1-Day Itinerary for Tiruvannamalai in May 2023

  1. 6:00 AM: Arunachaleswarar Temple
    5 minutes from Hotel Arunachala

    The Arunachaleswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Arunachala hill. The temple has nine gopurams, the tallest of which is the eastern tower, which rises to a height of 66 metres. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

  2. 8:00 AM: Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Arunachaleswarar Temple

    The Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is a spiritual center dedicated to Seshadri Swamigal, a saint and devotee of the deity Shiva. The ashram is located on the Girivalam path around Arunachala hill and offers a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The ashram is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

  3. 10:00 AM: Virupaksha Cave
    10 minutes (2.2 km) from Seshadri Swamigal Ashram

    The Virupaksha Cave is a cave on the slope of Arunachala hill where the saint Virupaksha Deva lived and meditated. The cave offers a stunning panoramic view of the town and the surrounding landscape. The cave is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

  4. 12:00 PM: Ramana Ashram
    15 minutes (3.7 km) from Virupaksha Cave

    The Ramana Ashram is a spiritual center dedicated to the teachings of the sage Ramana Maharshi, who lived and taught here in the early 20th century. The ashram offers a serene atmosphere for meditation, self-inquiry, and spiritual study. The ashram is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  5. 1:30 PM: Lunch at Shri Akshaya Sweets
    5 minutes (1.2 km) from Ramana Ashram

    Shri Akshaya Sweets is a popular vegetarian restaurant that offers South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, vadas, and thalis. The restaurant is known for its delicious food and reasonable prices. It is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

  6. 3:00 PM: Skandashramam
    20 minutes (4.3 km) from Shri Akshaya Sweets

    The Skandashramam is a cave on the slope of Arunachala hill where the sage Ramana Maharshi meditated and attained enlightenment. The cave is located on the Girivalam path and offers a peaceful atmosphere for spiritual practice and contemplation. The cave is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

  7. 5:00 PM: Arunachala Hill
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Skandashramam

    Arunachala hill is a sacred mountain that is considered to be a manifestation of the deity Shiva. The hill is a popular destination for pilgrims and spiritual seekers, who walk around the hill in a practice called Girivalam. The hill offers stunning views of the landscape and the town. The hill is open for Girivalam 24/7.

  8. 7:00 PM: Annamalaiyar Temple
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Arunachala Hill

    The Annamalaiyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at the base of Arunachala hill. The temple has five prakarams and is one of the largest temples in India. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture, sculptures, and rituals. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Arunachaleswarar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Seshadri Swamigal Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Virupaksha Cave (1 hour, free)
  • Ramana Ashram (1 hour, free)
  • Shri Akshaya Sweets (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Skandashramam (1 hour, free)
  • Arunachala Hill (2 hours, free)
  • Annamalaiyar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (6 hours, INR 300)
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