Cochin to Madurai via Munnar

MOD

Dear IndiaMikers,

I'd like to travel from Cochin to Madurai but spend a couple of days in Munnar in between.

From what I can see, Munner is roughly half way between them which would involve two, 6 hour bus journeys.

Has any of you done this trip before?

Any advice would be very handy.


Thansk

wabat

As i understand it through trip is about 8hrs ... by bus.

I got a quote today (Madurai - Cochin) for car of over $8000RP which I think is high ..

vandy

I there,

Madurai to Cochin via Kumily (Thekady),Kotayam or
Allepey can be done in 1 day.For example;
Madurai to Kumily 4-5hrs.
Kumily to Kotayam or Allepey 4-5 hrs
Kotayam or Allepey to Cochin 2 hrs.

Don't forget in India they will charge you for the Car's return Journey eventhough you are only
Travelling and using the car one way.
You should be able to Hire a Car & Driver on a daily Basis and/or per kilometer basis.For a smaller A/C car (Indica or Indigo)including the
Ambassador car should be around 1,500rps per day,I
think the kilometer rate for such a vehicle is around 7-8rps per Klm.I don't reccomend using an
Ambassador for such a long journey.

So really you can get to Cochin if you want in 1 day and then you will be charged for the car & drivers return to Madurai.Maybe if you payed a little more for the Daily hire,say 2,000rps per day
the Total cost should be 4,000rps, half of the 8,000rps you have been Quoted.I also suggest you
don't pre book a vehicle for the above reason,you
can arrange a car & driver in Madurai when you are there.Before you start approaching Drivers for prices ask a few locals what the going rate is.

All the best

rgds

vandy

MOD

Thanks. So 8 hours in a car would probably mean 10 to 12 in a bus I reckon. With a 2 day stop over in Munnar I think this could be a nice little trip.

wabat

Thank you Vandy .. I dont plan to pay Rs8000. Interesting the same company (guy i dealt with there earlier came to me with Rs5800 quote today for same trip.... makes one wonder where they pluck the figures from ....
I will await arrival in Maduari .. if no luck with car at reasonable rate then we can take bus...

Regards
Albert

wabat

yep your are correct.

Trust i have not hijacked your thread .sorry if i have. hopefully you feel details re car costs are useful.

MOD

Yes I did actually. Hiring a car and driver is not something thats come into my mind and thinking of suggesting it to my girlfriend for another trip in India so thans!

wabat

This route, given high kms, may not be best to do it on .. but there are many other places where it is very reasonable price wise ..given the flexibility it provides. Advantage here off course would be time saving ..