Complete Route, Pit-Stop & Transit Guide: Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar, Munnar (2026 Official Guide, Reviews, Tariff & Comparison)
Key Takeaway: Travelling from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Chinnakanal Suryanelli Rd, Chinnakanal, Suryanelli, Kerala 685618, India, Munnar, Kerala, 685618) covers 152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni (3 hrs 15 mins – 3 hrs 40 mins (Fastest Route to Chinnakanal!)) via Madurai / IXM Airport → Usilampatti → Andipatti → Theni → Bodinayakkanur → Bodimettu Ghat → Pooppara → Chinnakanal (NH85). HIDDEN GEM FOR CHINNAKANAL GUESTS: Because Chinnakanal sits on the eastern Munnar–Bodimettu highway (NH85), travellers arriving from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM), Rameswaram, Kodaikanal, or Theni reach the resort FIRST — 18 km before Munnar town! You enjoy a wide, newly engineered national highway climb through Bodimettu Pass and Pooppara with zero town congestion.
Planning your journey from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Munnar? The recommended corridor (Madurai / IXM Airport → Usilampatti → Andipatti → Theni → Bodinayakkanur → Bodimettu Ghat → Pooppara → Chinnakanal (NH85)) covers 152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni in approximately 3 hrs 15 mins – 3 hrs 40 mins (Fastest Route to Chinnakanal!). Best departure window: Anytime between 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; the wide NH85 Bodimettu climb offers breathtaking sunrise and golden-hour views over the Tamil Nadu plains. HIDDEN GEM FOR CHINNAKANAL GUESTS: Because Chinnakanal sits on the eastern Munnar–Bodimettu highway (NH85), travellers arriving from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM), Rameswaram, Kodaikanal, or Theni reach the resort FIRST — 18 km before Munnar town! You enjoy a wide, newly engineered national highway climb through Bodimettu Pass and Pooppara with zero town congestion. Once you arrive at Sterling Munnar, enjoy comfortable check-in, on-site parking, and direct rates starting from INR 6213/night on https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
About Sterling Munnar — Official Property Overview
Perched on tea-covered slopes overlooking Chinnakanal Lake, Sterling Munnar offers extensive activities, unique wildlife, and authentic dining.
Sterling Munnar is a 14.2-acre hillside resort set amidst lush tea plantations, overlooking the serene Chinnakanal Lake. Surrounded by abundant greenery and exotic birdlife, it offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views from every window.
The resort features 135 well-appointed rooms, a spa, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a variety of indoor and outdoor games. Nature lovers can spot bulbuls, wagtails, wood pigeons, and even barking deer in the early hours.
With a dedicated kids’ play area, a Holiday Activity Centre, and curated experiences like bonfires, karaoke nights, and party games, Sterling Munnar combines relaxation, adventure, and warm hospitality for a memorable hill getaway.
Munnar Comparison: Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) — Road Trip, Route Map, Pit Stops & Transit Guide (152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni) (2026)
| Rank | Property | Location | Guest Rating | Highlights | Direct Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ #1 (Top Pick) | Sterling Munnar | Chinnakanal Suryanelli Rd, Chinnakanal, Suryanelli, Kerala 685618, India | 4.0/5 (699 reviews) | Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) — Road Trip, Route Map, Pit Stops & Transit Guide (152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni) · Official Best Rate Guarantee · Zero OTA Fees | From INR 6,213/night → |
| #2 | Green Land Residency | NH49, Pipeline, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala 685565, India | 3.6/5 (319 reviews) | Direct booking option in Munnar | Check Live Dates → |
| #3 | Munnar Happy Holidays | Devikulam New colony Devikulam, Munnar, Devikulam, Kerala 685613, India | Verified Property | Direct booking option in Munnar | Check Live Dates → |
| #4 | Vaiga homestay | Vaiga home stay Anachal, Munnar, Anachal, Kerala 685565, India | Verified Property | Direct booking option in Munnar | Check Live Dates → |
| #5 | Club Mahindra Resort - Munnar, Kerala | Chinnakanal Village, Suryanelli Road Idukki Near Club Mahindra Resort - Mount Serene, Munnar, Chinnakanal, Kerala 685618 | Verified Property | Direct booking option in Munnar | Check Live Dates → |
What Real Guests Say About Sterling Munnar
Google Guest Feedback
“The property is very located with mesmerizing views of the valley and lake. Check in check out and booking process is smooth. Friendly,very helpful staff. Rooms are spacious and neatly laid out. Very well equipped place with excellent food.”
