How to reach Kodaikanal

Travelling to Kodaikanal by railway is the easiest way as the nearest railway station – Kodai road is just 80-90 km away from the hill station. And with summer at your door, nothing can be better than planning a cool and refreshing escape to Kodaikanal from the scorching heat.  

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is a charming town and a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking natural beauty, pleasant weather, and serene atmosphere. Kodaikanal is also known as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ and is in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.  Besides the scenic beauty there are a lot of things to do in Kodaikanal. One of them is witnessing its natural attractions such as the Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park, and the Pillar Rocks.

Kodaikanal is also famous for its eucalyptus oil, homemade chocolates, and handicrafts, which attract many visitors to the local markets. Overall, the town is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

So if you are still wondering to how to reach Kodaikanal, here is a short table guide that will help you plan a short trip to this magnifescent hill station. 

Read further to understand how to reach Kodaikanal by road, rail and Air in details.

Also Read: Things You Didn’t Know About Kodaikanal Lake

How to reach Kodaikanal?

If you’re planning a trip with your family to Kodaikanal, reaching this misty hill station is not a difficult task as it is well connected through different modes of transport. 

• Kodaikanal By Rail: 

If you want to reach Kodaikanal by train, the nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is located at a distance of about 80 – 90 km from the hill station. Trains from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Madurai pass through this station. Once you reach Kodai Road, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal. This journey from Kodai Road Railway Station to the hill station will take about 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.

Alternatively, you can also book a cab or taxi in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. Traveling to Kodaikanal by train is a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you are traveling from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, or Madurai. The journey to Kodai Road Railway Station is quite scenic, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Ideally, this is the best way to reach Kodaikanal.  

• Kodaikanal By Air: 

How to reach Kodaikanal by flight? The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, which is located at about 120 km from the hill station. Regular flights are available from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai to Madurai. Once you reach Madurai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal. Taxis can be hired from the airport itself, and there are also pre-paid taxi booths available at the airport.

If you prefer to take a bus, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the Madurai bus station and take a bus to Kodaikanal from there. 

The journey from Madurai to Kodaikanal takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic.

Alternatively, you can also consider flying to Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 175 km away from Kodaikanal, and then taking a taxi or a bus to the hill station. The journey from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal takes around 4-5 hours. 

• Kodaikanal By Road: 

Kodaikanal is well-connected to several cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states by road. Depending on your location, you can hire a taxi, drive your own car or travel in a bus to reach Kodaikanal.

If you are traveling from Bangalore, Chennai, or Coimbatore, there are several buses available that operate daily to Kodaikanal.

Consider the following distances between the two places if you plan to travel by car, cab, or bus:

• Bangalore (approx. 460 km)
• Chennai (approx. 530 km)
• Ooty (approx. 255 km)
• Coimbatore (approx. 175 km)
• Kumili (approx. 160 km)
• Madurai (approx. 120 km)

Please note that the roads leading to Kodaikanal can be steep and winding, so it is recommended to hire a driver who is familiar with the terrain. It is also advisable to check the road conditions before starting your journey, especially during the monsoon season. 

Also Read: Top 5 Places To Visit In Kodaikanal With Family

Where to stay in Kodaikanal?

There are many resorts in Kodaikanal but if you want to enjoy a comfortable and pleasurable stay, you must check into Le Poshe, an affiliate property of Club Mahindra. Situated in the lap of nature amidst lush greenery and towering mountains, the premium resort offers the best in terms of service and accommodation. It is a quiet retreat for those families looking for a break from the fast-paced city life. Adventure enthusiasts can hike up the forests and hills, go cycling, and explore the nearby areas. Kids can go cycling, walk into the grasslands, or play in the fun zone in the resort. For your comfortable stay, the resort also has various amenities such as laundry services, parking, access to the internet, gymnasium, restaurants, and a souvenir shop.

Best places to visit in Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal Lake: It is a man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. You can enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding here.

Coaker's Walk: It is a one-kilometer-long paved pedestrian path that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Pine Forest: It is a dense forest of tall pine trees that offers a cool and refreshing atmosphere. It is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.

Silent Valley Viewpoint: It is a popular viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the Silent Valley and the Vaigai Dam.

Bryant Park: It is a botanical garden that boasts a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees. It is also famous for the annual horticultural show held in May.

Also Read: 5 Tourist Places to Visit in Kodaikanal You Must Include in Your 2-Day Itinerary

Best time to visit Kodaikanal

Overall, Kodaikanal is a year-round destination and the best time to visit depends on what you are looking for in your holiday experience.

The winter season from November to February is the best time to visit Kodaikanal as the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 17°C. It is the perfect time for honeymooners and those looking to enjoy the cool winter months. 

The peak season in the hill station is from April to June and from September to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C. The summer months from April to June are ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and sightseeing.

Monsoon starts from July and lasts till September. The hill station receives heavy rainfall during this period, which makes it difficult to indulge in outdoor activities. However, if you are a nature lover, then the monsoon season is the best time to visit Kodaikanal, as the hill station is covered with lush greenery and waterfalls.