Ooty and Kodaikanal are the two hill stations that families in Tamil Nadu think of first, and a tempo traveller is the vehicle most of them choose. It fits a joint family, it manages ghat roads and everyone stays together. From Coimbatore the road to Ooty is short, while Madurai is the usual starting point for Kodaikanal. Doing both in one trip needs more planning than doing one. This guide gives a sensible way to plan the route, the stays and the vehicle for a family trip, with the questions to ask the operator.
Decide whether to do both hill stations in one trip
Ooty and Kodaikanal are in different mountain ranges, so you do not drive from one to the other in a straight line. A trip that covers both needs time on the plains in between. With three or four days it is possible, but you will spend a lot of it on the road.
If your group has children or elders, doing one hill station well is often kinder than rushing through two. If you want both, plan one night at each and a comfortable break in between.
A sample route
One common plan starts in Coimbatore, climbs to Ooty for two nights and then returns to the plains. From there the group travels towards Madurai or Dindigul and climbs to Kodaikanal for the last night or two. The return is on the third or fourth day.
Another plan splits the trip into two separate weekends. Many families find this simpler, because the vehicle and the stay are booked for a shorter time.
Whatever you choose, keep the first day light. Families who start early and then try to see five places in one afternoon end up tired and short-tempered. Pick two or three places a day, leave time for tea and a walk, and let the evenings be slow.
- Coimbatore to Ooty, with sightseeing around the town
- Return towards the plains and an overnight halt
- Madurai or Dindigul side to Kodaikanal
- Return from Kodaikanal to Madurai or Coimbatore
Ghat roads and the driver
Both hill roads are winding, and the drive is easier if the driver knows them well. Ask the operator whether the driver has driven these routes before. Drivers who know the hairpin turns drive smoothly, which matters for anyone who gets motion sick.
Avoid driving the ghats after dark if you can. Visibility is low in the mist, and your family sees nothing of the scenery.
Ask the driver to use the engine and lower gears on the long descents instead of keeping a foot on the brake. It is a good habit on a ghat road, and passengers will feel the difference in how steady the vehicle is.
Luggage and seating
Hill stations are cold in the mornings and evenings, so families carry jackets, blankets and extra clothes. A tempo traveller has limited luggage space, so ask about a roof carrier or a rear space before you pack.
Keep the front seats for elders and anyone who feels sick. Put children near an adult and keep snacks and water within reach.
Entry rules, parking and tolls
Hill stations have entry rules, parking limits and local charges that change from time to time. Ask the operator to tell you what is included in the quote and what you must pay at the gate.
In busy seasons the roads in the town are crowded, and the vehicle may have to park a distance away from the viewpoints. Plan walking time for elders.
Season and booking
Summer holidays, long weekends and festival weeks are the busy times for both hill stations. Book the vehicle and the stay early. In the rainy months, landslides and fog can delay the drive, so keep a day free.
When you are ready, you can search for a tempo traveller or a bus on Oray, see the vehicle with its photos and ask for a price for your dates.
A useful tip for the busy weeks is to check the weather forecast for both hill stations two days before you leave, and share it with the driver. If heavy rain is expected, a day's delay costs less than driving the ghat in poor visibility.
What to ask the operator
Ask about the driver's experience on hill roads, the number of seats, air conditioning, the charges for halts and night driving, and the return plan. Ask what happens if the vehicle breaks down on the ghat.
Questions
Can a tempo traveller go up to Ooty and Kodaikanal?
Yes. Tempo travellers are widely used on both hill roads, but the driver's experience on the route matters.
How many days are right for Ooty and Kodaikanal together?
Plan at least three to four days if you want both, so that you are not driving the whole time.
Is it safe to drive the ghat at night?
It is better to avoid it. The roads are winding and visibility can be poor, especially in mist.