Tirunelveli to Manjolai by cab
Manjolai is the nearest place to Tirunelveli where you can escape the plains. It is a high tea-estate settlement in the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, at roughly 1,000 to 1,500 metres, with the Upper Kodayar dam and a windy viewpoint at Kuthiravetti. It lies about 60 to 70 km from the city, but the last stretch is a slow forest road.
The reserve is protected forest, so you need permission from the Forest Department and the rules on access change. Book a driver who has done the road recently, and plan on a full day.
Route and travel time
The usual route is Ambasamudram and the road into the Western Ghats. The distance is about 60 to 70 km, and the drive takes 2 to 2.5 hours including the forest road. A round trip is about 130 km.The best time to go is october to February for clear weather and cooler air.
What to see in Manjolai
Tea estates
The plantations along the road are the main draw, with mist and cool air even in summer.
Upper Kodayar Dam
A remote reservoir inside the forest, popular for its stillness.
Kuthiravetti viewpoint
A windy point with a wide view over the hills.
Manimuthar and Papanasam
Both are close on the way in, so they can be added to the day or a second trip.
Plan the day
- Leave Tirunelveli by 6:00 am so you have daylight for the forest road.
- Carry the forest permission with you, and check the current access rules before the day.
- Start back by mid-afternoon, because the road is slow and the light fades early in the hills.
Good to know before you go
- This is a reserved forest. Permission is needed, and rules on vehicles, timings and visitor numbers change.
- Rain and fog can make the road slow and slippery, so October to February is the most comfortable.
- Carry warm clothes, water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
Which car to book
A sedan can manage the paved sections, but an SUV is more comfortable on the last stretch. Confirm the allowed vehicle type when you check access, and tell us the number of guests.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Manjolai
A round trip of about 130 km fits our 10-hour local package, which includes 150 km. These are the published prices for the vehicles most guests choose, as of 19 September 2026. Driver bata is nil on local packages.
| Vehicle | Suits | Package price | Extra km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Toyota Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹2,700 A/C | ₹13 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹4,000 A/C | ₹18 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹5,000 A/C | ₹21 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹6,000 A/C | ₹24 |
Toll and parking are extra. Extra hours are charged per hour at the vehicle's published rate. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.