Kannur is a coastal city in northern Kerala, known for its rich culture and beautiful beaches. Munnar, located in the Western Ghats, is a popular hill station famous for its tea gardens and cool climate. Traveling from Kannur to Munnar is a common route for tourists seeking a mix of coastal and hill experiences in Kerala.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kannur to Munnar. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect on arrival in Munnar.

Getting from Kannur to Munnar – Main Options

Train

Train travel between Kannur and Munnar is indirect but suitable for those who prefer rail journeys combined with road travel. There is no direct train to Munnar, so you must combine train and taxi or bus.

• Kannur Railway Station is well connected to major cities, but you need to travel to Aluva or Ernakulam stations to get closer to Munnar by road, covering about 110 km from there.

• The train journey from Kannur to Aluva or Ernakulam takes around 6 to 8 hours, with fares ranging from ₹200 to ₹700 depending on class and train type.

• From Aluva or Ernakulam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through scenic mountain roads.

• Train frequency is good, but booking via IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during holidays and weekends to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance, so check train status before travel.

Bus

Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach Munnar from Kannur, with several state-run and private buses available daily. It suits budget travelers comfortable with longer road journeys.

• Direct buses from Kannur to Munnar are limited; most routes require a change at cities like Kozhikode or Ernakulam, increasing total travel time to 8–10 hours.

• Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from Kannur to Ernakulam and then onward to Munnar, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹600 depending on bus type.

• Private buses and Volvo coaches offer more comfort but may be less frequent and more expensive, costing ₹500 to ₹900.

• Bus journeys pass through NH66 and NH85, with scenic views but winding mountain roads near Munnar, so prepare for slower speeds and occasional traffic jams.

• During monsoon, landslides or roadblocks can cause delays; check local weather and road conditions before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kannur to Munnar is a flexible and comfortable option, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy Kerala’s diverse landscapes.

• The distance by road is approximately 280 km, taking about 7 to 8 hours via NH66 and NH85, passing through towns like Kozhikode and Adimali.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Kannur city or airport, with daily rental costs starting around ₹2500 for self-drive cars and ₹3500 to ₹5000 for taxis with drivers.

• The route includes toll plazas and mountain roads near Munnar, so be prepared for narrow, winding stretches requiring careful driving.

• There are several good rest stops and eateries along NH66 and NH85, including popular dhabas and local Kerala cuisine restaurants.

• Driving during early morning or late evening is not recommended due to fog and reduced visibility in the Western Ghats, especially in monsoon season.

Flight

There is no direct flight between Kannur and Munnar, as Munnar does not have an airport. The nearest airports to Munnar are Cochin International Airport and Madurai Airport.

• Kannur International Airport (CNN) is about 30 km from Kannur city and offers domestic flights to major Indian cities but no direct flights to airports near Munnar.

• You can fly from Kannur to Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 km from Munnar, then continue by taxi or bus for 3 to 4 hours.

• Flight duration from Kannur to Cochin is around 1 hour, with fares typically between ₹1500 and ₹3500 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Cochin Airport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available for Munnar, with fares around ₹2500 to ₹3500.

• Flight plus road travel is faster but more expensive and less convenient than direct road travel for most travelers.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple travel plan is designed for first-time travelers moving from Kannur to Munnar. It covers key steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance via IRCTC or KSRTC websites to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella, as weather in the Western Ghats can be unpredictable.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid city traffic in Kannur and to reach Munnar before dark, ensuring safer travel on mountain roads.

• If using train travel, plan your taxi or bus connection from Aluva or Ernakulam to Munnar ahead of time, as public transport options may be limited in the evening.

• Use prepaid taxi services or trusted app-based cabs for last-mile travel in Munnar to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Keep local emergency numbers handy and inform someone about your travel plans, a common safety practice in Indian hill stations.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Try local Kerala snacks available at highway rest stops, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Book tickets online early during festivals like Onam or Christmas, as travel demand spikes and services fill quickly.

• Use local buses or shared jeeps in Munnar for short distances; they are economical and offer a chance to interact with locals.

• Pack your luggage securely and keep valuables close, as crowded buses and trains can have pickpockets.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather updates and road conditions regularly to avoid landslide-affected routes.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kannur to Munnar is during the dry months from October to May, when roads are clear and weather is pleasant. Monsoon season brings heavy rain and occasional landslides, making travel slower and riskier.

Peak tourist seasons in Munnar include December to February and during Kerala’s Onam festival, so expect higher traffic and book accommodations early.

• Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon rains (June to September) due to slippery roads and possible landslides in the Western Ghats.

• Early mornings and late evenings can have dense fog near Munnar, reducing visibility on mountain roads.

• Weekends and public holidays see increased traffic on NH85, so plan departures on weekdays for smoother travel.

• Summer months (March to May) are warm in Kannur but cooler in Munnar, making it a good time for comfortable travel.

Arrival at Munnar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Munnar, you will find a small town with a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by tea plantations and hills. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center, making it easy to find local transport.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Prepaid taxi counters are available near bus stands and the main market area. Many hotels also offer pick-up services if arranged in advance. Popular areas to stay include the town center, Chinnakanal, and Mattupetty, all within easy reach of attractions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kannur to Munnar offers a chance to experience Kerala’s diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to misty hills. The most efficient option depends on your budget and comfort preferences, with car or taxi travel providing flexibility and train-plus-road options offering economical choices.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and choosing the right transport mode will help you enjoy a safe and pleasant journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Kannur to Munnar and look forward to exploring one of Kerala’s most beautiful hill stations.