While some may regard Pudukkottai as one of Tamil Nadu’s nondescript towns, the truth is you are just a bicycle or a bullock cart ride away from stepping into antiquity. The origin of most of the villages in Pudukkottai can be traced back to ancient times. Littered with evidences of prehistoric man's settlement, megalithic tombs and rock-cut cave monuments, the locals of these villages will excitedly fill you in, like an expert guide, on their region’s history and culture.
The rule of dynasties such as Thondaiman, Mutharaiyars, Irukkuvelirs, Nayaks, Vijayanagar, Hoysalas, Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas dressed the landscape with numerous temples bearing outstanding architecture. That Jainism and Buddhism also flourished here is a testament to the locals’ long-held belief in harmony and peace. A historian’s paradise, Pudukkottai offers an irresistible experience with its ancient structures and remains a must-see place for every true fan of archaeology, arts, anthropology and architecture. November to February is the best time to plan a holiday in Pudukkottai.
The Jain cave temple of Sittannavasal hides some of the most beautiful frescoes of this region. Situated about 16 km from the town of Pudukkottai, most tourists aren’t aware of this site, which means it offers a largely pristine surrounding to those lucky few who accidentally wander into this cave. Although the temple itself is small, the walls and ceilings of the cave are covered with paintings of mythical creatures. A meditation chamber inside the cave creates playful echo effects.
Travelers to Pudukkottai usually climb to the top of Thirumayam Fort for a sweeping view of the rural side. A nearby hill also hides a rock-cut shrine of Lord Shiva.
The 8th-century temple of Vijayalaya Cholisvaram offers quiet and stunning rock-cut shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple is present about 16 km from Pudukkottai.
The history lovers can stroll through Pudukkottai Museum, which has a unique display of sculptures, paintings, megalithic artifacts and musical instruments.
A decent network of buses, taxis and cars connect the town of Pudukkottai to major sites and nearby cities of Trichy, Chennai, Coimbatore, Arcot, Vellore, Ooty, Karaikkudi and Madurai.
On a daily basis there are approximately 24 flights that operate at Tiruchirapally Civil Airport Airport.Air India Express, Tiger Airways and ماليندو للطيران are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Pudukkottai through train.Pudukkottaiis one of the most popular train stations in Pudukkottai.On an average about 23 trains pass through Pudukkottai on a daily basis.Tiruchirappalli to Pudukkottai, Chennai to Pudukkottai, Viluppuram to Pudukkottaiare some of the most popular routes to Pudukkottai with 43, 39, 38 trains weekly respectively.
By road Pudukkottai is surrounded by Tirupathur, Devakottai, Tiruchirappalli which are 23.56 km, 29.34 km, 30.59 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.