India GOHow to get around Munnar
The town of Munnar is small enough to walk, but almost everything people come for lies 10 to 60 km out, along a few hill roads with nothing to hail between the stops. The usual answer is a car with driver for the day, at roughly ₹1,500–3,000; a rickshaw for the day is the cheaper version. Local buses exist but run rarely, and a scooter only suits riders who know mountain roads.
Car for the day
Mattupetty, Echo Point and Top Station line up along one road but are far apart, and there is nothing to hail between them.
~₹1,500–3,000 per day, ~₹200–300 per extra hour
Rickshaw day around the estates
The cheaper version of the same day out, agreed at the stand in the centre. Slower on the climbs and open to the wind.
~₹1,000–1,500 per day
Local buses to the viewpoints
Services to Top Station, Mattupetty and Kumily exist but are infrequent; check the return time before you set out, not after.
~₹20–60
Scooter
Freedom on paper, but these are steep switchbacks with fog rolling in by afternoon: for riders who already know hill roads.
~₹500–800 per day
In the monsoon landslides close stretches of the Gap Road, and hill roads are unlit at night, so plan to arrive before dark.
What to use for what
Car with driver is the standard way to see the sights: the fare is agreed by the day, with roughly ₹200–300 for each extra hour. Mattupetty, Echo Point and Top Station line up along one road but are far apart, and a car is the only option that waits for you at each.
Rickshaw for the day costs roughly ₹1,000–1,500, agreed at the rickshaw stand in the centre. It is slower on the climbs and open to the wind, but drivers stop at viewpoints you would miss going past on a bike.
Local buses run to Top Station, Mattupetty and Kumily for roughly ₹20–60. They are infrequent: find out the time of the last bus back before you set out.
Scooter rental runs roughly ₹500–800 a day. The roads are steep switchbacks and fog rolls in by afternoon, so this is for riders who already know hill roads. On weekends the bikes are often all rented out. More: bike rental in Munnar.
On foot you can cover the centre: the market, the bazaar and Mount Carmel Church are within walking distance of each other.
The main roads out of town
Distances are from Munnar town. Each road is a separate day, so plan transport by direction.
East: the Top Station road
Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point at about 15 km, Kundala Lake at about 20 km and Top Station at about 32 km, where you should arrive before 7 AM for the view. The road continues to Pampadum Shola and Vattavada, about 45 km out; the forest road closes to traffic by 6 PM.
North: Eravikulam and Marayoor
Eravikulam National Park at Rajamala is about 13 km out; vehicles stay below and you go on inside on foot. Beyond it lie Lakkam Waterfalls, Marayoor at about 40 km and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary at 55–60 km, about two hours each way.
South: Pallivasal and Chithirapuram
Attukad Waterfalls at 8–9 km, the Punarjani Traditional Village with its evening Kathakali at 8 km, and the Spice Palace Ayurvedic garden at Chithirapuram, about 10 km out: a rickshaw or taxi ride rather than a walk.
Jeep-only: Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala
The last 12 km to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate are a jeep track from Suryanelli, served by a licensed fleet at roughly ₹3,100 per six-seater; sunrise runs leave around 4:00–4:30 AM. For Meesapulimala, the base camp is 24 km from Munnar and the last 4 km to Rhodo Valley are by jeep.
Tips for the hill roads
- Be back before dark — Hill roads around Munnar are unlit at night. In the monsoon, landslides close stretches of the Gap Road, and night driving can be banned during heavy rain.
- Agree on the stops at the start — Half of every road here is viewpoints, and stopping at them is normal practice. Tell the driver at the start which places you want, and agree the price for the whole day.
- Start early for the viewpoints — Mist usually covers Top Station by late morning, and fog reaches the roads by afternoon, so set off on the Top Station road at first light.
FAQ
How much does a taxi cost in Munnar?
A car with driver for the day costs roughly ₹1,500–3,000, plus about ₹200–300 for each extra hour. A rickshaw for the day costs roughly ₹1,000–1,500.
What is the best way to get around Munnar?
A car with driver for the day: the sights are far apart on a few hill roads, and there is nothing to hail between them.
Are there local buses in Munnar?
Yes, to Top Station, Mattupetty and Kumily, for roughly ₹20–60. They run rarely, so check the return time before you leave.
Can I rent a scooter in Munnar?
Yes, for roughly ₹500–800 a day, but the roads are steep and foggy in the afternoon; it suits riders with hill experience. On weekends bikes often run out.
How do I get to Kolukkumalai?
By the licensed jeeps from Suryanelli, roughly ₹3,100 per six-seater; the last 12 km are a jeep-only track.
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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