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Last week I embarked on a journey to God’s Own Country – Kerala. I had leaves at work that were about to lapse and hence had to take them. I chose Kerala because I hadn’t been there. Which meant that I’d get a lot of content 😛 The destinations on this trip were Munnar and Alleppey. And even before I planned my Kerala trip, I had read about the magnificent roads leading to Munnar. Some told that it is probably the best scenic road in India. That can be debatable though. Anyways, the last time I drove to anywhere from Kochi was to Idukki. And that was while driving the Tata Nexon during the Tata Nexon Bloggers meet. That time there were 4 folks in a car so I was comfortable. However driving alone that too on ghat roads isn’t something I’m very confident of. Similarly even though I know how to ride motorcycle, having even tried the Royal Enfield Himalayan, I’m still not quite sure of driving to hills.
Why Activa ? Why not a Enfield or a Car ?
So the only options I had included going by bus, booking a cab or driving a scooter. Cab was way too costly since I was on a solo trip. Going by bus was the cheapest, however it wouldn’t stop where I wanted it too. So that was ruled out too. Finally the last option was to take a scooter and drive to Munnar from Kochi. And based on my research online, there’s no one who has gone to Munnar from Kochi on a scooter and shared their experience. Hence I had to pen this down so that if anyone is planning, this can help them. Here’s Kochi to Munnar By Honda Activa, my experience.
Kochi to Munnar by Honda Activa
The Route from Kochi to Munnar
As per google maps, the distance from Fort Kochi to Munnar was about 140 kms and the time showed was 3.5 hrs. Well you know that isn’t always true, because one would surely take breaks. For my trip from Kochi to Munnar on Activa, I left Fort Kochi around 9:15 and totally relied on Google Maps. Initially it was a little confusing because it guided me from all the alleys and not the main roads. But after a while I realized that most of the roads in Kerala are like that. Further there were Kochi Metro constructions happening at few places so that added to the total travel time.
The drive from Kochi to Munnar
The road is single lane all through out and not a 4 lane highway. The roads are very narrow and it becomes tough to drive at times. Especially the bus and truck drivers can appear suddenly hence you need to take precaution while driving an Activa. Most parts of the road from Kochi to Munnar is in pretty good condition. Except few rough patches, the roads are good. Due to the recent floods in Kerala, there is repair work going on at some places so the roads are narrow. Also the last 10-20 kms is scenic but also the road condition is average. That’s when I’d say you should keep your camera already. The roads aren’t too steep and Activa can very well handle it. Many of my friends were skeptical about me driving an Activa to Munnar from Kochi because of the scooter itself and the roads. However, I certify that any scooter can easily reach Munnar without any hiccups. If I can reach then anyone can reach !
There are a lot of fuel pumps on the way so that shouldn’t be an issue. Moreover while going from Kochi to Munnar on Activa, I put petrol for 300 Rs and by the time I reached Munnar, it was just below half tank. The route from Kochi to Munnar was via some important towns like Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Oonukal and so on. With so many towns on the way, you have plenty of places to stop and take a break.
Food can be a concern especially if you are a vegetarian. There aren’t many typical road side dhabas sort of establishments where you can get good food. There are a lot of bakeries and cool-bars (places serving cold drinks) along the way. I stopped and had the famous Kerala Banana and kept driving.
Precautions while driving from Kochi to Munnar
Like I said, it isn’t easy driving a scooter on ghat roads and many people still call me crazy for that. Based on my experience of driving from Kochi to Munnar on Activa, here are some precautions:
- Take frequent breaks, it’s good for you as well as your activa
- No need to hurry, driving at a cruising speed is recommended (40-45kmph)
- Keep yourself hydrated because it can get too hot
- Have a riding jacket and gloves ready because the temperatures drop suddenly
- Keep the camera handy, if you have a GoPro mounted, nothing like that
- Driving downhill is tough due to the blind curves, honk when needed, drive slow and carefully
That was my Kochi to Munnar by Activa experience. I didn’t find anything about this online hence this post. I hope this would be helpful for anyone who is planning to drive a scooter from Kochi to Munnar. If you have any queries, do mention in the comments below or tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj
Hello, I was wondering how many hours it took for you to go from Kochi to Munnar. And are there a lot of sharp curves in the road or is it quite simple?
Hi Erin, it took me about 5-6 hours and that mainly because I took a lot of stops either to click pictures or eat something 😛 The roads are quite good with lots of turn, especially blind ones. However, as long as you can drive a motorbike, it’s simple. It’s definitely not scary/dangerous as many people told me before I drove there. Hope this answers your query 😇
Hi Atul,
Where did you rent the scooty from? How convenient is it to get a scooter/bike on rent from Kochi/Aluva? Can you share some details on the cost, documentation etc required for this?
Hi Zoobi,
I picked it up from Fort Kochi as mentioned. Documentation is minimal, just upload driving license on RoyalBrothers app, choose bike, pay entire amount upfront. Note the odo reading, bike condition, refuel and drive. I had a pleasant experience with them. Do check with them for any changes in the pickup points. Cost is mentioned on their app, plus taxes and security deposit for the first time.
Thanks for you blog. We are go make the trip olso this week. We lett you now
Kudos Tim ! Bon Voyage and drive safe, it would be pouring at this time there. And I’d be waiting to hear your experience.
Hi Atul! You’re really a savior. I was thinking what to take when go from Kochi – Munnar – Alleppey – Kochi. Just wanted to ask if me and fiance can go from Kochi to Munnar from Activa just like you? We both and luggage, is it possible?
Thank You Pankaj. During my ride I did see many scooters like Activa, Dio etc with two/three people on it. So I can say you can go. I assume that you won’t be carrying heavy luggage. Because it won’t be safe and also the journey would become uncomfortable. Have a safe journey 👍🏼
What a lovely post! I really like how relatable your posts are and the conversational way you write them. And if I were anywhere near your area, and not so far away in Mumbai, I’d too would want to just go for it! Nice!
Thanks a lot sirji. If you were around, I’m sure we would have rented a car and driven all over Kerala ! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Bro I and my wife are planning to travel from Kochi to munnar on Activa need your inputs on the same we have a small luggage that can be accommodated in front and we are planning to stay 40km before actual munnar so that will help save time.
What’s your suggestion do we have to take Activa or bike would be good
Hi Aasim, If you have a small luggage, I suggest Activa would be good as you could place it in the front. I don’t know how comfortable a bike would be if you have luggage until you have panniers. I had a backpack which fit nicely in the front. As for stay, you can go further close to Munnar and you will find some very good places to stay. Happy Journey 🙂