Tourism Place in Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai is a renowned pilgrim town in Tamil Nadu. It is a very old city that has long since been connected to many yogis and has also become an international centre for the study of Spiritualism. The word "Thiru" was added to indicate the prominence of the remote mountain “Annamalai”. The spiritually inclined believe that Thiruvannamalai offers salvation to anyone who even thinks about it.

Thiruvannamalai houses the holy temple of Lord Arunachaleswara and Ashrams. The Arunachaleswara temple lies at the foot of the Arunachala hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the largest temples in India. With the hill serving as a background, it actually seems more like a fort. The temple has wonderful architecture and is very rich in customs, history, and celebrations

In Thiruvannamalai, Lord Shiva has taken the form of a column of fire, believed to be done so as to destroy the ego of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. It is said that Lord Shiva in an ‘Ardhanareshwari’ form, where one half being Goddess Umadevi, and the other half being Lord Shiva appeared before the devout.

The main Karthikai Deepam festival attracts devotees from across South India during which also the famous Cattle Fair is celebrated. The best time to visit here is between November and March. About four Brahmotsavams are celebrated here every year, but the one celebrated during the month of Karthikai, November or December is the most famous. Decorated idols are mounted and taken out in a procession through the temple town during this yearly occasion.

Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram is another holy place to visit in the town. The garden in the Ashram attracts people who make a trip here. Sri Ramana Maharshi lived in this town and had attained mukthi or nirvana in the year 1950. Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram is another must visit holy place here. Yogi Ram Surathkumar Ashram, also known as Visiri Samiyar Ashram, is another beautiful place in the town. Sathanur Dam, key dam across Pennaiyar River has a well-landscaped park and a mini zoo. The garden has colourful statuettes, a swimming pool and a crocodile farm.

Jawadhu hills another beautiful spot is situated about 75 km from Tiruvannamalai. Places of interest in the Jawadhu hills would be the Bheema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur Observatory, Amirthi Forest, and the Glass House. Here there are eight Lingas, eight Nandis about 350 tanks and many mandapas around the hill. Padaveedu village located about 35 km from Thiruvannamalai has a 13th century palace of the Sambuvarayars who were the then chieftains of the Chola Empire.

Tourist places in Thiruvannamalai
Sightseeing attractions in Thiruvannamalai include mostly places of religious values like temples present here. One of such temples is the Arunachaleswara temple that consists of gopurams on all the four sides. Artistic excellence of the ancient era is there in the form of the sculptures and on the towers in Mantapams and Vimanams.

Skandashramam ashram is another popular attraction located in the town of Thiruvannamalai, near the temple of Arunchaleswara and Ramana Ashram. It is considered as one of the ancient caves where Sain Ramana stayed during his visit to Thiruvannamalai. Situated 200 ft below the Skandashram cave, Virupaksha Cave is another sightseeing attraction due to its unique shape of that of an ‘OM’.

The life and teachings of mystic saint Bhagwan Ramana is showcased in the Ramana Ashram, which is also said to be the Samadhi place of the saint. Near the ashram is the ancient Shiva Temple that is carved out of caves by the Pallavas. This is the same place where the Saint Ramana Maharishi attained vision of truth. The place is named as Arakandanallur.

The Crocodile Park along with a swimming pool located near the Sathurnur Dam and River Pennar is a very popular attraction here. On the banks of the river Pennar is an ancient temple by the name of ThirnKoilur Temple known for its ancient architecture in the form of carved pillars.

Mamara Guhai is a religious cave temple located in the hilly terrain of Thiruvannamalai, wherein the great Saint Ramana Maharshi meditated for around six years. Dedicated to the popular 20th century Saint Seshadri Swamigal Seshadri, who showered his blessings to the visitors in the form of mystical powers during his time, Swamigal Ashram is another popular place located near the Ramana Ashram.

Another popular attraction Gingee Fort also known as Chenji Fort is the only ancient fort that still stands in the district of Villupuram. It was also referred to as the ‘Troy of the East’ by the British.