Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – Connectivity

Thirukkadigai, Sholinghur – Connectivity

Sholinghur, also known as Cholasingapuram or Sholingapuram is located at about 30 Kms from Arakkonam, 44 Kms from Thakkolam, 26 Kms from Walajapet, 28 Kms from Ranipet, 55 Kms from Vellore, 27 Kms from Thiruthani, 43 Kms from Chittoor, 65 Kms from Kanchipuram, 80 Kms from Thiruvallur, 74 Kms from Sriperumbudur and 117 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Sholinghur.

By Road:

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Sholinghur Bus Station. Sholinghur is well connected to Vellore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani, Arakkonam and other nearby places by Bus. There are also direct buses from Madras to Sholinghur but it is better to take the train-bus option. Auto will charge Rs.10/- from Arakkonam/Walajah highway to the foot of the Periya Malai. One can take another auto for Rs.10-15/- from the foot of the Periya Malai to the foot of the Chinna Malai.

Several routes are there to reach Sholinghur and some of the popular routes are.

Route 1: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Vellai Gate (Kanchi outer) – Kaveripakkam – Sholinghur

Route 2: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Vellai Gate (Kanchi outer) – Arakkonam – Sholinghur

Route 3: Poonamallee – Sunguvar Chathiram – Madhuramangalam – Parandhur – Thirumalpur – Arakkonam – Sholinghur

Route 4: Poonamallee – Thandalam (MP Distilleries) – Narasingapuram – Perambakkam – Arakkonam – Sholinghur

Route 5: Poonamallee – Thiruvallur – Thiruthani – Sholinghur

Route 1 & 2 are in good condition, as we can travel in Bangalore Highway for most of the distance. Route 3, has advantage of visiting Madhuramangalam Embar Swamy Temple. Route 4, has advantage of visiting Narasingapuram Narasimha Swamy Temple. Route 5, has advantage of visiting Thiruvallur Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple. In general, all the roads above are equally good.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station is Sholinghur Railway Station located at about 17 Kms from the Temple. Sholinghur is situated in the Chennai-Bangalore railway line. Train is the best choice of public transport from Chennai to Sholinghur. Plenty of local trains are there between Chennai Central – Arakkonam. Arakkonam Bus stand is around 1 km from Railway station. From Arakkonam, plenty of buses are there to Sholinghur (30 Km). Devotees can get down at Temple foothill itself (Thakkan Kulam / Konda Palayam). Though, Sholinghur itself has a railway station, it is nearly 10 km away from the town.

Train Options:

1. Early morning Kovai Express or Brindavan Express to Arakkonam and a 30 Kms bus trip from Arakkonam to Sholinghur (will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour) - Good wide Arakkonam- Walajah SH 61.

2. Sapthagiri Express (6.25 am departure) to Thiruthani (arrival at 7.30 am). There are many buses from Thiruthani to Sholinghur (27 Kms).

3. Take Chennai- Bangalore Express (departure at 1.20pm) and get down at Sholinghur Station (2.40 pm arrival). Many Share autos are available from the North of the station will take you to Sholinghur temple in 30 minutes (17 kms).

By Air:
Nearest Airport is located at Chennai (123 Kms) and Thirupathi (91 Kms).