Munnar to Thekkady Distance, Route & Time
By the Kerala Escapes team · updated July 2026
Distance
≈91–100 km
By road
3–4 hours
Munnar to Thekkady (Kumily) is about 91–100 km by road and takes roughly 3–4 hours on winding hill roads. The shorter ~91 km route runs via Anachal, Rajakkad and Nedumkandam; a scenic ~100 km route goes via Devikulam, Pooppara and Ramakkalmedu. We run this leg with a private cab as part of the classic hill circuit.
The drive: Munnar to Thekkady
The classic is the 'Gap Road' via Devikulam, Chinnakanal, Santhanpara and Anakkara down to Kumily (Thekkady) — the most scenic line, taken by around 9 in 10 travellers, past viewpoints, dams and cardamom plantations.
Alternate route: The scenic ~100 km route via Devikulam, Pooppara, Udambanchola and Ramakkalmedu adds viewpoints and a little time — a good choice when the weather's clear.
How to make the journey
Private cab (what we arrange)
Indicatively ₹2,300–3,800 one-way (sedan to SUV, market rate). We arrange the private cab and driver — message us for our current rate.
By bus
Direct buses are limited — there's an early KSRTC service via Anachal plus a few private buses through the day (~3–4 hours). Confirm current times with KSRTC.
By train
There's no railhead near Thekkady; the nearest is Kottayam (~114 km), then road.
Best time to leave & where to stop
Leave Munnar mid-morning (around 9–10 am) so you can take the scenic stops and reach Thekkady before dark. Note that Periyar/Thekkady sits about 4 km outside Kumily town, where most hotels are.
- Ramakkalmedu viewpoint on the scenic route
- Tea and spice country around Nedumkandam
June–September the narrow ghat roads get slippery with fog and low visibility, and occasional landslides — September–March is recommended.
Local knowledge from our drivers
- We take the Gap Road (via Devikulam → Chinnakanal → Santhanpara → Anakkara → Kumily) — it's the most scenic route and what about 90% of visitors use.
- There's a quieter alternative via Anachal and Rajakkad with lovely forest trails, but the Gap Road is the classic for the views.
Doing this route as part of a Kerala trip?
We plan the whole route — private cab, the right stays in Munnar and Thekkady, and everything in between — and quote real rates on WhatsApp. Planning is free.
Where to stay in Thekkady
A few Thekkady stays we can book for you — see them all on our Thekkady page.
Hills and Hues Resorts Thekkady
4.9 on Google
The Mountain Courtyard
4.7 on Google
Greenwoods Resort Thekkady - Kondody Hotels
4.6 on Google
Munnar to Thekkady — FAQs
How far is Thekkady from Munnar?
About 91–100 km depending on the route — a 3–4 hour drive on winding hill roads.
Which is the best route from Munnar to Thekkady?
The shorter ~91 km route via Anachal and Nedumkandam is quickest; the ~100 km Devikulam–Ramakkalmedu route is more scenic.
Is there a direct bus from Munnar to Thekkady?
Direct services are limited (an early KSRTC bus plus a few private ones). Most travellers do this leg by private cab, which we arrange.
Is Thekkady the same as Kumily?
Thekkady (the Periyar reserve) sits about 4 km from Kumily town, where most hotels are — people use the names interchangeably.