Key hubs
Palani airport and railway station
- Airport
- Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), about 100 km; Madurai Airport (IXM), about 120-130 km. Allow roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road from either.
- Railway station
- Palani (PLNI), on the Dindigul-Pollachi line; Dindigul Junction is about 60 km away
- Getting around
- Autos and local buses within town; the hill is reached on foot, by winch railway or by ropeway. A hired car helps for Manur and the dam.
How to reach Palani by air
Coimbatore International Airport (CJB) is about 100 km away, roughly 2.5 hours by road. Madurai Airport (IXM) is about 120-130 km away, roughly 3 hours. Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) is farther, about 164 km.
How to reach Palani by train
Palani station (PLNI) is on the Dindigul-Pollachi line. Dindigul Junction, about 60 km away, has more connections. Check current train timings before planning your arrival.
How to reach Palani by road
Palani is linked to Coimbatore by National Highway 83 and to Dindigul and Madurai by road. Kodaikanal is about 67 km away by a ghat road. State and private buses serve the town.
Getting around Palani
Autos and local buses cover the town. The hill temple is reached by about 690 steps, a winch railway or a ropeway from the foot of the hill. For Manur, the dam or Kodaikanal, a hired car is easier.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Palani
- Carry water, a hat and socks: temple stone becomes hot underfoot from late morning.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.