Munnar Coimbatore

straighten 160 km
schedule 4h 30m

Munnar to Coimbatore Complete Travel Guide 2026

Planning a trip from Munnar to Coimbatore? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 160km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.

straighten Distance
160 km
Total Distance
directions_car By Car
4h 30m
Drive Time
₹1,528
₹382/person (4 pax)
train By Train
~5-7h
Est. Time
₹189 – ₹799
Min – Max
directions_bus By Bus
~6-8h
Est. Time
₹228 – ₹1,766
Min – Max
info

All prices are estimates. Train: Check IRCTC. Bus: Prices vary 25-50%, check redBus (not recommended >2,500km). Flight: Check airlines for current rates. Drive: Costs assume 4 travelers; fuel/tolls may vary.

info
Train availability: Prices shown are estimates based on distance. Please check IRCTC or train booking platforms for actual availability, routes, and current ticket prices as they vary by class, train type, and booking time.

analytics Travel Comparison: Munnar to Coimbatore

Mode Duration Estimated Cost
directions_car Private Car 4h 30m ₹1,528 Fuel & Tolls
train Train 12h – 16h ₹162 – ₹475
bus Bus 12h – 16h ₹228 – ₹1,766

How to Travel: Munnar to Coimbatore

Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.

directions_car

By Car

Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips

4h 30m
Duration
160 km
Distance
₹1,528
Fuel + Tolls

lightbulb Our Recommendation

For this 160km journey, driving is your best option. The 4h 30m drive gives you flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and explore at your own pace.

Before You Leave Munnar

Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:

restaurant

Local Specialties

  • local_dining
    Appam with Stew - A classic Kerala breakfast dish, best tried at local restaurants.
  • local_dining
    Karimeen Pollichathu - Pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaves.
  • local_dining
    Puttu and Kadala Curry - Steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry.
location_on Recommended Restaurant

Saravana Bhavan • Munnar Town

Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route

These cities are within 50km of your Munnar to Coimbatore route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:

location_city

Kotagiri

schedule Approximately 15-30 minutes off the main route
Stop #1

Kotagiri is a tranquil hill station in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Ooty and Coonoor. Known for its lush tea estates, scenic landscapes, and pleasant climate, Kotagiri is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway.

attractions Top Attractions

Catherine Falls
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free

Catherine Falls is a stunning double-cascaded waterfall, plunging from a height of about 250 feet. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Kotagiri, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscapes.

Longwood Shola
schedule 2-3 hours payments Free

Longwood Shola is a dense forest reserve near Kotagiri, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic trails. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering a peaceful escape into the wilderness.

Kodanad View Point
schedule 1-2 hours payments Free

Kodanad View Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Nilgiri hills, tea estates, and the plains below. It is a popular spot for enjoying the sunrise and sunset.

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Nilgiri Chicken Curry - A flavorful chicken curry made with local spices (try at a local restaurant)

location_city

Thekkady

schedule Approximately 15-30 minutes off the main route
Stop #2

Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers in Kerala. It's known for its diverse flora and fauna, spice plantations, and opportunities for adventure activities.

attractions Top Attractions

Periyar Tiger Reserve
schedule 4-6 hours payments ₹40 (Indians), ₹550 (foreigners)

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. It offers boat safaris on Periyar Lake and trekking opportunities.

Spice Plantations
schedule 2-3 hours payments ₹200 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Thekkady is known for its numerous spice plantations, where you can learn about the cultivation of various spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Elephant Junction
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹600 (Indians & Foreigners)

Elephant Junction offers visitors the chance to interact with elephants, including bathing, feeding, and riding them. It's a popular tourist attraction.

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Kerala Sadhya - A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf (try at restaurants in Kumily).

location_city

Idukki

schedule Approximately 15-30 minutes off the main route
Stop #3
location_city

Coonoor

schedule Approximately 15-30 minutes off the main route
Stop #4

Coonoor, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a serene tea town known for its lush tea estates and stunning viewpoints. It's a quieter alternative to Ooty, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience of the Nilgiris.

attractions Top Attractions

Sim's Park
schedule 2-3 hours payments ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Sim's Park is a beautifully maintained botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants and trees. It features landscaped gardens, a rose garden, and a boating lake.

Lamb's Rock
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹20 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners)

Lamb's Rock is a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Coimbatore plains and the surrounding hills. It's a popular spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty.

Dolphin's Nose
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹15 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Dolphin's Nose is another popular viewpoint offering stunning views of the Catherine Falls and the surrounding valleys. The rock formation resembles a dolphin's nose, hence the name.

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Nilgiri Vegetable Korma - A creamy and flavorful vegetable curry (try at The Lawley Arms)

location_city

Ooty

schedule Approximately 15-30 minutes off the main route
Stop #5

Ooty, also known as Ootacamund, is a popular hill station nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. It's famous for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, colonial architecture, and pleasant climate. Ooty offers a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of city life.

attractions Top Attractions

Ooty Botanical Gardens
schedule 2-3 hours payments ₹30 (Indians), ₹550 (foreigners)

The Ooty Botanical Gardens is a sprawling garden established in 1848. It features a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world.

Ooty Lake
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹15 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Ooty Lake is an artificial lake built in 1824. It's a popular spot for boating and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Doddabetta Peak
schedule 1-2 hours payments ₹20 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

restaurant Must Try Local Food

Ooty Varkey - a crispy, savory biscuit (try at local bakeries)

Explore Coimbatore

Coimbatore offers a unique travel experience. For detailed information about local attractions, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips, visit our comprehensive destination guide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Munnar to Coimbatore

What is the distance from Munnar to Coimbatore?
The distance from Munnar to Coimbatore is 160 kilometers by road.
How long does it take to drive from Munnar to Coimbatore?
It takes approximately 4h 30m to drive from Munnar to Coimbatore, depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops you make along the way.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Munnar to Coimbatore?
The most budget-friendly option is usually by bus or train. Driving costs approximately ₹1,528 for fuel and tolls. Buses are typically the cheapest, while trains offer a good balance of comfort and affordability.
What are the best stops between Munnar and Coimbatore?
Popular stops along the route include Kotagiri, Thekkady, Idukki, Coonoor, Ooty. These cities offer interesting attractions, local cuisine, and comfortable rest facilities.
What is the best time to travel from Munnar to Coimbatore?
October to March is generally the best time for road trips in India, with pleasant weather and clear skies.

Related Routes from Munnar

Planning to explore more destinations? Check out these popular routes from Munnar:

Other Routes to Coimbatore

Traveling to Coimbatore from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:

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