Chennai, Tamil Nadu to Madikeri, Karnataka from $12: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• When traveling from Chennai to Madikeri, you will find that the onboard catering services vary by train operator. For example, Indian Railways offers meals in various classes, and you can typically expect to see vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. If you’re on a special service like the Karnataka Express, meal pre-booking might also be an option for a more customized experience.

• The Chennai to Madikeri route is serviced by different train operators, including Indian Railways (IRCTC), and you typically have options for Sleeper Class, 3AC (Third AC), 2AC (Second AC), and even 1AC (First AC) seating. The 2AC and 1AC classes come with air conditioning and have fewer passengers, making for a more comfortable journey. You can book these tickets via the official Indian Railways website: IRCTC.

• Upon arriving in Madikeri, the station itself does not have extensive facilities, but you can find basic amenities such as restrooms. Unfortunately, there are no dedicated luggage storage facilities at the station. To reach the city center, the quickest way is to catch a local auto-rickshaw, which can be found right outside the station, typically costing around INR 100-150. Alternatively, local buses do connect the station to the city; routes such as Bus No. 1 are common. Make sure to check the local transport schedule as it can vary throughout the day.

• Plan your bus transfers well; take the APSRTC bus from Chennai Madhavaram to Tirupati, then switch to another service like Asian Xpress to reach Madikeri, as having the correct change for tickets will make transfers smoother.

• Be prepared for a long journey; pack snacks, water, a neck pillow, and entertainment like books or downloaded movies, as you'll be on the bus for nearly 16 hours.

• Upon reaching Madikeri, expect crowded conditions at the Old Private Bus Stop; take a moment to orient yourself to find local transport options, such as auto-rickshaws or taxis, to reach your final destination—these can be found near the major exits of the bus station.