Planning a Chennai to Kodaikanal tour package for 3 days in 2026? With 3 full days in Kodaikanal, you get the complete experience — the classic local sightseeing circuit on Day 1, the scenic Mannavanur village trail on Day 2, and the exclusive Berijam Lake forest trip (or the Vattakanal trekking route as a backup) on Day 3. No rushing from one spot to the next, no skipping the best places.
Our package covers everything from your overnight bus ticket at Koyambedu to your 2-night hotel stay, a dedicated cab for all 3 days, breakfasts, dinner, and your driver’s charges — all at one fixed price.
📞 WhatsApp +91-6382505650 with your travel dates and group size — we’ll send you a confirmed quote within the hour.
How to Travel from Chennai to Kodaikanal
Chennai to Kodaikanal is approximately 480 km by road, and the most popular route is an overnight bus from Koyambedu Bus Stand (CMBT) via Dindigul and Batlagundu ghat road. Both SETC and private sleeper buses operate this route daily, taking around 9–10 hours.
For train travellers, Chennai Egmore to Kodai Road Railway Station is the closest rail option — from Kodai Road, a ghat cab brings you into Kodaikanal town in about 1.5 hours.
As part of our Chennai to Kodaikanal 3-day package, we arrange your bus tickets and coordinate your pickup from Kodai Road or Kodaikanal Bus Stand — so your cab is already waiting when you arrive.
About Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a hill station nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats, at an elevation of 2,133 metres above sea level. Known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” it is famous for its star-shaped lake, dramatic granite viewpoints, dense pine and silver oak forests, hidden waterfall trails, and quiet village landscapes. Millions of visitors travel to Kodaikanal from across India every year — and from Chennai, it’s one of the most rewarding getaways you can make with 3 days.
Chennai to Kodaikanal 3-Day Tour Package – Full Itinerary (2026)
Day 1 – Kodaikanal Local Sightseeing
You’ll arrive in Kodaikanal early morning after your overnight bus from Chennai. Our cab will pick you up from the bus stand or Kodai Road and bring you to the hotel for check-in. After breakfast and freshening up, we begin the Kodaikanal local sightseeing at 9:30 AM, covering all the iconic spots that make Kodaikanal famous.
Places covered on Day 1:
- Upper Lake View – A bird’s-eye view of Kodaikanal Lake from above; stunning on a clear morning.
- Rose Garden – Hundreds of rose varieties in a well-maintained hilltop garden; great for photography.
- Moir Point – A quiet, less-crowded viewpoint with sweeping valley views.
- Guna Caves (Devil’s Kitchen) – Mysterious narrow caverns between Green Valley and Pillar Rocks, made famous by the Tamil film Guna.
- Pillar Rocks – Three towering granite columns rising 122 metres from the valley floor — one of Kodaikanal’s most iconic sights.
- Pine Forest – Tall silver oak and pine groves that feel like stepping into another world; beautiful in morning mist.
- Liril Falls – A small picturesque cascade tucked into the forest, ideal for a short refreshing stop.
- Green Valley View (Suicide Point) – Kodaikanal’s most dramatic viewpoint: a sheer 1,800-metre drop into the plains below. Unmissable.
- Golf Course – A scenic 18-hole course set on rolling hilltop meadows; a lovely drive-past even if you’re not playing.
- Coaker’s Walk – A 1 km stone-paved promenade along the cliff edge with open views of the Vaigai plains. Perfect for an early evening stroll.
- Bryant Park – A botanical garden at the edge of the lake filled with exotic plants, bonsai trees, and seasonal flowers.
- Kodaikanal Lake – The heart of Kodaikanal. A peaceful star-shaped lake where you can boat, cycle along the path, or simply sit and soak in the mountain air.
After sightseeing, drop at hotel for rest. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 – Mannavanur Village & Nature Tour
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel and head out on the Mannavanur village trip — a half-day route through the quieter, greener side of the Palani Hills. This circuit takes you off the tourist trail and into the real landscape of Kodaikanal: terraced village hillsides, high-altitude meadows, ancient temples, and a serene reservoir. Families and nature lovers consistently rate this as their favourite part of the trip.
Places covered on Day 2:
- Mahalakshmi Temple – A calm hilltop temple surrounded by open hillside; a peaceful start to the morning.
- Gundar Waterfalls – A beautiful ghat-road waterfall, especially lively in the cooler months.
- Palani View Point – A dramatic lookout where you can spot the plains and the distant Palani town on clear days.
