Madurai to Kodaikanal by Force Urbania

Three to three and a half hours for 120 km. The first two-thirds to Batlagundu is flat and quick; the last third is a sustained hairpin climb that a long vehicle takes slowly. Budgeting two hours from the distance alone is the most common planning error on this route.

Before seven in the morning. Cloud commonly closes in over the upper ghat during the afternoon, and the climb is far more pleasant and considerably safer in clear morning light. It also means arriving with the day still ahead of you rather than at dusk.

It is well surfaced and steadily graded, but it is long, continuous and has genuine drops. A long-wheelbase vehicle takes it slowly and should. With a chauffeur who has driven it regularly it is entirely comfortable; it is not a road to meet for the first time yourself with a full vehicle behind you.

Not for the route itself — Madurai and Kodaikanal are both in Tamil Nadu, so no interstate permit applies. Berijam Lake is the exception: it sits inside a reserved forest and needs a separate forest permit arranged in advance, with a daily cap on vehicles.

Only with a forest permit obtained in advance, and the daily vehicle quota fills. It cannot be decided on the morning. Tell us when you book if it matters to you and we will tell you honestly whether it is achievable for your dates rather than promising and disappointing you.

It is possible and not enjoyable. Seven hours of driving for a few hours at the top, on a road where the climb deserves an unhurried descent, makes for a poor day. One night is the minimum that justifies the journey; two lets you see the viewpoints as well as the lake.

The 13 seater for most groups — easier on the hairpins and much easier to park in Kodai's congested centre. Take the 17 above twelve passengers. Remember that warm clothing adds real luggage volume on this route even when the headcount says otherwise.

Cold enough to matter from December to February, especially at night and early morning. Groups travelling up from Madurai, which is hot for most of the year, consistently underpack. It is worth saying to everyone in the group before they pack rather than after they arrive.

It is green and dramatic, and it is harder driving. The upper ghat runs in cloud, visibility drops, and the descent is slower when wet. The roads stay open. We add time rather than pressing on, and check for diversions before dispatch during those months.

Dindigul is the natural halt on the plain and Batlagundu is the last comfortable stop before the climb, which is where we refuel. Silver Cascade near the top is a brief photo stop, though parking space there is very limited for a seven-metre vehicle and we will not block the road for it.

Yes, and it is a good three- or four-night circuit, but it is not the short hop the map implies. The two are separated by a long ghat descent, a stretch of plain, a state crossing into Kerala with an interstate permit, and another long climb. Ask us to lay it out realistically before committing to dates.

Very, between April and June and on long weekends. Traffic in the centre backs up, parking near the lake becomes difficult and the viewpoints are crowded. A weekday visit outside those months is a completely different experience, and it is worth shifting dates for if you can.