loved dishes.
While you’re making a pit stop on this road trip, make sure to click some amazing photographs! Check out this guide on capturing Munnar in its perfect form.
Other means of travelling from Kochi to Munnar
By Bus
A budget friendly option to travel from Kochi to Munnar is by bus. There are many state-run and private buses that frequently run on this route. These AC buses from Kochi to Munnar offer scenic views and let you get rid of the hassle of driving.
By Train
At the present moment, a direct train from Kochi to Munnar is not available. The closest railway station of Angamaly is situated nearly 120 kilometres away. It is advised to take a local private cab and travel to Munnar.
By Air
There are no direct flights available from Kochi to Munnar. However, if you want to reach Kochi, there is the Kochi airport. You can then hop on a private cab or bus to Munnar.
Attractions in Munnar for sightseeing
Mathikettan Shola National Park
Mathikettan Shola National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Munnar with unparalleled views and biodiversity. One of the best places to visit in Munnar for family, Mathikettan Shola National Park is home to many majestic elephants, Nilgiri tahr and many rare colourful birds that paint a beautiful picture. Although the park is open throughout the year, the best time to visit this wildlife park in Munnar is from September to April. The park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and charges only Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 500 for foreigners as an entry fee.
Erachilpara Waterfalls
This waterfall in Munnar offers a peaceful getaway for families and is a perfect start for resting after a Kochi to Munnar road trip. Although the waterfall is open throughout the year, it is advised not to visit it during the monsoon season. The best part? There are many cottages in Munnar near Erachilpara Waterfalls that make it extremely easy to visit sightseeing places in Munnar and also enjoy a beautiful stay.
Mattupetty Dam
This dam is known as one of the must-visit sightseeing places in Munnar due to its history and the tranquillity it offers. Framed by rolling hills featuring tea estates, Mattupetty Dam is a reservoir that is an ideal picnic spot in Munnar for families. The dam also hosts various watersports such as slow-pedal boating and high speed boat rides. The best time to visit Mattupetty Dam is during the months of September to March.
Tea Gardens
Any list of places to visit in Munnar is incomplete without the mention of its serene tea gardens. Right from the get go, Munnar wafts with the aroma of tea gardens. Enjoy a tour of the tea gardens and know the history & culture that has been steeped in Munnar’s history. Don’t forget to click some photographs in the tea estates and buy tea bags fresh from the estates. Some of the notable tea plantations in Munnar are Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Lockhart Tea Factory Munnar and Sevenmallay Tea Estate. These tea estates also arrange tours that can be enjoyed at a nominal cost.
Munnar Hiking Trails
Munnar is dotted with many hiking trails that make it the perfect place for hiking in India. Hiking in Munnar is a famous thing to do and the trails are loved by all. Chokramundi is a top trekking destination in Munnar that is divided into 4 parts and is a difficult trekking trail to conquer. Idukki is another popular trekking place in Munnar that is fairly easy and takes nearly 4 to 5 hours to complete. The most special of them all is Chummar that let’s you trek through tea plantations.
Popular places to eat in Munnar
Saravana Bhavan
This is part of the biggest chain of restaurants in India that was started in 1981 and is known for serving South Indian food. Enjoy a dosa, a plate of Idli or even medu vada and top it off with a cup of steaming hot filter coffee.
Cuisine – South India
Timings – 7:15 AM to 9:30 PM
DTPC Food Court
This restaurant in Munnar is located near the DTPC kids park. Perfect for a day out with kids, the place has many food outlets serving a variety of cuisines. There are many options such as fried chicken, north Indian and fast food.
Cuisine – Fast Food
Timings – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Copper Castle
Part of the Copper Castle resort, this popular restaurant in Munnar is known for serving amazing food along with a beautiful view. Decked upon a hill, this is one of the oldest establishments in Munnar and serves continental food.
Cuisine – Continental and North India
Timings – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Sree Mahaveer Bhojanalaya
Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, Sree Mahaveer Bhojanalaya is the perfect restaurant in Munnar for those who are craving North Indian food. Home-style preparation with a tinge of their own, the Thalis at Sree Mahaveer Bhojanalaya are quite renowned.
Cuisine – North India
Timings – 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Taste the Brews
A quaint travel cafe, Taste the Brews offers around 20 varieties of local tea to choose from. Known for its breakfast, it provides omlettes, sandwiches, salads and juices. This is the perfect place incase you want to enjoy the chill vibes and savour some food.
Cuisine – Breakfast
Top Villas in Munnar
Presenting an old world charm like never before, Catherine Cottage is placed gracefully in the mountains of Munnar. Adorned with a wooden facade, this cottage in Munnar features a plethora of lounging spaces with heater, board games, and BBQ. Enjoy with your furry friends as this is a pet-friendly villa in Munnar.
Located near the Bison Valley in Munnar, this is the perfect villa in Munnar for large groups. Featuring 5 spacious bedrooms painted in minimal white hues, Spice Notes highlights the importance of spending quality time with your loved ones. Don’t miss out on the views of the bison from the balconies!
Paired in a location with a breathtaking view, Paradise Valley is a charming escape in Munnar. The moment you step foot into this tranquil, you will realise that life at this breezy villa revolves around the surreal weather. Enjoy hearty barbeques, alfresco meals and amazing views from the terrace at Paradise Valley.
Surrounded by a lush rainforest with an endless view of the tea estates on another side, Talerock Inn is the finest nature’s getaway in Munnar. The villa’s central location paired with stunning views from the viewing deck alone makes it one of the best villas in Munnar. Each room is a sanctuary of its own and is perfect for families.
We’ve covered some of the best villas and cottages in Munnar. In case you want to look for more options, check out StayVista’s collections of villas in Munnar.
Conclusion
Although the road trip might go on, it’s time to press the breaks on this blog. With this blog, we’ve covered everything, from travel to stay to food and places you can visit in Munnar. So, pack your bags and press the accelerator to an amazing road trip from Kochi to Munnar.
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