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
Monsoon season (July-September) offers empty attractions in most regions
seasonVisit hill stations in winter (Jan-Feb) for snow and zero crowds
seasonMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesAvoid Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) if crowds bother you
alternativesSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingHire a guide to use VIP/fast-track entry lanes at major monuments
bookingVisit Goa beaches in monsoon for complete isolation (but no swimming)
seasonAvoid: 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.
Carry small denomination notes - Shopkeepers and rickshaw drivers often claim they don't have change, even for 500 rupee notes. Stock up on 10, 20, and 50 rupee notes whenever possible.
Be extremely aware of scams, especially in Delhi
The Karakoram Range offers spectacular scenery
Regional political parties dominate - DMK/AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, TMC in Bengal. National politics play out differently in each state.
Sleeper class gives the most authentic Indian experience
Amritsar is known for exceptional meat dishes
Don't eat gol gappay/pani puri from street vendors
Keep the Tourist Helpline number handy: 1-800-111363
Water quality differs by state - Himalayan states have cleaner sources; Gangetic plain states have more contamination. Always check before drinking.
Hindi - Only truly useful in northern and central states. South India, Northeast, and parts of East prefer English or regional languages.
Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains are among the best
Head to the Himalayas - not just the Golden Triangle
Book accommodations in areas frequented by travelers
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