Complete transport guide: flights, trains, buses, and local transport. Trip Planning travel planning.
arrow_back Back to main guideChennai International Airport (MAA), 180km from Polur. Airlines include IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India. Transfer options: taxi (rupees 3000-4000, 3.5-4 hours) or bus (take airport bus to CMBT, then direct bus to Polur, rupees 300-400, 5-6 hours).
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station (TNM) is 35km from Polur. Limited direct trains from Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore. From Delhi (NDLS) to Katpadi (VLR) then local train/bus to Tiruvannamalai. From Mumbai (CSMT) to Katpadi (VLR) then local train/bus. From Bangalore (SBC) to Tiruvannamalai (TNM) takes 4-5 hours, fares rupees 150-300. From Tiruvannamalai, take a local bus or auto to Polur (rupees 50-100).
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates frequent buses to Polur. Direct buses from Chennai (CMBT) take 3.5-4 hours, rupees 150-200. Buses also run from Tiruvannamalai (45 minutes, rupees 40-50) and Vellore (1.5 hours, rupees 70-90). Polur has a central bus stand.
Polur is on State Highway 115. It is 180km from Chennai via NH38 and SH115, a 3.5-4 hour drive. Road conditions are generally good. Expect minimal tolls on state highways, approx rupees 100-200 total.
180 km from Chennai
rupees 30-150
Best for: short trips
Always agree on the fare before getting in.For longer distances, expect to pay more, but bargain politely.
Free
Best for: exploring town centre, rural walks
Wear comfortable shoes.Carry water and a hat during sunny hours.
rupees 10-50
Best for: connecting to nearby villages/towns
Check bus timings at the bus stand.Be prepared for crowded conditions, especially during peak hours.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and travel peacefully
Book homestays in villages near tourist cities for authentic, uncrowded experience
alternativesSchool vacation periods (May-June, Dec-Jan) bring domestic tourist rush
seasonStay overnight near attractions to explore before day-trippers arrive
strategyVisit monuments at opening time (usually 6-7 AM) to avoid tour groups
timingVisit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups break for meals
timingMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesAvoid: Weekends, Indian holidays (Jan 26, Aug 15, Diwali), school vacations (May-June, Dec-Jan).
Best: Weekday mornings, monsoon season for most destinations, opposite shoulder seasons.
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Hindus don't eat beef; many are vegetarian
Thali offers the best value - These platter meals with multiple small dishes, rice, and bread provide variety and are very filling.
Americans can get 10-year multi-entry tourist visas
One day in India can be more profound than years at home
Visit Spiti Valley for high-altitude desert landscapes
Clockwise circumambulation is customary - When walking around temples or religious objects, move in a clockwise direction.
Holi is messy but incredible - The color festival in March involves colored powder and water fights. Wear old clothes and protect cameras.
Use Couchsurfing to meet locals and avoid scams
Respect wildlife boundaries always - Never approach, feed, or touch wild animals. Keep safe distances and follow park rules.
Arrive at train stations 30 minutes early - Stations are massive and confusing; you'll need time to find your platform and coach.
Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
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