# Dindigul

Dindigul is a city of 290,000 people (2011) and the headquarters of Dindigul district in Southwestern Tamil Nadu.

## Understand

Dindigul district was carved out of the composite Madurai District in 1985. It's surrounded by mountains. Travellers to the villages in this area are advised to pick up a few essential sentences in the local language Tamil as many people do not speak English.

## Get in
### By plane

The nearest airports are at Madurai (Madurai Airport, 1½ hours away) and Trichy (Trichy Airport. Dindigul city is approximately 60 km from Madurai.

### By train

Dindigul junction is on the main train route from Chennai-Madurai-Kanyakumari and is approximately 440 km from Chennai.
Kodaikanal road station is approximately 22 km from Dindigul Junction

### By road

Dindigul is on the NH7 highway from Chennai to Madurai.

## See

* Dindigul Fort. This 280-foot-tall fort was constructed in 1605 by Madurai King Muthi Krishna Naicker and Thirumalai Naicker. It was a witness to many wars between rulers like Tipu Sultan and the English men.
* Sirumalai - Hill Resort. This is an economical Hill resort and a picnic spot for weary travellers. This is on the way to Natham 25 km from Dindigul city. This place is accessible from Madurai also. Though the uphill journey is for a brief time, the 18 hair-pin bends provide the real thrilling experience, characteristic of a trip to a hill station. The entire locale is green and lush and the climate is cool/warm. Sirumalai provides an opportunity to go on trekking and hiking. Beautiful scenic view of saathiyar river basin and Dindigul town delight the visitors. Vellimalai Temple is the famous destination for devotees. Sanjeevi Hills, famous in Indian Epic Ramayana is also in the vicinity. Bus service and private cabs are available from Dindigul city.
* Gandhigram Rural Institute. Established in 1956, Gandhigram Rural Institute was founded by two Gandhians; Dr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran. They followed the Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Nai Talim’ system of education. Gandhigram Rural Institute has developed academic programmes in Rural Development, Rural Economics and Extension Education, Rural Oriented Sciences, Cooperation, Development Administration, Rural Sociology, English and Communicative Studies, Tamil and Indian Languages. The Gandhigram Rural Institute has a campus of nearly 200 acres in a rural setting, nestling in one of the enclaves of the beautiful Sirumalai range. To its west are chains of mountains including the beautiful Kodaikanal Hill Station. Lying North of Madurai, Gandhigram is easily accessible by rail and road. The climate of the place is pleasant all through the year and the panorama of nature surrounding Gandhigram is pleasing. The nearest railway station is 2 km away in Ambathurai, the nearest railway junction is 11 km away from Dindigul accessible by both broad gauge and meter gauge. The nearest major town is Dindigul. The nearest airport is Madurai which is approximately 65 km by road. Gandhigram is located south of Dindigul by about 12 km and north of Madurai city approximately by 55 km.
* Thadikombu - Perumal Temple. It is 5 km from Dindigul on the way to Karur. The main deity is Lord Alagar and the main festival is during the Tamil month of Chitrai.(April–May)
* Begambur Big Mosque, ☏ +91 451-2402086. This is a famous mosque in Begambur and is around 200-300 years old.
* Sri Kottai Mariamman Kovil. This is an ancient temple believed to be 200 years old and the idol is believed to have been installed by the King Tipu Sultan. There are many deities in this temple like Mariamman which is the main deity, Vinayaka, Muruga, Madurai Veeran, Kali and Durga. The temple structure is in the form of a square. The temple is run by a board of Trustees.
* Kasi Visalakshi-Vishwanathar Temple, ☏ +91 4543-227572. In Kunnuvarankottai or Kunnapatti (Pronounced as "Kannapatti") is 8 km from Batlagundu on the Batlagundu-Usilampatti road. (It is to be noted that locals pronounce the village name as Kunnuvarankottai or Kannapatti (Tamil:கண்ணாப்பட்டி. This area is also referred in the biography of Sri Sacchidananda Bharathi-I). This is the birthplace of the 25th Pontiff of the Sringeri Sarada Peetam Sri Sacchidananda Bharathi I. There are regular buses every 30 minutes from Batlagundu bus stand to Usilampatti (the bus stop is better known as Kannapatti(Tamil:கண்ணாப்பட்டி)). It is advisable to visit the temple in the mornings from 7:30AM- 11:30AM. Shri V.Viswanathan is the priest of this temple. One main advantage of this temple is that it is just very close (walkable distance) to the main Batlagundu- Usilamapatti road and is easily accessible to devotees. There are budget restaurants in Batlagundu that serve South-Indian dishes. An added attraction is the point of confluence of the three rivers Vaigai, Manjalaru and Maruda. It is pertinent to note that the river Vaigai flows northward near this village. This is an important pilgrimage point where devotees take holy bath in the rivers during auspicious days.
* Kamakshiamman Temple. In Devadanapatti is 8 km away on the Batlagundu-Peryakulam road. The deity here is called as Moongilanai Kamakshi. There are regular buses from Batlagundu bus stand (every 10 minutes) to Periyakulam. (the bus stop is Devadanapatti).
* Athoor: Kamarajar Lake. The Kamarajar Lake is in the western part of Athoor Village located in the Kamarajar Valley in Western Ghats. There are places to stay near the lake. They are 'Candle House Resort' a family home stay, 'Double Dutch Resort' and 'Cardamom House' on the shore of Athoor Kamarajar Lake. Athur is a village 3 km west of Sempatti in between Dindigul and Batlagundu. Sembatti is 12 km south-west of Dindigul and 48 km north of Madurai. The Kodaganar River, a tributary of river Kaveri runs through the village. There is a cave temple here for Lord Sadayandi, another ancient Kasi Viswanatha temple and a 50-year-old, beautiful Catholic church.
* St.Joseph Church, ☏ +91 451-2423557. This 100-year-old church was constructed between 1866 and 1872. This is the head church of all other Roman Catholic churches in Dindigul District.
* Dindigul - Nagal Nagar perumal Temple. This is a Vishnu temple which is in Nagal Nagar near the railway station.
* Soundararaja Perumal Temple - Vadamadurai. On the busy Dindigul – Trichy National Highway, at about 18 km from Dindigul, a road branches out in the right side. Vadamudarai is the name of the village, where the famous Soundararaja Perumal Temple is situated. The famous temple is situated at the heart of the small village. The temple has been renovated and has separate sanctum sanctorum for Perumal and Soundaravalli Thayar, Chakkarathalvar, Lakshmi Narasimar, Baktha Anjaneyar, Andal, Vishvaksena and Garuda are the other deities to be worshiped in the temple.
* Vedasandur. Vedasandur is 20 km from Dindigul (on south), 75 km from Madurai (on South), 60 km from Karur (on north), 85 km from Trichy (on east, and 45 km to Palani (on west). This was a place where hunters used to sell their goods in the olden days - Vedasandur means "Hunter's open market". The Kudakanar river, a tributary of Cauvery river goes through the centre of town. Another attraction is a very tall 51 feet idol of Lord Anjaneyar in the temple that is situated in the campus of Seethamaram Nalroad -(ARR Engineering India (P) Ltd. There are many other places of worship and also a tobacco research center in this town.
* 7 Dollar church, Mettupatti. A famous Mother Mary Church. Got to visit during the Christmas celebration. Also famous for the Thursday Infant Jesus Fellowship. A very famous Paska (passover) is celebrated for three days by the entire area. (updated Sep 2018)