- Poombarai Village View – One of the most-photographed spots in the entire region — a terraced hillside village that looks like a landscape painting.
- Poombarai Village – Walk through the garlic and vegetable farms, see traditional hill life up close, and enjoy the clean air away from tourist crowds.
- Kulanthi Vellappar Temple – An ancient temple with local cultural and spiritual significance.
- Mannavanur Lake View – A high-altitude lake surrounded by eucalyptus trees and rolling open meadows — strikingly peaceful and different from the busy town lake.
- Sheep & Rabbit Farm – A favourite stop for families with kids. Wide meadows, grazing sheep, and friendly fluffy rabbits.
- Mannavanur Lake – The final stop on Day 2 — coracle boating on a serene reservoir. A calm, unhurried end to a beautiful day.
After the Mannavanur circuit, drop at hotel for the night.
Day 3 – Berijam Lake Forest Trip (or Vattakanal Trekking Route)
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we head out on the most exclusive day of the trip. Day 3 gives you two options depending on forest department access:
Option A — Berijam Lake Forest Trip (Primary Plan)
Berijam Lake is a reservoir inside a protected forest reserve, accessible only with a forest department permit — which we arrange for you. The route to Berijam takes you through some of the most pristine forests in the Palani Hills. Allow 4–5 hours for this trip.
Places covered on the Berijam route:
- Silent Valley View – A sweeping forested valley viewpoint with almost no development; raw and beautiful.
- Cap’s Fly Valley – A high ridge viewpoint with panoramic views across the Western Ghats.
- Berijam Lake View – Your first look at the reservoir from above — emerald water ringed by dense forest.
- Mathikettan Forest View – Dense shola forest with unique biodiversity; excellent for birdwatchers.
- Fire Tower – A forest watch tower used by the forest department; dramatic views from the top.
- Berijam Lake – The final stop. A pristine reservoir inside the forest, with no crowds and complete silence. Worth every kilometre.
Note: The Berijam forest permit is subject to forest department approval and is sometimes suspended during elephant movement seasons or heavy monsoon. We monitor this closely and inform you in advance.
Option B — Vattakanal Trekking Route (Backup Plan)
If the Berijam permit is not available on your travel date, we take you on the equally beautiful Vattakanal trekking route — a scenic half-day trail through one of Kodaikanal’s most photogenic areas.
Places covered on the trekking route:
- Dolphin’s Nose – A naturally flat rock at 6,600 ft shaped like a dolphin’s nose, with views of Catherine Falls below.
- Vattakanal Falls – A stunning multi-tier waterfall hidden in the forest below Kodaikanal; one of the best waterfall walks in the area.
- Echo Rock – A natural rock formation with an impressive echo effect; great fun for groups.
- Mountain Beauty – A scenic forest stop with open views and clean air.
- 500 Year Old Tree – An ancient, enormous tree deep in the forest — a unique and humbling sight.
- Pambar Falls – A beautiful cascade fed by the Pambar river; less visited and very peaceful.
- La Saleth Church – A beautiful colonial-era church with a peaceful courtyard and distinctive architecture.
- Lion Caves – Natural rock formations in a forested hillside; atmospheric and worth a look.
After Day 3 sightseeing, we drop you at Kodaikanal Bus Stand in time for your bus back to Chennai.
What’s Included in the Package
- ✅ Bus tickets from Chennai to Kodaikanal (Koyambedu or nearest bus stop)
- ✅ 2 nights room stay in Kodaikanal (Budget / Standard / Deluxe — your choice)
- ✅ 3 full days of Kodaikanal sightseeing with a dedicated cab service
- ✅ Berijam Lake forest permit (for Day 3 Option A)
- ✅ 2 Breakfasts + 2 Dinners
- ✅ Experienced local driver
- ✅ Fuel, driver allowance, parking, and toll gate charges
- ✅ Drop at Kodaikanal Bus Stand
What’s Not Included
- ❌ Lunch on any day
- ❌ Campfire (optional add-on — ask while booking)
- ❌ Entry fees at tourist places
- ❌ Any personal expenses outside the listed inclusions
Chennai to Kodaikanal 3-Day Package Price (2026)
| Package Type | 2 Persons | 4 Persons | 6 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹20,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹40,000 |
| Standard | ₹22,000 | ₹31,000 | ₹44,000 |
| Deluxe | ₹24,000 | ₹35,000 | ₹49,000 |
Note: Prices vary by season, hotel availability, and group size. WhatsApp +91-6382505650 for a confirmed quote based on your travel dates.
