Palani Hills Travel Guide

Lord Murugan is worshipped in Palani town as dandayudhapani Swami, the pilgrim town is famous for the hill temple that houses a very unique idol made by combining nine poisonous substances. A staggering 649 steps lead you to the temple, perched at 1,500ft from where you get a spectacular view of the idumban and Kodai hills, paddy fields, rivers and Palani town. A good time to visit is on thaipoosam in January, when lakhs of pilgrims flock to Palani, some carrying kavadis to recreate an age old legends.

On festivals like Surasamharam, Thaipoosam and every Karthigai, the crowds reach up the staggering 659 steps to the shrine, some of them carrying kavadis or with mouths locked, literally. Many worshippers pierce their cheeks with little metal locks in homage to Murugan. Lesser mortals take one of the three electic winches to the top. But it is not for worship alone that you to visit the Palani Hills, even if this is Tamil Nadu’s biggest temple.

Best time to visit Palani Hills – January to March, April to September is also good.

The Palani Hills were once covered with evergreen rainforest extending almost to the plains. The only wild mountain goat found in Southern India. The Palani hills are much more charming than their popular cousin, the Nilgiris, due to their densely wooded slopes and the lack of the run of the mill tourist in the area.

The valley below the lodge has a charming lake, and the hills that rise on the opposite bank are covered with thick shoal forests. Stroll down to the lake and watch the reflection of the hills and the setting sun glisten on the shimmering surface of the water. After you will see sambhar walk out of the forest on the opposite bank for a drink. The lake always has some grebes on it.