Trip from Bangalore to Munnar: A Scenic Adventure Travel Guide

Nestled in the misty hills of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala that effortlessly captures the hearts of travellers. Known for its sprawling tea plantations, mist-covered valleys, rolling hills, and cool climate, Munnar is a perfect escape from the bustling city life of Bangalore. Whether you’re a nature lover, a solo backpacker, a trekking enthusiast, or a photographer looking for the perfect frame—Munnar has something for everyone. A former British summer resort, Munnar still has remnants of its colonial past in the form of old cottages and bungalows of the plantations. The town is situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level and has a moderate climate all year round. The serene beauty, the soft breeze, and the serene atmosphere make it a perfect haven for budget-conscious backpackers seeking peace, adventure, or even relief from monotony.

One of the most sought-after places in Munnar is its endless tea plantations. You can trek or cycle on the picturesque estates, visit tea factories to see the process, and even get to taste locally brewed fresh tea. For the adventure-seeker, head towards trekking routes like Meesapulimala, Anamudi Peak (South India's highest point), and Chokramudi Hills, with stunning views below. Nature lovers can expect to spot viewing Eravikulam National Park, where Nilgiri Tahr can be spotted and Neelakurinji flowers (every 12 years) bloom. Munnar is also a low-cost destination for shoestring tourism. There are simply so many low-cost homestays, hostels, and local eating joints with excellent Kerala cuisine that you can live without a rupee from your wallet. Munnar is also accessible by road, and Bangalore night buses make it quite convenient to reach there even for a weekend outing or longer-term back-packing vacations.

Short and sweet, Munnar is the right mix of adventure, money for value, and nature. It is not a destination—it's an experience that lingers in your mind much longer than your leave. If you are backpacking from Bangalore, then Munnar should be on your itinerary. The journey to this peaceful hill station promises to be not just scenic but also filled with soulful experiences that make the journey worth it.

Places to Visit in Munnar (Backpacker's Edition)

Munnar is a miracle country of natural beauty and peaceful places ideal for backpackers. From visits to the famous viewpoint points to venturing off the beaten path, these are the places to visit that every backpacker will love:

1. Tea Museum

• Start your Munnar tour with its tea heritage. The Tata Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate offers an interesting glimpse into the tea plantation history, with live demonstrations and a short film. Ideal place for culture lovers and tea lovers alike.

• Entry Fee: ₹75 approx

• Recommended for: History lovers, solo travellers

2. Mattupetty Dam

• Close to Munnar town, but a short detour off, is this beautiful dam with nice views of the lake ringed by hills and forest. You can boating here or simply sit on the serene waters—perfect after that long bus ride from Bangalore.

• Recommended for: Relaxation, picnic on the budget, flash photo stop

3. Echo Point

• Live the name, shout down the valley and listen to your shout echoing! Amidst greens of forests and undulations of hill waves draped with mist, Echo Point is an idyllic and tongue-in-cheek pit stop ideal for grab-it-and-go pictures and serene ambience.

• Ideal for: Nature photo shoots, couples, honeymooners

4. Top Station

• At the peak of Munnar, Top Station provides breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and Theni Valley. Attempt sunrise viewing here—it's magical and worth waking up early for.

• Best for: Sunrise enthusiasts, nature enthusiasts, Instagram-worthy views

• Offbeat & Less Crowded Gems

5. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

• The world's highest tea plantation land, Kolukkumalai is another dream spot on a mountain trail. Although inaccessible (jeep ride only), the views are stunning.

• Best for: Off-beat tourists, tea lovers

6. Lockhart Gap Viewpoint

• On the route to Mattupetty, the viewpoint is generally skipped by travellers. It has rocky valley views, misty scenery, and peacefulness which will be savoured by trekkers.

• Best for: Peaceful halts, writing in the diary, photography

Trekking Sites Around Munnar

1. Meesapulimala Trek

• South India's second-highest spot, Meesapulimala is the dream of every trekker. Grassland, shola forest, and ridge walk with vistas to die to characterize the trek.

• Permit Required: Yes (reserve with Kerala Forest Dept)

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

2. Chokramudi Peak

• Less touristy but equally charming, this brief, steep hike presents a spectacular bird's-eye view of the valley below. A good bet for an afternoon excursion.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Tip: Go early morning to miss cloud cover that blocks the view

Best Time to Visit Munnar – When to Plan Your Trip

Munnar is a destination to visit throughout the year because of its climate and landscapes. Depending on the kind of experience you are seeking – misty mountains, flowers, or trekking trails – the best time to visit Munnar is different. Below is a season-wise breakup for planning your Bangalore-to-Munnar backpacking trip:

October to February - Winter - Peak Season

• Best for: Trekking around, camping, photography

• Winter is the total favorite season to visit Munnar. The temperature is between 10°C and 20°C, perfect to visit tea plantations, waterfalls, and hill tracks. It is also perfect time for treks like Meesapulimala and Chokramudi due to clear weather and cold, crisp air.

• If you like chilly nights, campfires, and misty dawns, winter is for you. But remember, it's also tourist season, so book your rooms and buses in advance.

Monsoon (June to September) – For the Green Escape

• Best for: Nature enthusiasts, alternative tourists, and budget backpackers

• Munnar turns into an emerald paradise on rainy days. Rain brings life to all the nooks of the hill station, waterfalls in full operation and tea estates emitting fragrance. While trekking might be banned due to slushy roads, the season is peaceful, there are fewer tourists, and the hotels are affordable.

