Arani to Kodaikanal - A Road Trip to the Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal, famously known as the Princess of Hill Stations, is located approximately 320 km from Arani in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Sitting at an altitude of 2,133 meters above sea level, Kodaikanal is blessed with misty mountains, evergreen forests, waterfalls, and the breathtaking star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake.
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: Approximately 320 km via NH-38
- Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Best Route: Arani to Salem to Dindigul to Kodaikanal Road to Kodaikanal (Ghat Road)
- Note: The ghat road has 64 hairpin bends; best driven early morning or evening
Top Attractions in Kodaikanal
- Kodaikanal Lake - A stunning 60-acre star-shaped artificial lake; boating, horse riding, and cycling are popular activities
- Coakers Walk - A 1-km pedestrian path with panoramic views of the plains and clouds below; best at sunrise and sunset
- Pillar Rocks - Three giant cylindrical granite pillars rising to 122m; shrouded in mist and surrounded by lush forests
- Bear Shola Falls - A cascading waterfall, 2 km from the lake, through a beautiful forested path
- Pine Forest - A silver pine forest with tall straight trees perfect for photography and walks
- Palani Murugan Temple - A major Murugan shrine 65 km before Kodaikanal at Palani; worth a divine stopover
Best Time to Visit Kodaikanal
April to June is peak season with pleasant 12 to 20 degrees Celsius temperatures. October to February brings cool foggy weather. Avoid the monsoon months (July to September) due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks on ghat roads.
Kodaikanal Famous Products
Buy homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oil, star-shaped cheese, fresh hill strawberries, and silver oak crafts from local shops.
Taxi Fare from Arani to Kodaikanal
- Sedan: Starting from Rs 4,200 one way
- SUV (Innova Crysta): Starting from Rs 6,000 one way
Book your Arani to Kodaikanal taxi with Varun One Way Taxi and enjoy the most scenic ghat road journey in Tamil Nadu!
