Vaikom to Kodaikanal

Language and Currency

The official language spoken in Vaikom and Kodaikanal is Tamil. However, English is widely understood and spoken in both places.

The currency used in both Vaikom and Kodaikanal is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Distance and How to Reach

The distance between Vaikom and Kodaikanal is approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles).

There are several ways to reach Kodaikanal from Vaikom:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport (IXM), which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. From Madurai, you can take a taxi or bus to Kodaikanal.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodaikanal Road Railway Station (KQN), which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. From Kodaikanal Road, you can take a taxi or bus to Kodaikanal.
• By Bus: There are direct buses available from Vaikom to Kodaikanal. The journey takes about 10-12 hours.

Estimated Expenses

The cost of traveling from Vaikom to Kodaikanal can vary depending on your mode of transportation and choice of accommodation. Here is an estimate of the expenses:

• Transportation: INR 500-1500 by bus, INR 2000-3000 by train (including taxi fare to Kodaikanal), INR 4000-6000 by flight (including taxi fare to Kodaikanal)
• Accommodation: INR 500-1500 per night for a budget hotel, INR 1500-3000 per night for a mid-range hotel, INR 3000-5000 per night for a luxury hotel
• Food: INR 200-500 per day
• Activities: INR 0-500 per activity

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is during the summer months (April to June) or the winter months (October to March). During the summer, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. During the winter, the temperature can drop significantly, but the scenery is breathtaking with the surrounding hills covered in mist.

What to Eat

Kodaikanal offers a variety of delicious local dishes that you should try:

• Idli: Steamed rice cakes served with sambar and chutney
• Dosa: Crispy lentil crepes served with sambar and chutney
• Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices
• Appam: Soft and fluffy pancakes made with fermented rice batter
• Parotta: Flaky flatbread served with curry or chutney

Where to Go

Kodaikanal has many beautiful places to explore, including:

• Kodaikanal Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by lush hills
• Bryant Park: A botanical garden with a variety of flowers and plants
• Coaker's Walk: A scenic walking path along the edge of the valley
• Green Valley View: A viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding hills
• Pillar Rocks: Three towering rock formations that resemble pillars

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the travel time from Vaikom to Kodaikanal? The travel time can vary depending on the mode of transportation. By bus, it takes about 10-12 hours. By train, it takes about 5-6 hours (excluding taxi time to Kodaikanal). By flight, it takes about 2-3 hours (excluding taxi time to Kodaikanal).
2. Are there any direct flights from Vaikom to Kodaikanal? No, there are no direct flights from Vaikom to Kodaikanal. You can fly to Madurai Airport (IXM) and then take a taxi or bus to Kodaikanal.
3. What is the best way to get around Kodaikanal? The best way to get around Kodaikanal is by taxi or auto-rickshaw. You can also rent a bicycle or мотоrcycle if you prefer.
4. What are some tips for saving money on my trip to Kodaikanal? Here are some tips for saving money on your trip to Kodaikanal:
   • Travel during the off-season (July to September).
   • Book your accommodation and transportation in advance to get the best deals.
   • Eat at local restaurants instead of touristy ones.
   • Take advantage of free activities, such as walking around Kodaikanal Lake or visiting Bryant Park.
   • Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid paying inflated prices at tourist spots.