Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam, Palani

Palani hill as seen at night

Distance: 60 km from Dindigul city, 100 km from Coimbatore and Madurai and near to Kodaikanal hills

How to reach there: Regular bus services are available from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Madurai,  Dindigul etc. By train upto Dindigul and then 60 km by bus to palani.

where to stay: Dandayudapani Nilayam. For more info on accomodation, visit here.

Where to eat: Dandayudapani Nilayam

Palani town as seen from Palani hill

Palani is a small town in the Dindigul district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular pilgrimage center and attracts millions of people to the Pilani Murugan temple. Legend has it that Lord Subhramanya made his abode here on the Palani hills. One can offer puja (prayer) at the following puja timmings. The temple is located on top of a hill and one either has to reach there by climbing the steps or by boarding the Winch and Rope Car. Check the winch and rope car timmings and charges. Palani has a rich history starting from the Nayaka kings to the British.

Palani Malai and the temple atop it

Things to see: The star attraction of and almost only thing at Palani is the Palani Murugan temple.  However, you can check for few other places like the Dindigul fort, Sirumalai – Hill Resort, St.Joseph Church etc. If you are not that religious, it is advisable to go there when there is less rush, so that you enjoy god’s presence in a serene environment. It is an awesome sight to see the hills and the temple at night from the plains.

 
Bird’s view of Palani town