Want a shorter trip? Check our Chennai to Kodaikanal 2-day package — it covers Day 1 and Day 2 of the above itinerary.
Room Options in Kodaikanal
All rooms are within Kodaikanal and conveniently located near sightseeing spots.
- Normal Couple Room – 2 Adults + 1 Kid
- Room with View – 2 Adults + 1 Kid (hillside or valley view)
- Premium Room with View – 2 Adults + 1 Kid (upgraded amenities + view)
- Family Room – Up to 5 Adults
- Villa – 10 to 12 Adults (ideal for large group or corporate trips)
Vehicle Options
We arrange the right vehicle based on your group size.
- Indica (2–3 pax)
- Indigo / Etios / Dzire (3–4 pax)
- Tavera (5–6 pax)
- Innova (5–7 pax)
- Tempo Traveller (10–12 pax)
- Mini Bus (larger groups)
Best Time to Travel from Chennai to Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a year-round destination, but here’s what each season looks like:
- April to June – Peak summer season. Kodaikanal’s cool air (12–20°C) makes it the most popular escape from Chennai’s heat. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead.
- July to September – Monsoon. Waterfalls are full and the hills are lush, but ghat roads can be slippery. Berijam permits are often suspended during this period.
- October to November – Post-monsoon sweet spot: clear skies, green forests, full waterfalls, and fewer crowds. Excellent for the Berijam Lake trip.
- December to January – Cold, misty, and festive. Temperatures drop to 5–8°C at night. Cozy and atmospheric.
- February to March – Quiet season, best prices, pleasant weather. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Terms & Conditions
- Minimum 2 persons required
- A 20% deposit confirms your booking
- Prices are subject to change based on season and room type
- Berijam Lake access is subject to forest department approval
- For cancellations, see our cancellation policy
- Customisation available — extra sightseeing spots, different pickup points, food additions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Chennai to Kodaikanal?
Chennai to Kodaikanal is approximately 480 km by road. The overnight bus from Koyambedu takes 9–10 hours via Dindigul and Batlagundu.
Is 3 days enough for Kodaikanal from Chennai?
Yes — 3 days is the ideal duration for a Chennai to Kodaikanal trip. Day 1 covers the full local circuit (12 spots), Day 2 covers the Mannavanur village route, and Day 3 gives you the Berijam forest or Vattakanal trekking experience. You won’t feel rushed, and you won’t miss anything important.
What is included in the Chennai to Kodaikanal 3-day package?
Our package includes bus tickets from Chennai, 2 nights’ hotel stay, a dedicated cab for all 3 days of sightseeing, Berijam permit, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and all driver/fuel/parking/toll charges.
Can I visit Berijam Lake? Do I need a permit?
Yes — Berijam Lake requires a forest department permit, which we arrange as part of the Day 3 plan. The permit is subject to availability and forest department approval. During elephant movement alerts or heavy monsoon, permits may be suspended — in that case, we run the Vattakanal trekking route instead.
What is the best time to visit Kodaikanal from Chennai?
October to March for the best weather and clear skies. April to June for a cool summer escape — but book early as demand is high. See our best time to visit Kodaikanal guide for a full month-by-month breakdown.
Can I customise this package?
Absolutely. You can upgrade your room type, add meals, change your bus boarding point, add a campfire night, or adjust the sightseeing days. WhatsApp us and we’ll build you a custom itinerary and quote.
Also Explore These Related Packages
Travelling from a different city? We’ve got you covered:
- 🚗 Palani to Kodaikanal Tour Package – 1N 2D | Starting from ₹7,500
- 🚂 Kodai Road to Kodaikanal Tour Package – 1D / 2D / 3D | Railway Station Pickup
- 🏙️ Dindigul to Kodaikanal Tour Package – 1N 2D | Pickup from Dindigul
- 🕌 Madurai to Kodaikanal Tour Package – 2D / 3D | Airport & Station Pickup
- 🚌 Chennai to Kodaikanal 2-Day Package – Shorter trip from ₹15,000
Conclusion
With 3 days, you experience every side of Kodaikanal — the famous viewpoints and the quiet forest trails, the busy lakeside and the untouched Berijam reservoir. Our Chennai to Kodaikanal 3-day tour package (2026) handles every detail so your only job is to enjoy the hills.
📞 WhatsApp +91-6382505650 with your travel dates, group size, and preferred room type — we’ll send your confirmed quote within the hour.
Have a great journey — Kodaikanal Travelogue 🌿
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