Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, known for its tea gardens and cool climate. Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is situated on the west coast, making this route a popular choice for travelers seeking a refreshing getaway from city life.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Munnar, including train, bus, car, and flight options. You will also find practical advice on planning your journey, local transport, and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Mumbai to Munnar – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option, though there is no direct train to Munnar. You will need to combine train travel with road transport. Trains from Mumbai to Ernakulam or Aluva are popular choices.

• Major stations in Mumbai include Mumbai CST, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, and Bandra Terminus, with trains heading to Ernakulam Junction or Aluva, taking approximately 36 to 40 hours depending on the train.

• Train fares range from INR 500 for sleeper class to INR 2000 for AC classes, offering a budget-friendly option for long-distance travel with good onboard facilities.

• From Ernakulam or Aluva, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar, which is about 110 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours on the NH85 highway, known for winding mountain roads.

• Trains are frequent but can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and Onam; booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended to secure preferred classes.

• Night trains offer sleeper berths, allowing you to rest during the journey, but be prepared for occasional delays during monsoon months due to track maintenance or heavy rains.

Bus

Buses are a direct and economical way to reach Munnar from Mumbai, though the journey is long and can be tiring. This option suits travelers on a budget who prefer road travel.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali bus depots to Kochi or Ernakulam, from where you can catch a connecting bus to Munnar.

• The total travel time by bus can range from 40 to 48 hours depending on the route and traffic, covering approximately 1400 km, with fares between INR 1200 and INR 2000.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort and fewer stops, while ordinary buses are cheaper but less comfortable for such a long journey.

• Frequent breaks are taken at highway dhabas and toll plazas on NH48 and NH85, where you can find local food and refreshments, but be cautious about water quality.

• During monsoon season, landslides and roadblocks near Munnar can cause delays, so check weather updates before departure and consider flexible tickets.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Munnar gives you flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers diverse landscapes and is ideal for travelers who enjoy road trips.

• The distance is about 1400 km via NH48 and NH85, taking approximately 26 to 30 hours of driving time, usually split over two or three days for safety and comfort.

• Key stops include Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, and Coimbatore, where you can rest, refuel, and enjoy local cuisine along the way.

• Toll plazas are frequent on NH48 and NH85, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can total around INR 1000 to INR 1500 for the entire trip.

• Road conditions are generally good on highways but become narrow and winding near Munnar; drive cautiously especially during night or monsoon season.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Mumbai with options ranging from compact cars to SUVs, costing approximately INR 3000 to INR 6000 per day excluding fuel.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach near Munnar, with the nearest airport being Cochin International Airport. From there, you must travel by road to Munnar.

• Direct flights from Mumbai to Cochin International Airport take about 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Cochin airport, Munnar is approximately 110 km away, reachable by taxi or bus in 4 to 5 hours via NH85, with taxis costing around INR 2500 to INR 3500.

• Frequent flights operate daily, but prices can spike during holiday seasons such as Christmas and New Year, so booking early is advisable.

• Coaches and private buses run from Ernakulam city to Munnar, so you may need to take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to Ernakulam, which is about 50 km away.

• Flight delays can occur during heavy monsoon rains, so plan buffer time if connecting to road transport for Munnar.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Mumbai to Munnar, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and preferred travel dates, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose Ernakulam or Aluva as your arrival station, then pre-book a taxi or check bus schedules for the onward journey to Munnar to avoid last-minute hassles.

• For bus travelers, confirm the departure time and bus type (Volvo or ordinary) at the Mumbai bus depot, and carry snacks and water for the long journey, as stops may be limited.

• If driving, plan your route with overnight stops in cities like Pune or Coimbatore, and check your vehicle’s condition thoroughly before starting the trip to ensure safety.

• Upon arrival at Cochin airport, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for reliable and fair-priced rides to Munnar, avoiding unmetered taxis.

• Carry light luggage suitable for hill travel, and pack rain gear during monsoon months; also keep local currency handy for tolls and small purchases en route.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items during train or bus travel to prevent theft, which can occur in crowded Indian transport hubs.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and avoid street food unless it is from well-known, hygienic outlets to prevent stomach issues.

• Use official websites like IRCTC for train bookings and verified bus operators to avoid scams and last-minute cancellations common in Indian transport.

• In Munnar, local transport includes taxis and auto-rickshaws; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based cabs where available for fair pricing.

• Pack light but include warm clothing as Munnar’s weather can be chilly, especially at night, even if you come from hot Mumbai.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause landslides and roadblocks near Munnar; check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Mumbai to Munnar depends on weather and crowd conditions. Munnar is pleasant year-round but has peak and off-peak seasons.

Monsoon months bring heavy rains, which can delay trains and cause road hazards. Winter months offer cool weather but may have early morning fog affecting visibility.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Onam, as trains and buses are crowded and prices surge.

• Summer months (March to May) are hot in Mumbai but pleasant in Munnar, making it a good time to escape the city heat.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai help avoid city traffic and ensure you catch connecting transport on time.

• During monsoon, plan extra travel time and consider flight options to Cochin to reduce road travel risks.

Arrival at Munnar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Munnar, you will find a small town with limited public transport but several options for local travel. The main entry points are the bus stand and taxi drop-off areas.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Many hotels offer pick-up services if informed in advance. Popular areas to stay include Chinnakanal, near tea gardens, and the town center, which has more shops and eateries.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola are limited, so negotiate fares before starting your journey. Walking is common within the town, but for sightseeing, hiring a taxi or joining a tour is recommended.

Conclusion

Among all options, flying to Cochin and then taking a taxi or bus to Munnar is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Mumbai, especially for those with limited time. Train travel offers a budget-friendly and scenic alternative but requires careful planning for the onward road journey.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for mountain road travel will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip. With the right planning and local knowledge, you can confidently make your way from Mumbai to the serene hills of Munnar and enjoy a refreshing break from city life.