tiruvannamalai surrounding tourist places

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Insider Tiruvannamalai Tourist Guide: Tips from a Local

I’ve spent many months in Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu in southeast India. It’s a beautiful pilgrimage town in the Annamalai Hills at the base of the holy hill Arunachala.

Tiruvannamalai or Tiru as locals affectionately call it, is known for one of the tallest Hindu temples in India that attracts millions of Indian tourists. It also is home to the popular Sri Ramana Ashram that acts as a hub for Western visitors.

My friend calls it “spiritual Disneyland” because, on a given day, you’ll meet local holy men, tourists going to a yoga teacher training, seekers attending a spiritual retreat, or expats just spending their day meditating in the ashram.

You can also find some good restaurants, hotels and guesthouses. The prices are better than many tourist places in India because Tiruvannamalai is relatively a hidden gem (although a friend says it’s past it’s prime, it used to be like “the Shire.”)

As I’ve explored and researched this town, it’s been a joy to get involved with the daily life of the locals at the street markets and the festivals.

For this post, I read a guidebook about Tiruvannamalai, I hired a local guide to share what it was like growing up here, and I’ve had hours of talks with other locals and expats.

Whether you’re only visiting for a day, a week or longer, below you’ll find the main tourist places in Tiruvannamalai , as well as some off-the-beaten-path destinations you’d need to learn about from the locals.

If you want to understand why this quirky little town is such a hub, first you need to know who Lord Shiva is…

Who is Lord Shiva?

Many centuries ago, it is said that Lord Shiva appeared here and formed Mt Arunachala, which is why there are a famous temple and ashram here.

Now, I’m no Hindu scholar (my degree is still in the mail apparently 🤓 ) but in less than 500 words, I’ll give you an overview of this Hindu god and how he’ll impact your stay in Tiruvannamalai.

Lord Shiva or Lord Siva is a major god in Hinduism. He is called the Destroyer, the Transformer, the Terrific One, Lord of Dance, and Lord of the Universe. He’s a pretty big deal, and worshipping him is one of the primary traditions in Hinduism.

Well, one day, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu (a couple of other gods) were fighting and Shiva appeared as a column of fire to point out how ridiculous they were being. It worked and as the gods stopped focusing on themselves, they both were humbled and became friends again, haha.

The gods asked Shiva to take the form of the holy hill Arunachala.

Shiva symbolizes our ego, and by not focusing on our ego, we can be humble and happy.

Tiruvannamalai was built around the holy hill of Arunachala and thousands of years ago, the royal devotees of Shiva built temples in his honor.

Today, the tourists come to honor this god, but they will also walk around the hill for spiritual, physical and mental health.

Every day you can see people walking barefoot around the mountain, and every full moon the streets are packed with pilgrims walking around the mountain all night long.

Many of the ashrams in Tiruvannamalai are dedicated to more modern sadhus, saints, and sages who were devotees of Shiva and came to this town to worship and live.

When To Visit

Most people visit in December and January. These are the winter months, so the days are warm and the nights are cool. It never rained during those months last year, so all you would need is a sweater for the mornings.

Local festivals Deepam and Pongal are celebrated in December and January and are fun times to see the town. I’ll give you the details about them further down the post.

February and March are also good if you don’t mind hotter weather. My friend visited in March and it was hot (average temperature in the 80s, but can often get into the 90s). We still explored during the morning and went out to dinner in the evening. You wouldn’t be able to stay out exploring all day long though.

April through June is very hot. It’s usually over 105 degrees Fahrenheit in May, as it is the peak of the summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, then this is the time as the streets are pretty bare and only the locals are here. Many people will go to spend the summer in the north. I loved these months because I rented a home and had AC, so I could get a lot of work done.

July through September it is still hot but getting cooler and there are rains now and again. These would be good months if you want to avoid the crowds but don’t want to brave the sauna-like temperature of the summer. You still wouldn’t be able to explore all day, but the mornings and evenings can be pleasant.

October through November is the monsoon season. All year there is a dry lake bed (great for photos of the mountain), but during these months it will often fill with water. This is NOT the best time to visit Tiruvannamalai.

LOCAL TIP: If you want to get an in-demand guesthouse or home rental, come at the end of November. You will have first-choice on home rentals and guesthouses, before most of the tourists arrive. If you stay for the season or longer you can negotiate around 25-40% off the price.

Once you arrive, here are the main tourist places to visit…

Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple (Big Temple)

The Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple could be the largest temple in the world built for Lord Shiva and has been visited for thousands of years. It is also called the Annamalaiyar Temple… Annamalaiyar is another name for Shiva.

