“Tiruvannamalai is the same by whichever route is gained.”
Ramana Maharshi
Tiruvannamalai is a spiritual pilgrimage destination for devotees
from all over India and the world. Situated in Tamil Nadu 200
kms from the state capital, Chennai (formerly Madras), the town
grew beside Arunachala (“unshakeable light”), a sacred
mountain rising majestically from the surrounding plains. It is
home to the sprawling and ancient Arunachaleswara temple and the
ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Ramana Maharshi lived until 1950 and is a renowned spiritual guide
and mentor. Considered a saint and sage by all who experienced
his wisdom, he was a facilitator of Advaita Vedanta (Hindu non-dualist
philosophy) and advocated self-enquiry based on meditation.
During the cool months from November to February the town is very
popular with western travellers and spiritual seekers from all
backgrounds and traditions. Accommodation can be scarce during
this peak time and should be booked in advance if possible.
Getting there. People usually arrive at Tiruvannamalai by bus
or taxi from Chennai (3.5 hours) or Bangalore (4.5 hours) (see
map). There is also a major railway junction at Katpadi near Vellore
accessible by train, bus or taxi from Tiruvannamalai.
The old French provincial town of Pondicherry and the modern international
community of Auroville, on the coast 100 kms away, are also accessible
by bus or taxi.
Travellers to Tiruvannamalai can organise in advance a taxi pick
up from Chennai, Bangalore or Vellore through Shanti Internet
(details below).
Places to stay. There are many in town and some out of town (see
table below). A lovely quiet place to stay in a peaceful rural
setting is the Anantha Niketan ashram and retreat centre run by
Gopi and his wife Chitra (see contact details below). This is
the venue for our yoga retreat in Februaury.
To get there you travel towards Bangalore on the Chengham road.
7.8 km past Ramana Ashram there is a road off to the right. This
is just past the Krishnagiri 101 milepost and there is a sign
to Anantha Niketan and another sign saying Pariyapaliyapattu 3.
Along this road the ashram front gate is 1 km on the right.
|
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Email, website |
Services |
Shanti Internet |
Kumar |
04175 236 035 |
|
Travel arrangements, Taxi services, Motorbike hire, Internet, Money changing. |
Ramanasramam |
Dr S. Murthy |
|
Ashram accommodation on edge of town. |
|
Anantha Niketan |
Gopi or Chitra |
04188 207 137 |
|
Ashram accommodation and
retreat centre. |
Nanagaru Ashram |
Mr Rao |
04175 235 751 |
|
Ashram accommodation 1km outside town. |
Sesha Bhavan |
R. |
04175 236 983 |
|
Guest House in town. |
Daya Dharma |
|
|
|
|
Pink House |
|
|
|
|
Arunai Anantha |
Hotel reception |
04175 237 275 |
|
Upmarket 3-star accommodation 2 km outside town |
Arunachala Ramana Home |
T. Arumugam |
|
|
Guest House in town. |
Notes: This list of services is far from complete. There are
now many guest houses and accommodation options in Tiruvannamalai.
Where phone numbers are not listed above, auto-rickshaw drivers
can assist you. Cell phone numbers may or may not need the “0”
prefix.
(click on the image to enlarge this map)
