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.

How To Get There

By Air

Puducherry Airport, 100 km away from Tiruvannamalai, is the nearest airport.

By Road

Tiruvannamalai is well-connected with good motorable roads within the state and the country.

By Rail

Tiruvannamalai Railway Station connects the city with most towns and cities in India.

Attractions

Arunachaleswarar Temple

Situated at the foot of Tiruvannamalai Hills and cover 25 acre, Arunachaleswarar Temple is an imposing structure with a marvellous architecture. It boasts four gateway towers referred to as gopurams, each of which is encompassed with mandapams, shrines and enclosures, decorated with finely carved sculptures and pillars. The eastern tower with 11 storeys, stands at a height of 66 m and is one among...

Gingee Fort

One of the foremost magnificent citadels of South India, Gingee Fort, in Villupuram, is perched upon three hillocks – Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayanadurg. Comprising palatial, military and non secular structures, the fort forms an enormous triangular enclosed area. The prime attraction of the fort complex is Rajagiri, which houses the multi-storeyed Kalyana Mahal, adorned with a pyram...

Girivalam

Girivalam may be a popular religious practice in Tamil Nadu during which devotees revolve around the Annamalai Hill on the occasion of full-of-the-moon monthly . Thousand of devotees gather at the Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai to steer all the way round the 14 km path around the hill. The word girivalam has been derived from the Tamil words giri meaning hill and valam meaning coming ar...