This temple is right in the heart of the town and will take your breath away! The intricate carvings tower above you with Arunachala hill in the background. The temple is built on a 25-acre plot of land surrounded by bustling street markets and tour buses with beaming pilgrims.

The eastern tower (gopuram) is one of the tallest in India. Since Shiva is associated with fire, you can see pilgrims stopping at the small fire in front of the main entrance and waving the smoke over themselves.

Pooja is a ceremonial “prayer,” here’s the schedule:

Foreign tourists are allowed inside but wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.

LOCAL TIP: Go at sunrise as the city is just waking up. You can get a hot masala chai and South Indian style breakfast of idli (rice cake) and vada (lentil donut) and chutney at the New Annapoorna Hotel, just to the north of the main entrance of the Temple.

Sri Ramana Ashram

About one mile from downtown is the Sri Ramana Ashram (also called Ramanashram).

Indians and foreign tourists alike revere Ramana Maharshi in the same way he worshipped Lord Shiva.

Who is Ramana Maharshi?

He was born in a village near Madurai, met a man from Tiruvannamalai who told him about Tiruvannamalai and Shiva. He then ran away from home to worship here and he spent 55 years of his life living here.

He once said he had walked on every rock on Arunachala.

He started as just a loin-cloth-wearing teenager, who would sit in silent meditation for weeks. He didn’t even speak to his mother who came to plead with him to return home.

In time, he attracted many spiritual seekers and he began to answer their questions. As the years went on he drew devotees and the ashram (which started as a small hut) was built to shelter him and his followers.

Ramana Maharshi wrote books “Who Am I?” and “Self-Inquiry” which became popular with spiritual seekers in the West.

What to Expect at Ramana Ashram:

Today, hundreds of visitors come to the ashram every day, and it is a tourist attraction devoted to his memory.

• The ashram is free to enter
• All religions and beliefs are welcome
• Visitors are asked to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees
• If you are a devotee, you can request accommodation and you will be provided with food.

The New Hall

You’ll see an impressive life-sized statue of Ramana that was carved from one stone. It is polished so smoothly that it appears like it comes from black marble.

• 5 AM – 12:30 PM
• 2 PM – 9 PM

The Old Hall

Way back in the day, the original devotees used to chill and meditate with Ramana here. As their numbers grew, the New Hall was built.

You’ll also find Ramana’s Tomb, a library, the Nirvana Room (where he attained enlightenment many years ago), a meditation room, and a beautiful tree at the entrance that is said to be 450 years old.

You can find many people sitting in meditation throughout the rooms. There are many tourists coming to experience first-hand where their guru lived.

It’s a pretty peaceful place with the mountain towering overhead and it’s relaxing to spend a few hours here.

Skanda Ashram

If you walk up the mountain path for 30 minutes, you’ll come to an ashram built into the side of Arunachala.

Ramana lived here from 1915 to 1922 with his mother. His mom could make food here instead of having it brought up from the small hut that was the ashram at the base of the hill.

There is a small inner chamber that feels like you are going inside the mountain with a picture of Ramana and a small lamp.

In the morning there is a chant.

You can see his mother’s chamber with a picture of her as well.

If you want to hear detailed stories, there are amateur local “guides” who will tell you the story of Ramana. Keep in mind that if you go along with them, they will ask for money and I’ve paid them about 150 rupees to have them show me the places where Ramana used to meditate and tell me stories from his early days.

Virupaksha Cave

If you continue on the path past Skanda Ashram, then you can walk another 15 minutes to the Virupaksha Cave.

LOCAL TIP: The path to the cave goes steeply downhill and then uphill on your return, so it is only recommended if you’re in pretty good shape.

Ramana lived in this cave from 1899 to 1916. The cave has been respected for hundreds of years though.

In the 1300s, the saint Virupaksha Deva lived there as well. This is what drew Ramana to live there.

He spent much of his time in meditation and was brought food from seekers coming to see him.

Today it has a small building, reminds me of a tiny house, with a bed. The cave feels like you are going inside the mountain it is very warm when lit with a small candle.

The cave is set into the rocks and you can hike up to the top to get a nice view of the temple and town below.

As I toured this cave with a local guide, I couldn’t help but want to renounce my worldly possessions and come live here as well. I like this better than the main ashram because it’s set in nature and super quiet.

Seshadri Maharishi Ashram

Back at the foot of the mountain just to the north of Sri Ramana Ashram is another ashram dedicated to a respected holy man.

Seshadri Maharishi also came to Tiru in his teens and was here with Ramana at the same time.Unlike Ramana, he did NOT devote himself to Shiva, instead, he was a devotee of the goddess Shakthi.

