What to expect
Highlights
- Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple — One of the six Arupadai Veedu abodes of Lord Murugan, set atop the Palani hill and reached by steps, an elephant path, a winch or a rope-car; deity of navapashanam and one of the richest temples in Tamil Nadu.
- Palani Winch and Rope-Car — A cable winch and rope-car (ropeway) system carrying pilgrims up the Palani hill to the Murugan temple, an alternative to the roughly 690-step climb.
- Idumban Temple — A shrine to the demon-turned-devotee Idumban on the lower Palani hill, linked to the kavadi ritual tradition of Murugan worship.
- Thiru Avinankudi Temple, Palani — An ancient Murugan temple at the foot of the Palani hills, considered one of the oldest shrines in the region. Here Murugan is worshipped as a child on his peacock, and pilgrims bathe in the sacred Saravana Poigai tank before ascending to the hill temple. It is closely linked in worship with the Dhandayuthapani hill shrine above.
- Periya Avudayar Kovil (Peru Udayar Temple), Palani — A Shiva temple about four kilometres from Palani bus stand, set in a wooded area on the banks of the Shanmuga Nadi. The presiding deity, Peru Udayar or Brihadeeswarar, is a name associated with Chola king Raja Raja Chola. It is a quieter heritage shrine on the old Dharapuram road.
- Kannadi Perumal Temple — A small Vishnu temple on a hillock about 9 km south of Palani, just off the Palani-Kodaikanal highway. It is dedicated to Kannadi Perumal, a form of Lord Vishnu. Its elevated setting offers views over the surrounding plains.