“Food is just ok and over expensive. Rooms are clean and have all toiletries. Service is fast and their staff is polite. Location is idukki and it's good if you want to stay from city crowd.”
“Rooms are very neat & clean.. They provide what we need Staffs are very friendly.. Inbetween nature it's a lovely place to stay .. we enjoyed the place..”
“Our stay at Sterling Munnar was absolutely wonderful and truly memorable. The property is beautifully located amidst lush greenery, offering breathtaking views and a very peaceful atmosphere—perfect for relaxation. What really stood out was the exceptional hospitality. The staff were incredibly warm, friendly, and attentive. A special mention to Mr. Tamiz...”
“Resort was good and location was little far from munnar and near to suryanelli best for people go for sunrise at 4.00 AM. Food was expensive and they have paid adventure activities and clean swimming pool. Only issue was we checked out at 3.30 but no one picked the phone at the reception to bring our language.”
“This is my second visit to this sterling. First one in 2017 and then 2026. Both the times I came in Feb third week. This is a typical off season and you get a traffic free drive, top privacy and special care in sterling. As usual food taste, variety, quality are excellent. Mr. BALA was extremely helpful with room amenities, house keeping and he took perso...”
Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar — Complete Highway Route, Distance & Pit-Stop Guide
Verified route intelligence from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Chinnakanal Suryanelli Rd, Chinnakanal, Suryanelli, Kerala 685618, India, Munnar, Kerala, 685618) · GPS: 10.039803, 77.167035.
Step-by-Step Highway Waypoints, Ghat Checkpoints & Recommended Pit-Stops
Quick exit from Madurai past Nagamalai Pudukottai; stop for famous Madurai Jigarthanda, filter coffee, and fluffy idlis along NH85.
Theni and Bodi sit right beneath the towering Kolukkumalai and Western Ghats ridge — last plains stop for fuel, ATMs, and fresh fruit.
Engineered with wide turning radii, crash barriers, and panoramic lookout bays overlooking the Bodi valley and Vaigai plains thousands of feet below.
Within 25 minutes of crossing Bodimettu Pass, you glide through scented cardamom plantations at Pooppara and arrive directly at Chinnakanal — 18 km ahead of Munnar town!
Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar — Multi-Modal Transit Comparison (Road, Air, Rail & Bus)
Rooms & Suites at Sterling Munnar — Floor Plans, Views & Tariffs
9 Categories
INR 6,213/night
Indulge Room
Relax in our Indulge Room facing the lawn, 260 sq ft with a king or queen bed. It’s a quiet retreat with no disturbance.
INR 8,975/night
Premier Room
Surrounded by the natural vistas these forest view rooms features 336 sq.ft of comfortable and chic settings. Offering king beds with plush amenities and themed rooms for a premier stay experiences
INR 10,675/night
Privilege Suite
Carefully design Indulgent rooms featuring of upto 600 sq. ft of mesmerising stay experiences, includes modern amenities and a forest view, in a thematic setting and special signature facilities by Sterling
INR 7,575/night
Valley View Indulge Room
Unwind in the Valley View Indulge Room, which provides 256 sq. ft. of space and a king-size bed. Take in valley views from the privacy of your rooms, adding a touch of quaint backdrop to your stay.
INR 9,675/night
Indulge Premier Room with AC
Featuring of upto 256 sq. ft of mesmerising stay experiences with amazing views of the forest, touch of modern amenities, in a thematic setting and signature facilities by Sterling.