If Shiva is like the fire-y male god, Shakthi is the flow-y divine feminine “mother” god. She is also called Parvati, the wife of Shiva.

Seshadri was considered special and divine even as a kid. Apparently, he was walking in a shop with his mother and he wanted a small statue of Krishna. His mother didn’t have money, yet he stubbornly wouldn’t budge unless he had it. The shopkeeper noticed this and gave it to him as a gift. After that those Krishna statues sold very well and the shop keeper told everyone that the boy had divine powers.

He was taught the traditions of the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, Upanishads and other spiritual writing.

Seshadri didn’t live in one place in Tiru, instead he would wander the streets, sleeping wherever he got tired. It also sounds like he was a bit “interesting” and would be found talking to himself. He would throw rocks and run away from devotees. He would eat at restaurants and wouldn’t pay. It was considered a good omen if he ate there, so the restaurant owners or shop keepers would have big sales after he left.

But it is said he could bless people and reach the future.

In the ashram, you’ll find fewer tourists but it’s still very nice. They also have accommodation and food, although it may be more difficult to find someone who speaks English.

Yogi Ram Ashram

Less than a mile from Sri Ramana Ashram is another ashram of a local holy man.

Shri Yogi Ramsuratkumar was younger than Ramana and Seshadri. He was born in 1918, grew up on the banks of the Ganges River, where he would spend most of his time with the holy men. Over his life, he traveled around Tamil Nadu and India, but later in his life spent much of his time in Tiruvannamalai.

He arrived in Tiruvannamalai in 1959 after he had become enlightened but to many people, he just appeared like a beggar. He was like one of the hundreds of sadhus that live around the mountain today, except over time he began to gain more of a following and people would ask him for a blessing.

He lived in a rented house for a while but as more and more people came to see him, they bought him 4 acres of land for an ashram.

Now, there is a massive hall for services that can hold as many as 4,000 seekers. There is a shrine and a statue for him as well.

Siva Sakthi Ammaiyar Ashram and Home

If you want to meet a living enlightened saint, then you can come to meet Siva Sakthi. She holds meetings (darshan) in her home in Tiruvannamalai during the winter months at 10 am. Come early because it will be crowded with seekers.

My friend lived in her home for years as he was seeking enlightenment and she is known throughout India for her wisdom.

Meetings (Darshan): 10 am during November – February on a quiet road Ramana Nagar, less than 1 mile from Ramana Ashram.

Most of the year it’s actually a pasture for goats and cows, but if you come in December and January after the monsoon season, it is usually filled up with water.

It’s a beautiful place to take photos of Arunachala, and it’s a nice walk to get there. It’s a 45-minute walk from Ramana Ashram, you will go through a small village with goats and cows and kids running around. Then you walk along the edge through a row of palm trees, near an ancient banyan tree.

There is a small concrete dock with idols and what could be called a brick ‘diving board’, haha.

LOCAL TIP: It’s beautiful at sunset, but come on a scooter so you can leave before dark. It’s also a place where local high school kids will hang out, and since it’s a little ways from town, you don’t want to be alone there after dark.

The Street Market

Downtown, just to the south of the Annamalaiyar Temple is a local street market. It’s my favorite place for street photography. You can find hundreds of vendors selling pomegranates, limes, cucumbers, carrots, and all other local vegetables and fruits.

Be sure to negotiate the prices, as the first price you’re quoted is NOT the final price. Shoot for 50% of the first price, but start your negotiates at 25%, and quickly move up and match as they move down.

Local Festivals:

There are often holidays and celebrations, which can make traveling more fun, yet also more difficult if you’re looking for a room or needing to get somewhere on time.

Tiruvannamalai is known for monthly full moon celebrations and the town gets packed with pilgrims. There are also a couple of annual holidays that are widely celebrated and it’s a cool time to visit to see the passionate pilgrims.

Hindus consider it sacred to walk barefoot around the mountain, even more so under a full moon.

Every month thousands of devotees come to walk around the mountain under the moonlight.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: The god Shiva has a crescent moon on his head!

It is thought that if you walk around Arunachala (remember they consider it the form of Shiva) you are reborn and shall become enlightened. Plus it is good exercise.

To do it properly, you must walk barefoot, walk slowly, bathe before you go, cover yourself in sacred ash, and wear rudraksha beads. Some devotees will chant. You’ll see families going together. Some devotees will even roll along!

