Pongal Travel Guide Tamil Nadu: Destinations and Bus Stand Clarifications

With Pongal falling on a Monday this year, Chennai witnesses a surge in travel plans. Saturdays and Sundays, being off-days, have allowed people to head to their hometowns with packed essentials.

Bus Stand Dilemma

As many prepare to leave Chennai, confusion arises regarding the choice between Koyambedu and Kilambakkam bus stands for town-bound journeys. The following information provides clarity.

SETC Buses: Kilambakkam Departures

For destinations like Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Trichy, Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Karur, Tirunelveli, Red Fort, Tiruchendur, Nagercoil, Marthandam, Thiruvananthapuram, Karaikudi, Pudukkottai, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Pollachi, Rameswaram, Salem, and Coimbatore, SETC buses depart from Kilambakkam Kalaignar Centenary Bus Stand, reaching Ernakulam.

TNSTC Buses: Koyambedu Departures

For Salem, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Thiruvannamalai, Polur, Vandavasi, Gingee (Route: Tindivanam), Panruti, Neyveli, Vadalur, Chidambaram, Kattumannar Temple, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Thirukoilur, Vriddhachalam, Thittakudi, Senthurai, Ariyalur, Jayamkondam, Trichy, Salem, Velankanni, and Nagapattinam, TNSTC buses to Mayiladuthurai depart from Koyambedu.

Other Destinations from Various Bus Stands

• Madhavaram Bus Stand:

  • Buses to Tirupati, Ponneri, Uthukottai, Gummidipoondi, and Arambakkam via Red Hills.

• Kalaignar Nagar Bus Stand:

  • Buses to Puducherry, Cuddalore, and Chidambaram via ECR.

• Poonamallee Bypass Bus Stop:

  • Buses to Kancheepuram, Cheyyar, Tiruttani, Tirupati, Arcot, Arani, Vellore, Tirupattur, Hosur, and Dharmapuri via Poonamallee.

• Tambaram (Valluvar Gurukulam) Bus Stop:

  • Buses to Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Arani via Oragadam.

Understanding TNSTC and SETC

• SETC (State Express Transport Corporation):

  • Mainly operates long-distance buses.

• TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation):

  • Primarily serves short-distance routes within districts.