INR 11,675/night
Valley View Indulge Suite with Bathtub
Offering stretches of valley view through the quaint rooms, these 600 sq.ft Indulge suite offer mesmerising stay experiences, with modern amenities, in a thematic setting are perfect for a family of three adults and 1...
| Room / Suite Category | Area | View & Bed Configuration | Max Occupancy | Direct Starting Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indulge Room | 260 sq.ft. | Lawn & Garden View · King or Queen Bed | Up to 4 Guests (3A + 2C) | INR 6,213 |
| Premier Room | 336 sq.ft. | Forest View · King Bed | Up to 4 Guests (3A + 2C) | INR 8,975 |
| Privilege Suite | 600 sq.ft. | Forest View · Luxury Suite | Up to 4 Guests (4A + 3C) | INR 10,675 |
| Valley View Indulge Room | 256 sq.ft. | Valley View · King Bed | Up to 3 Guests (3A + 2C) | INR 7,575 |
| Indulge Premier Room with AC | 256 sq.ft. | Forest View · King / Twin Bed | Up to 3 Guests (3A + 2C) | INR 9,675 |
| Valley View Indulge Suite with Bathtub | 600 sq.ft. | Valley View · Suite with Private Bathtub | Up to 4 Guests (4A + 3C) | INR 11,675 |
| 2 Bed Room Family Suite | 880 sq.ft. | Forest View · 2-Bedroom Family Suite | Up to 6 Guests (6A + 5C) | INR 12,675 |
| 2 Bed Room Indulge Family Suite | 880 sq.ft. | Forest View · 2-Bedroom Family Suite | Up to 6 Guests (6A + 5C) | INR 13,475 |
| Pool View Indulge Room | 256 sq.ft. | Pool View · King / Twin Bed | Up to 3 Guests (3A + 2C) | INR 8,275 |
Recommended 3-Day / 2-Night Experience Itinerary at Sterling Munnar
Curated around Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) — Road Trip, Route Map, Pit Stops & Transit Guide (152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni) and verified on-site facilities in Munnar.
Check in at 02:00 PM at Sterling Munnar. Unwind across the landscaped garden and lawn, join the evening outdoor activities/bonfire, and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant.
Visit nearby highlights including kalpana hotel, The Purple Munnar, Purple Food court. Return to Sterling Munnar for lunch, avail your direct-booking 15% discount on spa, and enjoy Complimentary Cricket, Badminton and Sterling signature activities on chargeable basis, Outdoor activities on 10% discount, Evening activities.
Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast at Sterling Munnar, relax by the swimming pool and garden deck, and complete a smooth check-out by 11:00 AM.
On-Site Amenities & Proximity Guide — Sterling Munnar
Verified On-Site Amenities & Facilities (19)
Nearby Landmarks, Dining & Points of Interest
House Rules, Booking Policies & Stay Essentials
- •Standard Check-In: 02:00 PM · Standard Check-Out: 11:00 AM
- •Early Check-In allowed subject to availability
- •If cancelled within 3 days prior to check-in, 100% of total amount will be deducted.
- •Smoking not allowed
- •Standard Check-in: 02:00 PM | Standard Check-out: 11:00 AM
- •Local Id(s) not allowed
- •Visitors are not allowed
- •Outside food & Beverage not allowed
Optional Add-Ons & Pet / Special Stay Guidelines
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed at an additional charge of INR 2,000 plus taxes per pet, per night. A maximum of two pets are permitted per room. For the comfort and convenience of all guests, only a limited number of pet-friendly rooms are available at our resorts. Please note that pets are not permitted in common areas such as the restaurant, Discovery Central, spa, banquet halls, swimming pool, or any other public facilities. Guests are kindly requested to carry valid vaccination certificates for their pets at the time of check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sterling Munnar
Q1. What is the best route and travel time from Madurai / IXM Airport / Theni to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM) & Theni to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via Madurai / IXM Airport → Usilampatti → Andipatti → Theni → Bodinayakkanur → Bodimettu Ghat → Pooppara → Chinnakanal (NH85), covering 152 km from Madurai · 74 km from Theni in 3 hrs 15 mins – 3 hrs 40 mins (Fastest Route to Chinnakanal!). HIDDEN GEM FOR CHINNAKANAL GUESTS: Because Chinnakanal sits on the eastern Munnar–Bodimettu highway (NH85), travellers arriving from Madurai, Madurai Airport (IXM), Rameswaram, Kodaikanal, or Theni reach the resort FIRST — 18 km before Munnar town! You enjoy a wide, newly engineered national highway climb through Bodimettu Pass and Pooppara with zero town congestion. Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