Tips for your Girivalam:

• It’s 8 miles.
• Go in the morning before it’s too hot.
• Bring water, but you can find more as you go. Chai is sold as well.
• You can also get an auto-rickshaw if you want to get to enlightenment faster 😉
• Take time to appreciate the shrines and resting places.
• If you can find a friendly sadhu (there will be hundreds) then some will be happy to tell you about the area. They will ask for a donation, 50 to 100 RS is generous.
• There are some cool sculptures in trees as you go.
• You’ll go through some small villages, then end by walking past the main temple downtown where it is busier.

It is the festival of lights. They burn butter on top of the mountain for 10 days.

Shiva once appeared as a column of fire here, so to celebrate this, the locals haul 3 tons of ghee (clarified butter) up the hill of Arunachala and light it on fire.

When I first arrived here, this was going on and it is beautiful and kinda trippy see a big fire on top of a mountain at night. It reminded me a little of Burning Man actually, on a much smaller, more serene scale.

The locals will also clean their homes, make rangolis (colorful chalk mandalas) in front of their door, and light lamps, which symbolize our egos.

There will be plenty of fireworks going off as well 🧨

This is the harvest festival in January. You’ll find rangolis (the colorful chalk mandalas) outside most doors in the morning, they paint cow horns, and eat lots of Pongal (a rice dish).

There are celebrations at Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple and the Ramana Ashram.

Restaurants

Dreaming tree.

“This place reminds me of Bali.” This is a quote from a US traveler I met. It’s a “mostly-organic” restaurant on a rooftop with beautiful views of Arunachala. Their WiFis pretty good and during power cuts they have a generator.

The food and drinks are delicious and safe to eat. I would eat anything on this menu and my stomach would be fine.

It’s more expensive than other restaurants in town. One of the only restaurants you could spend $7 for a meal in Tiruvannamalai. You’ll find lots of tourists come here and it is a great place to meet other travelers.

LOCAL TIP: The Soul In A Bowl with potatoes, quinoa, carmelized onions and cream cheese is delicious. The cheese and vegetable omelette has super stringy cheese. They also have some of the best espresso in town. The pizza is not great, unless you’re into cardboard.

Akash Hotel

This place is also one of the nicest restaurants in town with super cool AC and delicious Indian food.

You’ll spend less than $5 for a big meal.

LOCAL TIP: The paneer butter masala will make you cry tears of joy 😋

Auro Usha Hotel

One of the only other restaurants with AC. They have a good lunch buffet and some of the best free WiFi in town.

Sathya Cafe

I ate here 6 days a week for months and spent less than $2 for local dinners. It’s run by a warm local family and is about a 20-minute walk from the Ramana Ashram (5-minute scooter ride or 50-rupee rickshaw).

You can find local South Indian food with decent chai and better coffee. It’s one of the only places you can find eggs near the Ramana Ashram.

LOCAL TIP: Masala Dosa with two eggs, a parotta (chewy flat bread), and two chai’s is about $2. They serve good pizza on Wednesday. Bring bug spray.

Margheritaly

It has the best pizza in town and good ice cream. You have to drive to the other side of Arunachala but if you want the best pizza and gelato in town it is here. You can’t get pepperoni or any meats of course, but you can get buffalo mozzarella cheese.

Good AC here too.

Chai Stand across from Ramana Ashram

This small stand has the best ginger chai in town. It’s across from the main entrance to the Ramana Ashram and you can have a chai or three before you check out the ashram.

Great place to meet travelers and seekers, as many people will chill here and people watch.

Dwarka Guesthouse

A simple room with hot water showers, a small kitchen, and some rooms have AC. It is run by a super sweet woman and in a quiet location less than 1 mile from Ramana Ashram. WiFi isn’t good enough for a digital nomad though.

Sunshine Guesthouse

Another simple room with hot water showers, run by a sweet and helpful family. You can sit with them below and they’ll offer you chai, and you can meet the other travelers. The location is just out of town so it’s quiet.

Benjamin Jenks

Traveler, Filmmaker, and Lover of India. I've been living, writing and sharing what I've learned about traveling in India since 2018. Learn more about me here or Youtube .

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2-Day Tiruvannamalai Itinerary

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• Tiruvannamalai in 2 days
• 1-Day Tiruvannamalai Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: proximity is everything, arulmigu arunachaleswarar temple.

Vijaya Mall

Shri Agni Lingam

Shri seshadri swamigal ashramam, mystical india, yogi ramsuratkumar ashram, where to eat, german bakery, auro usha restaurant, the dreaming tree restaurant, saatvik veg restaurant.

