How to Reach Kodaikanal – Travel Guide by Air, Train & Road

Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal is among the most stunning places in South India. Kodaikanal, a tourist destination in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats, is known for its tranquil lakes, verdant woods, foggy hills, and stunning waterfalls. Kodaikanal is the ideal location for relaxation, regardless of your interests—nature lovers, thrill seekers, or those seeking a quiet retreat.

This comprehensive guide will help you investigate the best plane, train, and road travel alternatives if you are organizing a trip and are unsure how to get to Kodaikanal.

1. How to Reach Kodaikanal by Air

Kodaikanal lacks an airport of its own. Nonetheless, the closest airports offer convenient access to important Indian cities. 

Nearest Airports to Kodaikanal

• Madurai Airport (IXM) – 120 km away (Approx. 3.5 hours by road)

• Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) – 170 km away (Approx. 4.5 hours by road)

• Trichy International Airport (TRZ) – 197 km away (Approx. 5 hours by road)

How to Reach Kodaikanal from These Airports?

• By Taxi – Private cabs are available at all airports. A taxi from Madurai costs around ?3,000–?4,000.

• By Bus – Frequent buses run from Madurai, Coimbatore, and Trichy to Kodaikanal.

• By Train – You can take a train to Kodaikanal Road Station (details below) and then travel by road.

2. How to Reach Kodaikanal by Train

Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (KQN), located 80 kilometers from Kodaikanal, is the nearest train station. 

Major Trains to Kodaikanal Road Station

• Madurai Express (from Chennai)

• Nagercoil Express (from Bengaluru)

• Trivandrum Express (from Mumbai)

• Pandian Express (from Chennai)

How to Travel from Kodaikanal Road Station to Kodaikanal?

• By Taxi: Private taxis charge around ?2,000–?2,500.

• By Bus: Frequent government and private buses are available from the station.

• By Shared Jeep: Budget-friendly option, costing around ?200–?300 per person.

3. How to Reach Kodaikanal by Road

Kodaikanal is a great place for a road vacation because of its excellent road connections to major towns. Beautiful views of the mountains and woodlands may be seen from the hill station, which is reachable by picturesque routes.

Distances from Major Cities

• Madurai to Kodaikanal – 120 km (3.5 hours)

• Coimbatore to Kodaikanal – 170 km (4.5 hours)

• Chennai to Kodaikanal – 525 km (8–10 hours)

• Bangalore to Kodaikanal – 465 km (7–8 hours)

• Mysore to Kodaikanal – 350 km (6.5 hours)

Traveling by Bus

• Government Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport (TNSTC) and Kerala State Transport run frequent buses to Kodaikanal.

• Private Buses: Luxury sleeper and semi-sleeper buses operate from Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore.

• Volvo Buses: Comfortable AC Volvo buses run from Bangalore and Chennai.

Traveling by Car or Bike

• Best Route from Bangalore: Bangalore – Salem – Dindigul – Kodaikanal

• Best Route from Chennai: Chennai – Trichy – Dindigul – Kodaikanal

• Best Route from Coimbatore: Coimbatore – Palani – Kodaikanal

The road journey to Kodaikanal is filled with scenic beauty, making it one of the best road trips in South India.

4. Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal has pleasant weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your preference:

• Summer (March to June): Ideal for sightseeing, boating, and trekking. Temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C.

• Monsoon (July to September): Best for nature lovers who enjoy misty mountains and lush greenery. However, landslides may occur.

• Winter (October to February): Perfect for honeymooners and adventure lovers. The temperature drops to 8°C or lower.

5. Places to Visit in Kodaikanal

Once you reach Kodaikanal, don’t miss these top attractions:

1. Kodaikanal Lake – Boating, cycling, and serene views.

2. Coaker’s Walk – A scenic walking trail offering breathtaking views.

3. Pillar Rocks – Tall rock formations with mist-covered beauty.

4. Green Valley View (Suicide Point) – Stunning panoramic views of the valley.

5. Silver Cascade Falls – A beautiful waterfall located en route to Kodaikanal.

6. Berijam Lake – A peaceful lake with a rich ecosystem.

7. Dolphin’s Nose – A thrilling trekking spot with spectacular views.

8. Pine Forest – Ideal for photography and nature walks.

6. Travel Tips for Kodaikanal

? Book transport in advance – Flights, trains, and buses can get fully booked during peak seasons.
? Pack warm clothes – Even in summer, Kodaikanal can get chilly at night.
? Carry cash – Some remote areas may not have ATMs or digital payment facilities.
? Be cautious while driving – The hill roads have sharp curves and steep slopes.
? Respect nature – Avoid littering and maintain the beauty of the hill station.

Conclusion

There are several ways to get to Kodaikanal, including by car, train, and airplane. With its beautiful vistas of the hills, valleys, and forests, the drive itself is an amazing experience. Whether you decide to drive, fly, or take a picturesque rail excursion, Kodaikanal guarantees an unforgettable journey.

Now that you know how to go to Kodaikanal, make travel plans and discover the splendor of this enchanted hill station.