Getting in Munnar
With the lush greenness of
flourishing foliage, rambling with tea plantations enshrouded in cool mist
is the picturesque Munnar, which is just approximately 4.5 hours (135 km)
drive from the hot and humid coastal seashore of Kochi. The roads leading
to Munnar are less cluttered and enjoyable compared to the ones leading to
other hill stations.
The Kochi - Munnar route is the easiest way of reaching Munnar for foreign
and native tourists, with the nearest Airport, the Nedumbassery Airport
and Aluva Railway station, both situated near Kochi. The route extends
through Thripunithra, Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Neriamangalam, Adimali
and Pallivasal.
After you cover the city of Kochi, through which the going is slow due to
traffic, the ride is smooth and fast while enjoying the countryside view
along Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam. From Kothamangalam (which is 80 km
from Munnar), to Adimali you can experience the natural forest with some
brisk waterfalls in between.
Though Adimali is only around 30 km from Munnar, it takes an hour to reach
there because of the many curves and turns in the road. You will start
seeing tea plantations and the breath taking view of the western ghats, at
about 8 kilometers from Munnar.
Munnar itself is so small that it is easily manageable by foot. The town
has some local transport, including auto-rickshaws, should one get bit
tired of moving around on foot. For sights further out of town, like Top
Station and Thattekad, a rented bike or taxi is the best option. There are
some tour operators in town that will arrange excursions to more out
laying places. The area surroundings Munnar can also be accessed using the
regular buses that leave for Theni, Top Station, Marayoor and Chinnar,
among others.
Apart from the Kochi road there are three other major roads leading to
Munnar – Thekkady road, Top Station road and Marayoor road. Munnar is
located 70 km from Idukki. The drive to Munnar involves about 2 hours
through the ghat section. There are 17 hairpin bends on the way.
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