Sameer
Anvi Staff answered 5 months ago
Reaching Kodaikanal for the first time involves a few key steps, whether you’re traveling by air, train, or road. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:
1. By Air:
Nearest Airport:
Madurai Airport (IXM): Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kodaikanal.
Coimbatore Airport (CJB): Approximately 175 kilometers (109 miles) from Kodaikanal.
From the Airport:
By Taxi: The most convenient way to reach Kodaikanal from the airport is by hiring a taxi. It takes around 3-4 hours from Madurai and 4-5 hours from Coimbatore.
By Bus: Some private and government buses operate from the airport to Kodaikanal, though they might not be as frequent or direct.
2. By Train:
Nearest Railway Stations:
Kodai Road (KQN): About 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Kodaikanal. This is the closest railway station.
Madurai Junction (MDU): About 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. A major railway hub with more train options.
From the Railway Station:
By Taxi: You can hire a taxi from the railway station to Kodaikanal, which takes about 2-3 hours from Kodai Road and 3-4 hours from Madurai.
By Bus: You can find buses from Kodai Road and Madurai to Kodaikanal, though a taxi is often more comfortable.
3. By Road:
Driving to Kodaikanal:
From Madurai: The distance is around 120 kilometers (75 miles), and the drive takes about 3-4 hours. The route passes through scenic landscapes, including the Palani Hills.
From Coimbatore: About 175 kilometers (109 miles) away, with a driving time of approximately 4-5 hours.
From Bangalore: Approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) away, taking about 8-10 hours by road.
Bus Services:
Government Buses: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates buses to Kodaikanal from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
Private Operators: Various private bus operators offer comfortable and direct services to Kodaikanal. You can book tickets online or at bus stations.
4. Local Transportation in Kodaikanal:
Taxis and Autos:
Local Taxis: Available for sightseeing and travel within Kodaikanal.
Auto Rickshaws: Common for short distances and local transport.
Car Rentals:
Self-Drive: Renting a car is an option if you prefer flexibility in exploring the area.
Travel Tips:
Weather: Kodaikanal enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, but it’s cooler than the plains. Bring warm clothing, especially if visiting during the colder months.
Permits: No special permits are required for domestic tourists. International tourists should check visa and travel requirements.
Accommodation: Book your stay in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Kodaikanal offers a range of accommodations from budget hotels to luxury resorts.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Kodaikanal.
Amit Khanna Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Kodaikanal, a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, can be done via various modes of transport. Here’s a guide on how to reach Kodaikanal:
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Madurai International Airport (IXM), which is about 120 km from Kodaikanal.
Other Nearby Airports:
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) (175 km away)
Trichy International Airport (TIR) (195 km away)
How to proceed: From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kodaikanal. Taxi services are available at the airport, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: The closest major railway station is Kodai Road Railway Station, located about 80 km from Kodaikanal.
How to proceed: From Kodai Road, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal. The taxi ride takes approximately 2-3 hours. Buses are also available at regular intervals.
3. By Bus
Direct Bus Services: Several buses run to Kodaikanal from major cities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Buses are available from:
Madurai (3-4 hours)
Coimbatore (6-7 hours)
Chennai (9-10 hours)
Bangalore (10-11 hours)
Trichy (5-6 hours)
Types of Buses: Both private and government-operated buses (Tamil Nadu State Transport) are available, with options ranging from regular to luxury sleeper coaches.
4. By Car
Self-Drive or Taxi: You can hire a taxi or rent a car from nearby cities such as Madurai, Coimbatore, or Bangalore to drive up to Kodaikanal.
From Madurai: The journey takes about 3-4 hours via NH 85 and SH 156.
From Coimbatore: The journey is around 6-7 hours via NH 83.
From Bangalore: Driving from Bangalore takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the route.
5. By Bike
For adventurous travelers, Kodaikanal is also a popular destination for bike trips. Riding up the winding mountain roads can be an enjoyable experience, with scenic views along the way.
Important Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the summer months (April to June) or post-monsoon (September to October) for pleasant weather.
Road Conditions: The roads to Kodaikanal are mountainous with winding turns, so drive carefully, especially in monsoons.
Local Transport: Once in Kodaikanal, you can explore the town using local taxis or auto-rickshaws.