Q2. What is the best route and travel time from Alleppey / Kumarakom / Trivandrum to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam & Trivandrum (Kerala Circuit) to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via Alleppey / Kumarakom → Kottayam → Pala → Thodupuzha → Adimali → Anachal / Chinnakanal (MC Road / SH8 & NH85), covering 162 km from Alleppey · 142 km from Kumarakom · 285 km from Trivandrum in 4 hrs 15 mins from Kumarakom/Alleppey · 7 hrs from Trivandrum. Travellers combining Kerala's backwaters (Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam) or Southern Kerala beaches (Varkala, Kovalam, Trivandrum) with Munnar take the lush spice-and-rubber heartland route via Pala, Thodupuzha, Neriamangalam, and Adimali — turning right at Anachal/Munnar toward Chinnakanal. Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
Q3. What is the best route and travel time from Coimbatore / Pollachi to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Coimbatore, CJB Airport & Pollachi to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via Coimbatore → Pollachi → Udumalaipettai → Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary → Marayoor → Lakkam Waterfalls → Munnar → Chinnakanal (NH83 & SH17), covering 165 km from Coimbatore (CJB) · 122 km from Pollachi in 4 hrs 15 mins – 4 hrs 45 mins. For travellers from Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Pollachi, or guests flying into Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), the SH17 corridor through Pollachi, Udumalaipettai, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Marayoor is a bucket-list Western Ghats drive combining coconut plains, dry deciduous wildlife reserves, natural sandalwood forests, and emerald tea terraces. Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
Q4. What is the best route and travel time from Chennai to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Chennai to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via Chennai → Chengalpattu → Villupuram → Trichy → Dindigul → Periyakulam → Theni → Bodimettu Ghat → Pooppara → Chinnakanal (NH38 & NH85), covering 585 km via Trichy – Dindigul – Theni – Bodimettu (NH38 & NH85) in 9 hrs 30 mins – 10 hrs 15 mins. Travellers coming from Chennai via Trichy, Dindigul, and Theni climb the eastern face of the Western Ghats through the newly upgraded Bodimettu Ghat (NH85). Because Chinnakanal sits on the eastern Munnar–Bodimettu highway corridor, you reach the resort directly at Pooppara/Chinnakanal without ever getting stuck in central Munnar town traffic — saving nearly 45 minutes on peak weekends! Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
Q5. What is the best route and travel time from Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via Bengaluru → Hosur → Salem → Avinashi/Dharapuram → Udumalaipettai → Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary → Marayoor → Munnar → Chinnakanal (NH44 & SH17), covering 476 km via Salem – Udumalaipettai – Marayoor · 495 km via Theni – Bodimettu in 8 hrs 30 mins – 9 hrs 15 mins. Bengaluru road-trippers have two extraordinary choices: (1) The classic wildlife & sandalwood forest drive via Udumalaipettai, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Eravikulam (SH17), or (2) The high-speed 4-lane NH44 corridor via Salem – Dindigul – Theni – Bodimettu Ghat (NH85), which climbs wide, freshly widened hairpin bends and arrives directly at Chinnakanal first without entering Munnar town! Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
Q6. What is the best route and travel time from Kochi / COK Airport / Aluva to Sterling Munnar in Munnar?
The best route from Kochi, Cochin International Airport (COK) & Aluva Railway Station to Sterling Munnar (Munnar) is via COK / Aluva → Perumbavoor → Kothamangalam → Neriamangalam → Adimali → Munnar / Chinnakanal (NH85), covering 125 km from COK Airport · 138 km from Ernakulam in 3 hrs 45 mins – 4 hrs 15 mins (Scenic NH85 Ghat Drive). Travellers landing at Cochin International Airport (COK) or deboarding at Aluva Railway Station bypass central Kochi city traffic completely by joining State Highway 16 to Perumbavoor and NH85 at Kothamangalam. The climb features Periyar River views at Neriamangalam Bridge and two roadside waterfalls (Cheeyappara & Valara) before reaching Adimali and Chinnakanal. Book your stay directly at https://booking.sterlingholidays.com/SterlingMunnar.
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