Transport: Seabird Non A/C sleeper (Rs.750/-) -- decent one.
Duration: Bangalore to Karaikal took 11 hrs
Stay: Hotel Atlantic Inn (Rs.975 for A/C room -- next to bus stop, not bad - VandanaVeg Restaurant was good)
From Karaikal bus stop, many buses ply to Thirunallar, which is about 6kms away. It takes about 25 mins one way.
Nov 2014 (UPDATE ):
- Stayed at the same place next to the bus stand
- A/C room was Rs.1000/- + Rs.175 for extra bed
- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus - ~10 hrs journey
Feb 2016 (UPDATE):
- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus- 10 hrs journey with a small break in the middle.
- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1400/- (didn't take anything for extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana
- Went to Thirunallar by Auto - Rs.120/- one way
- Went to 'Nalathirtham', which is a little far from the main temple
Aug 2017 (UPDATE):
- Bus
-- Went by Universal travels sleeper bus
-- There was a break down in the middle that caused a delay of 4.5 hrs.
-- Tip: Carry some snacks and milk drinks for kids
- Lodge
-- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1500/- (including extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana. Lunch was not good. They don't serve any tiffin in the evening till 7 PM
-- Tip: There is a hotel by name 'Anandha Bhavan' on the main road, which serve everything
- Temple
-- Went to Thirunallar by Tavera A/C - Rs.600/- round trip
-- Left at 3:15 PM. Took 15 mins to reach Nalathirtham. Walked to Temple from there.
-- Temple was not crowded at 4 PM. Took Rs.100/- quick dharshan
-- Completed dharshan in 15 mins!
-- Note: The temple is open ALL DAY on Saturdays
- Weather
-- It was too hot in Karaikal
-- Tip: Check local weather before planning the trip
Mar 2018 (UPDATE):
- Bus
-- Universel travels sleeper bus from RKT tours & travels, Madiwala
-- Boarded at 9:25 pm; reached there at 7:00 am (no delay)
--- Had Breakfast at "Hotel Raman" near the Bus stop - it was good.
-- Return: Boarded at 7:30 pm; reached silk board at 6:00 am (no delay)
- Lodge
-- A/C double bedroom at ATLAANTIC INN costed Rs.1500/- (including extra bed)
-- The restaurant name is Vandana. Lunch was OK.
- Temple
-- Went to Thirunallar by Share Auto (6 ppl capacity) - TO: Rs. 120/-; FRO: Rs. 170/-
-- We were told that the crowd will be more for 2-3 months when the 'Shani Peyarchi' happens
-- On Saturdays, the temple is open the whole day and crowd seem to be less after 2 PM.
May 2026 (UPDATE):
- Bus
-- Went by HyBus. Very comfortable and Nice.
-- Came back by YBM travels. Not good. Avoid.
-- Both are A/C bus. They provide Water. So, no need to take any.
- Stay
-- Stayed in RR Homestay.
-- Got full 2BHK for 1700/-, as A/C was working only in one room
-- The place was OK
-- Its 15 min walk from the Bus stop and no good shops nearby
- Food
-- Had breakfast at Balaji Bhavan next to Nala Thirtham. It was good.
-- Had Lunch and Dinner at Arusuvai Vunavagam in Karaikal. Damn good.
- Temple
-- Reached temple at 8AM. Finished free Darshan in 10mins.
-- The temple was very less crowded as it was a weekday (Thursday)
-- They didn't do any checking at the entrance. So, we could take our phones.
- Local Commute
- Used a tempo traveler while going. Paid 150/-
- Used Big Auto while returning. Paid 200/-
- Misc.
-- There are some decent Lodges like Landmark Tower, Balaji Residency in Thirnallar itself. Their economic feasibility could be explored.