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Varuna Lingam

Shri nirudhi lingam, the inner child restaurant, margheritaly.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Popular road trips from Tiruvannamalai

What's the weather like in tiruvannamalai.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Tiruvannamalai for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in January
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in February
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in March
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in April
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in May
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in June
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in July
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in August
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in September
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in October
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in November
• Weather in Tiruvannamalai in December

All road trips from Tiruvannamalai

• Tiruvannamalai to Bengaluru drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Pondicherry drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Hyderabad drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Munnar drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Mahabalipuram drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kodaikanal drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Tirupati drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Madurai drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Yercaud drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Coimbatore drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Tiruchirappalli drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Rameswaram drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Thanjavur drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kanyakumari drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Visakhapatnam drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kanchipuram drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Mangalore drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Thrissur drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Shimoga drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Palakkad drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Yelagiri drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Chidambaram drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Velankanni drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Vijayawada drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kurnool drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kumbakonam drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Tirunelveli drive
• Tiruvannamalai to Kottayam drive

Explore nearby places

• Tiruvannamalai
• Thiruvannamalai
• Thiruvarangam
• Thiruvennainallur
• Rajapalayam
• Acharapakkam
• Brahmadesam
• Virudachalam
• Uttiramerur
• Melmaruvathur
• Pondicherry
• Ariyankuppam
• Thiruputkuzhi
• Kodiyakarai
• Kanchipuram
• Krishnagiri

All related maps of Tiruvannamalai

• Map of Tiruvannamalai
• Map of Thiruvannamalai
• Map of Thiruvarangam
• Map of Gingee
• Map of Thiruvennainallur
• Map of Villupuram
• Map of Mailam
• Map of Yelagiri
• Map of Tindivanam
• Map of Tirupattur
• Map of Cheyyar
• Map of Rajapalayam
• Map of Ambur
• Map of Vellore
• Map of Ranipet
• Map of Acharapakkam
• Map of Villianur
• Map of Brahmadesam
• Map of Auroville
• Map of Virudachalam
• Map of Uttiramerur
• Map of Melmaruvathur
• Map of Pondicherry
• Map of Ariyankuppam
• Map of Neyveli
• Map of Thiruputkuzhi
• Map of Cuddalore
• Map of Kodiyakarai
• Map of Kanchipuram
• Map of Krishnagiri
• Map of Dharmapuri

Tiruvannamalai throughout the year

• Tiruvannamalai in January
• Tiruvannamalai in February
• Tiruvannamalai in March
• Tiruvannamalai in April
• Tiruvannamalai in May
• Tiruvannamalai in June
• Tiruvannamalai in July
• Tiruvannamalai in August
• Tiruvannamalai in September
• Tiruvannamalai in October
• Tiruvannamalai in November
• Tiruvannamalai in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Tiruvannamalai?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 2-Day Pondicherry Itinerary
• 2-Day Vellore Itinerary
• 2-Day Auroville Itinerary
• 2-Day Yelagiri Itinerary
• 2-Day Thiruvannamalai Itinerary
• 2-Day Dharmapuri Itinerary

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• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

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Welcome to Tiruvannamalai, the "Land of Sacred Peaks," where the majestic Arunachala Mountain stands at its heart, beckoning visitors with its irresistible charm. Situated in the heart of Tamil Nadu, this mystical town is known for its spiritual allure and a list of the best places to visit in Tiruvannamalai that will leave you spellbound. The ideal time to explore Tiruvannamalai is during the winter, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

Reaching Tiruvannamalai is a breeze, with well-connected roadways and a railway station that links it to major cities across India. Once you arrive, you can uncover hidden treasures like the peaceful Sri Ramanasramam and the mystic Virupaksha Cave. These sacred sites create an enchanting haven for both spiritual seekers and adventurous explorers alike. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the magic of Tiruvannamalai, where spirituality and adventure merge in a truly magnetic way. Whether you seek inner peace or thrilling experiences, this captivating destination offers something extraordinary!

List of Top 10 Places to Visit in Tiruvannamalai

Get ready for an incredible journey exploring the best Tiruvannamalai weekend getaways for the perfect getaway! Ever imagined a place where you could feel the calm of a serene mountain or unwind by a peaceful dam? Well, Tiruvannamalai has got you covered! Are you ready for an exciting weekend? Let's go!

