Maruthamalai Temple

About 15 km north-west of the city, this hill temple is often called Murugan's seventh abode and is around 1,200 years old. The saint-poet Arunagirinathar sang of it in the Thiruppugal.

Getting up

A 3 km ghat road, with mini-buses from the foothills, or about 837 steps. There are lifts for those who need them.

Next door

A cave shrine of the Pambatti Siddhar.

Festivals

Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram and Karthigai Deepam. Traffic is regulated on festival days.

The name

Marudham (the Arjuna tree) + malai (hill).

Sources: Wikipedia: Marudhamalai

Timings and access change, so check with the place before you go.