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Coimbatore to Kodaikanal

The Coimbatore to Kodaikanal route spans approximately 175 kilometers and takes about 4.5 hours by road. This approach from the western side of Tamil Nadu passes through Pollachi a

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175 kmDistance

4.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹6,748

Ertiga₹8,585

Innova₹8,953

Innova Crysta₹11,040

Tempo Traveller (12)₹15,200

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹190

AC Seater₹320

Non-AC Sleeper₹280

AC Sleeper₹400

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹540

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Train

Sleeper₹140

Economy₹210

Third AC₹280

Second AC₹380

First AC₹520

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

The Coimbatore to Kodaikanal route spans approximately 175 kilometers and takes about 4.5 hours by road. This approach from the western side of Tamil Nadu passes through Pollachi and Udumalpet, offering a mix of flat plains and then a steady climb through the Anamalai Hills. The route is less crowded than the Madurai approach and provides a different scenic perspective, with tea estates and spice plantations appearing as you near Kodaikanal. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable drive on NH-209 and SH-37, with optional stops at Aliyar Dam and the Thirumoorthy Hills. This route is ideal for those coming from Kerala or the western districts of Tamil Nadu, offering a serene prelude to the hill station.

Route Map

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By Car: Coimbatore to Kodaikanal

175 km · ~3h 30m · About 4h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Coimbatore
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
175 km · 3h 30m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Coimbatore to Kodaikanal

175 km · ~3h 53m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Coimbatore
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Coimbatore. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Coimbatore → Kodaikanal
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~175 km
~3h 53m|Tentative fare ₹190–₹540
Search buses Coimbatore to Kodaikanal
Arrive in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Kodaikanal

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Coimbatore to Kodaikanal

Nearest railway stations: Coimbatore North for Coimbatore, Kodaikanal Road (about 46 km away) for Kodaikanal.

Direct trains

Coimbatore Nagercoil Passenger#56320 · Passenger

07:18 AMCoimbatore North

5h 58m27 stops

01:16 PMAmbaturai

Running days & live status ↗

Coimbatore-Nagercoil Express#16610 · Express

08:32 PMCoimbatore North

4h 43m27 stops

01:15 AM^+1dAmbaturai

3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Coimbatore Tuticorin Link Express#16612 · Express

08:32 PMCoimbatore North

4h 44m27 stops

01:16 AM^+1dAmbaturai

3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal.

PollachiFrom Coimbatore: 40 km from Coimbatore
Known as the 'Coconut City', Pollachi is a bustling town surrounded by coconut groves and is a gateway to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It's a good place for a quick break.
Restaurants and tea shopsATMs and fuel stationsMarket for local produce
Aliyar DamFrom Coimbatore: 70 km (near Pollachi) from Coimbatore
A scenic dam built across the Aliyar River, surrounded by hills and a garden. It's a popular picnic spot with boating facilities.
Parking areaBoating (₹50–₹100 per person)Snack stalls and restrooms

Hotels in Kodaikanal

Treebo hotels in Kodaikanal. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Aall Season

Kodaikanal

Treebo Kodai Kings Park, 650 M From Kodai Lake

Kodaikanal

Treebo Tranquil Heights

Kodaikanal

Things to Do in Kodaikanal

Boating on Kodaikanal Lake

Rent a pedal boat, rowboat, or canoe and glide across the star-shaped lake, surrounded by hills and pine trees. The calm waters offer a serene experience, and you can…

1-2 hours

Walk along Coaker's Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along this paved ridge-top path, which offers panoramic views of the plains and valleys below. On clear days, you can see as far as the village…

30-45 minutes

Visit Pillar Rocks

Drive to this viewpoint where three massive granite pillars rise 122 meters from the valley floor. The site offers spectacular views and is a popular spot for…

1-2 hours

Explore Bryant Park

Wander through this botanical garden, established in 1908, which features a variety of trees, shrubs, and colorful flowerbeds. If you visit in May, you can enjoy the…

1-2 hours

See Silver Cascade Falls

Stop at this roadside waterfall on the ghat road, which is fed by the overflow from Kodaikanal Lake. The falls are particularly impressive after rain, and the misty…

30 minutes

Trek to Kurinji Andavar Temple

Hike or drive to this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, which is surrounded by hills that bloom with kurinji flowers every 12 years. The temple offers panoramic views…

2-3 hours

See all places in Kodaikanal →

Suggested Kodaikanal Itinerary

Day 1Day 1

Boat ride on Kodaikanal Lake
Stroll or cycle around the lake path
Explore Bryant Park's botanical gardens

Day 2Day 2

View Pillar Rocks and explore the viewpoint
Stop at Green Valley View and Suicide Point
Visit Kurinji Andavar Temple

Day 3Day 3

Sunrise at Dolphin's Nose viewpoint
Visit Silver Cascade Falls
Shop for spices and souvenirs

Full 3-day itinerary →

Travel Tips

Carry water and snacks as the route has limited eateries after Pollachi.

The final 30 km from Udumalpet to Kodaikanal is steep; ensure your vehicle is in good condition.

If using public transport, start early to catch connecting buses from Udumalpet.

Monsoon season (June–September) makes the route lush but slippery; drive carefully.

Use the restroom facilities at Pollachi or Aliyar Dam before the hill climb.

Check for road closures due to landslides during heavy rains.

Budget Estimate

road

Fuel cost (round trip): ₹2,000–₹2,500

Toll charges on NH-209: ₹100–₹150

Driving from Coimbatore is a pleasant journey through the Palghat Gap and then up the hills. The roads are in good condition, and the scenery changes from dry plains to lush green slopes.

train

Second class fare: ₹40–₹70

Taxi from Pollachi to Kodaikanal: ₹2,500–₹3,000

The nearest major railhead is Coimbatore Junction. From there, you can take a train to Pollachi or Udumalpet, then continue by road to Kodaikanal.

bus

Coimbatore to Pollachi: ₹50–₹70

Pollachi to Udumalpet: ₹30–₹50

Direct buses from Coimbatore to Kodaikanal are limited, but you can take a bus to Pollachi or Udumalpet and then transfer. The journey is budget-friendly.