How to Reach Kodaikanal from Chennai
Are you living in Chennai and planning a trip to Kodaikanal to escape from your busy life? Are you looking for travel options to avoid unnecessary expenses? You might be worried about how to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai. We will help you know about the travel options such as bus, car, train, and flight.
Kodaikanal, also known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Best places to spend with your family and friends. The distance between Chennai to Kodaikanal is 522 kilometers. The hill station is known for its natural beauty, beautiful lakes, lush green valleys, and breathtaking views.
If you’re in Chennai and looking to escape from the busy life of the city, Kodaikanal is an ideal destination to explore. But, how to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai? Well, this guide will help you with all the possible ways to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai, including the distance, time taken, and fares.
Ways to Reach Kodaikanal from Chennai
How to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai by Road
One of the best ways to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai is by road. You can take a bus or a cab to reach Kodaikanal. The distance between Chennai and Kodaikanal is approximately 522 km, and it takes around 9-10 hours to cover the distance by road. The below chart will show you the travel route between Chennai to Kodaikanal.
By Bus
There are several government and private buses that operate between Chennai and Kodaikanal. The fare for the bus ranges from INR 500 to INR 1,500 per person, depending on the type of bus you choose. Some of the popular bus operators are SETC, KPN Travels, and Parveen Travels.
To know Chennai to Kodaikanal SETC bus timings
By Cab
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and convenient option, you can hire a cab to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai. The fare for a cab ranges from INR 8,000 to INR 12,000, depending on the type of car you choose.
How to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai by train
The nearest railway stations to Kodaikanal are:
- Kodai Road Railway Station
- Palani Railway Station
- Dindigul Railway Station
Palani railway station is 66 km away from Kodaikanal and the nearest one to it. But very few trains operate from Chennai to Palani. If you choose this route, once you reach Palani railway station, you can get a taxi or cab to Kodaikanal.
If you are a budget traveler, then no worries. There are several buses that operate from Palani bus stand to Kodaikanal. To reach Palani bus stand, you can take an auto or bus from the railway station. The distance between the railway station and Palani bus stand is only 1.5 km.
To know Palani to Kodaikanal bus timings
Kodai road railway station is approximately 80 km away from Kodaikanal. There are several trains that operate between Chennai and Kodai Road. The journey takes around 10 – 12 hours. From Kodai Road, you can reach Kodaikanal by cab or bus depending on your budget.
Dindigul railway station is approximately 95 km away from Kodaikanal. There are several trains that operate between Chennai and Dindigul. From Dindigul, you can reach Kodaikanal by cab or bus depending on your budget.
By Express Train
You can take an express train from Chennai Central to any nearest railway stations. Some of the popular trains are Pearl City Express, Pandian Express, Palani Express and Vaigai Express. The fare for the train ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000 per person, depending on the class you choose.
By Local Train
You can also take a local train from Chennai to Dindigul Railway Station and then take a cab to reach Kodaikanal. The fare for the local train ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 300 per person, depending on the class you choose.
How to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai by Air
The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, which is approximately 120 km away from the hill station. There are several flights that operate between Chennai and Madurai, and the journey takes around 1 hour. From Madurai Airport you can reach kodaikanal by cab or bus depend on your budget.
By Direct Flight
You can take a direct flight from Chennai to Madurai, and then take a cab to reach Kodaikanal. Some of the popular airlines that operate between Chennai and Madurai are SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India. The fare for the flight ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per person, depending on the airline and class you choose.
By Connecting Flight
You can also take a connecting flight from Chennai to Madurai via Bangalore or Hyderabad. The fare for the connecting flight ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 7000 per person, depending on the airline and the layover duration.
To know more about How to reach Kodaikanal by Air, Click here: How to reach Kodaikanal by flight
FAQs
The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The distance between Kodaikanal and Chennai is approximately 522 km.
It takes around 9-10 hours by road, 10-12 hours by train, and 1 hour by flight to reach Kodaikanal from Chennai.
Madurai Airport is the nearest airport to Kodaikanal, which is approximately 120 km away from the hill station.
Conclusion
Kodaikanal is a popular tourist destination, and if you’re planning a trip to this hill station from Chennai, there are several ways to reach Kodaikanal. You can choose to travel by road, train, or flight, depending on your budget and preferences. By road, you can take a bus or hire a cab, by train, you can take an express train or a local train, and by flight, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Make sure to plan your trip in advance and book your tickets accordingly to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Kodaikanal Group Tour Packages
Explore Railway station near kodaikanal
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. I’ll do my best to provide you with a helpful answer.
Have a great journey,
Thank you