Major city · India
Theni
Spend 1–2 days in Theni for temples, waterfalls and a base to visit nearby nature spots; longer only if you add Periyar National Park.
Theni is a small town in western Tamil Nadu with several temples, waterfalls and the Vaigai Dam nearby. It serves as a bus hub for day trips to attractions within 10–70 km. One full day covers the main sights; a second day adds a longer trip to Periyar National Park.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Apr–Jun (hot, rain‑affected falls)
- Airport
- IXM
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Theni100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Theni, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyTheni is generally safe; watch for traffic on rural roads and keep valuables secure in crowded markets.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 101 fire · 102 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXM Madurai Airport (About 100 km (62 mi), 2 h by bus or car).IXM Madurai Airport (About 62 mi (100 km), 2 h by bus or car).
- Getting aroundLocal buses connect Theni to nearby towns; taxis and hired cars are common for waterfall trips.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))₹150–₹250 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedBudget hotel room, a night, per room₹800 (≈ US$10)
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel room, a night, per room₹1,200 (≈ US$14)
- High-end bedBudget hotel room, a night, per room₹1,800 (≈ US$25)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,200 (≈ US$14) · Mid ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · High ₹2,600 (≈ US$30)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXM Madurai Airport (About 100 km (62 mi), 2 h by bus or car)IXM Madurai Airport (About 62 mi (100 km), 2 h by bus or car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
May
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jun
Avoid
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jul
not flagged
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Aug
not flagged
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Sep
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Oct
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Oct–Mar. Avoid: Apr–Jun. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jul (8 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Theni: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
Apr
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
May
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Jun
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
7 rd
Jul
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
8 rd
Aug
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
7 rd
Sep
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
6 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
3 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local buses connect Theni to nearby towns; taxis and hired cars are common for waterfall trips. Walkable within town centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Kumbakarai Falls
goDoor to door: ≈45 min total
Bus or taxi from Theni, about 10 km (6.2 mi), 20 min driveBus or taxi from Theni, about 6.2 mi (10 km), 20 min drive
Entry fee ₹20‑50, seasonal water flow
Vaigai Dam
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Bus/taxi 14 km (8.7 mi), 30 minBus/taxi 8.7 mi (14 km), 30 min
Picnic area with garden, no entry fee
Periyar National Park
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h
Bus to Thekkady then taxi, about 63 km (39 mi), 1.5 hBus to Thekkady then taxi, about 39 mi (63 km), 1.5 h
Park entry requires permit; consider overnight stay in Thekkady
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Sivas Regency
Quiet rooms near bus stand, basic amenities
Hotel Western Ghats
Three‑star, rooftop restaurant, pool, gym
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–₹1,800 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,800–₹2,600 (≈ US$25–30) excl. bed
- High
- ₹2,600 (≈ US$30)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget hotel room1 × 1 night × ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹1,800 | ₹3,600 |
| Bus ticket Theni ↔ Periyar (round trip)2 × ₹500 · check | ₹1,000 |
| Entry fee Kumbakarai Falls2 × ₹40 · seasonal | ₹70 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹590 |
| Trip total≈ ₹3,230 per person per day, bed included | ₹6,460≈ US$75 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Meal (vegetarian thali) | ₹80–₹150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Taxi (5 km) | ₹150–₹250 (≈ US$2–3) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ticket cost for Kumbakarai Falls varies ₹20 (≈ under US$1)‑50 (seasonal) – check on arrival.
- Falls may close early (around 4:30 PM) if rain is low.Falls may close early (around 4:30 AM PM) if rain is low.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Fire
- 101
- Ambulance
- 102
Pocket card
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TheniTheni
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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இந்த முகவரிக்கு செல்லவும்To this address, please
Emergency
- Police / All services112
Embassy
US consulate in Chennai; Indian visa info at /india/visa-requirements
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Theni ↔ Vaigai Dam, taxi: ≈ ₹150–₹200, 30 min
- Theni ↔ Kumbakarai Falls, bus: ≈ ₹30–₹50, 20 min
Say or show
- மன்னிக்கவும் — Excuse me / Sorry (mannikkavum)
- நன்றி — Thank you (nandri)
- இது எவ்வளவு? — How much is this? (idu evvalavu?)
- பஸ் நிறுத்தம் எங்கு? — Where is the bus stand? (bus niruththam eng?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Theni. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Apr–Jun (hot, rain‑affected falls) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a day for Megamalai trek (6.5 km from Theni).
- Combine with Bodinayakkanur market visit for local produce.
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Theni
- secondaryWikivoyage: Theni, revision 5325215 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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