Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal can be reached only by Road from the plains, though there are some plans for a rope way from near Palani Temple on the anvil. As of now, there are 3 road routes to reach it, one from Batlagundu (most commonly used), second one from Palani and the third one is from Munnar. There are some on-foot paths also for the Trekking enthusiasts.

The Batlagundu - Kodaikanal road is called the Kodai Ghat Road (58 km stretch) whose gradient is brilliantly engineered with just 2 hairpin bends in all, formed originally by British Engineers. This is a double road ( 7.5 m in width), with road-side protection walls in most places and is always well maintained in pucca conditions except during heavy monsoons. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours for this mountain drive with Dum Dum Rock, Oothu, Perumal Malai, and Silver Cascade being the stops enroute. The road side vegetation is good and is a fantastic experience all through the year. Travelers stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills and the Sholas.

The second one starts from Palani (62 km) called the Kodai-Palani Ghat Road and joins Batlagundu-Kodai Ghat Road at Perumalmalai Junction 12 km downhill before Kodaikanal Town. This was designed in 1970 by the Highways Dept. and opened to traffic in 1970. This route is tough, gradient is high, poorly aligned and designed with 21 hair-pin bends.

The third road does exist in name only, is totally unmaintained due to inter-state issues, and as good as closed. Some dare-devil 2 wheeler enthusiats use it sometimes.

By Air

The nearest Airports are Madurai (135 km), Coimbatore (170 km) and Trichy (195 km). The following Airlines serve the Madurai Airport. Indian Airlines Jet Airlways Paramount Airways Air Deccan

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is Kodai Road Station (KQN). Kodai Road Station is 80 km to the East of Kodaikanal on the plains at the foothills, located in the Dindugul(DG) - Madurai(MDU) Railway line. This town, as the name implies is meant for passengers to alight for their road travel towards Kodaikanal. Most South Tamilnadu bouand Passenger trains pass through and stop at Kodai Road. Click here for trains stopping at Kodai Road Station.

By Road

Approximate Distance by Road Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Erode, Tiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore. There are Private Omni Buses (Air bus, Volvo, Sleeper, Semi Sleeper types - KPN, Parveen) or the Govt. ones (KSRTC, TNSTC, SETC) that ply over night between Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore. These ones are pretty comfortable and takes around 12 hours. Being a popular hill station, bus services to Kodaikanal from other parts of the state are timely and very convenient. The public Bus Stand is centrally located very near to the Lake/Coaker's Walk/Bryant Park. Also most of the Budget/Economy Hotels are around the Bus Stand.

There are day-tour buses also that start every day from Tiruchirapalli or Madurai. Additional buses ply during the season. Private Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. Check with your Hotel for arranging a private vehicle. It is better to finalize the places to see and the rates before boarding the private vehicles. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal. Bicycle rentals, Taxis, Vans and limited city buses are available apart from the numerous private Tourist Buses and Vans.

It takes 3 1/2 Hours from Madurai via the Kodai Ghat Road. There are frequent buses from Madurai and cab would cost you Rs. 1500 (Ambassador, Indica etc) to Rs 2000 (Qualis, Sumo, Tavera, Innova etc) depending on the vehicle.

From Cchennai or Bangalore, the distance is around 5o0 km and its recommended you to take up any of the Chennai/Bangalore - Madurai train and alight at Kodai Road Jn. Kodiakanal is 80 km from here via the Kodai Ghat Road and a cab would cost you Rs 800 to Rs 1200. There are also direct buses from Chennai and Bangalore that takes approximately 12 Hours.

Public Buses that take you to Kodaikanal * Parveen Travels * KPN Travels * Sharma Transports * Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation * Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation * Kerala State Road Transport Corporation Kodaikanal is connected by road with Kodai Road 80 km Madurai 120 km Chennai 520 km Bangalore 500 km Coimbatore 175 km Trichy 197 km Ooty 264 km Kumuli (Thekkady/Periyar) 160 km Munnar 90 km Palani 64 km