Planning a road trip to Munnar? Here’s a complete guide to cab fares from Bangalore, including toll charges, state tax, best routes, stopovers, and everything else you need to plan a smooth journey. Bangalore to Munnar Cab Fare Guide.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 460–512 km (depending on route)
- Travel Time: 9–11 hours
- Fares Start From: ₹5,500 (one way)
- Toll Plazas: ~6 en route
- States Crossed: Karnataka → Tamil Nadu → Kerala
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
Bangalore to Munnar Cab Fare Guide 2026 — One Way
All fares below are approximate and cover 460 km. Toll, state tax, and driver allowance (₹350–₹500/day) are charged separately. GST at 5% is applicable on the base fare.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | AC Fare (₹) | Non-AC Fare (₹) | Extra Km Rate |
| Maruti Dzire (Sedan) | 4 passengers | ₹6,200–₹7,500 | ₹5,500–₹6,500 | ₹13–₹15/km |
| Toyota Etios / Honda Amaze (Sedan) | 4 passengers | ₹6,500–₹7,800 | ₹5,800–₹6,800 | ₹13–₹15/km |
| Maruti Ertiga (MUV/SUV) | 6 passengers | ₹7,800–₹9,000 | ₹6,800–₹8,000 | ₹15–₹18/km |
| Toyota Innova Crysta (Premium MUV) | 6–7 passengers | ₹9,500–₹12,000 | ₹8,500–₹10,500 | ₹18–₹22/km |
| Kia Carens / Marazzo (MPV) | 6–7 passengers | ₹8,500–₹10,000 | — | ₹17–₹20/km |
| 12 Seater Tempo Traveller | 12 passengers | ₹14,000–₹18,000 | ₹11,000–₹14,000 | ₹25–₹30/km |
| 17 Seater Tempo Traveller | 17 passengers | ₹18,000–₹22,000 | ₹14,000–₹18,000 | ₹28–₹35/km |
| 20 Seater Tempo Traveller | 20 passengers | ₹22,000–₹27,000 | ₹18,000–₹22,000 | ₹32–₹40/km |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller (Push-back) | 12–17 passengers | ₹25,000–₹35,000 | — | ₹38–₹50/km |
| Force Urbania Van (Luxury Van) | 10–13 passengers | ₹16,000–₹22,000 | — | ₹28–₹36/km |
| Minibus (AC) | 24–32 passengers | ₹30,000–₹48,000 | ₹24,000–₹36,000 | ₹45–₹65/km |
Bangalore to Munnar Round Trip Cab Fare 2025
Round trip fares cover 920 km (460 km each way) plus any local sightseeing in Munnar. State tax and toll are payable in both directions. Driver allowance is ₹350–₹500 per night.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | AC Round Trip (₹) | Non-AC Round Trip (₹) |
| Maruti Dzire | 4 passengers | ₹11,500–₹14,000 | ₹10,000–₹12,500 |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6 passengers | ₹15,000–₹18,000 | ₹13,000–₹16,000 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 6–7 passengers | ₹18,000–₹24,000 | ₹16,000–₹20,000 |
| 12 Seater Tempo Traveller | 12 passengers | ₹26,000–₹34,000 | ₹20,000–₹26,000 |
| 17 Seater Tempo Traveller | 17 passengers | ₹34,000–₹42,000 | ₹26,000–₹34,000 |
| 20 Seater Tempo Traveller | 20 passengers | ₹42,000–₹52,000 | ₹34,000–₹44,000 |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller | 12–17 passengers | ₹48,000–₹65,000 | — |
| Force Urbania Van | 10–13 passengers | ₹30,000–₹42,000 | — |
| Minibus (AC) | 24–32 passengers | ₹58,000–₹90,000 | ₹45,000–₹70,000 |
One way vs round trip: If you’re returning to Bangalore, a round trip cab works out cheaper — you pay only one driver allowance and partial return km charges. If you plan to continue onward to Kochi or Alleppey after Munnar, a one way cab makes more sense.
Toll Booths from Bangalore to Munnar
There are approximately 6 toll plazas on the NH 44 + NH 544 route. Total toll charges for a car range from ₹700–₹1,000 one way. Larger vehicles pay significantly higher tolls.
| Toll Plaza | State | Car / SUV (Approx) |
| Attibele Toll Plaza (Bangalore–Hosur Border, NH 44) | Karnataka | ₹80–₹105 |
| Krishnagiri Toll Plaza (NH 44) | Tamil Nadu | ₹85–₹115 |
| Erode / Kumarapalayam Toll (NH 544) | Tamil Nadu | ₹90–₹120 |
| Tiruppur Toll Plaza (NH 544) | Tamil Nadu | ₹85–₹110 |
| Pollachi Toll Plaza (Coimbatore–Pollachi Road) | Tamil Nadu | ₹75–₹100 |
| Adimali / Munnar Entry Gate (Kerala) | Kerala | ₹80–₹110 |
| Total (Car / Sedan / SUV) | ₹700–₹1,000 (One Way) |
Interstate State Tax / Permit Charges
Your cab crosses three states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala — each with its own interstate permit fee. These are paid by the driver and typically collected from passengers before or during the trip.