• Arunachaleswarar Temple: Divine Bliss at Arunachaleswarar Temple
• Arunachala Mountain: Sacred Summit Eden at Arunachala Mountain
• Sathanur Dam: Enjoy Calm Reservoir Tranquillity at Sathanur Dam
• Ramana Ashram: Find Peaceful Haven Retreat at Ramana Ashram
• Virupaksha Cave: Mystical Meditation Grove at Virupaksha Cave
• Mystical India: Explore the Artisanal Essence Showcase in Mystical India
• Shri Agni Lingam: Eternal Flame Sanctum at Shri Agni Lingam
• Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: Sage's Serenity at Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
• Javadhu Hills: Enjoy Verdant Vistas Haven at Javadhu Hills
• Guhai Namasivaya Temple: Divine Sanctuary Bliss at Guhai Namasivaya Temple

1. Arunachaleswarar Temple: Divine Bliss at Arunachaleswarar Temple

Arunachaleswarar Temple stands out as one of the spiritual places in Tiruvannamalai, encompassing a vast area of 25 acres. This sacred site, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a beacon for devotees nationwide. Adorned with intricately carved sculptures and pillars, it features four towering gateways, the eastern one reaching an impressive 66 metres with 11 storeys, making it one of India's largest temple towers. It is built in the traditional Dravidian style and is recognised as the eighth-largest Hindu temple globally.

• Timings: Open daily from 5:30 am to 9 pm
• Top Attractions: Majestic Eastern Tower, thousand-pillared hall
• Experience Girivalam
• Visit the eight sacred lingams
• Marvel at the detailed architecture

2. Arunachala Mountain: Sacred Summit Eden at Arunachala Mountain

Tourist Places to Visit in Tiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai

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Thiruvannamalai Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Home to the Arunachala Temple"

Thiruvannamalai tourism.

A town that offers a significant history adorned in its countless temples and ashrams, Thiruvannamalai is where Hindu Mythology takes the form of stunning architecture

Perched on top of the Malai hill, Thiruvannamalai is a holy town, most famous for its Arunachala temple among numerous other temples and ashrams dedicated to saints of olden times. Sri Ramana Ashram , Sathanur Dam , Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram are some of the important tourist spots as well as significant areas for followers. A colourful side of the area is seen during the days of Arunachaleswarat temple festival.

Places To Visit In Thiruvannamalai

Gingee Fort

Sathanur Dam

Annamalaiyar Temple

Ramana Ashram

Virupaksha Cave

Top Hotels In Thiruvannamalai

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Popular Questions And Answers on Thiruvannamalai

Q. How long it takes to trek Skandasramam? also regarding availability of guides. We ( Family) are Going to Thiruvannamalai in the month of Dec 2019.

Q. How much will it cost per head to visit all these 9 places ??

Q. MAY PLAN OF TRIP TO GO FROM RAJAHMUNDRY TO TIRUVANNAMALAI AND PALANI CAN ANYONE GUiDE ME?

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Visit to Thiruvannamalai-Travel guide

My visit to Thiruvannamalai was completely unexpected. It’s been a long since I travelled alone. I travel with my friends most of the time nowadays. There was a comfort zone created around me which restricted me from many things. I needed to break that, to experience the joy of solo travel again. I was thinking such a journey for some days. But the initial hurdle to break out of my comforts pulls me back all the time. Overcoming that is pretty difficult. One side of our mind tells us to go but the other side wins most of the time. But this time I was determined.

In my opinion, it is the strong urge to get out of our comforts that make us a good traveller. We should have the mind to accept whatever comes in our path, take everything positively. Nobody travels for nothing, everyone needs something. And if what we are looking for is experiences and can be happy in our own company, then we should try travelling alone sometimes. I assure you, the difference it makes is amazing.

Coming back to my visit to Thiruvannamalai, I was in my room without any plans on a Friday evening. I was thinking what to do for the weekend, so many thoughts went through my mind. After some time, I took my bag and left my room to catch the bus to Thiruvannamalai. I had read about this place in the newspaper couple of days back. That was my first information about the place. Also did some search on google before going. Tiruvannamalai offered me more than I expected. A town with hundreds of temples, good people, saffron-clad sadhus, peaceful ashrams and the beautiful Arunachala hill which is visible from kilometres away.

How to reach Thiruvannamalai

The best way to reach Thiruvannamalai is by bus. Buses are available every 30 minutes from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT), Koyambedu. The journey will take about 5 hours. I started my journey around 11.30 PM and reached Thiruvannamalai around 4 AM in the morning. Buses are also available from other major cities of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There are frequent buses between Bangalore also.

Travelling in and around Thiruvannamalai

Once you reach Thiruvannamalai bus stand, the Arunachala temple is just 15 minutes walk from the bus stand.

Girivalam is a circuit around the Arunachala hill. You can hire bicycles or motorcycles to travel around. Or else, you can hire an autorickshaw, that will take you around the hill. They will stop at all the important temples. The auto rickshaw fare is 300 INR.