### Nearby

* Anjaneyar Temple, Anapatti (5 km from Nilakottai Taluk, Nilakottai is 11 km from Batlagundu bus stand and 35 km from Dindigul). This is said to be 300-year-old temple built by Queen of Madurai Rani Mangamma. The idol will be half buried when the water is in full flow here. This temple is near the Peranai bridge (see site below) and regulator constructed by the British.
* Peranai — It is a reservoir and a fine picnic spot from October to late February, provided the north-east monsoon sets properly and water is released from the Vaigai Dam. Peranai is a unique confluence of waters from several dams — the Vaigai Dam, the Marudanadi Dam in Dindigul, the Manjalar, and Varahanadi Dams in Theni. It is not a separate catchment area but collects and diverts water released from the Vaigai every year. It is in Nilakottai taluk of Dindigul district and approximately 35 km from Dindigul city. It is approximately 15 km from Nilakottai town on the Madurai-Kodaikanal road.
* Siddharmalai — A hillock 2 km from Peranai and near the Vikkiramangalam village on the Usilampatti main road north of Dindigu city. There is a large natural cavern on the southern side of the hillock called the Pancha Pandava Padukkai (Bed of the Five Pandavas'). There are two rows of beds with raised pillows chiselled out of the rock inside. There is an inscription on the rock face that traces the origin of the name of Madurai city — 'Mathirai' (City of Walls).

## Do

* The travellers to this area can visit the various scenic spots near the rivers, dams and picnic spots.
* Trekking in Sirumalai, Kodaikanal Hills
* The devotees can visit many temples in the area near Batlagundu, and Dindigul.
* Dindigul is famous for locks, Biriyani and cigar.

## Buy

* Locks: Dindigul is known for good quality and durable iron-lock steel safes. Dindigul locks are sold to local, national, and international markets.
* Sarees: Silk sarees and Sungudi sarees can be bought here
* Brassvessels and jewellery can be bought in Nilakottai
* Cardamom and coffee are famous in Pattiveeranpatti near Batlagundu
* Saree are famous in Chinnalapati.

