Tiruvannamalai Tourist Places

One of India's largest Shiva temples and the spiritual heart of Tiruvannamalai, spread over ~25 acres. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar — the Agni (fire) Lingam among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams. Famous for its 66m eastern gopuram, the thousand-pillared hall, the Sivaganga and Ayyankulam tanks, and the Karthigai Deepam beacon lit atop Arunachala Hill.

The ~14km road that circles Arunachala Hill, walked clockwise by devotees — especially on Pournami (full moon) nights. It passes all 8 Ashta Lingam temples plus many smaller shrines, water points and rest areas.

An old and revered Shiva temple on the far side of Arunachala along the Girivalam path, believed to be one of the original shrines of the region. A quieter, atmospheric stop with fine sculpture.

A small hillock and shrine along the Girivalam path — a popular rest and prasadam point during Pournami, and associated with Ramana Maharshi's early years.

The ashram built around the samadhi of Sri Ramana Maharshi at the foot of Arunachala. A world-renowned centre for meditation and self-enquiry, with a shrine hall, library of rare books, and simple satvic meals.

An Om-shaped cave on the slopes of Arunachala where Ramana Maharshi meditated for around 16 years. Reached by a short climb above Ramanasramam and still used for silent meditation.

Set just above Virupaksha Cave, this was Ramana Maharshi's residence for several years. The short trek is rewarded with sweeping views over the temple and town.

A quiet cave on Arunachala where Ramana Maharshi is said to have spent time in deep meditation. A peaceful, less-crowded spot for reflection.

Ashram and samadhi shrine of Seshadri Swamigal, a revered saint and contemporary of Ramana Maharshi, close to Ramanasramam.

The serene ashram of the 20th-century mystic Yogi Ramsuratkumar, with a striking hall and gardens, visited by devotees from across India.

The holy hill itself can be climbed via marked trails past caves and meditation spots to the peak. Best attempted before sunrise to beat the heat; go with a guide as trails are rugged.

The Sivaganga and Ayyankulam tanks within and beside the Arunachaleswarar Temple, used for ritual bathing and considered sacred by pilgrims.

A scenic dam across the Thenpennai (Ponnaiyar) river with landscaped parks, a crocodile farm and a fish grotto — a popular family picnic outing, especially after the monsoon.

A dramatic hill fortress dating to the 13th century, expanded by the Vijayanagara empire and later the Marathas. Called the 'Troy of the East' for its formidable ramparts and hilltop citadel.

A steep, sacred hill topped by the Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva) temple. A challenging trek popular with devotees and adventure seekers, best done in the cooler months and daylight hours.

An ancient Jain complex with temples, rock-cut caves and a towering statue of Neminatha — one of the tallest Jain images in Tamil Nadu, set amid quiet hills.

A cool forested range with Beeman Falls, Komutteri Lake, the Kavalur (Vainu Bappu) Observatory and Amirthi forest — a scenic escape for a longer day trip.

Historic settlement known as the 'village of temples', with remnants of 13th-century Sambuvarayar-era architecture and several old shrines.