Tiruvannamalai

Among the holiest towns of Tamil Nadu , Tiruvannamalai may be a popular pilgrim site, which is believed to at least one of the five spots in South India, where elements of nature (fire, air, water, earth, ether) are worshipped. during this mountain-temple town, situated at the foothills of Mt Arunachala, Lord Shiva is worshipped in his fire avatar (Arunachaleswara). The town is sprawled round the iconic Arunachaleswarar Temple, a spectacular structure boasting four huge gateways or gopurams. On full-of-the-moon nights, the town sees a sea of devotees arriving to perform the 14-km walk of Girivalam, round the Annamalai hill. it’s a mesmeric sight to ascertain barefoot devotees gazing at the temple atop Capitol Hill and walking while chanting “Om Arunachala”.

Tiruvannamalai hosts a smattering of serene ashrams that are spiritual retreats for visitors. a well-liked picnic spot among locals and tourists is that the Sathanur Dam over River Thenpennai, around 20 km from the town . Karthigai Deepam festival is widely known on the complete moon day within the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/ December) and draws huge footfalls. Tiruvannamalai features a rich architectural legacy because it was ruled by Pallavas, Cholas, Hoysalas, kings of the Vijayanagar empire, the Carnatic kingdom, Tipu Sultan and therefore the British.