Madurai and Coimbatore are the cities closest to Kodaikanal. Both are connected by air and rail from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. Vans, cars and buses also connect the two cities to Kodai. Kodai is a three-hour drive from Madurai or a five-hour drive from Coimbatore.

"Parveen Travels" and "Sharma Travels" operate buses directly to Kodai from Chennai and Bangalore. It takes 11 hours by road. Road travel is not recommended for those with weak backs. Trains from Chennai and Bangalore stop at Kodai Road station, from where Kodai is a short two-hour drive.