A road trip from Bangalore to Munnar is a slow unveiling of Southern India’s natural beauty. The journey takes you from the bustling metropolis into lush forests, misty ghats, and endless tea plantations. Here’s how the experience unfolds — in full color, aroma, and emotion.
Bangalore
We started our journey early at 5 AM to beat the traffic. Leaving Bangalore before sunrise felt magical — quiet streets, cool air, and the anticipation of mountains ahead. We took the NH44 route, heading south toward Tamil Nadu, and watched the first light spill over the city skyline.
Hosur
Crossing into Tamil Nadu at Hosur, we stopped for a quick but satisfying South Indian breakfast — fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and piping hot sambar at a roadside eatery. The food tasted more soulful out here than in city cafés. With coffee warming our hands, we rolled down the windows and let the countryside air in.
Distance from Bangalore: ~40 km
Krishnagiri
Krishnagiri welcomed us with endless mango orchards. It’s hard not to stop for a box of Banganapalli or Imam Pasand mangoes, especially when the vendors slice one open for a free taste.
We took a small detour to Krishnagiri Fort, a hilltop spot that offers panoramic views of the town and its orchards. The breeze up there was cool and comforting — a great photo-op and stretch break.
Distance from Hosur: ~45 km
Dharmapuri
The stretch between Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri was smooth and scenic, flanked by fields and granite hills. Though we didn’t stop for long, we passed vibrant roadside markets and temples with colorful gopurams. There’s a calm that sets in as you drive through this less-explored part of Tamil Nadu.
Distance from Krishnagiri: ~60 k
Salem
In Salem, we pulled over for a short temple visit and an early lunch. The 1008 Shiva Lingam Temple was unique and peaceful, surrounded by quiet greenery.
Lunch was unforgettable — Chettinad chicken curry, parottas, and rasam rice at a small family-run restaurant. We also stocked up on Salem’s famous jackfruit chips and achappams for the road.
Distance from Dharmapuri: ~65 km
Dindigul
As we moved into Dindigul, the landscape flattened, but the food culture took center stage. We couldn’t miss trying the iconic Dindigul Thalappakatti Biryani — every bite of that seeraga samba rice infused with aromatic spices and tender meat was a story in itself.
We also explored Dindigul Fort, a historic spot with sweeping views over the town. The mid-afternoon breeze and minimal crowds made it a peaceful break.
Distance from Salem: ~130 km
Theni
The road began to gently rise as we entered Theni district. The change in terrain was palpable — more greenery, cool air, and mountain silhouettes on the horizon.
We stopped by the Vaigai Dam, where locals were enjoying their evening walks. Just outside town, tea stalls served hot ginger chai with crisp banana fritters. The golden light of dusk started to spill across the hills — a preview of Munnar’s beauty.
Distance from Dindigul: ~70 km
The Ascent to Munnar – Ghat Roads and Misty Valleys
The final leg of the trip was the most mesmerizing. As we began climbing the Western Ghats, each hairpin bend revealed a new surprise — valleys wrapped in mist, waterfalls cascading through dense forests, and occasional sightings of wild elephants or monkeys on the roadside.
We stopped at multiple unnamed viewpoints just to soak in the scenery. Around every bend, the air grew cooler and smelled of eucalyptus and wet earth. The journey felt like meditation in motion.
Munnar, nestled high in the Western Ghats, is Kerala’s beloved hill station, painted with tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountain trails. Even in just one day, Munnar offers a soulful journey filled with green landscapes, earthy aromas, and unforgettable views.
Distance from Theni to Munnar: ~90 km
Sunrise at Top Station
Next morning, I started the day early with a drive to Top Station, about 32 km from Munnar town. The road winds through mist-covered hills and panoramic tea gardens. As we reached the viewpoint, the valleys below were blanketed in a soft layer of clouds.
Then, slowly, the sun broke through—lighting up the clouds in shades of gold. The view of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu border was ethereal.
Traveler Reflection: It felt like I was standing on the edge of the world. The cold breeze, the silence, and the sun-drenched sky—it was a spiritual kind of beautiful.
Tea & Breakfast at a Local Tea Stall
On the way back from Top Station, we stopped at a roadside tea stall near Kundala Lake. They served piping hot masala chai and crisp banana fritters.
The tea tasted fresher than any I’ve had—probably because we were surrounded by the very plantations where it grew.
Food Moment: The chai was soul-warming. Holding that hot steel cup in the morning chill, with fog in the background, felt like the essence of Munnar.
Visit to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
We booked a jeep ride to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the world, located at about 7,900 ft. The ride was bumpy and adventurous, but the views were worth every jolt.
The air smelled of tea and wildflowers. At the estate, we toured a 1930s-era tea factory and saw how the leaves are still hand-processed.
Tourist Insight: Watching tea leaves being crushed and rolled, while sipping their strongest brew with a view of endless hills—it was the kind of raw, rooted travel I crave.
Stop at Attukad Waterfalls
Next, we visited Attukad Waterfalls, a gorgeous cascade nestled in thick greenery. A short trail led us to a bridge where we could see the waterfall crashing into the rocks below. Families were picnicking, kids were playing, and couples were taking selfies.
Nature Note: There’s something hypnotic about the sound of a waterfall. I just sat by the rocks, dipped my feet in the cold water, and breathed in the moment.
Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (South Indian Vegetarian)
For lunch, we went to the local favorite Saravana Bhavan, right in Munnar town. We ordered the traditional Kerala meals on a banana leaf—including red rice, sambar, avial, thoran, rasam, and payasam.
The hospitality was warm, and the meal was simple but unforgettable.
Food Review: I loved the flavors—tangy, coconut-rich, and balanced. Eating off a banana leaf, with my hands, while locals chatted around me felt like a cultural immersion.
Visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai)
After lunch, we visited the Eravikulam National Park, home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park opens seasonally, and we were lucky to be there when it was accessible.
The walk along the trail offered sweeping views of grass-covered hills and valley floors. We even spotted a few tahrs grazing peacefully.
Wildlife Moment: There was a stillness here, and the occasional call of birds. Seeing the Nilgiri Tahr up close was a rare treat—they looked regal against the backdrop of the misty cliffs.
Mattupetty Dam & Boating
We wrapped up our day at Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush forests and calm water. We rented a pedal boat and cruised along the reservoir, taking in the mountain reflections.
The area was lively with tourists, music, and local food stalls selling roasted corn and homemade chocolates.
Evening Reflection: As the sun dipped, the lake shimmered. The breeze, the laughter, the peacefulness—it felt like a perfect ending.
