~Tiruvannamalai

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 (“red mountain” in Sanskrit), 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 was a renowned spiritual guide and mentor. Considered a saint and sage by all who experienced his wisdom, he was a teacher 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.

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.