You will get bikes and bicycles for rent near Ramanashrmam.

Trekking Arunachala hill

When I asked the local people about trekking the Arunachala hill, the response was negative. They told that trekking is only possible during the “Karthikai Deepam” festival. I was little disappointed. The Arunachala hill looked very charming. Even though it is not a big mountain (800 meters), there were clouds on its top. It looked different and I fell in love at the first glance.

Trekking to the Arunachala hill was allowed earlier. But later it is prohibited due to forest fire caused by the sadhus burning wood for their rituals. There is a trekking route through the back entrance of the temple. But it is open only during the festival time. A giant flame is erected on the top of the hill during this time. Devotees hike the hill to be a part of this ritual. It is estimated that around 20 lakh people come to Tiruvannamalai during this time.

Later, I found out a way to trek to Arunachala hill by an alternate route which starts from the Ramanasramam. A sadhu informed me about this route. The trail leads to Skandasramam and Virupaksha cave. If you continue trekking up from Skandasramam, you can reach Arunachala hill. The trek will take about 30 minutes to reach Skandasramam ( the trail is clear and well paved) and another 2 hours from there to reach the top. There are markings throughout the trail, so don’t worry about losing the direction. You have to climb over the rocks to reach the top, so be prepared to put some effort. It is better to trek during the early hours of the day, it will be hot and you need to spend a lot of energy.

Things to do in Thiruvannamalai

Annamalaiyar temple

Annamalaiyar temple is the prime attraction of Thiruvannamalai. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in the world, visited by thousands daily. It is a major spiritual centre for Shiva devotees. You can see many sadhus walking around the streets and foreigners who come here to learn about eastern spirituality and philosophy.

The temple is built by Chola dynasty in the 9th century. It is one of the largest temples in the country.

The temple opens at around 5 AM. It was my first destination. The atmosphere in the temple at dawn was amazing. I spend some time inside, watching the sunrise. The Arunachala hill slowly appeared in front of me.

Girivalam is the 12 km circuit which goes around the Arunachala hill. Often the pilgrims circumnavigate the hill by foot. There are eight Shiva lingams en route, sacred for the devotees. A lot of Sadhus live around the hill. The route is scenic, gives a 360-degree view of the hill. You can hire an autorickshaw or a bicycle also to complete the circuit.

Sri Ramana Ashram

This ashram of Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi is one of the most visited places in Thiruvannamalai. It is about 2 km from the Arunachala temple. Local buses are available from the bus stand or else you can hire an autorickshaw.

The atmosphere in the ashram is so peaceful. It is a centre of spiritual teaching and meditation. People from all around the world come here and stay for days to learn about the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. You can meet and interact with many people from different parts of the world.

Skandasramam and Virupaksha cave

As I mentioned earlier, a small hike to the hill behind the ashram will take you to Skandasramam and Virupaksha cave. Shri Ramana Maharshi meditated in these two places for years. The hike is through the forest. The trail is clear with proper markings. The walk is refreshing. These two places are very sacred for the devotees. People come here to meditate. So you have to be little careful not to disturb others.

Accommodation in Thiruvannamalai

There are many lodges in and around the temple. You can also stay in Ramanashram. Contact the administrative office to check the availability of the room once you reach there or check their website in advance to book your accommodation.

Few things to know about the visit to Thiruvannamalai

• Thiruvannamalai is a religious place. So don’t expect any kind of tourist attraction here.
• The climate here is generally hot, so the best time to visit Thiruvannamalai is during winter months. The temperature will be good.
• The main festival here is “ Karthikai Deepam ”, an auspicious day in the Tamil month Karthigai ( often comes on a full moon day between November or December).
• You can find a lot of Sadhus around asking for alms. So be a little wise in giving them money.
• There are few restaurants and art shops run by foreigners in the town, do check them.
• Gingee fort is around 39 km before Tiruvannamalai when coming from Chennai. You can plan for Gingee fort.

As I said earlier, I fell in love with the vibe of the place. The ashram and the trek Arunachala hill was my best experience there. A weekend is enough to explore the place. I would suggest, instead of going to the same weekend getaways all the time, try something different, visit this little temple town.

Read Kanchipuram: City of thousand temples” , another temple town in Tamil Nadu which is very close to Chennai.

Hope you liked the post. Feel free to share it to reach more people.

Let me know your suggestions or queries, use the comment section below.

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16 comments

[…] are many places in Tamil Nadu to explore, read about Thiruvannamalai and […]

I love how conscious you are about being respectful at places of worship and mediation. Sometimes it’s so easy to treat religious sites like tourist attractions and forget their true significance. Also like how you are upfront that there aren’t many tourist attractions in Thiruvannamalai. Sometimes the vibe of the place is all that matters, even though most blogs are obsessed with saying that every single location has amazing attractions.

