Location: Thiruvannamalai
Top Things to do in Thiruvannamalai
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Top 10 Things to do in Thiruvannamalai, India
Tiruvannamalai (Tamil: Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA: [ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯], also Thiruvannamalai or Trinomali and Trinomalee during British times) is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a part of Tondaimandalam (Tondai Nadu) region. The city is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 13.64 km (5.27 sq mi) and a population of 145,278 and urban agglomeration had a population of 398,780 in 2011. It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai, while the city also has rail connectivity. Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town. Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple, Annamalaiyar. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill. The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims. On the day preceding each full moon, pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam, a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly.
Restaurants in Thiruvannamalai
1. Sri Ramana Ashram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By nana16march - Chennai
Maharishi Ramana was a great person, lived simply and preached what he practised and one need not make special efforts to practice.The ashram was kept very clean and when one enter the prayer hall you feel like sitting down and pray. A must place for those who seek tranquility
2. Girivalam, Arunachaleswarar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By gilubip - New Delhi, India
The Arunachala hill is Mahadeva, hence the girivalam is the circambulation of the Lord Himself.
The total distance is 14KM, usually people start from the temple. Full moon nights are special and considered auspicious for the walk. So one would find thousands of people walking starting from evening and throughout night.
We walked wearing slippers but on the road we could see most people walking barefoot. There were many people chanting mantras, singing hymns etc...
We completed our walk in 3 hours but that depends on your speed & number of breaks!
3. Arunachaleshwara Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
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Reviewed By rasa006 - Chennai (Madras), India
First , short visits not enough to know fully about this famous temple and its surroundings. But we spent only few hours in this temple town.
We had been to this temple earlier also, but we made a repeat visit on Feb 2nd,2018 Friday. We reached Tiruvannamalai temple Rajagopuram at 10.15 am on Friday and devotees started queue up for darshan, being Friday-special for any Hindu temple. We first prayed at Lord Sambandha Vinayar ( red in colour), then went back to pray at Lord Subramaniar sannidhi - where Saint Arunagiri jumped from Rajagopuram to committ suicide and Lord Muruga saved him and blessed him to sing Tirupugazh.
1000 pillar mandapam was locked one side and other side, there was some homam performed. On this Friday, priests were performing pooja for 1008 sangu for sangabishegam.
We entered main Annamalayuar sannithi,had very good darshan with archana, went around praying in all upa-sannidhies. Then to Goddess Unnamalai Amman sannidhi and then to Bairavar sannithies,etc..Then to Pathala Lingam (Lingam below MSL)-from where Saint Ramana Maharishi started is penance and attained his sainthood.
We went around on Girivalam route and saw 8 Sivalingam sannidhies, Ramanashramam,etc. but we did not alight from our vehicle. Just a round,that is all we were able to do.
We went to Germany Bakery, near the Eastern Gate of temple, which is very popular among foreign tourists. Located in a narrow st.,in a non-descriptive old thatched roof, they do quite good business and keep up their quality.
We returned back to Chennai around 5.30 pm same day. A soul warming visit,I might say.
4. Virupaksha Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By praseenap - Mangalore, India
I visited ten days ago and entered the cave after reaching Skandashram first. I found my deepest spiritual experience inside this place as the energy emanating from the cave pulled me in. It's something I cannot put in words but those who meditate will know instantly when you enter. The climb down to Virupaksha cave is a little steep from Skandashram. If you have problems with you knee or limbs, I would suggest you have someone to help guide you. Please carry your water, medicines in a sling bag when you go. There was an older lady in the group behind me who almost collapsed right after she reached Skandashram. But after some rest and water, she was better. So, be prepared for the little hike.
You must maintain absolute silence and not use your mobile when you enter both premises. The cave has the ashes of sage Virupaksha, who performed intense meditation during his time. There is a red cloth covering a mound and you can climb up to behind here the mound is and sit there quietly and meditate. There is pin drop silence inside and it's a beautiful experience. You feel like you are transported to somewhere else. It's beautiful.
You will find others meditating. Mind you head while you walk in, be silent so you don't interrupt the others who are already in here. It's a little dark, so look around before you settle in to the cave. Leave your footwear outside the entry to the premises.
5. Mountain Saran Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By avrilEngland - england
If you want an authentic guide who loves Arunachala with all his heart to help you explore this mountain then we highly recommend Saran . He has a deep heartfelt , spritual connection with this mountain and he gently guides and encourages as he leads quietly to the top ! We spent two days in his company and his knowledge of the mountain and the area is enhanced by his obvious love of what he does . We saw some amazing and magical sights and would have no hesitation in recommending Saran to anyone who wants an extra dimension to their visit to Tiruvannamalai .
6. Skandashramam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By praseenap - Mangalore, India
Walking up from Ramana ashram, I had no idea that footwear was allowed during the climb. I wish I had worn mine. Also, would recommend carrying water, fruit in a slingbag. And perhaps a walking stick if you are much older and have trouble with your knees. It is over 1 km plus of a hike, DO it slowly. There will be other people along the way, some of them do it in groups. There will be monkeys at the ashram so don't carry eatables and water openly, unless you want to be grabbed at or followed. hehe I wore a red scarf, so one monkey climbed all over me at the ashram. They are naughty little creatures, I'll tell you that. But it did not harm me in any way. I wish my fears had let me interact with it more. You can reach the place in 30-45 mins depending on your walking speed. It is situated at a height and it is quite the climb, especially for non-hikers like me. I met a wandering saint on the way up. He welcomed me and was sitting by some of the rocks, he asked me what I was doing there and we made small talk. But I was alone and apprehensive about continuing the conversation so I quickly made my way up. I wondered about him later. Seems to be a regular there. You might meet him on the way up. Leave your footwear outside, keep your mobile on silent mode before entering. There is an entry way where you can sit and two rooms with a sitting area inside. You will find others sitting and meditating/reading. Beautiful place :)
7. Agini Lingam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By KomillaS - Brentwood, California
This is the 2nd temple you visit as part of Girivalam. Agni, the fire Represent the south east direction. It is very small temple, nothing like the grand Arunachaleshwara.
The priest is very welcoming and you would visit it as part of the ashta Lingham , the 8 Lingham - all directional temples.
8. Annamalaiyar Temple View Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By travelndlivin
I know this place. I have seen all reviews of annamalaiyar temple, but that is not actually refers to the temple in puliampatti. The big annamalaiyar temple is in Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil nadu. And the photos by the travelers also shows the same. The location in this post is a small annamalaiyar temple in puliampatti. Kindly change the post or the location so that viewers will not get confused. Thanks.
9. Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
10. Parvathamalai Mountain
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By rajeshwar g
One of the beautiful temples atop a great mountain which provides an opportunity for trek and being in solitude with nature
There are two paths and both have some difficulties, the rocks and steps are not conducive for old people and weak hearted,
The final stretch with iron rods as support is awe inspiring
Takes minimum of 3 hours for a normal person for the climb
Pournami there are lot of crowds
There are few shops en route and we have to carry torch water etc
Night or early morning climb is better
Free annadhanam or meals are provided in tempke
