How long does it take to travel from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal?

By train: approximately 54.2 hours. By road: approximately 59.6 hours.

Rishikesh to Kodaikanal Distance, Route & Travel Options

Q: What is the distance from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal?

The aerial distance from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal is approximately 2,209 km (1,373 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 2,982 km.

Q: What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal?

October to March is the most pleasant season for travel across India. Avoid monsoon (June-September) for road trips. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

Q: How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal?

The train from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal takes approximately 54.2 hours. Express trains are faster while passenger trains make more stops.

Rishikesh

Uttarakhand

Kodaikanal

Tamil Nadu

2,209 km

aerial distance (straight line)

1,373 miles · Road distance: ~2,982 km

How to get from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest to Rishikesh: Dehradun (DED)

🚆

By Train

~54.2 hrs

2,982 km · Multiple daily trains

View Trains

🚗

By Car

~59.6 hrs

2,982 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

2,209 km (1,373 mi)

Road distance

~2,982 km

Fastest mode

Train (~54.2 hrs)

Cheapest mode

Train

📍 Rishikesh to Kodaikanal distance overview

The straight-line (aerial) distance from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal is approximately 2,209 km (1,373 miles). By road, the distance increases to approximately 2,982 km due to the terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu.

2,209 kmAerial distance

~2,982 kmBy road

~54.2 hrsFastest route

✈️ Reaching Kodaikanal by air

No direct airport

Kodaikanal does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Madurai (IXM). Travellers typically fly to the nearest airport and then continue their journey by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚆 By train — Rishikesh to Kodaikanal

~54.2 hours ~2,982 km Multiple daily trains

Indian Railways connects Rishikesh and Kodaikanal with multiple daily services. The journey takes around 54.2 hours — Rajdhani and Shatabdi express trains are faster, while mail and passenger trains make more stops.

AC First Class (1A)Premium, 2-berth cabins

AC 2-Tier (2A)Curtained berths, comfortable

AC 3-Tier (3A)Popular, good value

Sleeper Class (SL)Budget, non-AC

Book in advance through IRCTC, especially during festivals and holidays when seats fill up quickly.

Check Trains on IRCTC

🚗 By car — Rishikesh to Kodaikanal

~59.6 hours ~2,982 km

A road trip from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal covers approximately 2,982 km and takes around 59.6 hours. Actual time depends on traffic, road quality, and stops along the way.

Start early to avoid city traffic and use daylight hours, especially on mountainous or rural terrain. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry sufficient fuel for remote stretches.

💡 Travel tips for Rishikesh to Kodaikanal

📅

Book early
Book flights and trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

💤

Plan rest stops
For drives over 8 hours, plan overnight halts. Fatigue driving is dangerous on Indian highways.

Where to stay in Kodaikanal

Budget to luxury hotels from ₹999/night. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Kodaikanal Hotels

🅞️ Weather in Kodaikanal

Powered by Open-Meteo

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

IRCTC — Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — Book train tickets online

Airports Authority of India — Airport information and flight status

DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation — Indian aviation regulator

Incredible India — Official tourism portal of India

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal is approximately 2,209 km (1,373 miles). The road distance is approximately 2,982 km, which takes about 59.6 hours by car.

What is the fastest way to travel from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal? ▼

The fastest option is by train, taking approximately 54.2 hours. Kodaikanal does not have a major airport, so flying requires reaching the nearest airport at Madurai (IXM).

What is the best time to travel from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal? ▼

The best time to travel depends on the weather at your destination. Generally, October to March offers the most pleasant weather across most of India. Avoid monsoon season (June-September) if travelling by road, as heavy rains can cause delays and road closures. For hill stations, summer (April-June) is peak season.

How long does the train take from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal? ▼

The train journey from Rishikesh to Kodaikanal takes approximately 54.2 hours. Express trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi are faster, while mail/passenger trains take longer with more stops. Check train schedules and availability on IRCTC.

Can I book Rishikesh to Kodaikanal travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book and hotels for the Rishikesh to Kodaikanal route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

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Rishikesh to Kodaikanal — Distance, Route & Travel Guide