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Kodaikanal: a long climb up
Chennai→Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal: a long climb up

Hours of flat highway before the road turns upward. Save something for the climb — it comes right at the end of a long day.

Hours of flat highway before the road turns upward. Save something for the climb — it comes right at the end of a long day.

Distance518 kmApprox. distance
Riding time~12 hrsApprox. ride time
Best seasonOct – MayIdeal time to ride
DifficultyIntermediateOverall rating

Route map

Map of the road from Chennai to KodaikanalMap of the road from Chennai to Kodaikanal
Open in Google Maps

Two-wheeler road from Google Maps. Roads close and change, so check the route on the day you ride.

Ride details

Road typeNH 38
Road conditionMostly smooth
Fuel availabilityEasily available
Best forSolo riders & groups
Plan for3 days
Places to stayEasy to find
Fuel stopsApprox. 162
MechanicsApprox. 31
HospitalsApprox. 875
Mostly smooth

Chennai to Dindigul is mostly smooth highway riding, while the Batlagundu–Kodaikanal ghat becomes narrower and more technical, with hairpin bends, climbs and occasional rough patches. Extra caution is recommended during monsoon and low-visibility conditions.

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