Kodaikanal Transportation - Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips

Kodaikanal is a hilly city in Tamil Nadu, India. It's name means "Gift of the Forest," and it's long been a popular retreat and vacation destination

The nearest airport to the Kodaikanal Observatory is Madurai (130km from Kodaikanal Observatory), in the state of Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore (CJB) is another major airport which is at a distance of 180 km from Kodaikanal.

The nearest railway station is Kodaikanal Road (80km from Kodaikanal observatory). The train comes here late in the evening, so you don't have any other option but to take a cab back.

Kodaikanal Observatory is located 4km from Kodaikanal town and may be reached by road from Bangalore, via Salem and Dindigul and from Madurai via Kodaikanal road. Because Kodai is so remote, a rental car may be your best option to get there. Once in the city, exploring on foot is the way to go.

Tourist bus services go to Kodaikanal from Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai.

Special Tip: If you are going to stay in an expensive hotel, you can ask for pick up and drop off to the airport/Kodai road station.

Taxis are very expensive and charge a minimum of Rs 60 to get to the area. If you want to hire a taxi for a city tour, expect to pay Rs 300 to Rs 1,000.

You can rent a mountain bike from Rs 10 per hour or Rs 100 per day.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Kodaikanal transportation.