TravelingBeats

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

Filed under : Religious Place, Tamil Nadu

3 Comments »

Distance: 130 km from Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore.

How to reach there: From Mysore buses are available or you can hire a vehicle. You can also go from Bangalore via Muddur or Kollegal.

Route: From Mysore, take T.Narasipura road. Before entering T.Narsipura town, you will encounter a signboard. Take a left there and drive around another 12 km to reach Talakadu.

From Bangalore by private Vehicle – Bangalore – Muddur – Malavalli – Talakad

Travel Time: 3 – 3.40 hours

Where to stay: Talakadu Jaladhama Resort

Where to eat: Talakadu Jaladhama Resort

Talakad or Talakadu is a popular picnic spot and pilgrimage center. Once upon a time Talakadu was the capital of the Ganga dynasty. This place is a miracle. Covered with sand dunes at the banks of river Cauvery in the middle of agricultural land. Talakadu was ruled by various kingdoms like the Gangas, Cholas,  Hoysala, Vijaynagar and lastly the Wodeyars of Mysore.

The panchalinga temples of lord Shiva are a great attraction. The 5 temples are Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanathee-shwara and Mallikarjuna temples. A special festival called Panchalinga Darshana takes place every 12 years.

Talakadu is also famous with legends and myth. When the Wodeyars conquered Talakadu, the Mysore king sent people to fetch jewelley of the late viceroy’s wife Alamelamma. Legend says while she was running away from her pursurer she cursed with 3 points before jumping to river Cauvery. The curse are as follows:

1. May Malangi turn into an unfathomed whirlpool

2. May Talakad turn into a barren expanse of sand

3. May the Rajas of Mysore not have children for all time to eternity!

Picture courtesy: Indiamike

Read the article of my recent visit to Talakad.

Filed under : Adventure, Karnataka, Religious Place

2 Comments »