| Vehicle Type | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | Kerala | Total (One Way) |
| Sedan (Dzire / Etios) | ₹150–₹250 | ₹150–₹250 | ₹150–₹250 | ₹400–₹700 |
| SUV / MUV (Ertiga, Innova) | ₹200–₹350 | ₹200–₹350 | ₹200–₹350 | ₹600–₹1,000 |
| 12 Seater Tempo Traveller | ₹400–₹600 | ₹400–₹600 | ₹400–₹600 | ₹1,200–₹1,800 |
| 17–20 Seater Tempo Traveller | ₹600–₹900 | ₹600–₹900 | ₹600–₹900 | ₹1,800–₹2,700 |
| Luxury TT / Urbania Van | ₹700–₹1,100 | ₹700–₹1,100 | ₹700–₹1,100 | ₹2,100–₹3,300 |
| Minibus (24–32 seats) | ₹1,000–₹1,500 | ₹1,000–₹1,500 | ₹1,000–₹1,500 | ₹3,000–₹4,500 |
Bangalore to Munnar Route — Best Roads 2026
Route 1 — Via NH 44 + NH 544 (Fastest, Recommended)
Bangalore → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Salem → Erode → Tiruppur → Udumalpet → Munnar
Distance: ~475 km | Time: ~9–10 hours
This is the recommended route for all vehicle types, including large coaches. The road is excellent — broad expressway until Salem, then smooth NH 544 to Udumalpet, followed by a scenic ghat stretch into Munnar.
Route 2 — Via Salem–Dindigul–Theni (Scenic)
Bangalore → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Salem → Dindigul → Theni → Bodimettu → Munnar
Distance: ~512 km | Time: ~10–11 hours
This route passes through the Palani Hills and offers more dramatic views of hills and valleys. Not recommended for large vehicles (Minibus) due to narrow ghat sections near Bodimettu.
Best Stopovers on the Bangalore–Munnar Drive
Plan a total stopover time of 90–120 minutes across the 9–11 hour journey.
Hosur (~45 km): First major town after Bangalore. Good for breakfast — well-known local eateries and a quick fuel stop.
Krishnagiri Dam / KRP Dam (~90 km): A scenic reservoir on the Thenpennai River. Great for stretching legs over tea and photography.
Dharmapuri (~160 km): The main town has excellent South Indian lunch options. Hogenakal Falls is about 50 km away (a worthy detour for day trips).
Salem (~200 km): The “Steel City” makes an ideal lunch stop. Try Chettinad food here. Kiliyur Falls is just 3 km from the city.
Pollachi / Coimbatore (~290 km): Coimbatore is great for a coffee break. Both towns have well-stocked petrol stations — recommended to top up before the ghat roads.
Udumalpet (~360 km): Last major town before entering Kerala. Thirumoorthy Hills with cascading waterfalls is nearby.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (~430 km): A natural reserve home to elephants, deer, peacocks, and bison. Short safari drives available.
Lakkam Waterfalls (~445 km): A stunning waterfall on the Munnar–Udumalpet road — one of the most photogenic quick stops. Allow 20 minutes.
Best Time to Visit Munnar
October to February — Peak Season (Best)
Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C with clear skies, cool breezes, and lush landscapes. Ideal for sightseeing, photography, and tea walks. Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, and Kundala Lake are at their most beautiful. January is widely considered the single best month to visit. Book cabs and hotels well in advance during this period, especially around Christmas and New Year.
March to May — Good Time
Temperatures of 22°C–30°C, moderated by cool hill breezes. Less crowded with more affordable hotel rates. Excellent for trekking to Anamudi Peak and wildlife spotting at Eravikulam. Ideal for adventure seekers and budget travellers.
June to September — Proceed with Caution (Monsoon)
Heavy rainfall turns Munnar into a vivid green paradise and the waterfalls run at full flow. However, landslides, blocked roads, and poor visibility on ghat sections can disrupt plans. Eravikulam National Park closes during this period. Best suited to experienced travellers who don’t mind rain.
Best Places to Visit in Munnar
Eravikulam National Park
Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India (2,695 m). A UNESCO-heritage park with rolling hills and mist. Closes during calving season (Jan–Mar) and monsoon. 15 km from Munnar town.
Mattupetty Dam
A scenic reservoir surrounded by thick forests and tea hills. Popular for speed boating and early-morning elephant sightings. 13 km from Munnar.
Echo Point
Named for its natural echo phenomenon over a serene lake. Especially magical in early morning mist. Visit before 9 AM for the best experience. 15 km from Munnar.
Top Station — The highest point in Munnar accessible by road, with panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains. Famous for Neelakurinji flowers (next bloom expected: 2030). 32 km from Munnar.
Kundala Lake
A serene dam lake with shikara and pedal boating. Less crowded than Echo Point, with cherry blossoms in certain months. 20 km from Munnar.
Tea Museum & Plantations — Guided tours through sprawling tea estates with live machinery demonstrations and tea tasting. Open year-round, 1 km from Munnar town.
