Munnar to Vijayawada: 972 km Road Guide 13h 24m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Munnar to Vijayawada? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 972km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Munnar to Vijayawada
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 13h 24m | ₹9,283 Fuel & Tolls |
| flight Flight | ~1h 50m | ₹3,402 - ₹6,804 |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹716 – ₹2,355 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹1,200 – ₹8,165 |
How to Reach Vijayawada from Munnar: Car, Train, Bus & Flight Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Munnar to Vijayawada (972 km, 13h 24m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Fly Munnar to Vijayawada (~1h 50m flight)
Speed, long distances, business travel
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 972km long-distance journey, consider flying (~1h 50m) to save time, or take a train for a more scenic and relaxed experience.
What to Eat in Munnar Before You Hit the Road
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Must-Try Food in Munnar Before Your Drive
- 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.
Saravana Bhavan • Munnar Town
Road Trip Stops: Best Cities Between Munnar and Vijayawada
These cities sit along your Munnar to Vijayawada route corridor and are worth a brief stop:
Palani Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Palani is a significant pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu, home to one of Lord Murugan's six abodes. The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple sits atop a hill, drawing millions of devotees annually. This town is purely a spiritual destination, focused on temple visits and religious rituals.
attractions Top Attractions
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
Thiru Avinankudi Temple
Periyanayaki Amman Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Palani Panchamirtham - a unique sweet made from five fruits and jaggery, available at temple shops, rupees 50-150 per pack
Sankaridurg Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Sankaridurg is a small fort town in Tamil Nadu's Salem district. It is known for its historic hill fort, offering glimpses into regional history. This destination provides a quiet escape from city life.
attractions Top Attractions
Sankaridurg Fort
Kailasanathar Temple
Bhavani Sangameswarar Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - Steamed rice cakes, served with sambar and chutney. Available at most local eateries, rupees 30-50.
Tharamangalam Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Tharamangalam is a small town in Tamil Nadu, primarily known for its ancient Kailasanathar Temple and its local textile industry. It offers a glimpse into traditional South Indian temple architecture and local commerce. This is not a bustling tourist destination but a quiet town for those seeking cultural immersion.
attractions Top Attractions
Kailasanathar Temple
Perumal Temple
Mariamman Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli - Steamed rice cakes, soft and fluffy, served with sambar and chutneys. Available at most breakfast stalls, rupees 30-50.
Mettur Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Mettur is a small dam town in Tamil Nadu, primarily known for the Mettur Dam built across the Kaveri River. It is a significant source of irrigation and hydel power for the state. The town offers a glimpse into local life and a few peaceful temple visits.
attractions Top Attractions
Mettur Dam
Ellis Park
Bhadrakali Amman Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Idli Sambar - soft steamed rice cakes with lentil stew, available at most tiffin centers, rupees 40.
Salem Travel Guide: Things to Do, How to Reach, Best Time to Visit
Salem is a major industrial and commercial center in Tamil Nadu, known primarily for its textile mills, steel plant, and mango cultivation. It is not a typical tourist destination, but offers a glimpse into a bustling South Indian city with significant religious sites.
attractions Top Attractions
Kottai Mariamman Temple
Sugavaneshwarar Temple
Arulmigu Alagirinathar Temple
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Salem Thattu Vadai Set - A unique street food snack with crispy vadai, grated carrots, beetroot, and chutneys. Get it from any street vendor near the bus stand, rupees 40-60.
Top Attractions in Vijayawada: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Vijayawada, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
-
Kanaka Durga Temple
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free (Indians), Free (foreigners) • 🕐 4am-9pmBest Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening
💡 Insider Tip: Use the free bus service from the foothill to reach the temple entrance. Book special darshan online to save time.
-
Undavalli Caves
⏱ 1-1.5 hours • 💰 rupees 25 (Indians), rupees 300 (foreigners) • 🕐 9am-5:30pmBest Time to Visit: Morning
💡 Insider Tip: Climb to the top level for excellent views of the surrounding countryside and the Krishna River.
-
Prakasam Barrage
⏱ 30-45 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursBest Time to Visit: Sunset
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during sunset for the most picturesque views and cooler temperatures. Be mindful of traffic.
