Tirunelveli to Munnar by cab
Munnar, the tea-country hill station in Kerala, is about 280 to 300 km from Tirunelveli. The usual route runs north through Madurai and Theni, then climbs the Bodimettu ghat road into Kerala, and takes six to seven hours with stops. It is a full day of travel each way, so most guests plan two or three nights.
Because the trip crosses into Kerala, the vehicle needs an inter-state permit, which carries extra charges. We confirm this with you when you book so there are no surprises at the border.
Route and travel time
The usual route is Madurai, Theni and the Bodimettu ghat road into Kerala. The distance is about 280 to 300 km, and the drive takes 6 to 7 hours with hill roads. A round trip is about 580 km.The best time to go is september to March; the hills are misty and very green in the monsoon.
What to see in Munnar
Tea estates and the Tea Museum
The rolling plantations are the point of the trip, and the museum explains how the tea is made.
Eravikulam National Park
Home to the Nilgiri tahr. The park is closed in the calving season, usually in February and March, so check dates.
Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
Two easy stops with boating and views on the road out of town.
Top Station
A high viewpoint on the Tamil Nadu border, reached by a winding road.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: Leave early, cross Bodimettu by afternoon and settle in for the evening.
- Day 2: See the estates, the tea museum and the park, and stay a second night.
- Day 3: Return, or continue to Thekkady or Kochi if you are extending the trip.
Good to know before you go
- Inter-state travel to Kerala needs a permit, which carries extra charges. Tolls and parking are also extra.
- Hill roads are narrow with sharp bends. We use drivers who know them, and we avoid driving them in poor visibility.
- The park and other attractions have tickets and closing times, so book ahead in peak season.
Which car to book
A sedan handles a couple, but an SUV such as an Innova or Crysta gives a better ride on the ghats. Larger groups take a Tempo Traveller.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Munnar
Outstation trips of 300 km and more are charged per kilometre by vehicle, plus driver bata of ₹400 to ₹700. A round trip to Munnar is about 580 km. Prices are as of 19 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Suits | Per km | Driver bata | Distance charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹13 A/C | ₹400 | ₹7,540 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹18 A/C | ₹500 | ₹10,440 |
| Toyota Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹21 A/C | ₹500 | ₹12,180 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹24 A/C | ₹600 | ₹13,920 |
The distance charge is the per-km rate multiplied by about 580 km. It leaves out driver bata, toll, parking, permits and night charges, and trips of more than one day add local sightseeing kilometres. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.