Tiruvannamalai is an important pilgrimage town located in Tamilnadu. This ancient town has been built around Aannamalai hill and this region was known as ‘Thondai Mandalam’ in the ancient period. The town has over hundred temples. Tiruvannamalai is famous for the magnificent Arunachala temple and highly revered ashram of the saint Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Top Tourist Places Near Tiruvannamalai
This city has great historical as well as religious significance. There are places of tourist’s interest in Tiruvannamalai.
Arunachaleshwara Temple
The temple is located at the foot of the sacred Annamalai or Arunachala Hill. It is one of the biggest and grandest temples in South India. Arunachaleshwarar Temple is one of the most scared Shiva temples in India. The temple is dedicated to the form of Lord Shiva known as Arunachaleswarar. This temple is one of the five Panchabhoota (five elements wind, water, fire, earth and space) Stalams. This temple is considered abode of fire element. The temple is located on a sprawling 25 acre land and comprises of four large gopurams on four sides. There are several shrines for other deities in the temple complex. Goddess Parvathi has a separate shrine here and she is worshipped as 'Unnamulai Ambal'. The temple is adorned with many sculptures and is known for its architectural beauty.
On every full moon day of the month Girivalam is undertaken by the pilgrims. On this day lakhs of devotees walk around the mountain and worship Aruanachala temple.
Ramana Ashram
This ashram located in Thiruvannamalai is dedicated to the mystic saint Sri Ramana maharishi who lived in this Tiruvannamalai town. According to legends Saint Ramana Maharishi had received his vision of the Supreme Truth at Arakandanallur which is a place nearby to Thiruvannamala. This ashram displays all the important information, philosophies and teachings and facts related to the life of Maharshi Ramana. People from all over the world come to visit this Ashram.
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is located close to Ramana Ashram. This ashram is dedicated to the popular 20th century Saint Seshadri Swamigal.
Sathanur Dam
This is located 35 kms away from Thiruvannamalai and the dam is built across the River Pennar. The place has a very scenic beauty and the children's park with a mini-zoo and crocodile farm run by the State Forest Department add to the attractions of this place.
Jawadhu Hills
Jawadhu Hills is situated 75 kms from Tiruvannamalai. Javadu hills have many beautiful spots like Beema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur Observatory,Amirthi Forest, and the Glass House. Beema Falls is a magnificent falls and attracts many tourists.
Skandashramam
Skandashramam is located near to the temple of Arunchaleswara and Ramana Ashram. One can reach the ashram by trekking. This is one of the caves where the saint Ramana is believed to have stayed during his period of stay in Thiruvannamalai.
Virupaksha Cave
Virupaksha Cave is located on the eastern slope of the famous Arunachala hill. This cave is named after the renowned 13th century saint named Virupaksha Deva who is believed to have stayed in the cave. This cave ashram is in the shape of a perfect ‘OM’.
Apart from this there are many other places to visit in and around Thiruvannamalai like Mamara Guhai, Gingee Fort, Padaveedu etc.
How to Reach Thiruvannamalai
Nearest Airport from Tiruvannamalai is Chennai which is at a distance of 182 km. Thiruvannamalai has its own railhead which is located just a kilometre from the city centre. It is located in the rail route between Madurai and Tirupathi. Thiruvannamalai town is well connected to all the major towns and cities in the state by Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses.
Where to stay in Thiruvannamalai
Accommodation options are available in guest houses in the Ramana Maharishi Ashram. Apart from this there few other small guests houses and lodges in the town.