Journeying from the cloud-kissed hills of Munnar to the sunny beaches of Kovalam is a refreshing experience for road trip enthusiasts in South India! For one, it appeals to both mountain lovers and beach bums as it combines the cool charm of tea gardens with the coastal allure of Kerala. See this pocket guide to plan a comfy trip from Munnar to Kovalam by car, taxi, bus, train, and flight.
ALSO SEE – 25 Best Places To Visit In Munnar, Kerala, With Map
Why travel from Munnar to Kovalam?
Offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and beauty, Kovalam is among the most celebrated beach destinations in India.
Hereâs why itâs worth visiting Kovalam from Munnar (or any other city)!
- Tranquil beaches: The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam, namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach are ideal for watersports, relaxation, sunbathing, games like volleyball, swimming, yoga, and meditation.
- Adventure activities: You can engage in trekking, hiking, parasailing, surfing, swimming, canoeing, boating, and catamaran rides here among other activities.
- Ayurvedic retreat: Kovalam is renowned for its certified Ayurvedic massage centers and wellness retreats. Often called âYoga Havenâ, Kovalam is a global hub for yoga enthusiasts and the âRishikesh of the Southâ courtesy of its numerous yoga retreats.
- Iconic structures: The red-and-white banded 115-foot tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, especially during the sunrise and sunset! Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and Kovalam Art Gallery are also must-visit attractions in Kovalam!
- German Bakery: Kovalam has one of the oldest and finest bakeries in India! This legendary little cafe has been serving the most delectable international and local cuisines for decades!
- Kerala Cuisine: Kovalam is a great place to visit for seafood lovers! Here, you can savor fresh seafood and traditional Kerala fare including Karimeen Pollichathu and appam with stew made with authentic Kerala spices.
ALSO SEE – Top 7 Things to do in Kovalam
Best time to visit Kovalam
October to February is the best time to visit Kovalam when youâll be able to enjoy pleasant weather, cool ocean breeze, and clear skies in this coastal town.
It’s the least humid and the temperature during this time ranges from 20°C to 30°C, which is ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.
How to reach Kovalam from Munnar
The distance between Kovalam and Munnar is 284 km and takes about 6 hours 40 minutes to cover by road. Munnar is at an elevation of 5,200 feet while Kovalam is a beach town located at sea level.
Regardless of what means you choose to travel, youâll get to traverse a mix of winding hilly roads, charming villages, fields, tea plantations, and smooth highways.
You can choose to travel from Munnar to Kovalam by train, private taxis, buses, and rented vehicles. Read on to see all the available options with their estimated costs and pick the most convenient option.
Munnar to Kovalam By car
A road trip is the most convenient and enjoyable way of traveling from Munnar to Kovalam.
You can drive your car or rent a vehicle. Or you can book a taxi in Munnar. Or you can book a prepaid cab online before commencing your trip for more control over the expenses and type of vehicle.
You can easily find taxis and rental services in Munnar, specifically near the airport and railway station.
Munnar to Kovalam cab fare: Starting at INR 5,000 (one-way for taxis and prepaid cabs)
Munnar to Kovalam car rental fare: Starting at INR 2,500 (one-way)
The best route to travel from Munnar to Kovalam is via Adimali and Alleppey which takes you through scenic tea plantations, waterfalls, and beach views.
This Munnar Kovalam route also lets you explore destinations like Neriamangalam, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, and Kollam. There are plenty of rest stops and restaurants along the way.
Munnar to Kovalam By bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and several private operators run a frequent bus service in the state connecting all its cities and towns as per a set schedule.
Since there is no direct bus from Munnar to Kovalam, you will need to take a bus to Trivandrum and a cab or auto rickshaw to Kovalam from there. Munnar to Trivandrum by bus might take around 7-8 hours, and Kovalam is a mere 20 km (30 minutes) away from Trivandrum.
All you have to do is get on the official KSRTC website and choose between several AC and non-AC buses going from Munnar to Trivandrum at a time slot convenient to you.
Munnar to Kovalam bus fare: Starting at INR 300 (one-way)
*This is an estimated bus fare from Munnar to Trivandrum
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Tourist Places In Trivandrum For One Day Trip
Munnar to Kovalam By train
Munnar doesnât have a railway station. The nearest is Aluva Railway Station located 120 km away, followed by Ernakulam Station 130 km away. From there you can take a train to Trivandrum Railway Station and a cab/tuk-tuk to Kovalam.
Trains like TVC Jan Shatabdi, Kerala Express, GUV Chennai Express, and Venad Express run between Aluva/Ernakulam and Trivandrum on a daily basis. The travel time is roughly 5 hours.
Munnar to Kovalam train fare: Starting at INR 500 (one-way)
*This is an estimated train fare from Munnar to Trivandrum
Munnar to Kovalam By flight
Travelers find this to be the most inconvenient, time-consuming, and expensive mode of travel between Munnar and Kovalam.
The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport about 106 km (2.5 hours) away, while Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest to Kovalam located 13 km (18 minutes) away.
The flight time between these two airports is 50 minutes. The total travel time would be about 7-8 hours.
Most find the hassle of constantly switching modes of transport for a short 1-hour flight unnecessarily expensive and tiresome, especially if youâre traveling with kids and senior citizens.
Munnar to Trivandrum airfare: Starting at INR 3,500 (one-way)
ALSO SEE – 12 Best Beaches Near Trivandrum To Visit At Least Once!
Better yet, skip the hassle and simply check out our customized Kerala tour packages that include transportation, sightseeing, and accommodation. The best part is that our personalized Kerala tours are budget-friendly and wonât burn a hole in your wallet!
Travel tips for Munnar-Kovalam travel
- If youâre traveling by road, start early in the morning to avoid traffic in major towns and cities.
- Pack light cotton clothing, umbrellas, raincoats, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, mosquito repellent, flashlights, and a basic first aid kit. Throw in a jacket or cardigan for Munnarâs chilly weather.
- Keep a tab on weather updates and live traffic conditions via GPS.
- Plan your stops and places to explore. Make a list of rest stops, restaurants, and attractions you wish to see en route beforehand so that you donât miss anything.
- Book accommodations like hotels and homestays in advance to get good deals and avoid surge pricing.
- Book your transport (taxi, train, bus) in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and secure the best seats at fair prices, especially during peak season.
- Keep a day aside for leisure activities and relaxation.
ALSO SEE – How To Travel From Kovalam To Alleppey
Whether you travel from Munnar to Kovalam by bus, taxi, train, or flight, youâll end up having the most wonderful trip experience amid Keralaâs unique blend of lush hills, paddy fields, rustic villages, ancient temples, and serene beaches. So, when are you going?
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