## Eat

Dindigul is famous for its Briyani which is quite distinct from those in other parts of the country. The recipe is believed to have been passed on by an Iranian national. However, since then the recipe has become more localised.
* Venu's Briyani. The most popular restaurant that serves this unique dish
* Thalappakatti. Equally famous and has a longer history
* Koli Nadar. A non-veg restaurant that offers a wide variety
* Bismilla A small hotel famous for its taste
There are many budget restaurants that serve south Indian dishes in Dindigul city. Some of them are:
* AryaBhavan, Bus Stand
* AshokBhavan, Main road
* Kurinji
* SaravanaBhavan, Bus Stand
* Sri Lakshmi Vilas Hotel, 36 A , Koil Street (Near Abirami Koil), ☏ +91 451-2433349.
* Hotel Rajendra, 174/G Main Road, ☏ +91 451-2433947.
* Hotel Malajyothy, 1111/1B-17 , Spencer Compound, ☏ +91 451-2434316.
* Hotel Parvathy's Pvt Ltd., 14, Koil St, ☏ +91 451-2435426.
* Hotel Padma Pvt Ltd, Trichy Road, ☏ +91 451-2430541.
* Hotel Wales Park, 49A, Dindigul-624003, ☏ +91 451-242-0943.
* Hotel Suganya A/C with lodge, 43, 2 Dindigul-2 (near Bus stand), ☏ +91 451-2429675.
* Dhalphin Hotels, 14 Chatram street, Dindigul-3 (Near Periyar Statue), ☏ +91 451-2433463.
* Hotel Aruna, 259 Main Rd (Near Periyar Statue), ☏ +91 451-2433463.
* Hotel Gomath Towers, ☏ +91 451-2430042.
* Hotel Senthil Residency, ☏ +91 451-6451331.
* Hotel Parsons Court, ☏ +91 451-6451111.
* The Dindigul Parvathy Natarajan Hotel, Dindigul-624001, ☏ +91 451-2433349.

## Drink

* Dolphin Bar cheapest bar
* Mr. Soda famous among the youngsters in Dindigul

## Sleep

There are many lodging options in Dindigul. Visitors to Dindigul district can stay in hotels in Dindigul and Dindigul district.

### Budget

* Kurunji Hotel, 4 Spencer Compound, near bus stand. ₹400-800.
* Rockfort Palace, 132A, Madurai Road, Begampur. ₹400-1000.
* Venkateswar Lodge, Scheme Road, New Bus stand, Y M R Patty, ☏ +91 451-2425881.
* Gomath Lodge, 56, Pensioner St, ☏ +91 451-2430042.
* Pandiyarajan K S Prop Pandiyan Lodge, 11, Koil St, ☏ +91 451-2430013.
* Ziauddin Ahmed K A The Lodge liberty, 13, New Agraharam, ☏ +91 451-2431988.
* Corner Lodge, 132, Railway Station Rd (Railway station road), ☏ +91 451-2422228. Near employment office or KPN Parcel office. ₹100-150.

### Mid-range

* Parsons Court, 85, Mengles Rd. ₹1600-2000.
* Double Dutch resort, Athoor, Dindigul district, Athoor Village (the resort is 25 km from Dindigul, 55 km from Palani, 65 km from Kodiakanal and 90 km from Madurai. Drive up to Sembatti crossing and turn into Athoor village and follow the sign boards), ☏ +91 4543-294499, +91 9443828742. Take a walk up to the water-fall or the cave temple, or along the rice fields, peanut gardens and coffee estates, and in the cocnut and palm groves. Go bird watching or trekking. Take motorbike rides and experience a slice of Indian village life or visit the rural market. Swim in the lake or take a coracle ride. The religious minded can visit the ancient temples like Sendaraya Perumal temple in Batlagundu town which is near, Kasi Visalakshi Viswanathar temple in Kunnuvarankottai. Visit Kodaikanal hills and Sirumalai. USP - Pastoral Bliss. Budget rooms - ₹1500, Economy rooms at ₹1800, Deluxe rooms at ₹2500 (incl. tax). Food charges extra.

### Splurge

* Wild Rock Hill House, Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul, Sirumalai Hills (Sirumalai is on the way to Natham 25 km from Dindigul City and 90 km from Madurai), ☏ +91 451-2470454. Go on a picnic or plan a getaway with your extended family. Go mountaineering, trekking, hiking or bird watching. Visit the renovated Vellimalai temple. Visit the Sanjeevi Hills, a storehouse of herbs, considered to be a part of Hanuman's Sanjeevani Hills. ₹5000 for a Single room and ₹20000 for Bungalow rental. food charges extra..
* Lakeside (Kamarajar Lake), Athoor post (from Sembatti Crossing, take the Palani road and turn left to reach Athoor village. Follow the signposts of the resort thereafter.), ☏ +91 451-3202817, +91 9894563935. Lakeside is 7 km from Athoor Village. Athoor is 25 km south of Dindigul, 66 km north of Madurai and 120 km South-west of Tiruchirapalli. This place is an escapade and a place for relaxation. Go Cycling in the hills, swim and fish in the lake, go on nature trails and do bird watching. Visit the village and do a craft tour watching the potters, weavers and workers at the coir factory at work. ₹3000-3500 for five persons. Cost of Meals extra - (Breakfast-₹150, Lunch - ₹275, Dinner-₹400).

## Stay safe

It is advisable to visit the village temples in the morning (before 11AM) as the temples usually will be closed later.
The roads in and around the villages may be narrow and drivers are required to be careful here.

## Go next

The travelers can go to places like Madurai, Trichy, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Palani from here