Munnar to Madurai
We get out of the bed early to join the walking tour organised by the hotel. We ended up being the only two awake. The two managers were leading the ballade. We rumbled over the muddy track between the tea plantations. We learned the history of tea plantation of Munnar, the whole tea production process works and how the Tata Tea Ltd company was providing cheap housing, medical care for their employees and families and education.
Leaving Munnar
We were already leaving Munnar and were talking a trip to the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. We loved Munnar and wished we could stay one more day.
After a 5 hour ride, we arrived in Madurai. Our hotel was located close to the Meenakshi Temple in the old part of Madurai. Besides a powerful kingdom, Madurai was also a centre of arts. The streets were packed. The coming Diwali festival making them even more crowded. People were coming to the city to buy their clothes and gifts for the festivities.
Munnar to Madurai: Travel essentials
- Getting There: Hire private taxi (₹3,000-4,500, 5 hours) or take bus (₹200-400, 6-7 hours). The 140km journey crosses from Kerala into Tamil Nadu through scenic mountain roads.
- Morning Tea Walk: Many Munnar hotels offer free guided walks through tea plantations (6-7am). Learn about tea production, Tata Tea history, and worker welfare programs. Don't miss this!
- Travel Time: Start journey by 9-10am to reach Madurai by mid-afternoon. Roads are good but winding in first half. Factor in stops for chai and photos.
- Madurai Location: Book hotels near Meenakshi Temple in old town for walking access to main attractions. Area gets extremely crowded during Diwali (October/November).
- Diwali Season: If visiting during Diwali preparations, expect packed streets, fireworks shops everywhere, and heavy traffic. Book accommodation well in advance as prices spike.
- Temperature Change: Prepare for heat! Munnar (22°C) to Madurai (32°C+) is a 10-degree jump. Dress in layers you can remove. Stay hydrated.
- Tata Tea Plantations: Munnar's plantations are owned by Tata Tea Ltd. They provide housing, medical care, education for workers and families - one of India's better corporate social responsibility programs.
- Last Photos: Take morning shots of Munnar's misty tea gardens before leaving. The light between 6-8am creates stunning atmospheric images you'll treasure.
- Accommodation: Madurai hotels near temple range from budget (₹800-1,500) to mid-range (₹2,000-4,000). Book rooms facing away from street to avoid noise.
- Driver Tips: Confirm driver will complete full journey. Some Munnar drivers don't want overnight stays in Madurai. Agree on all terms and stops before departing.
Note:
Morning Tea Plantation Walk in Munnar Before Heading to Madurai
Have you done the Kerala to Tamil Nadu road trip? What's your experience with Diwali celebrations in South India?