Discovering Dindigul: The Best Kept Secret of Tamil Nadu**

 **Discovering Dindigul: The Best Kept Secret of Tamil Nadu**

Set amidst the southern region of Tamil Nadu, Dindigul is a city that has history and culture, scenic beauty, and heritage. Though it does not always make it to the best tourist spots in India, Dindigul is a city that is warm and inviting and yet nothing short of fascinating. This city is famous for its scenic beauty, ancient fort, and delectable cuisine, and Dindigul is an ideal destination for the traveler who wants to soak up the true essence of South India without the throngs of tourists.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Dindigul a hidden gem worth exploring, from its historical landmarks to its culinary delights and natural beauty.

### **A Glimpse into Dindigul's History**

Dindigul boasts an extensive and intriguing history, tracing its importance all the way back to the days of the **Chola Dynasty**. Natural beauty and its strategic location had made the city a major trading and cultural center through the centuries. It is, however, most renowned for its legendary **Dindigul Fort**, which gives people a glimpse into the rich past of the region.

#### **Dindigul Fort: A Step Back in Time**

The most popular tourist spot in Dindigul is the **Dindigul Fort**, an ancient fort built during the 17th century. Constructed by the **Madurai Nayaks**, the fort has seen the rise and fall of numerous dynasties, such as the **Mughal Empire** and the **British Raj**. The fort's location on a hill gives a panoramic view of the areas around it, including the scenic town of Dindigul and the green valleys.

The fort contains a number of buildings, such as temples, mosques, and ancient wells, that reflect its rich cultural and religious past. As you walk through the fort, you can experience the architectural style of the region, which is a stunning combination of Dravidian and Islamic styles. A visit to the fort is not just a journey through time but also a chance to experience the breathtaking views of the town and its landscape.

### **Natural Scenic Spots and Beauty**

Dindigul is endowed with diverse natural landscapes, ranging from valleys to hills of breathtaking beauty. The natural scenery of the region presents the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

#### **Sirumalai Hills: A Peaceful Retreat**

Situated about 25 kilometers from Dindigul, the **Sirumalai Hills** are a great destination to savor peace in nature. Famous for its pleasant climate and lush landscape, Sirumalai is a favorite destination for trekking, picnicking, and hiking. The hill station is encompassed with thick forests and inhabits a variety of fauna such as deer, monkeys, and other birds. It's an ideal location to unwind and get rejuvenated amidst the loveliness of the mountains.

#### **Kodaikanal: A Short Drive Away**

Though not strictly a part of Dindigul, **Kodaikanal**, one of Tamil Nadu's most renowned hill stations, is merely a short drive from the city (about 65 km away). Renowned for its misty climate, picturesque lakes, and rich green landscapes, Kodaikanal is full of scope for nature walks, boating, and viewing the surrounding flora and fauna. The town is well known for its scenic views, including **Coaker's Walk** and **Bryant Park**, hence a favorite amongst nature enthusiasts and photo enthusiasts.

### **Cultural and Religious Significance**

The city of Dindigul is one that is rich in culture, and this is clearly seen in the numerous temples, festivals, and cultural activities that are celebrated throughout the year.

#### **Kamaraj Memorial Hall**

A historical site, the **Kamaraj Memorial Hall** in Dindigul is dedicated to the life and contributions of **K. Kamaraj**, a freedom struggle leader and erstwhile Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His role in the growth of the state, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare, is fondly recalled here.

#### **Temples in Dindigul**

Dindigul is also famous for its numerous stunning temples, which are major places of worship for locals and tourists alike. The **Sri Dattatreya Temple** in Dindigul is one of the most famous, a temple for the three-in-one god Lord Dattatreya. The **Perumal Temple** and the **Mariamman Temple** are other notable temples in the region, where tourists can feel the spiritual ambiance and observe traditional rituals.

### **Delicious Cuisine: A Taste of Dindigul**

No visit to Dindigul would be complete without sampling its culinary delights. Food here is as rich as the culture of the region, and the dishes are bold, spicy, and full of aromas. Dindigul is particularly famous for its biryani and other South Indian food.

#### **Dindigul Biryani: A Must-Try Dish**

One of the most popular dishes in Dindigul is its **Dindigul Biryani**, a spicy rice dish that differs from the other biryani served in other regions of Tamil Nadu. The difference between Dindigul Biryani and the rest is the fact that it is made with seeraga samba rice and a special mixture of spices that provide the dish with its own unique flavor. The biryani is usually accompanied by raita or boiled egg, and there are plenty of local restaurants that serve this dish. If you are a biryani enthusiast or just someone who loves trying out new tastes, Dindigul Biryani is definitely one that you must not miss.

#### **Other Local Delights**

Besides biryani, Dindigul has a variety of local dishes like **Chettinad-style curries**, **idli**, **dosa**, **vada**, and **pongal**. Traditional sweets like **Jangri** and **Laddu** are also available, which are commonly consumed during festivals and special occasions.

### **How to Reach Dindigul**

Dindigul is well linked by road and rail with other important cities in Tamil Nadu and surrounding states.

- **By Air**: The closest airport to Dindigul is in **Madurai** (approximately 70 km), which is well-linked to prominent cities like Chennai and Bangalore.

- **By Train**: There is a separate railway station at Dindigul, well-linked to the prominent cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

- **By Road**: Dindigul is well-linked by road via the National Highway system, so reaching it by bus or personal transport is easy.

### **Best Time to Visit Dindigul**

The best time to visit Dindigul is between the **winter months of November and February**, when the climate is mild and cool, ideal for traveling and outdoor tourism. The summer season (March to June) is usually hot, with the temperature going over 35°C, so plan your visit in advance.

### **Conclusion: A Hidden Gem in Tamil Nadu**

While not as famous as other tourist spots in Tamil Nadu, Dindigul's ancient monuments, picturesque landscapes, and mouthwatering food are the perfect destination to be explored for any travel enthusiast. While trekking up to the **Sirumalai Hills**, admiring the old **Dindigul Fort**, or just relishing a plate of mouthwatering **Dindigul Biryani**, there is a place for everything and everyone here in this city that is so lovely. For all those eager to discover Tamil Nadu's history and heritage, Dindigul is definitely a place worth adding to your travel itinerary.