Wow, I could almost feel the vibe of this place from your text. It must be amazing to be in those temples and just relax your soul. And the hike up to the hill was absolutely worth it! Will put this place on my future bucket list.

Thanks Michael, glad that you liked the post. Waiting to know about your visit to India.

The view from Arunachala hill looks amazing. Such a bummer that you can no longer go up there unless it’s for special occasions. And those temples! Wow…

Thanks Victoria, the restriction to climb the Arunachala hills is actually for good purpose. Authorities want to prevent the forest and the wild life.

This is a stunning temple! I’d like to see it one day, and that incredible structure for myself!

Yes, it is a stunning temple. The view of the temple from top of Arunachala mountain is more beautiful.

The architectural design of the temple looks stunning as are many others in India. The view from the peak of the Arunachala Mountain is amazing, would love to capture some shots from that vantage point! 🙂

Thanks Nathan, Thiruvannamalai is a less explored place in Tamil Nadu. It is mainly a spiritual place.

Hi Jitin. Is it safe for a woman to trek alone to the Arunachal hill? Could I hire a guide to go along with me instead? And can I do the Girivalam by myself? Is the path straightforward and the place teeming with people or do i need company to be safe?

Hi Diana..You can do Girivalam on your own. No guides are needed. The road is completely safe and there are people all the time. No need to worry. Regarding the trek to Aunachal hill, you can trek upto the Ramana Maharshi’s cave, that is safe. Climbing till the top of the hill is not allowed nowadays, but people do that. I think you can hire a guide if you want to go til the top. No guide is required to trek up to the ashram.

Thanks for the reply Jitin

You are welcome

extraordinary pictures to see our Tiruvannamalai temple really good to see thank u

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Thiruvannamalai District

Divinity is the first feel you experience at thiruvannamalai. throughout the course of your stay, you will find yourself delving deep in to the spiritual soul of this destination; also learning a thing or two about the blessing that we call life..

On the foothills of the Annamalai Hills nestles the picturesque city of Thiruvannamalai, alluring travellers with its quaint charm and divine feel. A cultural, spiritual and economic hub, Thiruvannamalai is one of the cities to be featured in Lonely Planet. The earliest recorded references of the city date back to the 9th century from Chola inscriptions.  Much of the history of Thiruvannamalai revolves around the Annamalaiyar Temple, the most notable landmark in the region, which is quite synonymous with the city itself. The area was under the dominion of Chola kings for over 4 centuries. During the reign of the Hoysala Kings, Thiruvannamalai served as the capital of their kingdom. The region was a place of great interest and importance to various dynasties including the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, Vijayanagara empire and the Nawab of Carnatic. By the early 19th century, Thiruvannamalai fell under the rule of the British.  The long and impactful reign of these prominent dynasties is what shaped the city of Thiruvannamalai that we see today. The impressive mark that they left behind can be seen and experienced everywhere in the destination. From temples to places of cultural importance and monuments, Thiruvannamalai reflects an unusual old-age charm that will embrace any visitor with warmth. Being a temple town, festivals are an important part of the social and cultural fabric of Thiruvannamalai; these are for sure splendid demonstrations of the rich legacy and heritage of the region.  As a fast-growing commercial city, Thiruvannamalai seamlessly integrates its past with the present and puts forward efforts to make the future glowing.

• How to Reach
• Best Time to Visit

Tiruvannamalai Central Bus Station

Chennai International Airport, about 171 km away

Tiruvannamalai Railway Station

October to March

Destinations

Arunchalaeswarar Temple

Nestled amidst the Tiruvannamalai Hill lies a majestic jewel of the ancient world, the Arunchalaeswarar Temple. Its towering presence stands tall, reaching towards the heavens with a grandeur that takes your breath away. It is a masterpiece of art and architecture, a sacred site that has withstood the passage of time and remains an enduring symbol of spiritual devotion and religious fervour.

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Welcome to the majestic and enchanting Jawadhu Hills, nestled in the verdant heart of Tamil Nadu. Here, nature is a symphony of grace and beauty, offering a haven for travellers to escape the bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the sublime magic of the world around us.

Accommodation

Hotel Tamilnadu - Thiruvannamalai

Polur Road, Mathalangulam

Of serenity and spirituality

Enveloped in an ambience of spirituality, Thiruvannamalai is one of the most serene destinations in Tamil Nadu. Part 13 of an Outlook special on lesser-known destinations in the state.

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