Tiruvannamalai, India: travel guide
Arunachala Hill and the great temple of a Shaivite holy city
Sacred Shaivite pilgrimage city at the foot of Arunachala Hill, home to the vast Arunachaleswarar Temple and the ashram of Ramana Maharshi.
About Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai is a Shaivite pilgrimage city in northern Tamil Nadu, set at the foot of Arunachala Hill, which is considered sacred in its own right. The huge Arunachaleswarar Temple, with its tall gopurams, covers a large area at the base of the hill.
The giri pradakshina, or circumambulation of the hill, is the signature experience, followed on foot by pilgrims especially on full-moon nights. On the slopes you can visit Virupaksha Cave and Skandashram, where the sage Ramana Maharshi lived, and at the base there is the Sri Ramana Ashram, which draws seekers from around the world.
The city suits pilgrims, spiritual travellers and those after quiet reflection. The best time to visit Tiruvannamalai is from November to February, when walking the hill is more comfortable.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Tiruvannamalai
Arunachaleswarar Temple
temple · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the grandest Shiva temples in India, the Agni (fire) element among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, with towering gopurams and the great Karthigai Deepam festival.
Arunachala Hill (Annamalai)
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The sacred red hill revered as a manifestation of Shiva himself, the focus of the Girivalam circumambulation and lit by a giant beacon at Karthigai Deepam.
Sri Ramana Ashram
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · free entry
The serene ashram of the sage Ramana Maharshi at the foot of Arunachala, a global centre of self-enquiry meditation with a tranquil shrine and library.
Girivalam Path
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The sacred 14-km path circling Arunachala hill, walked barefoot by thousands of pilgrims especially on full-moon nights, passing eight lingam shrines.
Virupaksha Cave
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A cave on Arunachala's slopes where Ramana Maharshi meditated for years, reached by a short climb with sweeping views over the temple and town.
Skandashram
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A higher hillside cave-ashram where Ramana lived, a peaceful meditation spot amid greenery with panoramic views, a short trek above Virupaksha.
Adi Annamalai Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
An ancient Shiva temple on the Girivalam path on the far side of the hill, considered the "original" Annamalai shrine with a tall gopuram.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The ashram of the saint Seshadri Swamigal, a contemporary of Ramana, a calm shrine and meditation centre near the Ramana ashram.
Pavalakkunru
Viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A small hillock-temple on the lower slopes of Arunachala where Ramana once stayed, with a Shiva shrine and a quiet view over the town.
Samudram Lake
Nature · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A large seasonal lake on the town's edge with Arunachala hill reflected in its waters, a tranquil spot for birdwatching and sunset.
Things to do
- Girivalam Circumambulation Walk Cultural · 4 h · from INR 300 per person
- Arunachaleswarar Temple Darshan Cultural · 1.5 h · from INR 300 per person
- Meditation at Ramana Ashram Activity · 1.5 h
- Arunachala Hill Cave Trek Activity · 2.5 h · from INR 500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Tiruvannamalai Temple & Ashram Tour 5 h · from INR 900
- Girivalam Pilgrimage Experience 6 h · from INR 800
- Gingee Fort Day Trip 8 h · from INR 1,800
Where to stay in Tiruvannamalai
- Temple Town about INR 1,500 per night
Sacred town with temples and ashrams
Hotels
- Sparsa Resort Tiruvannamalai 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,000 per night
- Hill View Homestay 2-star · INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 per night
- Arunachala Ramana Hotel 3-star · INR 2,800 to INR 5,000 per night
- Hotel Trishul 3-star · INR 2,200 to INR 4,000 per night
- Ramanashram Guest Houses 2-star · INR 800 to INR 2,000 per night
- Hotel Arunaa 3-star · INR 2,500 to INR 4,500 per night
Where to eat
- Hotel Brindhavan South Indian, Tamil · about INR 180 per person
- Dreaming Tree Cafe Continental, Cafe, South Indian · about INR 300 per person
- Brahmin's Mess (Sri Sairam) South Indian, Tamil · about INR 150 per person
- Usha Cafe Italian, Continental, Cafe · about INR 350 per person
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) South Indian, North Indian, Chaat · about INR 250 per person
- Shanti Cafe South Indian, Continental, Cafe · about INR 250 per person
- Hotel Saravana South Indian, North Indian, Chinese · about INR 200 per person
- Manna Cafe Israeli, Continental, Cafe · about INR 300 per person
Getting to Tiruvannamalai
Nearest airport: Pondicherry (PNY), about 85 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Tiruvannamalai
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Tiruvannamalai?
- The highest-rated places in our Tiruvannamalai guide are Arunachaleswarar Temple, Arunachala Hill (Annamalai), Sri Ramana Ashram, Girivalam Path, Skandashram.
- Where should I stay in Tiruvannamalai?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Tiruvannamalai: Temple Town.
- How do I get around Tiruvannamalai?
- Ways to get around Tiruvannamalai covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Taxi, Walking.