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