• Source:JND
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Kochi To Munnar Seaplane: Cochin International Airport is about three hours away from Munnar by road, while Ernakulam railway station is slightly longer at three and a half hours. However, once the new seaplane service launches, travellers will be able to reach Munnar from Kochi in less than 25 minutes. Currently, tourists travel via the Neriaymangalam and Adimali routes, which includes a 14.1-kilometre stretch through forested areas. Due to safety concerns during night travel, visitors typically leave Munnar by noon.

These travel limitations can hinder tourism in Munnar, particularly during the off-peak season. Authorities believe that a reduction in travel time could attract more international visitors to Munnar and its surroundings. Additionally, the seaplane service could be vital for transporting patients to Kochi for medical care, given the limited facilities in Munnar. Local residents in nearby areas like Kanthalloor and Marayoor would also benefit from this development.

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Kochi To Munnar Seaplane To Benefit Both Tourists And Locals

According to a Onmanorama report, the seaplane initiative is part of the central government's UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) project, aimed at enhancing air connectivity to remote regions of India. This project encourages both tourists and locals to use air travel to access rural tourist destinations. The 17-seater seaplane, built by de Havilland in Canada, has successfully completed test flights with support from SpiceJet.

Kochi To Munnar Seaplane Ticket Price

Currently, ticket prices for the Kochi-Munnar seaplane route have not been announced, as the service is still in the trial phase. Based on past experiences with similar services, one-way fares are expected to range between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000. Tickets are likely to be available on spiceshuttle.com and other platforms.

Kochi To Munnar Seaplane Luggage Allowance

Seaplanes typically operate from sunrise to sunset, with a luggage allowance of 25 kg—20 kg for checked baggage and 5 kg for cabin luggage.

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Kochi To Munnar Seaplane Impact On Elephants

However, concerns have been raised by the forest department regarding the impact of seaplane noise on local elephant populations. With ten wild elephants frequenting the Mattupetty area, officials worry that the sound of the planes could scare them. As a result, the forest department has urged authorities to reconsider plans for seaplane landings at Mattupetty reservoir, following initial objections about landing at Idukki dam.