-
Bhavani Island
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 rupees 10 (Indians), rupees 10 (foreigners) for island entry. Boat rides extra. • 🕐 9am-6pmBest Time to Visit: Afternoon
💡 Insider Tip: Negotiate boat ride prices if you are a large group. Confirm the operational status of water sports before visiting.
-
Victoria Jubilee Museum (Bapu Museum)
⏱ 1-1.5 hours • 💰 rupees 10 (Indians), rupees 100 (foreigners) • 🕐 10:30am-5pmBest Time to Visit: Morning
💡 Insider Tip: Check for any temporary exhibitions before your visit. It is a quiet escape from the city noise.
-
Gandhi Hill
⏱ 1-1.5 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 9am-6pmBest Time to Visit: Late afternoon
💡 Insider Tip: Combine this visit with exploring the bustling area around the railway station. Carry water, especially during warmer months.
Where to Eat in Vijayawada: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Vijayawada
Don't leave Vijayawada without tasting these local specialties:
- Pulihora - tangy tamarind rice, available at most local eateries, rupees 50-80
- Gongura Pachadi - spicy sorrel leaf chutney, served with meals, local restaurants, rupees 30-50 (as part of thali)
- Ulava Charu - horse gram soup, specialty restaurants like Minerva Coffee Shop, rupees 150-200
- Chepala Pulusu - spicy fish curry, seafood restaurants, rupees 250-400
- Pootharekulu - paper-thin sweet made from rice starch, local sweet shops, rupees 20-40 per piece
- Kaja - traditional sweet pastry, sweet shops like Sri Durga Sweets, rupees 20-30 per piece
- Andhra Thali - full meal with rice, curries, sambar, rasam, curd, local restaurants, rupees 150-250
Recommended Restaurants in Vijayawada
Minerva Coffee Shop
South Indian •
Sweet Magic
Multi-cuisine, Sweets •
Cross Roads Restaurant
Indian •
Sarovar Restaurant (The Gateway Hotel)
Multi-cuisine •
Where to Stay in Vijayawada: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Hotel Ilapuram
Price:
rupees 1200-2000. Centrally located near Besant Road. Basic amenities, clean rooms, good for short stays.
Hotel Sree Ram Grand
Price:
rupees 1000-1800. Close to railway station. Offers comfortable rooms and decent service. Good value for money.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Hotel Marg Krishnaaya
Price:
rupees 2500-4000. Modern hotel on MG Road. Features a restaurant, comfortable rooms, and good service. Popular for business travelers.
The Executive Inn
Price:
rupees 2000-3500. Located near Benz Circle. Offers spacious rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and conference facilities. Good for families.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Novotel Vijayawada Varun Beach
Price:
rupees 5000-8000+. Near airport, with modern amenities, pool, and multiple dining options. Offers international standards of comfort.
The Gateway Hotel MG Road
Price:
rupees 4500-7000+. Centrally located on MG Road. Part of Taj Group, offering excellent service, fine dining, and well-appointed rooms.
Best Time to Visit Vijayawada: Season & Weather Travel Guide
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Vijayawada:
Best Time
Temperature: 18-28 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant, dry, and relatively cool. Ideal for sightseeing.
Why Visit: Comfortable weather for exploring temples and outdoor sites. Less humidity.
Shoulder Season
Temperature: 30-45 degrees C
Weather: Hot and dry, with peak temperatures in May. Uncomfortable for daytime activities.
Why Visit: Fewer tourists, potential for good discounts. Good for indoor activities.
Monsoon
Temperature: 25-35 degrees C
Weather: Warm and humid with moderate to heavy rainfall. Can cause disruptions.
Why Visit: Lush green landscapes, pleasant after rain. Good for indoor cultural experiences.
Vijayawada Travel Tips: Money, Safety & Local Advice
💰 Money & Budget
🏥 Health & Safety
📱 Communication
👕 What to Wear
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Light, breathable cotton clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Casual wear is fine for general city exploration.
Munnar to Vijayawada FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
More Road Trips from Munnar: Popular Nearby Routes
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Traveling to Vijayawada from a different city? Explore these alternative routes:
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Discover the best weekend trips from Munnar and Vijayawada - perfect 2-3 day escapes within 200km!
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