Overview
Dindigul is a city of 290,000 people (2011) and the headquarters of Dindigul district in Southwestern Tamil Nadu. The city is famous for three things: its distinct briyani (with roots said to trace back to an Iranian national), its high-quality iron-lock steel safes sold internationally, and the 280-foot Dindigul Fort built in 1605.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Trekking
Before you go
Culture
Dindigul district was carved from Madurai District in 1985. The area is surrounded by mountains and known for locks, briyani, and cigar production.
Food
Dindigul briyani is the signature dish, distinct from other parts of India. Budget South Indian meals available at restaurants near bus stand.
Language
Tamil is the local language. Travellers to villages should learn a few essential Tamil sentences as English is not widely spoken.
Safety
Visit village temples before 11AM. Rural roads may be narrow—drive carefully.
Transport
Dindigul has rail connections (broad gauge and meter gauge) and bus services to nearby cities. The nearest airport is Madurai (65 km).