Outstation route
Bangalore to Kodaikanal Cab
Kodaikanal, high in the Palani Hills, is one of South India’s favourite hill stations, known for its lake, misty viewpoints and pine forests. A cab from Bangalore to Kodaikanal takes you up the ghat road with a driver who handles the bends while you enjoy the views.
The route
Getting to Kodaikanal by road
The drive heads south from Bengaluru on NH 44 past Hosur into Tamil Nadu, and route planners bring in NH 381A as you approach the hills. The final climb is a winding ghat road up the Palani Hills, with hairpin bends and forest views.
| Road distance | About 410 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 6 h 15 min without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 544H, NH 44, NH 381A |
| Round trip | About 820 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
Route-planner data shows about 410 km one way and about 6 h 15 min of driving without traffic or stops. The ghat section is slower than the highway, so expect a long travel day and try to reach the hills before dark.
Kodaikanal is in Tamil Nadu, so interstate permit charges and tolls are extra. Any hill-station or entry charges collected locally are also extra.
Things to see
What to see in Kodaikanal
- Kodai Lake, the star-shaped lake at the centre of town, ringed by a walking and cycling path.
- Coaker’s Walk, a paved path along the hillside with views over the valley on clear days.
- Bryant Park, a well-kept garden near the lake.
- Pillar Rocks, tall granite rock columns rising out of the forest.
- Guna Caves, also known as Devil’s Kitchen, deep among the trees.
- Silver Cascade, a roadside waterfall on one of the ghat roads below the town.
Mist can roll in quickly and hide the viewpoints, so it helps to have a car ready to go when the weather clears.
Plan your trip
How long to stay and what to add
At this distance, plan at least two days, and three if you want a relaxed stay. A typical plan is to drive up on day one, spend a full day around the lake and viewpoints, and drive back on day three. Round trips are billed on actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus driver allowance; sightseeing inside Kodaikanal is added to the kilometres.
The Palani Murugan temple lies near the foot of the Palani Hills, and some families add a visit there to the trip. You can also combine Kodaikanal with Madurai on the same trip, or compare it with Ooty if you are still deciding on a hill station.
School holidays and long weekends bring heavy crowds and slow traffic in town, so book early for those dates.
Who it suits
The right vehicle for the hills
On ghat roads, a car with good power and comfortable seats makes a real difference. Families usually pick an Innova Crysta or Innova Hycross. Couples can travel in a Ciaz or Dzire. Friends’ groups and family reunions can book a Tempo Traveller.
Vehicle options
Cabs for your Kodaikanal trip
Tell us if anyone in your group gets car-sick, so we can plan breaks on the ghat road.
Tariff
Bangalore to Kodaikanal round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kodaikanal from Bangalore by road?
About 410 km one way in route-planner data, about 6 h 15 min of driving without traffic or stops. The round trip is about 820 km. The ghat climb and breaks make the real journey longer.
How to reach Kodaikanal from Bangalore by car?
The simplest way is by road: route planners take NH 44 into Tamil Nadu and NH 381A towards the hills, finishing with the ghat road up the Palani Hills. With a cab, your driver handles the route and the hairpin bends.
How many days do I need for a Kodaikanal trip from Bangalore?
Two days is the minimum; three days gives you a full day of sightseeing without rushing.
Are permit and hill-station charges included?
No. Kodaikanal is in Tamil Nadu, so interstate permit charges, tolls, parking and any hill-station charges are extra.
Which car is good for the Kodaikanal ghat road?
An Innova Crysta or Innova Hycross is the most comfortable for families on the hills. A sedan works well for two people.
How do I book a cab from Bangalore to Kodaikanal?
Call or WhatsApp 99640 09999 with your dates, pickup point and group size.
Explore more