Major city · India
Munnarമൂന്നാർ
Give Munnar 2 nights, 3 if you want Eravikulam and Top Station: it is a cool 1,600 m tea-hill base, not a one-day stop.
Munnar is a Kerala hill station at 1,600 m, built on tea estates and reached by a slow, bendy 3.5–4 h road from Kochi or Aluva. The town itself is small; the sights — Eravikulam, Mattupetty, Top Station, the tea museum — sit 10–40 km out along two roads, so you need a vehicle and two clear days. It is a honeymoon and family destination first, a trekking base second.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Jun–Aug (heavy monsoon), and the Eravikulam closure around Feb–Mar
- Airports
- COK · IXM
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Munnar112 ▾
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)112
- Tourist police, Kerala1800-425-4747
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Munnar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyMunnar is a safe, small hill town; the real risks are the winding ghat road, leeches and slippery trails in the monsoon…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 1800-425-4747 tourist police, kerala (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCOK Cochin International (Nedumbassery) (About 125 km (78 mi) by road, 3.5–4 h; taxis at the terminal.).COK Cochin International (Nedumbassery) (About 78 mi (125 km) by road, 3.5–4 h; taxis at the terminal.).
- Getting aroundKSRTC and private buses run to Mattupetty and Top Station but are slow and infrequent…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Metro or bus rideKSRTC bus Kochi–MunnarAbout 4 h.₹170–220 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketKDHP Tea Museum entryClosed Mondays.₹125 (≈ US$2) adults, ₹40 (≈ under US$1) children
- Budget bedHostel or guest-house bed, a night, per person₹600 (≈ US$7)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹4,000 (≈ US$50) · High ₹9,000 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- COK Cochin International (Nedumbassery) (About 125 km (78 mi) by road, 3.5–4 h; taxis at the terminal.) · IXM Madurai (About 175 km (109 mi) via NH 49; the scenic Theni–Bodimettu approach.)COK Cochin International (Nedumbassery) (About 78 mi (125 km) by road, 3.5–4 h; taxis at the terminal.) · IXM Madurai (About 109 mi (175 km) via NH 49; the scenic Theni–Bodimettu approach.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Feb
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Oct–Jan. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Munnar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
16 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
18 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
15 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
KSRTC and private buses run to Mattupetty and Top Station but are slow and infrequent; auto-rickshaws (called tuk-tuk here) quote a high fixed price to tourists — the metered norm is about ₹30 for the first km and ₹15 after, so agree the fare first. Shared autos serve the less-busy routes. A hired car with driver for a full day is the practical way to link Eravikulam, Mattupetty and Top Station. Bikes can be rented in Old Munnar with a valid motorcycle licence.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Top Station
goDoor to door: 2–3 h each way with stops
Bus from Munnar about 1 h, or a jeep for about ₹400 (≈ US$5)
37 km (23 mi) on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border; clearest Western Ghats views in the early morning.23 mi (37 km) on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border; clearest Western Ghats views in the early morning.
Thekkady
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Road via Poopara, about 106 km (66 mi)Road via Poopara, about 66 mi (106 km)
Periyar wildlife and a boat lake; too far for a return day.
Kumily
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h
Same road as Thekkady, about 100 km (62 mi)Same road as Thekkady, about 62 mi (100 km)
The town beside Periyar; pair it with Thekkady, not with a Munnar day.
Kuttikkanam
cautionDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Road towards Peermade, about 80 km (50 mi)Road towards Peermade, about 50 mi (80 km)
A hill stop on the Thekkady road; only worth it if you are already driving that way.
Peermade
cautionDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Road via Vandiperiyar, about 75 km (47 mi)Road via Vandiperiyar, about 47 mi (75 km)
Tea and spice country on the way down to Thekkady.
Thodupuzha
skipDoor to door: 2 h
Road via Adimali, about 60 km (37 mi)Road via Adimali, about 37 mi (60 km)
A lowland market town; nothing here justifies the drive from Munnar.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Munnar town (Main Bazaar)
Bus stand, guest houses, shops and restaurants on foot; best if you arrive by bus and have no car.
Old Munnar
1–2 km (0.6–1.2 mi) north-west of the bus stand; quieter, walkable to the tea museum road.0.6–1.2 mi (1–2 km) north-west of the bus stand; quieter, walkable to the tea museum road.
