Arunachalesvara Temple is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at the base of the Arunachala hills. The temple has been in existence for over a thousand years and reflects the intricate architecture of the South Indian style. The temple complex houses four gateway towers, a thousand-pillar hall and several sub-temples such as Patal Linga, Kambatta Visvanathar, and Kasi Vishwanathar. It is a must-visit location for architecture enthusiasts and devotees alike.
Skandashramam is a cave located on the Arunchala hills where the revered Hindu Sage Sri Ramana Maharshi meditated and attained enlightenment. Visitors to the cave will have to climb around 300 steps to reach the destination. Numerous photos, paintings, and quotes of Ramana Maharshi adorn the cave walls, and a visit to this calm and serene location will be a great way to experience spirituality and inner peace.
Gingee Fort is situated on a rocky hill and is a fascinating location for history enthusiasts. The fort features three hilltop citadels, each of which was previously occupied by different dynasties. The major attractions of the fort are the Kalyana Mahal, the Granary, the Venkataramanaswamy temple, and the massive cannon, Rajagopala Chattiram. A tour of the fort will give visitors valuable insights into the history and culture of the region.
The Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is a sacred site dedicated to the well-known Hindu saint Sri Seshadri Swamigal. Sri Seshadri Swamigal is renowned for his spiritual practices and teachings of Advaita Vedanta. The lovely ashram houses a meditation hall, a small library, a garden, and a shrine dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal. The peaceful surroundings of the ashram are ideal for meditation and introspection, and the ashram's atmosphere will make visitors feel calm and spiritually uplifted.
Virupaksha Cave is another popular spot in Tiruvannamalai, located a short distance from the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram. It is the ancient cave where saint Virupaksha Deva lived and practiced for several years, and visitors can view the area where the sage sat and meditated for a long period. The cave is set in a serene and calm environment, with mountain views and plenty of greenery. Spiritual seekers and devotees frequent this place to connect with nature and meditate in peaceful surroundings.
If you have more than two days, you can explore other cultural and historical sites such as Padavedu Amman Temple, Sri Ramanasramam, and Sri Yoga Ramar Temple. If you only have a single day, you can visit Arunachalesvara Temple, Skandashramam, and Virupaksha Cave. To save time, hire a personal driver to drive you to the tourist sites, as the cabs and local transportation services have a fixed schedule. Make sure you have adequate footwear and carry enough water; some sites require a difficult climb, so be prepared for a strenuous activity. Ensure you double-check the timings as some sites such as Gingee Fort have afternoon closings, and plan accordingly.