Attukal Waterfalls — A quieter waterfall cascading through dense forest, surrounded by spice plantations. A 20-minute moderate trek rewards with a peaceful, less commercialised experience. 9 km from Munnar.
Pothamedu View Point
Sweeping panoramic views over tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Sunrise here is exceptional. 3 km from Munnar.
Anamudi Peak Trek — At 2,695 m, the highest peak in South India. Trekking permits are required (KFDC). A full-day activity, best done October to April.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
The world’s highest tea plantation at ~2,100 m elevation. Reached via a rugged jeep ride from Suryanelli. The oldest orthodox tea factory still uses antique machinery. 40 km from Munnar.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A biosphere reserve home to elephants, Indian star tortoises, grizzled giant squirrels, leopards, and bison. Jeep safaris and guided treks available. 60 km from Munnar.
Pickup Points in Bangalore
Doorstep pickup is available from all major Bangalore localities, including MG Road / Brigade Road, Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Whitefield / ITPL, Electronic City / Bommanahalli, HSR Layout / Koramangala, Marathahalli / Sarjapur Road, Indiranagar / HAL 2nd Stage, JP Nagar / Banashankari, Jayanagar / BTM Layout, Hebbal / Yelahanka, Majestic / Kempegowda Bus Stand, and Rajajinagar / Vijayanagar.
Drop points in Munnar include Munnar Town Centre, Mattupetty Dam Road, Top Station Road, Devikulam / Rajamala, Chinnakanal, and Pothamedu Viewpoint Road.
Booking Tips & Travel Advice
Book in advance. During peak season (October–February) and long weekends, cabs book out fast. Reserve at least 3–7 days ahead. For group vehicles (Tempo Traveller, Urbania), book 2 weeks in advance.
Start early. Depart by 4–5 AM from Bangalore to beat city traffic, cross the ghats in daylight, and reach Munnar before sunset. The Munnar ghat roads have sharp hairpin bends that are significantly harder to navigate after dark.
Keep cash ready. Toll booths, driver allowance, and state tax are paid in cash during the journey. Keep at least ₹2,000–₹3,500 in cash (more for larger vehicles).
Pack right. Munnar can be cold (8–12°C at night in winter). Carry light woolens even in summer. Rain jackets are essential for monsoon trips.
Choose the right vehicle. For 1–3 people: Dzire or Etios. For 4–6 people: Ertiga or Innova Crysta. For 7–12 people: 12-seater Tempo Traveller. For larger groups: 17/20-seater or Minibus.
Download offline maps. Mobile networks are weak on the ghat sections near Munnar. Download maps before starting and share your itinerary with family before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cab fare from Bangalore to Munnar?
Cab fare starts at ₹5,500 for a Non-AC Dzire (one way) and ₹6,200 for an AC Dzire. Innova Crysta starts at ₹9,500 (AC, one way). A 12-seater Tempo Traveller starts at ₹14,000 (AC). Round trip fares are roughly 1.8x–2x the one way fare. All fares exclude toll, state tax, and driver allowance.
What is the distance from Bangalore to Munnar?
The shortest road distance is approximately 460 km via NH 544 (Coimbatore–Pollachi–Udumalpet route). The alternate route via Salem–Dindigul–Theni covers approximately 512 km. Travel time is 9–11 hours depending on route, traffic, and stops.
How many toll booths are there from Bangalore to Munnar?
There are approximately 6 toll plazas on the NH 44 + NH 544 route: Attibele (Karnataka), Krishnagiri, Erode/Kumarapalayam, Tiruppur, Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), and Adimali/Munnar entry (Kerala). Total toll for a car is approximately ₹700–₹1,000 one way.
What state tax is applicable?
Your cab crosses Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala — each with its own interstate permit charges. For sedans, total state tax is approximately ₹400–₹700 one way. For Tempo Travellers (12–20 seater), it ranges from ₹1,200–₹2,700 one way.
Which is better — one way or round trip?
If you plan to return to Bangalore, a round trip cab is cheaper overall. If you plan to continue to Kochi or Alleppey from Munnar, a one way cab makes more sense.
What is included in the cab fare?
Standard fares typically include the base km charge, fuel, driver wages, and GST at 5%. Exclusions in standard packages: toll tax, state tax, parking fees, driver allowance (₹350–₹500/day), and extra km charges beyond the included distance. Always confirm inclusions at the time of booking.
How much is the driver allowance?
Driver allowance is typically ₹350–₹500 per day for the driver’s food and rest expenses. For a 2-night stay in Munnar with round trip, expect to pay approximately ₹700–₹1,500 in driver allowance total, depending on the vehicle type.
When should I start from Bangalore to reach Munnar by evening?
Start by 4:00–5:00 AM to avoid city traffic and aim to reach Munnar by 3–4 PM. This timing ensures you safely cross the Munnar ghat roads in daylight and lets you enjoy the stunning ghat views on the way in.
Can a Minibus or 20-seater Tempo Traveller travel from Bangalore to Munnar?
Yes, but large vehicles should use Route 1 via Coimbatore–Udumalpet, which has wider roads. Route 2 via Theni–Bodimettu has narrow ghat sections that are challenging for large vehicles.
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