Bus and Mini Bus Rental from Bangalore to Kodaikanal
Kodai Lake, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rocks and Guna Caves on a cool hill trip for families and college groups. A 3-day trip by mini bus costs from about ₹35,580.
Quick answer: Bus rental from Bangalore to Kodaikanal costs about ₹35,580 for a 20–25 seater mini bus and ₹58,200 for a 50 seater on a 3-day round trip (930 km billed), plus tolls, parking and permits. Kodaikanal is about 465 km away, 9 to 10 hours by road via Krishnagiri, Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul and Batlagundu.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 465 km one way (930 km round trip) |
| Drive time | 9 to 10 hours |
| Usual route | Krishnagiri, Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul and Batlagundu |
| Best time to go | April to June and September to October |
| Recommended trip | 3-day round trip |
| Permits | Tamil Nadu tourist permit |
Bangalore to Kodaikanal bus fare
Whole-bus prices for a round trip, worked out exactly like the estimate on our search form. Tolls, parking and permits and entry tickets are extra.
| Vehicle | Rate | 3-day trip | 4-day trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Bus 20–25 Seater | ₹36/km + ₹700 bata/day | ₹35,580 | ₹38,800 |
| Bus 32–35 Seater | ₹45/km + ₹700 bata/day | ₹43,950 | ₹47,800 |
| Bus 40 Seater | ₹48/km + ₹700 bata/day | ₹46,740 | ₹50,800 |
| Bus 50 Seater | ₹60/km + ₹800 bata/day | ₹58,200 | ₹63,200 |
How we calculate it: 465 km × 2 = 930 km for the round trip, or 250 km a day if that is higher, multiplied by the rate per km, plus the driver bata for each day. A 4-day trip covers 1000 km.
Bangalore to Kodaikanal: stops on the way
Approximate road distance from central Bangalore at each stop.
- StartBangalorePickup at your door
- 90 kmKrishnagiri
- 200 kmSalem
- 255 kmNamakkal
- 300 kmKarur
- 375 kmDindigul
- 405 kmBatlagunduStart of the ghat
- 465 kmKodaikanalKodai Lake
Planning Bangalore to Kodaikanal by bus
On the road
The bus follows highways through Krishnagiri, Salem and Dindigul to Batlagundu, then climbs the ghat road to Kodaikanal, which takes around two hours. With the long drive we leave by 5 am so the climb is done in daylight.
Suggested plan
- Day 1: leave at 5 am, climb from Batlagundu in the afternoon, evening at Kodai Lake
- Day 2: Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Guna Caves and Pine Forest
- Day 3: Silver Cascade falls on the way down, then the drive back
- Day 4 (if staying): Berijam Lake (forest pass needed) or Mannavanur
Places to see in and around Kodaikanal
- Kodai Lake
- Coaker's Walk
- Pillar Rocks
- Guna Caves
- Bryant Park
- Silver Cascade falls
Bus tips for Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal's roads are narrow and crowded in peak season, so coaches use designated parking and some viewpoints are reached on foot. Berijam Lake needs a forest-department pass and has vehicle limits. Tamil Nadu charges a permit for Karnataka tourist vehicles, paid at actuals.
Which bus suits your group
For Kodaikanal, a 32–35 or 40 seater is the sweet spot. A 50 seater can make the trip, but parking and narrow roads in town are easier with a smaller bus, so for 45 to 50 people we may suggest two mini buses. We will advise based on your dates.
Per person, a full 50 seater to Kodaikanal costs about ₹1,164 for the 3-day trip, against about ₹1,423 each in a full mini bus. For groups under 17, a tempo traveller is usually the better choice.
What the fare includes
Every fare on this page is for the whole bus, not per seat. It includes the AC bus, an experienced driver, diesel and the driver's daily allowance (bata), which also covers his food and night stay. You never pay for the driver's room separately.
| Included | Paid at actuals |
|---|---|
| Bus, diesel and driver | Toll charges |
| Driver bata for every day | Parking fees |
| Pickup and drop at your address in Bangalore | State permits outside Karnataka |
| Help on WhatsApp through the trip | Entry tickets, guides and jeeps |
Outstation fares are worked out the same way as the price on our search: kilometres × the rate per km, plus bata per day. We bill a minimum of 250 km a day, so a short trip spread over several days costs at least that much per day.
Cancellation, changes and refunds
A short version of our refund and cancellation policy. No advance is needed to get a quote.
Cancellation
- Outstation: free if cancelled at least 12 hours before pickup (any advance booking fee is not refunded).
- Outstation, within 12 hours: a 25% to 50% fee, depending on distance and vehicle.
- Local trips: free up to 6 hours before pickup; later, up to 50% may be charged.
- No-show without notice: the full fare is charged.
Changing your booking
- Reschedule at least 4 to 6 hours before pickup, subject to availability.
- Changes closer to pickup are treated as a cancellation and a new booking.
- If we have to cancel because of a breakdown, driver issue or extreme weather, you get a full refund or a new slot.
Refunds
- Eligible refunds start within 5 to 7 business days.
- Money goes back to the original payment method.
- Paid in cash? Refunds are sent by bank transfer or UPI.
Bangalore to Kodaikanal bus FAQs
How much is bus rental from Bangalore to Kodaikanal?
About ₹35,580 for a 20–25 seater mini bus, ₹43,950 for a 32–35 seater, ₹46,740 for a 40 seater and ₹58,200 for a 50 seater on a 3-day round trip. Tolls, parking and permits and entry fees are extra.
How long is the drive to Kodaikanal?
About 9 to 10 hours, including the two-hour ghat climb from Batlagundu.
How many days for Kodaikanal?
Three days at least; the drive takes most of a day each way.
Can a big bus go to Pillar Rocks and Coaker's Walk?
To nearby parking, yes. The last part is a short walk.
Is the Tamil Nadu permit included?
No, it is paid at actuals.
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Bus to Kodaikanal for your group — quote in minutes
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