Chennai to Valparai: Train, Flight, Bus or Drive?

From Chennai, the easiest way to Valparai is an overnight train to Coimbatore (or a train to Pollachi) or a roughly 1-hour flight to Coimbatore, followed by a 3–3.5 hour cab to Valparai. Overnight buses to Coimbatore and Pollachi are cheaper. Driving all the way is about 540–560 km and 10–11 hours — tiring, but practical for large families with their own vehicle.