How to get there - Kodaikanal

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.

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 500 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