Getting to Parvathamalai is easiest if you think of the journey in two parts: first reach the Polur or Tiruvannamalai area, then arrange the local journey to the trailhead that is open on your travel date.
Bus timings and local transport can change, so this guide is meant to help you plan rather than give you a bus number that may stop working later.
Good to know: This is an independent guide. Check the latest transport information and local access instructions before you travel.
Where should you head first?
| Starting from | A useful first destination |
|---|---|
| Chennai | Polur or Tiruvannamalai |
| Bangalore | Tiruvannamalai or Polur |
| Vellore | Polur |
| Tiruvannamalai | Polur / local connection |
| Polur | Local transport to the current trailhead |
Actual travel time depends on the road, traffic and the service you use. Treat online distance and journey-time figures as estimates.
Travelling from Chennai
For most visitors coming from Chennai, a practical plan is to travel towards Polur or Tiruvannamalai, then arrange the final local connection.
Before you leave:
- Check the current bus or train service.
- Make sure the ticket shows the destination you actually need.
- Leave some time for the final local journey.
- Check the current trekking/access window before deciding when to arrive.
If you find an old website giving a specific bus number, check it against a current service before relying on it.
Travelling from Bangalore
From Bangalore, you can plan through Tiruvannamalai or Polur, depending on the road and public-transport connection available for your trip.
If you want to start the trek early, don’t only think about the long-distance travel time. Make sure you can actually reach the trailhead with enough time to trek without rushing.
From Polur
Polur is a useful local starting point for visitors heading towards the Parvathamalai area.
Local buses, autos and other transport may be available, but timings can change. Ask locally on the day rather than depending completely on an old online timetable.
From Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai is a larger town with more transport and accommodation options. From there, you can arrange the onward journey towards Polur and the Parvathamalai approach you plan to use.
Give yourself some extra time for this final connection.
If you are driving
If you’re coming by car or bike:
- Set your navigation for the current trailhead, not the summit.
- Check where parking is allowed.
- Don’t block village roads or entrances.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- If the final road or trail is unclear, ask locally rather than guessing.
The summit itself is reached on foot.
A simple travel checklist
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
- Current bus/train information.
- The correct destination or trailhead.
- An offline map or saved directions.
- A backup plan for the final local connection.
- Some cash for small local expenses.
- Current information about trekking and access rules.
For the next step, see the Parvathamalai Trek Guide and Safety & Packing Guide.
Last reviewed: September 23, 2026. Transport services, routes and access conditions can change.