The 157 km journey from Palakkad to Munnar is easy, fun and  filled with scenic experiences, provided you pick the right route and means of transport. You can conveniently travel to Munnar from Palakkad by car, bus, train, and flight.

The journey bestows travelers with pleasant mountain weather and stunning landscapes of tea plantations, paddy fields, forests, waterfalls, and the misty mountains of the Western Ghats!

It’s a popular road trip among nature lovers, backpackers, couples, and adventure enthusiasts since it’s short, exciting, and scenic! The cool climate of Munnar offers a pleasant break from the humidity of Palakkad.

Scroll down to find out the ideal time to take this trip and compare different means of traveling between Palakkad and Munnar so that you can pick what suits you best!

Best time to visit go from Palakkad to Munnar

October to May is the ideal time to visit Munnar when the weather is cool and pleasant and the temperature stays between 7°C and 20°C.

The weather conditions are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities like trekking, boating, camping, and more.

ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Munnar

Even in the summer, Munnar weather remains relatively pleasant. The temperature doesn’t exceed 30°C from March to May, making the offseason ideal for visiting Munnar.

The monsoon brings heavy rain and turns the muddy terrain of Munnar slippery and slushy, rendering it unfit for exploration.

How to go from Palakkad to Munnar

It is fairly easy to reach Munnar from Palakkad and vice versa.

You can get around using different modes of transport based on your budget, trip duration, and convenience.

Palakkad to Munnar by flight

Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport to Palakkad located 61 km away. From here, you can take a taxi or bus to Munnar which is 167 km away. The total travel time is about 5 hours.

ALSO SEE – Nearest Airport to Munnar- How to Reach

The second and least favored option of air travel between these two cities is flying from Coimbatore Airport to Cochin Airport, the closest airport to Munnar, which is 110 km away. From there, too, you can take a taxi or bus to Munnar.

It’s impractical, expensive, and adds a surplus amount of travel time to your journey, totaling it to about 7 hours.

Palakkad to Munnar by train

Aluva Railway Station and Ernakulam Railway Station are the closest train stations to Munnar located 108 km and 121 km away respectively.

You can take a train to either of these from Palakkad Junction Railway Station or Palakkad Town Railway Station in Palakkad.

Taxis, prepaid cabs, and KSRTC buses ply from both Aluva and Ernakulam stations and can get you to Munnar in under 4 hours.

Kochuveli Express, Amritha Express, Kanyakumari Express, Kerala Express, Ernakulam Express, DHN Alappuzha Express, and KIK ERS Express run between Palakkad and Aluva/Ernakulam at regular intervals.

Palakkad to Munnar train fare: Starting at INR 145/-

ALSO SEE – Nearest Railway Station to Munnar in Kerala

Palakkad to Munnar by car

The most comfortable and convenient way to travel to Munnar from Palakkad is by car. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes for one to cover this distance of 160 km.

You can drive, hail a taxi, or book a prepaid cab online in advance to enjoy a thrilling and scenic road trip between these cities.

Palakkad to Munnar cab fare: Starting at INR 2,500/-

Palakkad to Munnar by bus

Thanks to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, there are frequent buses operating between all cities and towns in Kerala at regular intervals as per a set schedule, making it easy for travelers to plan their journey and make bookings.

There isn’t a direct Palakkad to Munnar KSRTC bus. You’ll need to take a bus from Palakkad to the KSRTC Angamaly Bus Depot in Angamaly (or Ankamaly) and another bus to Munnar from there.

You can book the tickets online at the official KSRTC website or the bus depots in Palakkad and Angamaly. The process is simple and hassle-free.

Palakkad to Angamaly bus fare: Starting at INR 156/-
Angamaly to Munnar bus fare: Starting at INR 190/-
Total Palakkad to Munnar bus fare: About INR 350/-
Total distance & travel time: 212 km | 6-7 hours (including scheduled stops)

While this is a more economical option as compared to traveling by car, the prolonged travel time and switching of buses can be uncomfortable and tiring.

This option is not recommended for people traveling with a lot of luggage, kids, and/or the elderly.

ALSO SEE – Gap Road Munnar- Photos of the Most Scenic Drive in Kerala

Best routes from Palakkad to Munnar

There are two routes you can choose from depending on your preferred travel duration and places you wish to explore along the way.

Via NH 544 & Munnar-Udumalpet Road

Palakkad → Pollachi → Udumalpet → Marayoor → Munnar

Total distance: 163 km
Travel time: 4 hours 45 minutes

This is the shortest route from Palakkad to Munnar that takes you through popular places like Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, Marayoor Dolmens, and Vattavada.

The road network is well-maintained with medium to high traffic in major cities (unless you travel early morning) and a standard number of tolls. An interstate permit might be required.

Don’t forget to buy jaggery from Marayoor and organic tea powder from KDHP along the way!

ALSO SEE – Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary- Entre Fee, Photos, Timings & More

Via NH 544 & Thrissur-Palghat Road

Palakkad → Thrissur → Angamaly → Munnar

Total distance: 222 km
Travel time: 5 hours 40 minutes

While this is a slightly longer route, the smooth road network offers a relaxed driving experience. No additional permit is required on this intra-state route.

You’ll get to see places like Periyar National Park & Tiger Reserve, spice gardens, Periyar Lake, and St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Church en route.

 

Palakkad to Munnar travel tips

• Try to avoid driving in the hills during heavy rainfall.
• Start your road trip early in the morning if you wish to avoid traffic in cities and towns.
• Make your online bus or train bookings in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and price hikes.
• Wear light cotton or linen clothes in Munnar and carry a light jacket in case it gets chilly.
• Carry an umbrella, raincoat, mosquito repellent, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Make a list of all restaurants, fuel pumps, and rest stops along the way if you intend to drive.
• Keep a tab on the weather forecast and traffic updates for your destination.
• Most importantly, do not litter!

ALSO SEE – Which Area To Stay In Munnar, Kerala?

Whether you travel from Palakkad to Munnar by car, bus, train, or flight, your trip is sure to be an exciting and rejuvenating experience! If you wish to plan it well, we urge you to pick from our range of Munnar tour packages so that we can make your journey a memorable affair!