• If you are an environmental tourism nature lover to get soaked, monsoon can be enchanting to witness Munnar in its real splendor.

Summer (March to May) – The Quiet Escape

• Ideal for: Budget travellers, easy sightseeing

• Munnar remains quite cool during summer as well, with temperatures seldom exceeding 25°C. While the rest of Kerala could get hot and sweaty, Munnar is a refreshing respite. This is a wonderful time for backpackers who wish to keep away from the winter season crowd and get to explore at their own pace.

• You can expect lower rates for stays and fewer tourist places—ideal for a calm and affordable vacation.

Budget Accommodations in Munnar

Cheap yet Comfortable Travelling in Munnar won't drain your wallet. The town is lined with cheap, low-budget hostels, guesthouses, and homestays that have enough to impress backpackers travelling solo, family folks, as well as remote working professionals. Whether you look forward to an energetic ambience, silent surroundings, or in-home experiences—Munnar has them in store.

1. Zostel Munnar

• Backpackers love Zostel all over India, and so does their Munnar outlet. This lively hostel among tea plantations has bunk beds, dorms, a chill common space, and breathtaking sunrise views.

• Price: ₹500–₹1,200/night

• Bonus features: Free Wi-Fi, games room, communal vibe, great views

• Best for: Solo travellers, digital nomads, social backpackers

2. The Hosteller Munnar

• A tidy, lively backpacker hostel. Clean workstations, privates, and dorms are offered, and even a bonfire zone. Relaxed atmosphere without being too out of town.

• Price: ₹600–₹1,000/night

• Pros: Fast Wi-Fi, café, pleasant atmosphere

• Recommended for: Budget travellers, digital nomads

3. Mistletoe Munnar

• A snug boutique homestay that blends local charm with shoestring prices. Not a shoestring budget, but perfect for backpackers looking for peace, mountain scenery, and a dash of luxury at shoestring prices.

• Price: ₹1,200–₹1,800/night

• Perks: Local food, decent hospitality, balcony views

• Ideal for: Slow travellers, couples

4. Green View Guesthouse

• Simple, budget-friendly accommodation walking distance from town Munnar. Hot water and clean but simple rooms with friendly hosts. Adequate for those spending all day out.

• Cost: ₹500–₹900/night

• Advantages: Central part of town, overnight stay good enough

• Best for: Solo travellers, budget trekkers

5. Wild Elephant Eco-Friendly Resort (for Nature Lovers)

• If you’re into rustic, eco-style living, this one’s for you. Located in a remote village near Munnar, it offers bamboo cottages and treehouses at budget rates with unmatched natural views.

• Price: ₹800–₹1,200/night

• Perks: Nature walks, peaceful vibes, eco-stay experience

• Ideal for: Nature lovers, offbeat backpackers

How to Reach Munnar from Bangalore – All Travel Options Explained

Planning to backpack to Munnar from Bangalore? Great idea! Bangalore to Munnar is roughly 475 km and can be reached by bus, train, motorbike, or car. While there isn't a train or flight to Munnar, the trip is worth the effort. Following is a quick rundown of how to reach Munnar:

1. By Bus – Cheap & Convenient

• One of the most affordable and simplest ways of reaching Munnar from Bangalore is through an overnight bus. While direct buses to Munnar aren't available, you may take a bus to Udumalpet, Pollachi, or Kochi and then continue in a local cab or bus to Munnar.

• Private Buses: KSRTC, KPN, Greenline, SRS, and more

• Duration: 10 to 12 hours

• Cost: ₹600–₹1,200 depending on the type of bus

• Tip: Take an overnight sleeper for maximum convenience

• If by bus is the preferred way to Kochi, then Munnar is but 4 hours from there and well within reach either by local transport or taxi.

2. By Train – Scenic & Budget-Friendly

• Munnar lacks a railway station, but it is feasible to travel to the nearest big station – Aluva (110 km) or Ernakulam (130 km) – by train. Then travel to Munnar by government or private bus or shared cab.

• Train routes from Bangalore: KSR Bengaluru → Aluva or Ernakulam

• Cost: ₹200–₹800 depending on class

• Travel time: 9–10 hours + 4-hour drive

• Good for shoestring budget travellers who enjoy the train ride and do not want to divide the journey.

3. By Car or Bike – Road Trip Adventure

• Love driving on the highway? A Bangalore-Munnar car or bike trip is a view-some ride, if you are a stop-over and scenic drive type.

• Best Route: Bangalore → Salem → Udumalpet → Munnar

• Distance: ~475 km

• Time: 9–10 hours (with halts)

• Highlights: Tea gardens, waterfalls along the route, hills

• This is perfect for a person who enjoys the freedom of driving through places like Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary or Marayoor along the route.

4. By Airport – Not So Suitable for Backpackers

• No airport is available in Munnar. The closest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK) and lies approximately 110 km away from Munnar. Bangalore to Kochi flight is 1 hour, followed by a drive of 4 hours to reach Munnar. This is the most costly option and inappropriate for the budget travelers.

Why Book with escape2explore

When it comes to exploring Munnar tour from bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through Munnar, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Munnar that not many get to encounter.