Chithirapuram and Anachal
About 10 km (6.2 mi) down the Kochi road; resort-style stays with valley views, but you need a car for everything.About 6.2 mi (10 km) down the Kochi road; resort-style stays with valley views, but you need a car for everything.
Mattupetty road
Resorts 8–15 km (5–9.3 mi) out towards the dam; closest to the lake sights, farthest from town meals.Resorts 5–9.3 mi (8–15 km) out towards the dam; closest to the lake sights, farthest from town meals.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–2,800 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,800–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × ₹3,500 | ₹7,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹4,000 | ₹16,000 |
| Car with driver, full day1 × ₹2,500 · check | ₹2,500 |
| Eravikulam entry, foreign visitor2 × ₹400 · check | ₹800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,790 |
| Trip total≈ ₹7,670 per person per day, bed included | ₹30,690≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| KSRTC bus Kochi–MunnarAbout 4 h. | ₹170–220 (≈ US$2–3) |
| KSRTC bus Aluva–Munnar3–3.5 h downhill; buses stop briefly at Aluva with no fixed bay. | about ₹160 (≈ US$2) |
| Auto-rickshawTourist routes are quoted as a flat price — agree before boarding. | ₹30 (≈ under US$1) first km, ₹15 (≈ under US$1) each km after |
| KDHP Tea Museum entryClosed Mondays. | ₹125 (≈ US$2) adults, ₹40 (≈ under US$1) children |
| Eravikulam entryCamera ₹40. | ₹400 (≈ US$5) foreign visitor, ₹120 (≈ US$2) Indian |
| Mattupetty speed boat15 min, up to 5 people. | about ₹300 (≈ US$4) for the boat |
| Meal in a town restaurant | ₹150–400 (≈ US$2–5) |
| Bike rental, per dayValid motorcycle licence required. | about ₹500 (≈ US$6) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Kochi–Munnar road is narrow and blind in places with fast trucks and buses: hire a local driver rather than self-drive at night.
- Eravikulam National Park closes for about a month around Feb–Mar for the Nilgiri tahr breeding season — check before you build a day around it.
- At Eravikulam, arrive before 08:30 or the ticket queue can cost you 2 hours; the whole visit can take 4–5 h.At Eravikulam, arrive before 8:30 AM or the ticket queue can cost you 2 hours; the whole visit can take 4–5 h.
- Munnar is at 1,600 m: nights drop to 12–16 °C (54–61 °F) and colder in winter, so pack a warm layer even in a Kerala summer.Munnar is at 1,600 m: nights drop to 54–61 °F (12–16 °C) and colder in winter, so pack a warm layer even in a Kerala summer.
- Carry a rain coat from April to November; showers arrive fast on the hills.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist police, Kerala
- 1800-425-4747
Pocket card
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Munnarമൂന്നാർ
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
ഈ വിലാസത്തിൽ കൊണ്ടുപോകൂTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Tourist police, Kerala1800-425-4747
Embassy
No embassies in Munnar; the nearest consulates are in Kochi and Chennai, embassies in New Delhi. US consulate general: Chennai.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kochi → Munnar, KSRTC bus: ₹170–220 (≈ US$2–3), about 4 h
- Aluva → Munnar, KSRTC bus: about ₹160 (≈ US$2), 3–3.5 h
- Auto-rickshaw in town: ₹30 (≈ under US$1) first km, ₹15 (≈ under US$1) after
Say or show
- നന്ദി — Thank you (nandi)
- എത്ര രൂപ? — How much is it? (ethra roopa?)
- ഇവിടെ നിർത്തൂ — Please stop here (ivide nirthoo)
- ബസ് സ്റ്റാൻഡ് എവിടെ? — Where is the bus stand? (bus stand evide?)
- വേണ്ട — I don't want it (venda)
- ദൂരെയാണോ? — Is it far? (dooreyaano?)
Most buses carry boards in Malayalam only — ask the conductor before boarding.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Munnar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Jun–Aug (heavy monsoon), and the Eravikulam closure around Feb–Mar · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialKerala Tourism — Munnar
- officialEravikulam National Park
- officialKSRTC (Kerala) online booking
- officialCochin International Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Munnar, revision 5315712 (CC BY-SA 4.0)