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Palani, Tamil Nadu, India

Palani, Tamil Nadu, India

About the Palani

Palani, a significant pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned for the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, one of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. The town is nestled amidst the scenic Western Ghats and offers a blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Winter months) offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for climbing the hill and exploring the surroundings. Avoid visiting during peak festival seasons like Thaipusam unless you are prepared for massive crowds.

Trip Duration

2 days 3 days
2-3 days is sufficient to explore Palani and its surroundings comfortably.

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Palani

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple - Palani
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple - Palani
★★★★★

4.7

Popularity

Idumban Temple
Idumban Temple
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Lord Murugan Temple - Thiru Aavinnankudi
Lord Murugan Temple - Thiru Aavinnankudi
★★★★★

4.7

Popularity

Arulmiku Periya Nayaki Amman Temple (Oorambalam)
Arulmiku Periya Nayaki Amman Temple (Oorambalam)
★★★★★

4.7

Popularity

Kuthiraiyar Dam view Point
Kuthiraiyar Dam view Point
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Varathamanathi Dam
Varathamanathi Dam
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Children's Park
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Children's Park
★★★★★

4.2

Popularity

Shri Mariyamman Temple
Shri Mariyamman Temple
★★★★★

4.7

Popularity

Shanmuga Nathi
Shanmuga Nathi
★★★★

4

Popularity

Palani Hills View Point
Palani Hills View Point
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Activities / Things To Do in Palani

  • Visit Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple Ascend Sivagiri hill to visit the iconic temple. Choose between climbing the steps (a physically demanding but spiritually rewarding experience), taking the winch (a quicker option with potential wait times), or riding the rope car (offers scenic views but may also have long queues). Participate in the temple rituals and soak in the devotional atmosphere.
  • Visit Thiru Avinankudi Temple Located at the foothills, this temple is dedicated to the child form of Lord Murugan (Bala Murugan). It's a more accessible and less crowded alternative to the hilltop temple. It's considered an important part of the Palani pilgrimage.
  • Explore the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary For nature enthusiasts, a trip to the Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and experiencing the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Permits may be required, and it's best to hire a local guide.
  • Visit Idumban Shrine Before ascending to the main temple, devotees often visit the Idumban Shrine. Legend has it that Idumban carried the two hills, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on his shoulders. Offering prayers here is considered an important part of the pilgrimage.
  • Visit Periyanayaki Amman Temple Located about 20 km from Palani in the nearby village of Ayyampalayam, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki Amman (a form of Parvati). It's a peaceful and serene place to visit.

Palani Best Restaurant | Your Ultimate Dining Guide

Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
★★★★

4

Popularity

Gouri Shankar Hotel
Gouri Shankar Hotel
★★★★

3.5

Popularity

SREE ARIYA BHAVAN VEG RESTAURANTS
SREE ARIYA BHAVAN VEG RESTAURANTS
★★★★

3.4

Popularity

Amma Mess
Amma Mess
★★★★

3.9

Popularity

HOTEL SRI VENKATESWARA
HOTEL SRI VENKATESWARA
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hotel Aryas
Hotel Aryas
★★★★

3.3

Popularity

Tamizhan Unavagam
Tamizhan Unavagam
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hotel Sri Saravanabhavan
Hotel Sri Saravanabhavan
★★★★

3.7

Popularity

Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
★★★★

4

Popularity

ANANDHAS
ANANDHAS
★★★★

3.6

Popularity

Accommodation

Amika Hotel, Madurai - Near Airport
Amika Hotel, Madurai - Near Airport
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Vels Court Hotel
Vels Court Hotel
★★★★

3.9

Popularity

Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hotel Nakshathra- A Royal Stay
Hotel Nakshathra- A Royal Stay
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Hotel Udhayam International, Thiruchendur
Hotel Udhayam International, Thiruchendur
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
★★★★

4

Popularity

Hotel Sownthariyam
Hotel Sownthariyam
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Dhandapani Nilayam(Palani Temple Devasthanam Accommodation)
Dhandapani Nilayam(Palani Temple Devasthanam Accommodation)
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
Hotel Ganpat Grand, Palani
★★★★

4

Popularity

ARUNAACHALAA INN
ARUNAACHALAA INN
★★★★

3.6

Popularity

How to Reach Palani

Air

The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport (IXM), approximately 115 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Palani.

Bus

Palani is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. Regular bus services are available from Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, and other nearby towns. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle.

Train

Palani Railway Station (PLNI) is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. Check train schedules and book tickets in advance.

Important Notes

Dress modestly when visiting the temple. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Be prepared for crowds, especially during festival seasons. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Negotiate prices with auto-rickshaw drivers before starting your journey.
Stay hydrated, especially when climbing the hill. Carry water bottles with you.
Be aware of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas.
Respect local customs and traditions.

Palani Nearby Destinations

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

A popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.

Distance : 24 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.5

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Kodaikanal Lake, Coakers Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks.

Madurai

Madurai

An ancient city famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Distance : 89 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.4

Popularity Score : 4.4

Must Visit : Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum.

Dindigul

Dindigul

Known for Dindigul Fort.

Distance : 54 KM (approx)

Rating : 4

Popularity Score : 4

Must Visit : Dindigul Fort, Rock Fort Temple, Abirami Amman Temple.

Thekkady

Thekkady

Known for wild life sanctuary

Distance : 101 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.2

Popularity Score : 4.2

Must Visit : Periyar National Park , Periyar Lake, Mudra Cultural Centre.

Munnar

Munnar

Scenic hill station with tea plantations.

Distance : 64 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.3

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Tea Museum , Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park.

Pollachi

Pollachi

known for scenic views.

Distance : 60 KM (approx)

Rating : 3.8

Popularity Score : 3.8

Must Visit : Aliyar Dam ,Masani Amman Temple, Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

Udumalaipettai

Udumalaipettai

known for Thirumoorthy hills.

Distance : 31 KM (approx)

Rating : 3.9

Popularity Score : 3.9

Must Visit : Thirumoorthy Temple , Thirumoorthy Dam, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.

Coimbatore

Coimbatore

Known for Siruvani water and Textile center.

Distance : 87 KM (approx)

Rating : 4

Popularity Score : 4

Must Visit : Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Marudamalai Murugan Temple, Siruvani Waterfalls.

Valparai

Valparai

Known for Tea Estates.

Distance : 61 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.1

Popularity Score : 4.1

Must Visit : Nallamudi Viewpoint, Monkey Falls, Balaji Temple.

Theni

Theni

Scenic City

Distance : 49 KM (approx)

Rating : 3.7

Popularity Score : 3.7

Must Visit : Megamalai, Kumbakarai Falls, Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palani famous for?
Palani is primarily famous for the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, one of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. It's also known for its scenic beauty and pilgrimage significance.
How many steps are there to climb to the Palani Murugan Temple?
There are 693 steps to climb to the top of Sivagiri hill where the temple is located.
Are there alternative ways to reach the temple besides climbing the steps?
Yes, you can take the winch or the rope car to reach the temple.
What is Navapashanam?
Navapashanam refers to the nine poisonous substances that are believed to make up the idol of Lord Murugan in the Palani temple. It is considered a unique and powerful combination by Siddhar Bogar.
Is it safe to travel to Palani?
Yes, Palani is generally safe for tourists. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take precautions against pickpockets. It is also important to dress modestly and respect local customs.

Location Map

Coordinates: Latitude 10.45, Longitude 77.51 (Palani, Tamil Nadu, India)