Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, known for its tea gardens and cool climate. Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is a bustling city in eastern India. Traveling from Ranchi to Munnar is a popular route for those seeking a refreshing getaway from the plains to the hills.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Ranchi to Munnar using different transport modes. You will get detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your journey smoothly.

Getting from Ranchi to Munnar – Main Options

Train

Train travel is suitable if you want an economical and scenic journey, though there is no direct train to Munnar. You will need to combine train and road travel. Trains from Ranchi to Ernakulam or Aluva are common starting points.

• Ranchi Railway Station connects to major cities like Howrah and New Delhi, with trains to Ernakulam Junction taking around 40 to 45 hours covering approximately 2000 km.

• From Ernakulam or Aluva station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munnar, which is about 110 km and takes around 4 to 5 hours via NH85.

• Train fares from Ranchi to Ernakulam range from ₹800 to ₹2500 depending on class, with sleeper and AC options available for comfort during the long journey.

• Trains run daily but booking early on IRCTC is essential, especially during holiday seasons, to secure a confirmed seat or berth.

• Monsoon season may cause delays in Kerala, so check train status before departure to avoid surprises.

Bus

Bus travel is possible but involves multiple changes and long hours. It suits budget travelers who prefer road trips and want to experience local transport.

• From Ranchi, you can take a bus to major cities like Bangalore or Kochi, then switch to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses heading to Munnar.

• The total bus journey can take 48 to 60 hours, covering over 2000 km, with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on bus type and operator.

• Frequent buses operate from Kochi to Munnar, including deluxe and Volvo services, with travel time around 4 to 5 hours on hilly roads.

• Bus routes pass through NH43, NH44, and NH85, with toll plazas and rest stops offering food and restroom facilities.

• Night buses are common but may be crowded during festivals or school holidays, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Ranchi to Munnar is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in stops and sightseeing.

• The road distance is roughly 2100 km, taking approximately 38 to 42 hours of driving time via NH43, NH44, and NH85, crossing multiple states including Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

• Major cities on the route include Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Coimbatore, where you can plan overnight stops and refuel.

• Expect tolls on national highways, with toll plazas charging between ₹50 to ₹200 depending on vehicle type and distance.

• Driving through the Western Ghats near Munnar involves winding roads and steep climbs, so drive carefully and avoid night driving in this section.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highways, but carry water and snacks for remote stretches, especially in monsoon when landslides can cause delays.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kerala from Ranchi, but Munnar does not have its own airport. You will combine flight and road travel.

• Ranchi Airport has limited flights, so you may need to connect via Kolkata or Bangalore to reach Kochi International Airport, the nearest major airport to Munnar.

• Flight time from Ranchi to Kochi with a connection is around 6 to 9 hours, with fares typically ranging from ₹4000 to ₹9000 depending on airline and booking time.

• From Kochi Airport, Munnar is about 110 km away and can be reached by taxi or bus in 4 to 5 hours via NH85.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Kochi Airport, offering fixed fares and safer rides to Munnar.

• Booking flights well in advance during peak tourist seasons like December to February is advisable to get better prices and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Ranchi to Munnar for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Ernakulam or Aluva station during daylight hours to easily find taxis or buses to Munnar.

• Arrange your last-mile transport from Kochi or Ernakulam to Munnar in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid waiting at the station or airport.

• Pack light but include essentials like rain gear and warm clothes, as Munnar’s weather can be cool and wet, especially during monsoon.

• Use reliable cab services or KSRTC buses for local travel in Kerala; avoid unlicensed taxis to ensure safety and fair pricing.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas around Munnar.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in India.

• Use trusted platforms like IRCTC for train bookings and official KSRTC websites or counters for bus tickets to avoid scams or inflated prices.

• During monsoon (June to September), check weather and road conditions regularly, as landslides and roadblocks can delay travel to Munnar.

• For safety, avoid traveling alone at night on isolated roads, especially in the Western Ghats region near Munnar.

• Pack snacks and light meals for long journeys, as food options may be limited or crowded at highway rest stops.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying excessive cash; use digital payments where possible for convenience and security.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Ranchi to Munnar depends on weather and local festivals. Munnar is pleasant most of the year but can be wet during monsoon.

Winter months from November to February offer cool, comfortable weather ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers are mild compared to plains but can be humid in Kerala’s lowlands.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains and possible landslides in the Western Ghats affecting road safety.

• Festivals like Onam (August-September) and Christmas see increased tourist traffic in Kerala, so book transport and accommodation well in advance.

• Early morning departures from Ranchi are recommended to avoid city traffic and reach connecting points comfortably during daylight.

• Winter mornings in Munnar can be foggy, so plan arrival times accordingly to avoid visibility issues on hilly roads.

Arrival at Munnar & What to Expect

When you arrive in Munnar, you will find a small town surrounded by tea plantations and hills. The main entry points are the bus stand and taxi drop-off areas near the town center.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws that can take you to hotels or nearby attractions. Many hotels offer pickup services if informed in advance. Popular areas to stay include Chinnakanal, Devikulam, and the town center, all accessible by local transport.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are less common in Munnar, so negotiate fares beforehand or use hotel-arranged transport. Walking is pleasant in the town, but for sightseeing, hiring a vehicle is recommended due to hilly terrain.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to travel from Ranchi to Munnar is by combining a train or flight to Kochi or Ernakulam, followed by a road journey to Munnar. This balances travel time, comfort, and cost effectively. Flights save time but require connecting flights, while trains offer a scenic and economical option.

Planning ahead is key: book your tickets early, arrange last-mile transport, and check weather conditions before you start. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth journey from Ranchi’s plains to Munnar’s cool hills and tea gardens. This guide equips you to travel confidently and make the most of your trip.