Munnar is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Kerala, closely followed by Thekkady. Many visitors to Munnar also take the opportunity to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady. The entire journey is marked by stunning landscapes featuring mountains, hills, tea plantations, and cardamom farms.
1 Distance from Munnar to Thekkady
The distance between Munnar and Thekkady is approximately 85 to 90 km, depending on the route you choose. Do not expect to drive at 80 km/h and arrive in an hour. The roads can be narrow and in some areas, particularly during the monsoon season, they may be damaged. You may encounter a lot of trucks, buses, and cars coming from the opposite direction, making it difficult to give way to other vehicles in many places.
Typically, the average speed you can maintain is around 25 km/h unless you are an experienced driver in hilly terrains. Even for an experienced taxi driver, the travel time from Munnar to Thekkady is about 3 hours. Due to the narrow roads, even if you drive quickly, you may find it challenging to overtake other vehicles.
If you are driving yourself, please proceed slowly and cautiously. Allow buses to pass only when it’s safe to do so. Exercise extra caution during rain and when there is fog. If visibility is poor due to fog, it’s best to stop the vehicle in a safe spot and wait until conditions improve.
2 Picturesque Route
The most beautiful and scenic route is Munnar – Devikulam – Pooppara – Udumbanchola – Thekkady. This route is approximately 100 km long, but the breathtaking scenery along the way makes it worth the extra distance. You can find the directions on Google Maps.
3 The Fastest Route to Reach Thekkady
The quickest route is: Munnar – Chithirapuram – Anachal – Rajakkad – Karithode – Nedumkandam – Thekkady. Check Google Maps for directions.
4 Exciting Exploration Awaits!
As you journey through the Munnar region, you will encounter beautiful hills, tea plantations, tea factories, and cardamom farms, along with some small waterfalls. Moving away from Munnar, the tea estates give way to forests, jungles, and spice trails. You will find numerous resorts and homestays along the route. Many stretches of the road are surrounded by forests, allowing you to soak in the scenic beauty to the fullest. Keep an eye out for streams and small waterfalls along the way. Don’t forget to stop at the viewpoints and take plenty of photos to cherish these memories!
