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Ooty to Kodaikanal

This route connects two of Tamil Nadu's most beloved hill stations, Ooty and Kodaikanal, via the scenic Nilgiri and Palani hills. The journey covers approximately 240 kilometers an

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240 kmDistance

6 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹11,710

Ertiga₹14,860

Innova₹15,490

Innova Crysta₹19,140

Tempo Traveller (12)₹26,200

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹260

AC Seater₹430

Non-AC Sleeper₹380

AC Sleeper₹550

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹720

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Train

Sleeper₹170

Economy₹270

Third AC₹370

Second AC₹510

First AC₹700

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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

This route connects two of Tamil Nadu's most beloved hill stations, Ooty and Kodaikanal, via the scenic Nilgiri and Palani hills. The journey covers approximately 240 kilometers and typically takes 6 hours by road. While there is no direct train, travelers can combine rail and road for a memorable trip. The drive offers breathtaking views of tea estates, eucalyptus forests, and winding mountain roads. Most travelers break the journey at Coimbatore or Pollachi for a meal and a stretch. This route is perfect for those seeking a combined hill-station circuit, with both destinations offering cool climates and lush landscapes.

Route Map

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By Car: Ooty to Kodaikanal

240 km · ~5h 8m · About 5h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Ooty
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near Udumalaippettai
About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
90 km · 1h 48m 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: Ooty to Kodaikanal

240 km · ~5h 20m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Ooty
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Ooty. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Ooty → Kodaikanal
AC Seater / Volvo · ~240 km
~5h 20m|Tentative fare ₹260–₹720
Usual tea / meal halts: Udumalaippettai (~170 km)
Search buses Ooty 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: Ooty to Kodaikanal

Nearest railway stations: Udagamandalam for Ooty, Kodaikanal Road (about 46 km away) for Kodaikanal.

There is no direct train between these stations in our timetable data, and no journey with up to two changes was found. Try a nearby city as the start or end, or use a bus/car leg for part of the trip.

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 Ooty to Kodaikanal.

Pollachi120 km from Ooty (approx. 3 hours) from Ooty
A small town known for its coconut groves and as a gateway to the Anamalai Hills. Ideal for a lunch break and to buy fresh coconut water.
Restaurants serving South Indian mealsATMs and fuel stationsPublic restrooms
Palani60 km from Pollachi (approx. 1.5 hours) from Ooty
A temple town famous for the Palani Murugan Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. A short detour offers a spiritual break.
Temple amenities and prasadamSnack stalls and tea shopsParking and restrooms near temple

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

Start early (by 7 AM) to avoid mountain fog and traffic.

Carry light woolens; temperature drops in the evening.

Use the Palani detour for a quick darshan if time permits.

Book a car with a driver familiar with ghat roads.

Keep snacks and water handy; stretches between towns are sparse.

Check road conditions before leaving; landslides may occur during monsoon.

Budget Estimate

road

Fuel: ₹1,800 - ₹2,500 (depending on car mileage)

Tolls: ₹200 - ₹300 (only on Coimbatore bypass)

The most flexible option, allowing stops at scenic viewpoints and tea shops. The drive is scenic but winding, so a skilled driver is recommended.

train

Toy train (Ooty to Mettupalayam): ₹250 (First Class) / ₹50 (Second Class)

Mettupalayam to Coimbatore (passenger train): ₹10-₹20

Take the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Mettupalayam, then catch a train to Coimbatore, and finally a bus or taxi to Kodaikanal. This scenic route is an adventure in itself.