
How Long is Munnar Road?
India, asia
118 km
1,707 m
hard
Year-round
Munnar! This gem of a hill-resort town sits pretty in Kerala, India, nestled high in the Western Ghats at 1,700m (5,600ft). Getting there is half the fun, trust me!
The road you’ll want to take? That’s NH-85. Think winding, twisty, and narrow – the kind that keeps you on your toes! It’s paved, sure, but expect some seriously curvy and steep sections. Coming from Kochi? You’re looking at a 118km (73 mile) journey, with Kothamangalam marking a good point about 80 km before you reach Munnar.
A word of warning: this road demands respect. It’s narrow with hairpin bends galore! If you're not used to driving in these conditions, seriously consider hiring a local driver. Fog can roll in too, thick as pea soup, turning visibility to zero even with fog lights.
Factor in about 5.5 to 6 hours for the drive, especially if you’re heading up or down. Some spots are blind, and you'll be sharing the road with trucks and buses that sometimes seem to think they own it! Adimali is your last chance for a decent bite before Munnar, and it's still nearly an hour from there to your destination.
But, oh, is it worth it! The views are simply breathtaking, especially in the early mornings. The air is thick with the fragrance of fresh tea leaves from endless plantations. Plus, keep an eye out for stunning waterfalls and panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats that'll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes.
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 118 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,707 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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