Sightseeing guide
Sightseeing days
Tea estates, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls at your pace. Tell us what you want to see and we plan the route.
Details about sightseeing daysAirport pickup and taxi
Kochi airport to Munnar, with a local driver
We meet you at the airport and drive you up into the tea hills, with stops for the waterfalls on the way. Send your flight details for a quote.
Cochin International to Munnar
- From
- Cochin Intl (COK)
- To
- Munnar, Idukki
- Distance
- About 110 km
- Drive
- 3 to 4 hours
The road runs through Kothamangalam and Adimali on National Highway 85. The last part of the road climbs through the Western Ghats with many bends. Allow time on the day you arrive, and tell us if anyone in your group gets car sick so we can plan breaks.
The drive up
One road, six changes of scene
Rice fields and rubber, a great river, roadside waterfalls, spice country, then tea. This is what you will see through the window.
Cochin International Airport
Your driver meets you at arrivals at Nedumbassery and you set off east, away from the coast.
Perumbavoor and Kothamangalam
The road crosses the flat, green farmland of Ernakulam district. Kothamangalam is the last large town before the hills begin.
Neriamangalam bridge
An old arch bridge carries the highway over the Periyar, the longest river in Kerala. The forest closes in on the far side.
Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls
Two waterfalls sit right beside the road as it climbs. They run strongest during and after the monsoon and make an easy stop to stretch your legs.
Adimali
A busy hill town and a good place for a break. Spice plantations of pepper and cardamom line the slopes from here on.
Into the tea country
Above Adimali the road keeps climbing until the first tea estates appear, clipped green rows covering every hill, and then you are in Munnar.
Booking a pickup
What to send us
The more we know, the more accurate your quote. A WhatsApp message with these details is enough.
- Flight and arrivalFlight number, date and arrival time. If you arrive another way, tell us where.
- TravellersNumber of adults and children, so we suggest a vehicle that fits.
- LuggageNumber of bags, and anything large such as a pram or a bicycle.
- Where toThe name of your hotel or homestay in Munnar, or the place you want to go.
- Stops on the wayAny stop you want on the drive up, such as a meal break, a waterfall or a spice garden.
Hi, landing at Kochi on 12 March at 10:40, flight 6E 123. Two adults, one child, three bags. Hotel in Munnar town. Quote please?
Send yours on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)Taxi services
A car and driver while you are in Munnar
Book a taxi for a day of sightseeing, a transfer between hotels, or the drive back to the airport.
Transfers
Transfers
Between hotels, to a restaurant or to the start of a walk. Tell us the pickup and drop points.
Details about transfersReturn drop
The way back
A drop to the airport when your stay ends. Book it with your pickup or later.
Details about the way backBefore you fly
Handy official links
Hill weather turns quickly. The national forecast is the one to trust.
IMD weather (opens in a new tab)Parks, waterfalls and forest areas are run by the Forest Department, which posts closures and timings.
Kerala Forest Department (opens in a new tab)Festivals, events and visitor information for the whole state.
Kerala Tourism (opens in a new tab)
Ask away
Airport taxi questions
Southern HillwaysQuestions travellers ask us
How far is Munnar from Kochi airport?
About 110 km by road from Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery. Most drives take three to four hours.
What if my flight is delayed?
Send us your flight number when you book and tell us about any change as soon as you know. Your quote confirms how a late arrival is handled.
Which vehicle will I get?
It depends on your group size and luggage. Tell us both and your quote names the vehicle.
Can we stop at the waterfalls on the way?
Yes. Cheeyappara and Valara are right beside the road. Tell us about any other stop you want when you book.
Is the road difficult?
It is a good highway, but the last part climbs with many bends. Tell us if anyone needs breaks and we plan for them.
Can I book a taxi only for sightseeing in Munnar?
Yes. Tell us the date, where you are staying and what you want to see.
How do I pay?
Payment terms are confirmed with your quote. Ask us if you have a preferred way to pay.
Something else? Ask us directly.
Message on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)Southern Hillways · Munnar
Send your flight, we will be at arrivals
Flight number, landing time, travellers and bags. That is all we need to reply with a quote for your pickup.
- From
- COK arrivals
- To
- Your Munnar stay
- Distance
- About 110 km
- Fare
- On request