Places to Visit in Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai Tourism
Tiruvannamalai is a holy place for the religious devotees and a municipality in Tamil Nadu. The place is one of the Pancha Bhuta Sthalas which are devoted to Lord Shiva and is also known as Arunachala.
The town of Tiruvannamalai is famous for the Annamalaiyar Temple, which lies at the base of the Annamalai Hill. It is one of the most revered temples in the state of Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The distance of Tiruvannamalai from Chennai, the state capital, is around 185 km. With its religious centers and temples, the place has turned into a spot for spiritual tourism.
Shopping
Tiruvannamalai houses many shops that sell steel utensils such as the Thangam Stores. Visitors can also purchase the materials that are essential for performing pujas. The ornaments created from semiprecious stones are popular buys. Home decor items are sold at the Super Market and Poombukar Shopping Center. Sarees, dress materials, and salwar kameez are sold in different locations of the city.
Places to see in and around Tiruvannamalai
- Annamalaiyar Temple- The Annamalaiyar temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Rulers of the Chola dynasty in the territory of Tamil Nadu constructed this temple in the middle of the 9th and 10th century. The Annamalaiyar Temple is known all over the world for its colossal gopurams.
- Virupaksha Cave- The cave has derived its name due to its distinctive appearance like the holy ?OM? symbol. It is closely situated to the eastern side of the Arunachal Hills.
- Saathanoor Dam- This dam was constructed on the Thenpennai River. It is a popular traveler destination close to Tiruvannamalai.
- Mount Annamalai- Ramana Maharshi (the famous guru of the 20th century) used Mount Annamalai as his residence. The place has turned into a famous pilgrimage site. The elevation of the Annamalai hill is around 2669 feet.
- Mamara Guhai- The expression Mamara Guhai stands for tree cave. This cave is a holy cave temple lying in the mountainous plateau of Tiruvannamalai.
- Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram- During the end of the 20th Century Mahan Sri Seshadri Swamigal used Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram as his abode. It is one of the sacred sites of this town. Pilgrims from across the world come to see this Ashram which lies close to the Shri Ramana Ashram. The Ashram houses a garden which is a tourist draw as well.
- Gingee Fort- This historic citadel was constructed in the 13th century and covers a total area of 3 km. Rulers belonging to the Chola family established this citadel over the hill peak.
- Melamalayanur- This place is the dwelling of Angalaparameswari (a famous deity in Tamil Nadu). On the day of the new moon flocks of religious devotees come to this temple to show their respect.
- Yogi Ram Surat Kumar Ashram- The Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram is located at Agrahara collai. Puja (prayers) takes place at the ashram every day and the place sprawls an overall area of 3.5 acres. Travelers can take part in the puja.
- Parvathamalai- Parvathamalai lies at Thenmahadevamangalam village and it is located at a distance of approximately 20 km from Polur. Polur is located at a distance of around 35 km towards the north of Tiruvannamalai or Arunachala. Parvathamalai houses a famous mandir which is dedicated to Lord Shiva on the Parvathamalai hill.
- Jawadhu Hills- Jawadhu Hills lies at a distance of 75 km from Tiruvannamalai. It forms a portion of the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the northwestern portion of Tiruvannamalai.
Best Time to visit
October to May
Nearest Airport
Tiruvannamalai does not have any domestic airport. The closest international airport is located at Chennai, and the distance is 170 km.
Nearest Railway Station
Tiruvannamalai Railway Station
Languages Spoken
Telugu, Urdu, Malayalam, Kannada, English